English
2002-2004
Description
At present, the English Department has computer assisted learning in its Reading classrooms but no computer-assisted learning exists for the writing or literature courses, which are assisted by technology. Smart carts are a short-term solution, but technology is needed now for classroom teaching. In the next two years, the English Department hopes to acquire at least two computer equipped classrooms so that computer assisted instruction and learning can be accomplished in English writing courses such as English 090, 110, 120, and 124 and in literature courses as well. Some day, every classroom needs computer access; however, we need computer-equipped classrooms now because the 090 class that uses the EWC is impacting our EWC usage and the ESL program in general. Two classrooms represent a very needed beginning.
As to faculty computers, we need to upgrade the Chair’s computer to a high end Mac that will enable the chair to efficiently schedule and organize such a large department and its huge number of full-time and adjunct instructors. For full-time online faculty, we would like to start assisting them with two larger flat monitors to facilitate grading weekly compositions. For full-time creative writing faculty, we would like to assist them with one larger monitor to facilitate graphics to promote their events on full-color flyers.
Curriculum Impact
The impact of computers on the writing process has been recognized throughout the educational world and is slowly becoming the preferred method of instruction for the 21st century. Here at Grossmont College, the reading classes currently engage computers in the learning process. Therefore, computers must also be utilized in the writing classroom to better prepare the student for further higher education and/or the workplace. Many publishers such as Prentice Hall and Houghton Mifflin are selling packages of textbooks and CD Roms for use in computer based classrooms; consequently, we are falling behind in educational technology by not being able to provide computer-assisted classrooms to our students. See the 1997-2015 Master Plan for the general overview of curriculum impact.
Three computerized classrooms are needed now, and two more will be needed next year because the need for English 090, a course that requires at least one hour of lab time dedicated to computer assisted learning, has caused the present English Writing Center to reduce its open hours to accommodate the ever growing English 090 sections. The result of this reduction in English Writing Center open hours is that the ESL evening students can no longer access the EWC to complete their required lab hours.
Updated computer technology provides faculty with tools to generate instructional material and high-tech multimedia presentations; furthermore, it provides faculty with the vehicles to develop collaborative learning packages.
Approximate Number of Students Served
Approximately 1710 students served per semester. Rationale: Each English composition class services 35 students per class hour per semester. In the average week, English can schedule 23 sections in a given classroom. At 35 students per section, 805 students will attend class in one given classroom Monday through Friday. When two computer-equipped classrooms are in service, 1710 students per semester will be served.
Support Impact
For Computer Assisted Classrooms, no staffing required during the design phases. However, some consideration should be given to providing release time for a full-time faculty member to pursue designing the English Department's state-of-the-art computer-assisted classrooms. The scope of this investigation will require a feasibility study to include an examination of hardware and software requirements as well.
As to equipping faculty with computers, no additional staff is required other than the staff already assigned in IC.
Year 1 (2002-2003)
Objective
Begin the planning stages for expanding the EWC into 570 or converting 570 into a computer-assisted classroom, in addition to at least one other computer assisted classroom as per the 1997-2015 Master Plan. This stage includes, but is not limited to, preparing a feasibility study to investigate the acquisition/location of a doublewide bungalow facility sufficient for two classrooms, and to determine the configuration of the classrooms. At the very least, the objective will be to have at least one computerized classroom in place by start of Spring 03, if not before.
Provide smart carts with document cameras for classrooms 570, 574, and 528. Equip classrooms 584, 340, and 570 with technology to convert them to computer assisted classrooms.
Provide faculty computers that are commensurate with current technological demands. Provide full-time online instructors with larger flat screens and one full-time creative writing instructor with a 19” monitor.
Action to Meet Objective
Formation of a committee of two to six faculty members (one of which will be the writer of this plan) willing to engage in such a study. This committee will also endeavor to locate room space to equip with computers using the start of Spring 03 as a target date for completion of this phase and opening one classroom.
Provide ICS with a list of faculty who have outdated or no computer equipment and begin installation of new computers as time and money permit.
Year 2 (2003-2004)
Objective
1) Computer Assisted Classrooms: Equip classrooms 584, 340, and 570 with technology to convert them to wireless classrooms.
Should the classrooms be completed during 2002/2003, a total of 70-105 computers, two laser printers, sufficient furniture, on-line hookups, and hubs will be needed. Specific numbers of needed items will be determined during the planning and design phase. 2) Provide four computers and printers for new full time faculty.
Faculty Offices: Provide the balance of computers not provided in 02/03.
Action to Meet Objective
1) Committee involved with the feasibility and design of the computer equipped classroom will present the conception of the project to the various campus entities for approval/denial. Should the project be to the point of occupying the classrooms, the action would be to assign instructional staff, schedule classes, and place in operation. 2) Purchase four computers and printers for new faculty.
As to faculty computers, the balance of English faculty will receive equipment.