The Wisdom of Proverbs

Making the decision to integrate technology into a course can bring monumental new challenges. Even just a minor glitch can keep the integration of a technology from being successful. As you embark on the next level of technology integration, consider the following.

"Are your eyes bigger than your stomach?" Can you accomplish what you set out to do? Consider your level of technological sophistication and adjust your desired outcomes accordingly. If you are a low-level user, employ software that will not be intimidating to learn or beyond your capabilities.

"Two heads are better than one." Can you learn the software and the hardware requirements from someone who will serve as a patient teacher and supporter?

Make sure that your university has the human support to teach you how to use the software you need and who will answer unanticipated questions.

"Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today." Do you have the time to learn and create the programs you need to add a value-added technology tool to your course?

Learning the software and designing the course or curriculum usually takes more time than originally anticipated. Take this into account as you choose student learning goals and technological tools.

"A stitch in time save nine." Check out the small items that may stand in the way of technological success.

If you're connecting to the Internet in class, make sure your classroom is hardwired for Internet capabilities. Arrive for class in plenty of time to test the reliability of the technology. This will avoid frustrating and embarrassing mishaps at the beginning of class.

View your slides in presentation form prior to class. Slides as seen on the computer screen may be very different from slides in presentation mode. Font sizes, styles, and colors may look terrific on the computer screen but be difficult for students to see.

"He/she who laughs last, laughs best." Don't listen to those on campus who say that technology is a waste of time and cannot add anything to your course quality. Students appreciate professors who take it upon themselves to learn new technologies and keep the course as current as possible.

"Every cloud has a silver lining." There are many benefits to integrating technology into your course curricula that you may not anticipate. Even if the integration of technology does not achieve some of your intended outcomes, you may have learned something more about your teaching and your student learning. More importantly, the technology that you use for one course may easily be used and adapted to other courses.

References

The following references provided information for this article and should serve as additional resources for teaching effectively in a technology rich environment.

Angelo, T., and K.P. Cross. Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers, 2nd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1993.

Cyrs, T., and E. Conway. Teaching at a Distance. New Mexico State University: Center for Educational Development, 1997. Diamond, R. Designing & Assessing Courses & Curricula. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998.

Additional Resources

Print material on the use of technology in instruction abounds as do Web sites, but readers might wish to browse the following URL's to learn about exciting new resources, programs, and possibilities.

The World Lecture Hall: www.utexas.edu/world/lecture.

The National Teaching and Learning forum accessible at www.ntlf.com.

The WWW Virtual Library accessible at www.fisk.edu/vl/.

The TLT Group of the American Association for Higher Education accessible at www.aahe.org/general/ partner_tlt.htm.

The NEA Higher Education Web site at: www. nea.org/he.