English
Description
The English Department faculty are currently using Smart carts and built in
computers to assist in computer based delivery modes, but student utilized
technology is needed now for classroom teaching of literature and composition
courses. 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 and DVD 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
monitors to facilitate grading weekly compositions.
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.
A computerized classroom is needed now 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 classroom 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 (2004-2005)
Objective
Implement the conversion of 570 into a computer-assisted classroom, in addition
to 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 Fall 04.
Provide faculty computers that are commensurate with current technological
demands. Provide full-time online instructors with larger screens.
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 Fall 04
as a target date for completion of this phase and opening one classroom.
Provide ICS with a list of new faculty, who will replace retired faculty
members, and their needs for computer equipment and begin installation of new
computers as time and money permit.
Year 2 (2005-2006)
Objective
- Computer Assisted Classrooms: The needs are the same as outlined in
02/03. When the classrooms are completed a total of 35-60 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.
- Provide balance of computers and printers for replacement full time
faculty not provided in year one.
Action to Meet Objective
- A 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.
- Purchase computers and printers for replacement faculty.
Year 3 (2006-2007)
Objective
1. Continue to pursue the
establishment of Computer Assisted Classrooms: The needs are the same as
outlined in 02/03 through 05/06. When the classrooms are completed a total of
35-60 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. Update computers,
monitors, external drives and printers for full time faculty offices.
3. Provide software updates
for English Writing Center, purchase software and software updates for the
Reading Annex and the Reading Department, and purchase new or update software
needs for faculty use and for the classroom use.
4. Provide high-tech
equipment and products for faculty offices and the classroom that will allow the
faculty to develop hybrid and technologically assisted lectures and classes.
Action to Meet
Objective
1. Institute classroom
conversion: A 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, purchase necessary hardware and software, and place in
operation.
2. Purchase computers,
monitors, external drives and printers for full time faculty offices.
3. Purchase software
updates for English Writing Center, purchase software and software updates for
the Reading Annex and the Reading Department, and purchase new or update
software needs for faculty use and for the classroom use.
4. Purchase high-tech
equipment and products for faculty offices and the classroom that will allow the
faculty to develop hybrid and technologically assisted lectures and classes.
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