Our Challenges at the University Our Challenges at the University Using Web- -Based Technology Based Technology Using Web of Connecticut ( of Connecticut (con con’ ’t t.) .) to Enhance First Year to Enhance First Year � Specialized topics strain guest Experience Programs Experience Programs speaker/ “content expert” resources � Desire to reach out to all first year students at UConn, even those not in FYE Da David T. d T. Ouime Ouimette tte � Need to foster community and Director – First Year Programs increase student engagement University of Connecticut � Need for easier and more timely program-to-instructor Kate E. Ka te E. W Wrigley communication Program Assistant – First Year Programs University of Connecticut First Year Programs at First Year Programs at Our Solution: Web Technology Our Solution: Web Technology the University of Connecticut the University of Connecticut � UConn is the Flagship � At UConn, we use WebCT (Web university of the state of Course Tools), a third-party Connecticut course management software � A land-grant, sea-grant, and package purchased and maintained by the University space-grant Research I � Other schools might use similar Extensive University course management software � Undergraduate enrollment of packages (such as Blackboard) or 16,600 might use simple web pages to accomplish the same results � 8 campuses – UConn’s main campus is located in Storrs, CT Our Challenges at Our Challenges at Why Web Technology? Why Web Technology? the University of Connecticut the University of Connecticut � Sizeable First Year Experience � UConn’s overall commitment to technology program – Resources (i.e. support, maintenance, $$) – 3200+ new students each year, 2500+ enroll in FYE – Wide usage amongst senior faculty and their courses – 120+ instructors and faculty, � Cost-effective all volunteer – 100+ undergraduate student � Easily edited and customized mentors/teaching assistants � Allows us to give students timely and � Program is still relatively new (founded in Fall 1996) immediate information and feedback � One credit course (one hour per wk.) � Interactive features can be built in � No text or “mandatory” curriculum 1
Objectives in Implementing Web A Step- -by by- -Step Process for Step Process for Objectives in Implementing Web A Step Technology into FYE Technology into FYE Implementing Web Technology Implementing Web Technology 1. Create course website template(s) � Extend teaching time 2. Train instructors � Foster increased interaction 3. Follow-up with instructors � Allow motivated students the 4. Encourage instructors to actively incorporate opportunity to explore topics in web technology into their courses depth at their own pace 5. Assist students as issues arise � Organize around an “official” 6. [Optional] Create online mechanism to reach curriculum new students not in FYE � Vehicle for training new 7. [Optional] Create site for instructors instructors Objectives in Implementing Web Implementing Web Technology: A Objectives in Implementing Web Implementing Web Technology: A Technology into FYE (con con’ ’t t.) .) Success? Technology into FYE ( Success? � Give new instructors a way to focus their course � Students report a learning curve in using the technology but big benefits in the end � Reach out to ALL first year students � Better prepare students � More easily connect instructors/faculty to our program’s central office � Provide lots of pertinent, timely, and helpful information, yet still be simple and user-friendly in design Ashley Capozzoli University of Connecticut Undergraduate Student Our Three- -Pronged Approach Pronged Approach Our Three Implementing Web Technology: A Implementing Web Technology: A to Implementing Web to Implementing Web Success? Success? Technology Technology Faculty report a higher level of engagement with � their students FYI - Course FYE First Year Websites Instructor Interactive for each Site FYE class portal site Dr. Steven Zinn University of Connecticut – Dept. of Animal Science Senior faculty member 2
Continuing Challenges Continuing Challenges � Instructor/faculty learning curve � As the technology grows, time demands on our program staff is increasing � However, with limited resources, web technology still seems to present our program with excellent returns Questions, Comments, Questions, Comments, or to Contact us: or to Contact us: University of Connecticut First Year Programs 110 North Eagleville Road, U-3232 Storrs, CT 06269-3232 (860) 486-3378 http://www.fye.uconn.edu David.Ouimette@UConn.edu Kate.Wrigley@UConn.edu THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 3
University of Connecticut Sample First Year Experience Course Website COURSE CALENDAR COURSE CONTENT CLASS EMAIL Instructors post course dates; our UConn-specific content tailored by Email communication between program preloads important our FYE program in conjunction with students and instructors University dates and deadlines our campus “content experts” COURSE SYLLABUS CLASS DISCUSSIONS Easily uploaded and edited by Threaded discussion list allows in- individual course instructors class discussions to continue to take place outside of the classroom CLASS ASSIGNMENTS MY GRADES LINKS/RESOURCES Instructors post assignments here; Instructors post grades here; students Instructors and/or our program can put students can also send in their have instantaneous access to their links to important sites, documents, completed assignments electronically grades as soon as they are posted and other resources here CLASS PHOTOS FYE SURVEY We offer to go into classes and take Program assessment is built right into digital photos of each student to help the course; results are easily and them learn each other’s names quickly tabulated
University of Connecticut FYI - First Year Interactive Portal Website SCROLLING EVENTS STUDENT LISTING NEWSPAPER Weekly updated listing of DAILY events that would appeal to HEADLINES first year students Updated daily INTERACTIVE FEATURES THE WEEK’S Calendar of Events, IMPORTANT Discussion List with entire LINKS first year class, Chat Rooms, Email, Talk to your Orientation Leader, Ask an Expert, Directories, Maps UCONN IN THE NEWS (from the Faculty/Staff AP NEWS TICKER Newspaper) Instantly updated news CAMPUS LIVING INTERACTIVE POLL FEATURES Updated weekly Dining and Residing on Campus, Healthy Campus Living, Getting Actively ACADEMIC FEATURES Involved, Other Links to Student Registration Features System, Academic Departments, FYE, Major and General Education Requirements, Individualized CAMPUS PHOTO Majors OF THE WEEK
University of Connecticut FYE Instructor Site DISCUSSION TOOL COURSE WELCOME Threaded discussion list for CONTENT INSTRUCTOR MESSAGE Instructors to post ideas, class UConn FYE EMAIL Includes overview of problems/challenges and solutions Online Textbook Email FYE Instructor site communication between “BAG OF TRICKS” instructors and TRAINING AND Activies and ice breakers undergraduate WORKSHOP that cover UConn FYE’s peer mentors CALENDAR learning objectives WEBCT TIPS, TRICKS AND TOOLS For getting the most out of the interactive tool SAMPLE CURRICULUM and ROLES OF THE SAMPLE SYLLABI MEETING, WORKSHOP, AND UNDERGRADUATE CONFERENCE REVIEWS PEER MENTOR For those who could not attend As a peer, a teaching LINKS, ARTICLES, AND assistant, a role model, RESOURCES RELEVANT TO etc. THE FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
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