Some ideas for insuring success with technology, from Lynn:
Of course, you'll need for students to have access to cameras. Lynn says that one for every three or four students should do it.
It's important to note that if you're using iMovie, and Apple product, you'll need to use Macintoshes with "Firewire" capability. Videos can be viewed on Windows computers, but downloading and manipulating the video requires Macintosh/Firewire.
Make sure that students have access to the technology both in class and outside of class time. Lynn reserved laptops to be brought to her class, and also reserved Lab time at Waterman.
Make sure you plan in enough time for people to learn about the technology. Lynn said that introducing iMovie and preparing students to use it and the cameras takes about 2-3 hours.
Take advantage of the culture and support at UVM. An organizational factor that Lynn pointed to was the fact that UVM has placed a big emphasis on using technology in teaching. That this priority exists, that Lynn took it seriously, and that there were all kinds of people available to support her work, helped her work to find ways to integrate technology.
Find opportunities to celebrate success with other faculty. Lynn reports that there are lots of ways to connect with other faculty around technology-in-the-classroom issues, and she made sure to take advantage of them. Formal opportunities like workshops offered by the PT3 team were one way to do this, but also just knowing who is trying what with regard to technology--knowing what other people are working on--helped.
Figure out your personal beliefs about the value of the technology. Lynn suggests that really developing a personal understanding about the value of technology in the classroom is essential to getting going with it. "You just really have to believe in technology and its value," she says.
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