Classroom technology: assisting faculty in finding weapons of mass instruction

Valparaiso University offers 30 classroom technology carts, and in addition, the Valparaiso University School of Law provides five classrooms that are fully technologically equipped including Stride Court Room where "technology in the classroom becomes technology in the courtroom."Valparaiso University provides scheduled training for faculty on the utilization of each piece of equipment on the cart, and it encourages faculty to incorporate these devices in their classroom instruction. With these "Ala Carte" choices, faculty do not have to feel overwhelmed by a control panel that looks as if it could launch "weapons of mass destruction." Instead, they can start by utilizing one piece of equipment until they are comfortable, and then incorporate another piece of technology, until they have the full capabilities to launch all "weapons of mass instruction."Instructional User Support staff members contact and provide individual training to faculty who are scheduled in the "High Tech" classrooms. Written instructions are then given to the faculty member;. In addition, by faculty request, a support person will either attend the first session of class or else schedule a "dry run" of the first session.Faculty also are offered an opportunity to demonstrate their use of classroom technology to their peers at a Technology Fair sponsored by The Teaching Resource Center, Electronic Information Services, and Library staff. In our recent event, Communication Professor Lanie Steinwart presented her experiences and philosophy of classroom technology. In addition, Professor Steinwart stated that students have shorter attention spans, can simultaneously process information, and need instant gratification in regard to their educational needs.