Instructional Technology Fellows in the College of Liberal Arts
Project Description
In 2002, the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) implemented the Instruction Technology (IT) Fellows Program, modeled after a College of Education and Human Development program. CLA's program employs graduate students to work directly with faculty to raise awareness of and integrate instructional technology tools into their teaching. Fellows develop project plans, assist in finding funding, and manage projects to completion. The program promotes the use of instructional technology at CLA and provides support to faculty that is customized to fit their academic discipline and teaching style. In addition, it trains graduate students, potential academicians, to rethink the traditional curricula development process.
Project Summary
Motivation Developing technology-enhanced learning environments is a complex activity, involving not only knowledge of hardware and software but also principles of instructional design. Many instructional technology resources are available at the University but faculty were not using them to the greatest extent. In the near future, most students entering college will not make distinctions between technology and the curriculum. Participants - CLA administration
- CLA Office of Information Technology
- CLA departments
- College of Education and Human Development
Process The instructional technology fellow concept originated in the College of Education and Human Development. CLA's Instructional Fellows Program is funded through information technology fees paid by CLA undergraduate and graduate students. CLA departments submit applications to participate in the program. If selected, they receive a two-year, 50 percent time graduate student IT Fellow position. Departments frequently select graduate students enrolled in their programs to serve in this role. IT Fellows are provided office space, laptop computers, software, and training. IT Fellows are trained in a variety of instructional technology tools with a particular focus on University instructional technology resources, such as WebCT. (WebCT is course management software that enables instructors to create and manage Web-based learning materials and activities. Students use WebCT to access these materials and participate in learning activities via the Web.) IT Fellows work in a cohort environment, meeting monthly to engage in discussions and to provide support and mentorship. Timeline The IT Fellows Program in the College of Liberal Arts began in 2002, serving nine departments. To date, 20 CLA departments have benefited from an IT Fellow. Impact/Results Faculty members have developed confidence and competency in applications of computer technology, which improves the quality of instruction. IT Fellows are rethinking the traditional curricula development process and how technology can be used, not just superimposing technology with existing curriculum. Specific successes include: - In Psychology 1001 (700+ enrolled students each term), students can choose to view lectures online and still participate in face-to-face discussions with students.
- IT Fellows are providing departmental training sessions to faculty and teaching assistants on how to use such tools WebCT.
- With the assistance of IT Fellows, departments and faculty are evaluating their current technology use and then setting and achieving goals to increase their knowledge and confidence with instructional technology tools.
Next steps For the 2005-06 school year, some IT Fellows will be trained to act as experts in a specific technology serving multiple departments, rather than as generalists for particular departments. In spring 2006, this new structure will be evaluated to determine the future direction of the program in CLA.
Contact Information
Office of Information Technology
College of Liberal Arts
http://www2.cla.umn.edu/admin/claoit
Jen Mein, coordinator of instructional technology, 612-625-3838, jen@umn.edu
Time Frame
Fiscal years 2002-03 and 2004-05
Project Completed
Improvement Area
Education
|
Return to: U of M Home
