SEMO committee considering ideas for expanding technology

Students in Dr. Karie Hollerbach's mass communication summer class will be able to log on and download a podcast of her lectures. They will be able to print out a written version of the notes. For particularly difficult topics, with the push of a button, they will be able to watch a video of her explaining a topic.

While these features have been reserved for Hollerbach's online class, she plans on spending part of the summer developing ways to incorporate more multimedia into her face-to-face classes.

Technology is becoming ingrained in the university classroom. Some professors have embraced it by communicating with students on Facebook, establishing class Web pages or posting PowerPoint presentations with audio.

Others have resisted, preferring old methods of communication.

"Technology is just a tool to enhance teaching and learning. We have to make sure it doesn't become the discipline itself," said Dr. Dave Starrett, the director of the Center for Scholarship in Teaching and Learning at Southeast Missouri State University. He said the university prefers to make sure it is using current technology effectively rather than just buying the latest tools.

As part of the university's strategic planning process, a committee was formed to study information technology. Members expect to have recommendations for the university prepared by October.

Issues they are considering include expanding wireless Internet on campus, possibly implementing a cell phone-based emergency alert system, and asking all professors to establish a basic course Web site. They also realize there will need to be training for professors regarding any new equipment.

Varying experience

Students' experiences with technology appear to vary greatly depending on their major. "Every year, I have one, two, if I'm lucky, three, out of six teachers with a Web page," said Amber Lee, a junior education major. She said some of her classrooms in the art building only have a chalkboard, while others elsewhere on campus have SMART boards.

"I'm a business major, so a lot of my classes, as opposed to other people, are very technology-oriented," said Leni Fluegge, a student and vice chairwoman of the IT subcommittee. She said the committee's "highest priority would be getting all the departments and facilities on the same level of technology."

Matthew Stein, a member of Student Government, said some dorms or buildings have computer labs but not all. The same is true for wireless Internet, Starrett said. Kent Library only recently got a full computer lab that allowed students combined access to software and the Internet.

Technology has certain risks. For example, there is the fear that if lectures are made available online, no one will show up for class. The Center for Scholarship in Teaching and Learning, which helps faculty with technology needs, actually discourages professors from recording their lectures in full, at least for face-to-face classes. Instead, it suggests adding audio to a PowerPoint, explaining a difficult concept using online animation and posting links to articles, using technology as a supplement.

Overwhelmingly, students who completed a survey about technology needs said they would like to see every class have a Web site, Starrett said. Common features of class Web sites include the ability to check grades, turn in assignments electronically, access the syllabus and participate in an online discussion. Starrett estimates between half and three-quarters of professors have an online course page.

Text-message system

Students and faculty are also discussing the possibility of a text-messaging system, in which students would receive a message on their cell phone in the case of an emergency on campus or the cancellation of class. "We are looking into coupling together technology and security," said Gail Rosmarin, a member of the board of regents and the chairwoman of the information technology subcommittee.

Hollerbach said she has received extremely positive feedback from students about her multimedia options, one of which allows students to download her lectures to an iPod.

But some students elsewhere have had difficulty adjusting to new technology. Mary Harriet Talbut, who teaches an education course called "Technology to Enhance Learning," has had a problem with some students resisting technology in her class. Her class teaches future educators how to make their own Web site, use SMART boards, find videos online, blog and use a wiki, or a Web page that is editable by users.

"They whine about the blog, they whine about the wiki. We throw everything at them," Talbut said. "But what we're finding is that when student teachers go out, they're teaching the teacher in the classroom about technology. We're happy to do it."

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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