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We’re going to a New Version?. Bill Marlow School of Business, IT & Management. Bio. At Durham 23 ½ years, mostly School of Business “Real” IT faculty, currently teaching Programming languages, Systems Analysis, Databases, Project Management, etc. Bio (cont.).
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We’re going to a New Version? Bill Marlow School of Business, IT & Management
Bio • At Durham 23 ½ years, mostly School of Business • “Real” IT faculty, currently teaching Programming languages, Systems Analysis, Databases, Project Management, etc.
Bio (cont.) • 23.5 years * 2 = 47 semesters, 4.5 courses per semester = 211 courses, changing to new version / new software 30% of the time = 63 software changes
What we’re Talking About • Versions of software • New software vs. new versions of software • Course / Program / School / College • Who this applies to…
Scope of Change • Course – 1-2 Courses, one faculty (that’s you!), one piece of software • Department – Multiple courses, multiple faculty, for example Program or School / Department size • College – Entire college
Course-Level ChangeDoing it all by yourself • High level of control over changes to be made & implemented • Few (or no ) other faculty to work with you • Few resources provided by College
School-Level ChangeWorking with your peers • Some level of control over changes to be made & implemented • Some other faculty who are making similar change • Some resources may be available
College Level ChangeA time for visibility? • Very little control over changes to be made & implemented • Many other faculty to consult with • Resources likely available • Can you be a Trainer?
Control vs. Resources Resources Available
Resources • Software Developer • Textbook Publishers • Other faculty, perhaps from other colleges, who have used the software
Software Developer • Website(Forums, Online Courses, User Manuals, look for Support links) • “Summary of Change” Documentation • Sometimes lists of reference texts, new users, testimonials – available for contact?
Textbook Publishers • Textbooks & Instructor Resources (especially Problem Solutions) • Author / Reviewer Contact Info • Who else has requested this book?
Other Faculty • Others in your department / school? • Your IT or Training Dept. may have insight about others in your college • Publishers may know others who have done the same things you are doing
Other Faculty (cont.) • Software developer may know of other academic users • Conferences like this • You are probably not alone! • And if you are….
Tips & Traps…. • Software Acquisition • Get software as soon as you can – I try for the first week after term ends or sooner • Use a sample / trial version if you have to • Confirm versions once it is available on student laptops or lab room
Tips & Traps….(cont.) • SWF • Some deans (or other admin) will allocate extra prep time when changing versions • Probably will not put you into overtime, but at least an acknowledgment of extra effort
Tips & Traps….(cont.) • Is your homework done? • At a minimum you should do the first 2-3 lab assignments during May / June • USE the software for something • Avoid the “I know how to do this” attitude • Note carefully where you have issues
Tips & Traps….(cont.) • I Don’t Know • Students should know that this is a new version • Admit you don’t know everything about new version • It’s OK to say “I will find out”
Tips & Traps…. (cont.) • Support Staff & Admin. • Be aware of what faculty are doing • One note or link may be very significant
Tips & Traps…. (cont.) • Students • I do tell my students it’s new • Are other students affected? For example students who took the course previously? Is a plan required for them? • Remember what you had trouble with when doing lesson planning
Tips & Traps….(cont.) • Beta Versions of software • During the Term • Features of the new software – if you’re not using them why did you convert?
The Big Five Start as early as you can It’s worth the time to find help Volunteer to help others – you’ll learn too Use the software for yourself You have Time and you can Research – Use Your Existing Skills!
Contact Me…. Bill Marlow, School of Business, Durham College, 2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa, Ont., L1H 7L7 Bill.Marlow@durhamcollege.ca