Proposed SAS Version of IDIS 110
Proposal
Student Academic Services proposes to teach two sections IDIS 110 during the Spring
semester of the 2004-2005 school year. These sections would be for students who enter
the Access Program, an alternative entry into Calvin College for those students who do
not meet admission standards.
Rationale
Currently, students in the Access Program take ASC 006 in the Fall semester. These
students do a solid job in meeting their first semester GPA expectations, but typically
find the Spring semester more challenging. By teaching IDIS 110 in the Spring with SAS
instructors(s), we will be able to accomplish two important objectives. First, we can
remain in closer contact with Access students. Second, we can reinforce key concepts
taught in the ASC 006 course. IDIS 110 offers a number of computer and research skills
that apply within the context of ASC 006--a context of thinking and learning at the
college level where application of computer and research skills will benefit the learning
process.
Partial List of Course Objectives
1. Students will describe the purposes of knowledge acquisition within the context
of the mission of Calvin College and articulate their own beliefs and values
concerning higher education. Students will create a web page that expresses their
thoughts on these issues. These web pages must also include digital images that
have been scanned in or taken with a digital camera. These images will be edited
in Fireworks.
2. Students will understand how they learn efficiently and effectively. Through the
use of surveys and web-based learning assessment tools, students will gain
knowledge in their learning style and how to use this information in the learning
process. Software programs, like “Inspiration,” will also be utilized.
3. Students will monitor their time management skills and use Microsoft Excel to
analyze areas of strength and opportunities for development.
4. Students will understand and be able to apply a number of study strategies
involving note-taking, reading a textbook, and test-taking. Students will share
their knowledge of these areas through the creation of a PowerPoint presentation.
Each PowerPoint presentation will include digital images that have been scanned
in or taken with a digital camera. These images will be edited in Fireworks.
5. Students will understand the cultural impact and ethical responsibilities of
computer use by attending select plenary sessions and responding to them through
quizzes or reflection journals.
Resources
While the current ASC faculty has some experience in computer technology, a resource
person from RIT would be helpful. Robert Bobeldyk has co-taught with the ASC faculty
during the ATT funded Discovery Club experience and with last Fall semester’s ASC
006 and IDIS 110 paired course pilot course. His knowledge of RIT and technology
expertise would provide a valued resource.
Procedure
We have a fair amount of control over the schedules of Access students. All Access
students would have to sign up for one of two designated IDIS 110 sections. These
sections may not even be listed in the Schedule of Classes, but need to be factored in for
IDIS 110 staffing purposes. Students would also sign up for English 101 in the Spring.
We expect 50-55 students to participate in the Access Program in the Fall of 2004.
Assessment
Assessing the success of such a proposal presents a challenge. We believe the Access
students’ 2nd semester GPA (typically just under the 2.0 level) will improve with
increased SAS contact.
Key Issue
Are the key objectives of the IDIS 110 class being met? We will need to carefully
analyze the objectives and make connection points with the ASC 006 content. A list of
objectives of RIT will help in the design of our version of RIT.