Name: Dr. Dann Brown
Aud_Level: All Length: 30 minutes Description: Introduction. In spring 1998, Eastern New Mexico University (Portales, New Mexico; http://www.enmu.edu) proposed the development of a Freshman Seminar (http://www.enmu.edu/~browndan/UNIV101/Freshman_Seminar.htm) for all incoming first-year students. Primary objectives of this course (http://www.enmu.edu/~browndan/UNIV101/FS_Syllabus_Requirements.htm) included a broad-based introduction to the University environment, the development of skills relevant to success in higher education, enhancement of student appreciation for diversity, and improvement of writing and critical thinking skills. In addition and given the degree to which technology has been embedded throughout the Eastern curriculum, assessment of and improvement in computing skills was identified as a priority for this new course. To meet this goal, a three-tiered approach was incorporated into the program. First, all Freshman Seminar students were required to attend each of two workshops on basic skills (e.g., word processing, the internet, and email). In addition, pre-semester surveys were administered to all workshop participants to assess attitudes toward and background in computing technology. A second post-semester assessment will be administered prior to the completion of the semester. Finally, students received training in Lotus NotesTM and in many Freshman Seminar sections, have participated in on-line journaling activities and discussions. Preliminary Results & Discussion. Examination of pre-semester technology assessments provides interesting insight into the attitude toward computing technology among first-year students at Eastern. Nearly one out of every two Freshman Seminar students currently own a computer and nearly 90% of all students reported having access to equipment. A majority of students reported having experience with both the internet and email and experience with use of a computer for word processing; however, less than 40% of students reported that their high school education served as the basis for their knowledge, indicating that students have largely learned to use computer technologies on their own. The majority of students reported that they were currently using a computer 1-3 times per week (43.2% of respondents) and an additional 29.7% of respondents reported using the computer 4-7 times per week. One must consider, however, that one out of five students reported that they experienced negative feelings when thinking about using a computer, potentially indicating a lack of confidence in using technology and the need for further training and skill development. How are computers valued by students as they consider their education at Eastern? An overwhelming majority (84.4% of respondents) reported that they believed that computers were valuable education tools and 77.2% of respondents indicated that they believed having a computer available to them would help them succeed in the classroom. Finally, approximately 80% of respondents indicated that they believed that the development of computing skills was crucial as they prepared themselves for their chosen careers. Conclusions. Comparison of technology assessment data obtained as students began Freshman Seminar to data gathered as students complete this class will prove especially valuable in determining the effectiveness of embedded technology activities in this course. However, the author believes that computing technology must be included with "writing" and "numeracy" in "across the curriculum" discussions. Continued assessment will play a valuable role in evaluating the success of computing technology skill development efforts as Freshman Seminar evolves at Eastern New Mexico University. Abstract: Technology plays a critical role in learning at Eastern New Mexico University. As such, it is not surprising that a priority in the development of a new Freshman Seminar involved assessment of and improvement in basic computer skills. Details regarding the integration of computing technology into the course (e.g., workshop development and on-line journaling and discussions) and the results of pre- and post-semester assessments of student experience with and attitudes toward computers will be discussed. Preferred Track: Track 3 Session Type: Lecture/Presentation Address: Department of Biology ENMU Station #33 Eastern New Mexico University Portales, NM 88130 Affiliation: Eastern New Mexico University Equipment: None; will bring own laptop and InFocus projector Email: Dann.Brown@enmu.edu Phone: 505.562.2363 Audience: General Fax: 505.562.2192
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