UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 32, Page 1
May 18, 1995
Faculty workshop on technology

     In June, faculty and teaching assistants will have an opportunity
to learn how they can use the latest technology in teaching.
     The Teaching, Research and Technology Summer Institute, sponsored
by the Center for Teaching Effectiveness (CTE), the Instructional
Technology Center, Information Technologies-User Services, Morris
Library and University Media Services, is designed "to assist faculty
with learning to use information technology," Margaret Andersen, vice
provost for academic affairs, said.
     According to Andersen, this is the first program of its kind to
be offered at the University. "The CAUSE Award for Excellence in
Campus Networking presented to the University has created a greater
awareness and desire among faculty to use the resources effectively,"
Andersen said.
     The UD was recognized with the national CAUSE Award for its
exemplary campus-wide network planning, management and accessibility,
as well as its effective use of the campuswide network to enhance
teaching, learning, research, administration and community service.
The selection committee called UD a "model" for other institutions of
higher learning across the country.
     Workshops in the week-long initiative have been designed to
address the responses received in a recent survey of faculty. The
survey, conducted by CTE, was designed to assess the skills faculty
feel they need to effectively use campus technology in their teaching
and research. "This is the first step of many to respond to the
survey, which showed a diversity of needs articulated by faculty,"
according to Larry Peterson, music, a member of CTE's technology
review board.
     The Summer Institute workshops, to be held June 5-9 in various
locations across campus, will feature such topics as enhancing the
traditional classroom with electronic communication, choosing the
right tools for class and using the classroom of the future now.
     Computing classes also will be offered. "Many of the computing
classes have been offered before; however, this time they will be open
only to faculty and teaching assistants," Janet de Vry, user services,
explained.
     Alex Brown, business administration, will discuss using
newsgroups in teaching. "I'd like to help faculty see how
uncomplicated it is to use this resource in teaching." Additionally,
Brown said he will seek to alleviate the fears and doubts of faculty
who may be reluctant to use new technology.
     "Throughout this year and next, we will be offering additional
topics so that faculty and teaching assistants can capitalize on the
University's wealth of instructional and technological resources," de
Vry said.