Ideas for Involving
More Faculty With
Computer Enhanced Instruction
Conversation at UNCG
March 23, 2006
David G. Brown
Provost Emeritus, Wake Forest University
Types of Workshops
• Basic Training provided by Library Professionals, in
two-hour segments and groups of 5-15, usually
around Course Management System routines
• Discipline-Specific Training provided by Computer
Specialists within Each Discipline, in groups of 1-5.
• Highly sophisticated programs taught by Campuswide computer experts, in three-hour segments to
“the same” highly motivated group of about 15
faculty members
• Other one-on-one training is done by
departmentally based specialists, by specially
training students, and by the staff of our multimedia center (in the library)
Getting Faculty to Attend
• Use respected faculty as instructors
• Garner the sponsorship of the TeachingLearning Center (not the technology center)
• Hold sessions in the library (or a location
equally respectable even to reluctant
adopters)
• Limit the aspirations of each session, so that
faculty leave with a sense of achievement
• Be prepared to take the workshop to a
particular department, if asked
Focusing Upon Meaningful Content
• Start from Teaching Strategies, not
educational theory & not specific software
• Emphasize first the strategies that are best
supported by technology--- i.e. interactive,
collaborative, customized learning that is
presented in a controversial format with
assistance from adjuncts & consultants
• Teach and support the low hanging fruit
• Stress just-in-time sessions centered
around the use of a Course Management
System (e.g., Blackboard or WebCT)
K
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S
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Running the Workshops
• Always coffee, soda, and cookies
• Lunch for all day sessions
• Roving support staff who enable the
“podium instructor” to keep moving, even
when a particular individual needs special
help
• Printed material that accompanies
presentation
• Computers that are “identical” to the ones
faculty will actually be using
• Note to each faculty member’s department
chair and dean regarding his/her participation
Other Tips
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Form learning pairs, so that each
person has a “buddy” in the group
Identify an expert who will be ready to assist
workshop participants after workshop day
Ask each department chair to name a faculty member
within the department to serve as liaison to the
technology training effort
Recognize that different disciplines use the computer
in very different ways, and therefore require different
training and help-desk support
Work Clusters of Motivated Faculty
Co Fund Student Technology Specialists