The Office of Academic Computing profiles quarterly a model faculty member who effectively demonstrates technology integration into the teaching learning process. To nominate a faculty member, please contact us.

Spring 2007 Faculty Spotlight - Linda Scola

Coming from the University of Florida where every classroom I taught in was a "smart" classroom, it was challenging to come to Bethune-Cookman College where a blackboard and chalk were the standard teaching tools in Harrison Rhodes and Cookman Hall. In the five years that I've been here, I've seen great changes in the types of technology available for faculty and student use. We now have wireless communications in Harrison Rhodes and our computer lab was refurbished and equipped with new computers. Unfortunately, this has not changed the availability of technology in our classrooms where equipment must be transported up and down stairs, and back and forth to the lab. For me, the easiest solution to this dilemma was to incorporate the use of a learning management system. In this way, our students could be given the opportunities that technology can provide.

Almost every aspect of modern society is infused with computing technology. The future employment prospects of our students will undoubtedly depend on their being able to use technology. Using a learning management system provides them with the opportunity to use technology on a daily basis in the accomplishment of their work. It gives them practical experience, beyond the curriculum, to develop necessary skills to function in an information-based society.

I will admit to being skeptical at first about online teaching, but we must accept that technology in education is here to stay and it will continue to evolve and progress in ways that will enhance the capabilities and experiences of educators and students. I have been to technology conferences and can attest that the advances are awesome and the possibilities are endless.

I started with one hybrid class taught in WebCT 4, then converted all of my courses to hybrids, and began teaching online classes as well. I have since developed and taught eight different courses online. I will readily admit this has been a frustrating and aggravating process. We went from WebCT 4 to WebCT 6 to Blackboard which has required hundreds and hundreds of hours to learn and adapt to new learning delivery systems. I will continue to invest my time and energy into educational technology because of the benefits it provides including:

• The Internet, with its vast information network, is available for use in the online classroom. I can select specific content and make it available to students in my courses. In many cases, this provides visual and auditory experience beyond their textbooks.

• Most publishers also offer online content that is one click away from the online classroom. Students can review content, take preparatory quizzes, and receive feedback that will indicate their weak areas.

• PowerPoint presentations can be uploaded and viewed at students' convenience.

• Exams are delivered from randomized test banks. (I use Respondus to ensure maximum testing security.)

• All papers have to be typed. 