USU faculty among those honored for use of new technology

Commissioner of Higher Education Richard E. Kendell has awarded 16 college and university faculty for their use and implementation of technology into distance learning and classroom instruction. The commissioner has presented the winners the “2007 Utah System of Higher Education Exemplary Faculty Use of Technology Award.” This is the fourth year the Utah System of Higher Education has recognized faculty for their use of technology. A list of the winners, followed by their projects is below.

Tamal Bose, Todd K. Moon, Jacob H. Gunther

Electrical & Computer Engineering, Utah State University

Innovative Use of Technology

· The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department along with USU-Regional Campuses Distance Education (RCDE) jointly developed the Masters of ECE online program which began in Fall 2006. The program integrates on-campus students with off-campus students: initially Air Force Servicemen at Hill Air Force Base. This technology has opened up a branch of study that has traditionally not offered distance education, let alone online education. ECE is now considering using the same strategy to offer its Master of Science degree in China and in India.

Carolyn L Clark

Communication, Salt Lake Community College

Distance and Technology Enhanced Instruction

· Carolyn started teaching online in 1998. Her courses contain tutorials, audio and video components, interactive activities, group presentations, quizzes, and links to outside resources. She is the template manager for her department’s online classes and the lead faculty for its online courses. Carolyn has developed COMM 1010, 1050, 2110, and 2170 online as well as hybrid versions.

David S. Christensen

Accounting, Southern Utah University

Creative Use of Multiple Media

· David has developed and currently teaches five online accounting courses for Southern Utah University. He has elevated the quality of his courses by creating audio files imbedded within WebCT. Each chapter is prefaced by an audio outline and visual presentation designed to introduce students to the materials and objectives of the chapter. In addition to the audio recordings, David has included a pdf-based script to further facilitate the learning process. Students may print the lectures and read along, highlighting important passages.

William J. Christensen

Business, Dixie State College of Utah

Technology Enhanced Instruction

· All of William’s classes are hybrid: they have a WebCT site for lecture material, exercises, discussion items, and reference materials. His MGMT 4800 Strategic Management course uses business simulation software that allows students to collect data, formulate strategy, and make business and financial decisions to run a major company. William’s students have placed in the top 10 in international business competitions. William was recognized in 2006 for “Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Technology” during the 17th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning.

Kraig Chugg

Dumke College of Health Professions, Weber State University

Using Technologies to Engage Distance Students

· Kraig teaches anatomy and physiology over EDNET to 190+ concurrent enrollment students and to 400 college students online and face-to-face. Computerized laboratories and Kraig’s recorded lectures are used in both formats. In pathophsyiology he has recorded mp3 lectures which are used to teach more than 250 students on-campus and online.

Amber Epling

Nursing, Snow College

Increasing Access to Higher Education

· Amber successfully pioneered a method of instructional delivery that has doubled the number of students in Snow’s Practical Nursing Program. Amber worked closely with information technology staff to design a classroom set up that would facilitate two-way distance instruction between Snow’s two campuses. In Fall 2004, 10 students located on the Ephraim campus joined a cohort of 20 students in Richfield by video conferencing. At the end of the 2004-2005 school year, the Nursing Department was asked to add a second remote site in Nephi. Completing students have passed the state licensing exam at the same high rate as before the remote locations were added (95 percent on the first attempt).

Camille Fairbourn

Mathematics & Statistics, Utah State University

Creative Use of Multiple Media

· Camille teaches math and statistics via satellite, IP Video, online, and face-to-face. Camille uses a monitor/tablet as she demonstrates mathematical and statistical concepts, captures her demonstrations in digital form and digitally records her verbal explanations. She merges these pieces in PowerPoint presentations that are placed on her class Web site so that students have accurate and timely reference materials to help reinforce the concepts covered in class that day. She also uses the digital tablet for online office hours.

Carrie Huntsman Jones

Nursing, UCAT/Davis Applied Technology College

Technology Enhanced Instruction

· Carrie Jones has played a pivotal role in how new technology is accepted and used by DATC faculty. She gives her students the advantage and convenience of 24/7 access to quiz scores and other materials.

Kathleen Mooney

Nursing, University of Utah

Increasing Access to Higher Education· In 2002, Kathleen received funding from the National Cancer Institute to educate advanced practice oncology nurses in all aspects of the research process. This gave rise to the development of an online doctoral program in the College of Nursing at a time when total online programs were unique at the University of Utah. The program began within six months of its approval with a cohort of 11 students. Thus far, 29 students have enrolled in the Distance Doctoral Program. Three students have graduated with doctorate degrees, two additional students have defended their dissertations and will graduate this spring.

Leah A. Murray

Political Science, Weber State University

Use of Emerging Technologies and Mentoring

· Leah makes learning enjoyable and is able to take a difficult introductory political science course and simplify it into a version that is friendly for students. When tackling the more difficult concepts involved in the curriculum, the convenience of Leah’s lecture styles and daily animated slide shows prove effective in being able to address questions and concerns of all students. Leah never leaves a student’s question unanswered. Above all, her use of the “clicker” method in leading discussions and having students involved in the lecture seemed to be the most favorite for all students despite the level of the course. By using the “clicker” Leah is able to evaluate the progress of the class throughout the lecture by engaging in brief question and answer discussion.

Chris Riseley

English, Snow College

Innovative Use of Emerging Technologies· Chris was the first teacher on campus to integrate blogging into his English curriculum. Chris uses technology to further the writing capabilities of his students. The use of blogging, e-pinions, online courses, and using the Internet in the classroom are second nature to Chris as a teacher.

Steven R. Sternfeld

Linguistics, University of Utah

Distance Education, Collaboration, and Mentoring· Steven’s students wrote, “Dr. Sternfeld believes that knowledge is best derived, managed, and produced by students working in an empowering community with peers.” He provides his students with potential intellectual growth with online lectures, extensive kernels of thought-provoking knowledge, homilies, tales and directions with which the student can extrapolate and make their own goals within the learning parameters of the class. Steven divides the class into “families” in which a circle of trust has been emphasized in the literature and is reflected up
on by students. Each family collaborates online critiquing and reviewing member’s contributions. The “families,” peer instructors, and other collaborative devices make Cross-Cultural Communication 3600 an extraordinary class.

Steve Teeter

Accounting, Utah Valley State College

Using Technologies to Engage Distance Students

· Steve Teeter’s syllabi include the statement: “An education is not a true education unless it is real, that is to say useful in a student’s life outside the classroom regardless of the field they go into.” To ensure online students don’t want for the classroom experience, Steve uses Breeze sessions for orientation, questions and answers, and test review. He frequents the communication tools in Blackboard VISTA, responding promptly to students, and he anticipates potential questions by providing very thorough and organized course materials. These efforts ensure students are engaged in the class.