Launching of Phase 2 of the College Instructional Technology Study

As we mentioned in a previous post, we had a very successful first phase in our College Instructional Technology Study.  We are now in the process of Phase 2.  In the second phase of this study, Academic Technology (AT) will explore the various student support services at the college to share knowledge and resources about students’ learning and technology in order to better understand the benefits and challenges all involved parties encounter. North Shore Community College (NSCC) has a variety of tools and resources that are used in assuring student success in the classroom and in the college as a whole and beyond. It serves the best interests of everyone if each area of the college is better informed about the range of tools, resources and technology practices. Therefore, AT will plan to meet with the various student support services to share resources and tools around technologies that enhance student learning at the college.  

“Technologies that enhance student learning at the college” means any special computer programs, devices, online services/programs/web sites, or other technologies that are used to manage and facilitate communication, interaction, and learning within the teaching and learning environment at the college, but with particular attention to students’ learning experience. This could also be using what are considered common technological programs and tools (cellphones, cameras, Microsoft Word, Facebook, etc.) in new, unique, or unorthodox ways for learning.

Across departments, divisions, programs, and projects, NSCC makes use of a wide range of instructional technology in facilitating education, guidance, and communication. While some tools are well known, others are less-known but could have the potential of large scalable uses for the faculty and staff at the college. Hence, lack of knowing or having access to the range of instructional technological tools at NSCC means that AT provides less service and efficiency en masse than it might otherwise do.  

At its core, this study is a fact-finding mission to better understand what the instructional technology is that is being used, how it is being used, and how AT can further aid the use of this instructional technology for the betterment of all.   

For a more detailed explanation, please visit the public plan at this link.  We appreciate any feedback or thoughts you might have to offer us about the project.