Wireless Internet, electronic projectors, Blackboard and laptops are all tools used by professors to enhance the educational process of the classroom.
John Bohstedt, a professor of history, said using equipment in his class is “very easy” and that he uses Blackboard, e-mail and Power Point presentations for his lectures. He says this helps communication between him and his students.
“Above all, communication, especially on Blackboard (allows for) announcements, study questions, lecture outlines, study guides for exams and links to the wider world to be shared,” Bohstedt said. He also said that the discussion board feature on Blackboard helps focus classroom dialogue prior to class.
Mark Harmon, associate professor in journalism and electronic media, said his classrooms are “adequately equipped” for him to use videos and Web sites in class. Having that technology available is valuable in the classroom, he said.
“Technology is important — both as a subject of inquiry and a source of teaching tools,” Harmon said.
Bohstedt agreed that technology is important, but does not think it is essential to the fundamentals of teaching.
“There is a reason why we still have professors talking to students live (in the classroom),” Bohstedt said.
Students and teachers both gain something from the personal communication versus the separation of the student and professor relationship through distant technology. He said that the professors agree that students using technology in class is useful as long as it is utilized for the right reasons.
Dorothy Bowles, professor in the School of Journalism & Electronic Media, said she does not have a problem with students bringing laptops to class.
“If they are using them for things that relate to the class, like in my communications law class, they could be using materials I’ve posted on Blackboard, like Power Point slides or chapter outlines,” Bowles said.
Bowles points out though that if students are surfing the Web, checking their e-mail or playing games, laptops can do more harm than good. Bohstedt agreed.
“Laptops are fine with me. It’s up to the student to use them profitably,” Bohstedt said. “Students should keep in mind that education is what goes on in their minds, not at their fingertips.”
When technology fails, however, the professors said they turn to the support staff of the Office of Information Technology (OIT), which they say is a “tremendous asset for professors.”
“UT’s support staff does a good job on these matters, as well as the instructional technology support,” Harmon said.
Bohstedt echoed those sentiments.
“The OIT people are fantastic; I don’t see how they could be better,” he said.
Harmon thinks, however, that teachers still need to have a back-up plan for unexpected surprises that could shut down their technological tools.
“Even in the best environments, an instructor probably needs to have a back-up plan for the inevitable technological glitch or surprise,” Harmon said.
Jean A. Derco, director of the Innovative Technology Center, said that some of the common problems teachers have are setting up access to Blackboard for colleagues who are outside of UT. She also said that teachers have “questions about the best practices for various tools within Blackboard and issues with using third party textbook publisher materials within Blackboard.”
Derco said new features and equipment for the faculty are already being worked on. The Innovative Technology Center is now assisting faculty with Podcast development and has mobile Podcasting kits available for faculty check-out, Derco said. She said the kits will include everything that is needed to produce a video or audio Podcast.
She also said the Technology Center will be upgrading Blackboard during December’s Winter Break.
“This upgrade will provide enhanced communication, assessment and grade book features,” Derco said.
Bohstedt warned that even with all the tools the university offers for professors, they have to remind themselves that they still carry the burden of being the conductors of education.
“Technology is only an aid, not the show itself.”
