History
Description
Because the vast majority of History instructors use computer technologies in
the classroom regularly, the Department has been working to include it as a
permanent (and updated) fixture in every classroom used by the Department. To
date, most classrooms have it, but not all are functioning properly (i.e., 542)
or are in need of an upgrade. Because of the need for current maps, photos,
note-taking aids, audio and visual sources in history, the direction of the
History Department is to expand the use of technology in the classroom. The
Department has plans to use a new Tegrity system for history instruction and to
turn two classrooms into wireless classrooms; to continue to expand online class
offerings; and to use the internet more directly via audio and video for both
classroom as well as internet instruction.
Curriculum Impact
The upgraded computer systems (DVD burner, DVD technology, a department- owned
Tegrity system, and wireless classrooms) will substantially improve the
effectiveness of history department courses. Most students today are visual
learners, and technology allows more effective communication of course content,
and therefore more effective learning outcomes from students. Current history
curriculum emphasizes the use of primary source documentation, and students have
more access document analysis through the internet. These updated systems will
allow the History Department to BOTH remain current in the field and positively
affect students’ exit skills.
Approximate Number of Students Served
The History Department serves over 2200 students per semester along with summer
and intersession. With the expansion of online courses, the department will be
serving more students in the future, since there is no conflict with classroom
use.
Support Impact
Technical support will continue to be necessary for online courses. Programs
presently on computers in the classroom need to be updated. Support will be
needed to instruct history faculty in the use of the Tegrity system and in the
use of wireless technology.
Year 1 (2004-2005)
Objective
The initial objective of the History Department with both classroom and online
instruction will be to upgrade the present computer systems, to purchase a
History Department DVD burner and Tegrity system, and to provide more consistent
and institutionalized training processes for online course instructors as well
as a support system. Faculty office computers will need to be upgraded and
maintained as well.
Action to Meet Objective
Upgraded computers will replace the present computers in the classroom and
faculty offices. A DVD burner will be purchased along with DVD player for
classroom use. In addition, there will be a purchase of a history department
owned Tegrity system for use of videos for the internet and classroom.
Year 2 (2005-2006)
Objective
The second phase of the history department technology plan will involve training
in the use of the Tegrity system along with the creation of two wireless
classrooms with portable laptops for student use. Increased training will
continue for online instructors and all transfer courses will now be offered in
an online format.
Action to Meet Objective
Support personnel will be necessary for the creation of two wireless classrooms
along with training in DVD technology and in use of Tegrity system. Equipment
will involve the purchase of two carts with portable laptops for student use in
two wireless classrooms.
Year 3 (2006-2007)
Objective
(1) Replace faculty
outdated and poorly functioning computers, scanners, printers, speakers, and
software.
(2) Replace classroom outdated and poorly functioning computers, scanners,
printers, speakers, and software.
(3) Update the department website and faculty web pages to provide students
with department, course, career, and research information.
Action to Meet Objective
(1) Purchase three faculty office computers, of which
one must be a high-functioning Mac to accommodate that faculty’s video and media
creation for classroom and college-wide presentations. The remaining two
computers should include DVD players. In lieu of these two new PC computers:
higher functioning (faster) PCs with DVD players. Purchase two printers.
(2) Most history classrooms have poorly functioning
SPEAKERS for technology presentations; speakers need to be replaced. Technical
support is needed to install new speakers, computers, software.
(3) Student worker support is needed to provide
technical assistance for website configuration and data updates.
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