Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Connected Classroom
April 7-9, 2002
Teaching Computer Concepts - The Continuing Saga
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By: Terry Countermine, Kellie Price |
Abstract
Most colleges and universities have a service course covering "Computer Concepts". In many cases, the enrollment in these classes is large. Teaching the large number of required sections necessitates a commitment of faculty resources, classroom space, and computer availability. At East Tennessee State University, our "Using Information Technology (UIT)" course has continued to evolve for more than a decade. We teach over 1000 students each semester. This paper will trace the history of our UIT course including: methodology, software, support systems, use of graduate students and adjunct faculty, university and departmental support, and student performance. The emergence of the Internet and its effect on this course will also be discussed.
Description
Seven years ago East Tennessee State University (ETSU) made significant changes to its general education requirements. Starting with academic year 1995-96, CSCI 1100, Using Information Technology (UIT), became a required course for all students. It was to be taken during their first 60 semester hours. Our first model consisted of two meetings per week. One meeting was a large lecture session with 240 students. The second class period was a hands on session with 30 students in a computer lab. After two years, it was decided to use computer-assisted instruction to replace the large lecture session. One meeting per week was held to go over assignments, review any concepts that students were having difficulty with, and to take tests. The software used was a system developed for industry and adapted for education by a company named Netg. After three years, we have decided to switch to a system designed specifically for education by Course Technology. Our presentation will trace the history, including problems and successes, of this large service course. We will look at the course from the prospective of the students taking the course, graduate students assisting with the course, faculty teaching the course, and the department supporting the course. Each of these groups has a different set of goals and objectives. Getting them all to mesh is an interesting problem. The presentation will include a demonstration of the Course Technology delivery and management system.