Presenters: Kenneth Lancaster and Jack Stokes
Type of Session: Presentation
Preferred Track: Pedagogy and Technology Integration
Abstract: The use of electronic conferencing in the applied discipline of Social Work education is described. Faculty found that selection of computer applications for course activities must be guided by specific teaching and learning goals. Time and efficiency are less significant considerations than the quality of the educational experience for the student. Consistent with Social Work education goals and objectives, electronic conferencing increases student participation, encourages more effective relationships among participants, and provides additional feedback opportunities.
Description: This presentation will describe the pedagogical uses of electronic conferencing in the applied discipline of Social Work education. Electronic conferencing is a computer-based method for communicating and discussing course related issues outside the classroom. The experience of the presenters is that electronic conferencing increases student participation and interaction, builds a stronger intellectual relationships among students and instructors, and provides a stronger feedback mechanism between faculty and student, both at an individual and group level. The presentation will include summary descriptions of the impact of electronic conferencing on the learning and teaching environment, a review, via the Internet, of sample exchanges on the conference, and a short video showing student comments on the conferencing experience. The presenters will describe how class discussions have been enhanced through electronic conferencing. Posting questions to the conference allows students time to reflect on and discuss more effectively the issues raised. Students are able to put into written form questions they may wish to raise but are unable to do so in class because of time limitations. Case examples concerning ethical dilemmas or the nature of community problems can be posted to the conference board with an assignment for the students to reply to the instructor's questions. Personal commentary from student to instructor is possible through an e-mail function available in some applications. Students using electronic conferencing are able to more effectively interact with one another outside of class. The more traditional approach of getting together for out of class study and research has always been unreliable. Students who are often shy or hesitant in class often thrive on the electronic conferencing process. After some significant and positive use of electronic conferencing and e-mail, the shy, hesitant student has often, in the experience of the presenters, increased their class participation. Faculty using electronic conferencing can provide more immediate feedback to students on their written efforts. This type of feedback has, in the traditional classroom, often had to wait on the grading process on exams and papers. Faculty have learned that electronic conferencing can enhance individual attention given to students. With the e-mail function, faculty can provide immediate positive encouragement to students. Mentoring relationships between faculty and student are enhanced, a clearer understanding of student strengths provided, and general collegiality between student and instructor improved. Faculty attention to student postings calls for a higher degree of dedication to understanding the needs and interest of students. Electronic conferencing has some disadvantages. Students may not feel obligated to post to the board, some may still have computer phobias, and others may come to depend on posts by others as a substitute for their own efforts. The individual effectiveness of faculty in using conferencing applications and preparing the students for its use are factors in overcoming these problems.
Length of Presentation: 50 minutes
Audience: General audience/faculty
Audience Level: Minimal technology knowledge and skills
Equipment Needs: We will need: LCD Projector with access to the Internet and capability to show a video plus a screen for projection.
Contact Information: Kenneth Lancaster, M.S.W., Ph.D Department of Social Work Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Ph. (615) 904-8394 e-mail: klancast@mtsu.edu
Jack Stokes, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., Ph.D Department of Social Work Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO. 63701 Ph. (573) 651-2714 e-mail: c310ssw@semovm.semo.edu
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