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Solutions to Problems
and Issues—Compiled
Spring, 2002
II.
Technology
For further information contact Deborah Poropat at poropat@morainevalley.edu
Part
A.
Using Technology to Improve and Expand Learning for Students
| 1.
What are your college's plans to ensure that all students
have access to the technology tools and training necessary to have a
basic level of technology literacy? |
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The
college strives to make available the latest technological tools used
both in the classroom instructional setting and in independent learning.
It is our objective to provide access to the tools that students
will encounter in the workplace and for personal use.
The number of open access computer labs has increased as funds
have become available.
Training
in the use of these tools is provided through:
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Credit
courses that teach the use of workplace technologies or provide
access to the technologies in an internship environment.
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Basic
computer instruction/use as a component of an ever-increasing number
of class formats.
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Hands-on
instruction in the use of computers for information research
provided as a component of COL 101, the college's required freshman
seminar.
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Ongoing
LRC workshops that train students in the use of the personal
computer.
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2.
How is your college building programs that encourage students to
develop the capacity to learn in multiple formats (e.g., traditional
technology enabled, mixed model)? |
The
college's approach to assisting students to learn in multiple formats is
based upon:
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Providing
facilities that afford the faculty the opportunity to teach using a
variety of media/delivery formats
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Training
the faculty to expand their approaches to class delivery
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Scheduling
a variety of delivery options to allow students a choice; a number
of general education courses are offered in all formats supported by
the college-Internet, videotape, compressed video, directed study,
and independent study, and many general education courses are
available in all formats
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3.
How is your college using technology tools to promote learning
communities and collaboration? |
Learning
communities are being fostered via:
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The
use of class discussion software, i.e., Web Board in both technology
enabled and mixed model class delivery
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Technology-based training for faculty that encourages collaboration
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The
move from straight-line to pod format computer lab layouts
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The
implementation of a "Cybercafe" for students
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4.
How do you ensure that your college's technology budget is being
spent on tools and techniques that will impact student learning in the
broadest and most effective ways? |
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Expenditures
in technology are the product of a variety of planning elements that
encourage campus-wide participation.
These include:
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The
strategic planning process that establishes Institutional
Priorities.
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Division/departmental development of technology initiatives based on
the priorities.
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The
ongoing revision of the college's Technology Plan
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Campus-wide
decision-making meetings on specific issues; e.g., the annual
"computer cascade" discussion that facilitates the
reassignment of lab equipment based on need.
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Part B.
Using Technology to Enhance Learning for Faculty and Staff and to Improve
College Operations
| 1.
How does your college train faculty and staff to make the best use
of technology? |
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Moraine
Valley trains faculty using a variety of approaches:
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Learning
Challenge Grants - Since 1997 the college has provided grants to
faculty to assist them in the development of creative instructional
approaches. Faculty
members are invited to submit proposals that expand student-learning
opportunities through the incorporation of technology, introduction of
innovative approaches, and interactive learning.
During the semester of the grant award, the faculty member
meets regularly in a class setting with a peer mentor from the
Teaching/Learning Team and members of the Information Technology staff
who assist with training in the use of a variety of technology.
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Participation in training opportunities provided by regional and state
consortia
In
Fall 2001 all of these activities will administered through:
- Center
for Teaching and Learning-The center provides learning opportunities
for faculty related to all aspects of teaching, including designing
material for the classroom incorporating the use of technology and
implementing effective teaching methods.
The Center offers various professional development activities
for faculty, ranging from workshops and seminars to credit courses.
The center will also provide space for faculty to meet
one-to-one with center staff on curriculum development and course
evaluation.
Technology training for staff will also be coordinated through the
Center.
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| 2.
How does your college decide which technology tools and training
will best promote learning at the institution? |
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The
activities of the Center for Teaching & Learning are the
responsibility of the Dean, Academic Development supported by a
professional staff. A media
technologist, an instructional designer, and a curriculum specialist
support the Center. They work in
collaboration with a team of administrators and faculty who will serve as
the center's advisory committee.
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| 3.
How is your college developing a comprehensive technology strategy
to create a more learning-centered technology infrastructure? |
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Building
on the college's comprehensive Technology Plan (2001), the strategic
planning process being implemented addresses the use of technology in the
creation of a more learning-centered technology.
Annually, teams composed of administrators and faculty will engage
in an environmental scan and an assessment of campus strengths and
weaknesses in the development of technology-based initiatives to support a
learning-centered environment. The
results of their analysis will guide the development of the short and
long-range institutional priorities.
These priorities will provide a focus for college
divisions/departments in the development of technology initiatives.
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| 4.
What creative approaches are being used to ensure a return of
investment for your college's technology expenditures? |
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This was a question submitted by Moraine Valley.
We would be interested in an extended discussion of this topic. |
| 5.
How is your college blending all elements of its technology
infrastructure (e.g., Web system, phone system, in-person/on-campus
services, learning tools and strategies) to improve learning? |
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Historically,
the college has moved steadily to incorporate technologies into
operational processes; i.e., online registration, online library system,
Internet presence, etc. with support for all elements of the technology
infrastructure being administered by Information Technology.
The Vanguard initiative has served as a catalyst to expand
awareness of the need for technology strategies to support student
learning across the institution. As
a component of incorporating the Vanguard objectives into the
institutional planning process, the college developed a
"Promise" statement that serves to focus in the
development of institutional priorities:
We
promise to provide a student-centered environment and to focus all college
staff and resources in support of student learning, student development,
and student success.
This,
together with the creation of the Technology Strategic Planning Team
co-chaired by a member of the Vanguard team and a representative from
Information Technology, has provided direction for the blending of campus
services and infrastructure to support learning.
Ongoing projects include the selection of a campus business system
that will also support classroom activities and student services and
integration of IP/TV with the telephone system.
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