Q. What technologies could enhance
student and faculty research/teaching/learning? Include a brief
description of the technology and a brief explanation of its potential
usefulness.
For Ron's Sociology 11 (Self and Society) course, students' use
of the Web, both in accessing and evaluating web-based information
and in producing web sites could enhance the teaching and learning
process. We may also explore use of the EndNote bibliographic
tool in supporting the library research work students undertake
in this and other Sociology courses.
Q.What roles and responsibilities do you currently assume regarding
the use and instruction of technology?
Curricular Computing Services provides a series of seminars for
faculty using technology under the Mellon Foundation Teaching
and Technology Grant. The grant is entitled Pedagogical Strategies
for Web-Based Learning at Amherst College. Pedagogical issues
are at the center of each workshop. We have introduced a template-driven
web site management tool, CourseInfo, this past year and we are
very encouraged by its enthusiastic reception. Sixty course web
sites have been in use this spring semester in comparison to 27
course web sites in the fall semester. We are finding that faculty
are experimenting with the pedagogical implications of class discussion
boards, drop boxes and online testing techniques, features previously
unavailable on this campus network. It is a time of growth and
experimentation with technology and pedagogy.
In addition to an emphasis on web course sites, Curricular Computing
is introducing a campus wide subscription for EndNote, the bibliographic
management tool. Initial training is being in offered to faculty
in May and another session is scheduled for August.
Q. What goals do you have for collaboration in this area?
Both the web emphasis and the EndNote introduction offer multiple
opportunities for collaboration between IT and Library. A pilot
E-reserves service is starting this fall. It is being introduced
as a service for faculty already using the CourseInfo course management
software. We will continue to enrich the existing strong relationships.
We will continue to use every available chance to facilitate communication
and collaboration between IT and the library, between IT and faculty,
among faculty members using technology, and between and among
students and members of all of these groups.
Q. What resources are you considering devoting to its future
development?
Good will, time, energy, and grant funding for student internships
to assist faculty in developing course-based applications.
Mary McMahon
Director, Curricular Computing Services Amherst College mgmacmahon@amherst.edu