TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

IET investigates video library merge

Information and Educational Technology (IET) Academic Technology Services (ATS) and Shields Library are investigating how to merge the video library in the Hart Media Distribution Lab with the video library in Shields Reserves. Both locations currently perform similar functions, which causes some confusion to Computer Lab Management (CLM) clients. The transfer of the Hart Media Distribution Lab functions to Shields Reserves will free space in Hart Hall (and in the Student Community Center in the future) for more computers. A plan for the merger should be in place by spring 2008. Contact: Tim Leamy, computer lab manager, tcleamy@ucdavis.edu.

New instructional technologies expands TeamSpot

During winter 2008, Computer Lab Management (CLM) installed TeamSpot in 1101 Hart. TeamSpot is a group collaboration system consisting of a computer connected to a large public display with each group member connected to the system via a laptop. TeamSpot facilitates group work by allowing members to share their screen, files, and cursor between all group members' laptops. TeamSpot also allows each member to control the large public display computer and allows groups to easily work on a common document. CLM also had Moobilenet installed in 1101 Hart to support TeamSpot usage. For more information and Flash demos go to teamspot.ucdavis.edu.

FMFP facilitates technology-based learning among faculty

For the last three years the Faculty Mentoring Faculty Program (FMFP) has provided UC Davis faculty opportunities to present teaching talks to and to learn from other faculty interested in instructional technology and innovative teaching. The participants in the weekly meetings have learned not only about widely-used and well-supported tools, such as SmartSite and PowerPoint, but also about inventive uses of other tools and applications. Since the Friday lunchtime meetings moved to 250 Olson, the group regularly draws about 20 faculty. Versions of FMFP presentations have appeared live and via videotape, at the Teaching Resources Center's (TRC) Summer Institute on Teaching and Technology, in their quarterly "More Thoughtful Teaching" events, and at other workshops and colloquia hosted by the Teaching Resources Center. FMFP also facilitates connections between faculty across the disciplines. The TRC has agreed to take on the funding and hosting of the Faculty Mentoring Faculty Program beginning in the fall of 2008. Andy Jones will continue to coordinate the program. For more information, visit fmfp.ucdavis.edu.

IET podcasting service sees an increase in use

Podcast use on campus has been consistently increasing. The number of podcast classrooms available to instructors who wish to use the technology in their course increased from five classrooms when podcasting was first introduced in fall 2005 to 86 in winter 2008. Since SmartSite's launch in the fall, instructors have been using their course site on SmartSite to post podcasts. In fact, 44 SmartSite specific podcast classes were offered in winter 2008. Instructors have found that most students use podcasts to go back and review in-class lectures. Rather than an incentive to skip class, students are using them as a supplement to class. Web site: podcast.ucdavis.edu.

CLASSROOMS AND COMPUTER LABS

Student Community Center to open doors 2010

The new Student Community Center (SCC) is expected to open in 2010, and Computer Lab Management (CLM) plans to move its functions in Hart Hall to the SCC. The current space in Hart Hall will be evaluated in order to configure the same square footage more efficiently in the SCC. The current plan allows for the creation of two additional computer classrooms in the SCC, which will let CLM meet requests for additional classes for which there was previously no space. Contact: Tim Leamy, computer lab manager, tcleamy@ucdavis.edu.

Computer rooms see combined support effort, service improvements

IT Support (ITS) met with Computer Lab Management (CLM) several times during spring quarter to strategize for the announced budget reductions. They took the opportunity to identify areas in technical support that could be improved or streamlined. ITS and CLM staff will work together to begin direct support of the computer rooms. CLM began managing the day to day operations of the computer rooms, including supervision of the seven hardware support student employees. Considering the similar nature of desktop support and hardware support of the computer rooms this centralized approach should have several advantages. Contact: Tim Leamy, computer lab manager, tcleamy@ucdavis.edu.