UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 35, Page 3
June 22, 1995
Faculty enthusiastic over technology-teaching link

     The first-ever "Teaching, Research and Technology Summer Institute"
generated enthusiasm across the campus. "Despite being a physics professor,
I was a classic computer-phobic," David Onn, professor of physics and
astronomy, said. "The week was incredibly valuable. I especially enjoyed
the total immersion."
     The event was designed to help faculty and teaching assistants learn
how information technology can enhance teaching. Faculty from various
departments and User Services staff presented general lecture sessions on
topics such as enhancing the traditional classroom with electronic
communication, choosing the right tools for class and using the classroom
of the future now.
     To supplement the general sessions, approximately 25 hands-on sessions
provided the necessary experience and skills for participants to begin
using the technology they learned about in the general sessions.
     "The week's concentrated activities focused on the many resources that
are available to the faculty," Leila Lyons, director of User Services,
said. "Similar hands-on sessions will continue throughout the summer and
fall."
     In many cases, this was the first time that faculty had used the
technologies. "I began the week browsing the Web for the first time and
ended the week seriously considering creating a home page and PowerPoint
presentations for my class this fall," Onn said.
     The library sponsored many sessions during the week. "This was a
wonderful opportunity to show faculty what is available in electronic
library resources," Susan Brynteson, director of libraries, said.
     According to Sandra Millard, assistant director in the library, the
response from faculty to the workshops offered was positive.
     "The library offers electronic library workshops throughout the year,
including more this summer, and plans to add new workshops this fall in
response to faculty interests," she said.
     Learning from the experiences of other faculty who have successfully
integrated information technology into their teaching was a primary goal of
many of the sessions. "The most valuable aspect for me was hearing the
actual experience of using computers with classes," Owen Robatino, teaching
assistant in geography, said.
     In many instances, participants discovered that the technologies
weren't as complicated as they had thought. "The Web, e-mail and newsgroups
are all much easier to use than one would think," said Maurice Barnhill,
professor of physics and astronomy.
     University Media Services held two sessions on teaching with video and
instructional television. "We conveyed a great deal of information about
the ITV studios, excited folks about using PowerPoint as a lecture and
presentation package and stimulated a great deal of related discussion,"
Kathleen Troutman, supervisor in University Media Services, said.
     "I hope that faculty are now better informed about campus resources
and will take advantage of the learning opportunities that are available to
them throughout the year," Lyons said. "This event was so successful, we
will be holding another this winter."
     The event was sponsored by the Center for Teaching Effectiveness, the
Instructional Technology Center, University of Delaware Library, User
Services and University Media Services.