Technical difficulties solved
The Faculty Assistance Center for Teaching isn’t much of a concern for students, but it does make classes go a little more smoothly by giving teachers a helping hand. FACT is the university’s solution to the faculty’s technological difficulties.
According to their Web site, FACT’s mission is to provide assistance, training and support for the improvement of instruction at USU on campus, online and through distance education.
Rebecca Clark, FACT support specialist said, “We have just about everything a teacher can think of. From graphics design people to just simple things like how to work the Internet, our staff has a good idea about how to take care of most problems.”
The services they offer to faculty include workshops to help teachers get connected and understand the technology that is available.
In November, FACT has 10 workshop planned ranging from how to use the different functions of WebCT to understanding scanning, according to their Web site.
One of the most readily accessible features is the drop-in lab located in the Merrill-Cazier Library in Room 202.
“We are starting to have more faculty drop in again. We just moved from the Merrill Library and some people aren’t sure where we’ve relocated. We enjoy having people just drop in so we can help them,” Clark said.
Among the FACT personnel are those who have a deeper understanding of specific programs.
Nanette Sorensen, a USU alumnae with a bachelor’s degree in business information systems and a master’s in instructional technology, said she specializes in presentation software.
She said she helps teachers and other university organizations to have visual and interactive electronic presentations for better instruction.
“I do a lot with the program Captivate, which provides an interactive learning experience from the computer. I like being able to make these presentations and learning tools available to faculty and others because it enhances the learning of those trying to understand,” Sorensen said.
Andrea Bell, graphic designer and FACT support specialist, said she helps provide the more appealing visual aspects to presentations and Web sites.
In reference to Bell, Clark said, “She is our local guru. I’m not sure if there isn’t anything she can’t do. She provides excellent support and instruction on the design aspects of peoples’ work.”
Fact also maintains a Web site with helpful hints and advice.
Not only do they provide workshop information and registration, they also provide tutorials from the computer along with written instructions.
Another aspect is the ability for faculty to access templates and ideas on how to prepare their work and instruction.
“We have so many resources on the Web for whoever needs the help,” Clark said. “Just about everything a computer savvy person could want is there. It doesn’t replace the one-on-one in the drop-in center but it does make it possible for us to reach more people.”
The support provided by FACT doesn’t just stop at the university, though. It is also working with The Center for Open and Sustainable Learning. COSL is an online resource for anyone in the world that, in connection with other universities, takes college courses and turns them into an Internet-accessible resource for free usage by anyone.
Marion Jensen, an instructional technology graduate student and member of the COSL team, said, “We currently have 14 courses online and viewable. Our goal is to get all of them. Every course offered at Utah State should be available to everyone.
Being an agricultural school, our first classes done were in that field. We literally have people dying in India and Third World countries trying to get hold of this information to become more educated in farming.”
Jensen said, “I worked in the corporate world for a long time and was never very satisfied. This is one of the best experiences I’ve had. Working with COLS allows me to help others throughout the community and the world.”
Clark agreed and said, “I love it when faculty comes in to ask for help. It’s great when they leave and they have a product they like, but my favorite part is figuring out the problem. It’s like an adventure and we get to find the solution.”
Bell said she loves the chance to work one on one with people to help them solve difficulties.
“These people with call or come in and have questions and we love to help them discover the answer,” she said.
The Faculty Assistance Center for Teaching is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and can be contacted at (435) 797-9506.
-nebutler@cc.usu.edu