Beyond Books and Whiteboards

March 2005

On Thursday, March 17, the EdTech Center hosted a mini-conference on integrating teaching, technology and library resources. Co-sponsored by the EdTech Center, Center for Effective University Teaching, University Libraries, Academic Technology Services, Information Services, and the Provost's Office, the conference featured demonstrations by faculty whom students had nominated for The Effective or Innovative Use of Technology in Teaching Award.

Seven faculty members offered demonstrations and tips on how they are using technology effectively in teaching.

Professor Ravi Sarathy of CBA presented a model for organizing course materials for his Technology & Business Strategies for Global Markets. He also demonstrated how he uses the Virtual Classroom in Blackboard. Professor Harry Lane of CBA demonstrated how he encourages International Business students to share their insights on their overseas experiences and access a survival guide via the Blackboard Discussion Board.

For his BioCapstone course, Professor Kostia Bergman from Biology showed ways students use Blackboard to create electronic portfolios, including the use of videotaped presentations.

Professors Marcus Breen and Walter Carl from Communications demonstrated their Introduction to Communications course. They offered an example of integrating individual section Blackboard sites with a course website in a multi-section large enrollment course.

Through two similar courses - Introduction to Writing/Advanced Writing - Susan Soroka of the English Department showed two individual designs and suggested how faculty could tailor their Blackboard site menus to the specific needs of their course.

Bouve professor Ann Dylis demonstrated how she links from the Blackboard site for her Health Care Research course to online library resources.

The afternoon showcase highlighted custom technology tools, new technology products, Blackboard tips and other ideas faculty can incorporate into teaching. Additionally, the winners of the second annual teaching with technology awards were announced.

More than 200 faculty were nominated by 387 students for effective or innovative use of technology in their courses. The mini-conference also featured a student panel discussion, during which students shared their perspectives on which Blackboard features have most enhanced their learning.