The Effective Use of Laptops in Active Learning

Ideas for Involving MoreFaculty with

Computer Enhanced Learning

UAEU

April 19, 2005By David G. Brown

Wake Forest Universityhttp://www.wfu.edu/~brown

brown@wfu.edu

• Basic Training provided by Library Professionals, in two-hour segments and groups of 5-15, usually around Course Management System routines

• Discipline-Specific Training provided by Computer Specialists within Each Discipline, in groups of 1-5.

• Highly sophisticated programs taught by Campus-wide computer experts, in three-hour segments to “the same” highly motivated group of about 15 faculty members

• Other one-on-one training is done by departmentally based specialists, by specially training students, and by the staff of our multi-media center (in the library)

Types of Workshops

Getting Faculty to Attend

• Use respected faculty as instructors• Garner the sponsorship of the Teaching-

Learning Center (not the technology center)• Hold sessions in the library (or a location

equally respectable even to reluctant adopters)• Limit the aspirations of each session, so that

faculty leave with a sense of achievement• Be prepared to take the workshop to a

particular department, if asked

Focusing Upon Meaningful Content

• Start from Teaching Strategies, not educational theory & not specific software

• Emphasize first the strategies that are best supported by technology--- i.e. interactive, collaborative, customized learning that is presented in a controversial format with assistance from adjuncts & consultants

• Teach and support the low hanging fruit• Stress just-in-time sessions centered around the

use of a Course Management System (e.g., Blackboard or WebCT)

KISS

Running the Workshops• Always coffee, soda, and cookies• Lunch for all day sessions• Roving support staff who enable the

“podium instructor” to keep moving, even when a particular individual needs special help

• Printed material that accompanies presentation• Computers that are “identical” to the ones

faculty will actually be using• Note to each faculty member’s department

chair and dean regarding his/her participation

Other Tips• Form learning pairs, so that each

person has a “buddy” in the group• Identify an expert who will be ready to assist

workshop participants after workshop day• Ask each department chair to name a faculty

member within the department to serve as liaison to the technology training effort

• Recognize that different disciplines use the computer in very different ways, and therefore require different training and help-desk support

David G. Brown439 Vanderbilt RoadAsheville, N.C. 28803, U.S.A. 828-274-0828 email: brown@wfu.eduhttp//:www.wfu.edu/~brown

Wake Forest University, 2005Wake Forest University, 2005