Technology Faculty Learning Communities are made up of small groups of faculty who meet regularly (typically once/month) throughout Fall and Spring semesters for 90 minutes. Each group is led by a facilitator who determines the agenda, organizes the sessions, provides contact and session overview info to group members and facilitates group sharing and discussion. There is no “homework” or outside preparation required although articles or relevant materials may be forwarded prior to the session. It is hoped that all who participate in a TFLC will see it (1) as an opportunity to begin, develop, build on, and/or otherwise improve their own use of technology in teaching and learning and (2) build new cross-disciplinary faculty relationships based on the exchange of information and ideas with others of similar interests in the TFLC focus area. Therefore, everyone must commit to attend most, if not all, sessions throughout the year.
This TFLC focuses on pedagogy and the determination of appropriate tools to support the pedagogy of using technology in teaching and learning—the what, when, where, and why (or why not) of using various tools in the classroom and online. Although it explores and discusses various technology tools, this TFLC does not provide actual “How To” training. It is rather, a discussion of what’s available, appropriate and effective in accomplishing learning objectives. ("How-To" help can be scheduled on an "as-needed" individual or group basis.) Linda Jacoby facilitates this group.
Teaching online involves designing, planning, converting, implementing and managing a course in a cyberspace environment. Hundreds of books have been written on nearly all aspects of online teaching and learning. An entire TFLC could be focused on designing and planning a new course, converting an existing course, or managing a current online course and all include trends, theory, challenges, successes, best practices, self-assessment and course self and/or peer evaluation. Because it is unrealistic to cover all possible aspects of teaching online, the focus of this TFLC depends on the interests of group members. This TFLC is open to those currently teaching online and/or those who anticipate teaching online within the next year. Judith Luebke and Linda Jacoby serve as co-facilitators of this group.
Virtual reality, said to be “the world’s most advanced learning technology,” is an innovative new way to teach and engage students. It allows students to step through the computer screen into 3-D, interactive worlds. It can economically extend learning boundaries and work for educators as a tool in assisting students to become immersed in a learning environment where they can participate in their own learning in a technology based environment. Not necessarily for the technical novice, but definitely for the interested, future-oriented faculty, this TFLC focuses this year, on the use of user-created virtual world, Second Life, in teaching and learning. Linda Jacoby facilitates this group.
