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The Effective Use of Laptops in Active Learning Ideas for Involving More Faculty with Computer Enhanced Learning. UAEU April 19, 2005. By David G. Brown Wake Forest University http://www.wfu.edu/~brown brown@wfu.edu. Types of Workshops.
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The Effective Use of Laptops in Active LearningIdeas for Involving MoreFaculty withComputer Enhanced Learning UAEU April 19, 2005 By David G. Brown Wake Forest University http://www.wfu.edu/~brown brown@wfu.edu
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 Campus-wide 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 multi-media center (in the library)
Getting Faculty to Attend • Use respected faculty as instructors • Garner the sponsorship of the Teaching-Learning 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 I S S
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 • 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
David G. Brown439 Vanderbilt RoadAsheville, N.C. 28803, U.S.A. 828-274-0828 email: brown@wfu.eduhttp//:www.wfu.edu/~brown Wake Forest University, 2005