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Educational Effectiveness Review Appendix C1 UPDATE ON TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE LEARNING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENTSince 1999/2000, the university has undertaken a series of strategic technology initiatives. These include faculty laptops, SMART classrooms, and wireless connectivity. The university is in the early stages of implementation of these initiatives. Beginning in fall 2002, approximately one-third of the faculty received high-end Dell Latitude C840 laptops with baseline software (MS Office, Meeting Maker, etc.). By fall 2003, all faculty had received their laptops. In addition to the Dell Latitudes, faculty can now choose to receive an Apple G-4 Titanium laptop. A primary goal of the university is to offer an enhanced learning environment to faculty and students through advanced classroom technology. TheSMART Classroom initiative has resulted in the upgrading of 43 classrooms since the summer of 2002. An additional 16 to 20 classrooms will be upgraded by summer 2004. These classrooms are equipped with enhanced instructional technology, which include video/data projectors, VCR/DVD players, teaching stations, amplifier and speakers and internet access. Some classrooms also include computers, visual presenters, and AMX and MediaLink equipment control panels. Increased use of digital media, and especially of digital video, in smart classrooms will require additional bandwidth on the campus data network. The upgrade is necessary to achieve the university’s strategic goal to provide appropriate technology in support of instruction. A major upgrade of the campus data network is currently underway. In addition, the campus wireless network, scheduled for completion by about 2007, will provide students with wireless Internet access both in and out of class. Build-out of the wireless network will be based on the improved network infrastructure. The infrastructure upgrade is a keystone of plans to provide increased access to higher education. Multimedia equipment, such as TV monitors, VCRs and overhead projectors can be delivered to classrooms without technology. Portable equipment, such as laptops and video/data projectors, can be reserved through Classroom Services and picked up on the day required. Electronic distribution provided to over 100 classrooms allows faculty members to show videos through the campus cable system. The Classroom Services staff of the Academic Innovation Center responded to over 6,000 requests for equipment use during AY 2002 – 2003. Assistance was provided to over 200 classrooms on campus that are equipped with overhead projectors, slide projectors, TV monitors and/or video/data projectors. Requests for equipment during this period included:
Training and SupportTraining and support are critical parts of the university’s technology system design. Several university programs provide training opportunities for faculty. The Academic Innovation Center (AIC) offers a wide range of workshops on software applications. During the 2002-2003 academic year, a total of 295 workshops were provided for faculty and staff. Of the 1521 persons registered for the sessions, approximately 33% were faculty and 67 % were staff (see http://training.csufresno.edu/workshops.htm for course offerings). In addition, training staff served as consultants to campus offices and departments, responding to requests for assistance in the application of software and hardware based tools. AIC training opportunities have been well received by the faculty and staff. For example, the following table documents satisfaction with the learning from, and quality of the workshops:
Digital Campus provides training workshops that focus on the Blackboard course management system such as, course building and assessment tools. The Center for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL) offers workshops and conferences on pedagogy, often with technological elements, and programs to support faculty development. CETL also maintains a resource area with books and videotapes on teaching, learning, and other aspects of academe. Table 1 illustrates the variety of training programs conducted by CETL, including measures of satisfaction where available. Table 1. CETL Events 2003-2004
The university’s Henry Madden Library provides a large and diverse set of training programs for students, from core information competencies to use of specialized search tools such as LEXUS/NEXUS. A representative semester schedule may be examined online. |