USE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT TEAM

In the Integrated Distance Education Model which is part of the Cross-Disciplinary Study of Children and Families at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, the technology support team was crucial. The technology support team consisted of two students hired to assist faculty as part of the Learning Technology Initiative at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The students were Miranda Pollock and Bob Pearson.

At the 1997 Educom Conference held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, there were many presentations which emphasized the importance of technology support when faculty begin to infuse technology into their courses to enhance teaching and learning. One session, entitled From Isolation to Shared Learning: Teaching and Learning on the 'Net, Laura Helminski, an English/Reading/Communications faculty member and Carol Scarafotti, Dean of Instruction at Rio Salado Community College described a vertical team where there were administrators, faculty, technology experts, and peer mentors worked together to establish course work for a virtual university. Rather than working individually as faculty members, these vertical teams developed a systems approach which developed standards and principles for course development, course support, library and media support, student services, technology uses, models for teaching and learning, and training on the internet. The team partnerships engaged in research and dialogue about the nature of learning, compiled best practices guidelines, and problem solved issues that emerged. Common templates for course offerings were developed so students became familiar with the options and where they were located on the screen--the top bar included college, course syllabus, lessons, and student course helps while the side bar included more general information on book store, in-person requirements, student responsibilities, and general course guidelines.

When the Integrated Distance Education Model is offered again, we hope to strengthen the vertical team supporting the teaching and learning in the course as well as the entire Cross-Disciplinary Study of Children and Families Master of Education Program. This team will be a great asset in further promoting high-quality teaching and learning.

Return to theRECOMMENDATIONS

Return to theINTEGRATED DISTANCE EDUCATION MODEL