Faculty Development in Technology Applications to University Instruction: An Evaluation

Abstract

Progress in integrating new technologies into higher education classrooms has been slow despite emerging evidence on benefits for students when technologies are applied in ways that support teaching and learning. This article describes a program used by a college of education to support faculty applications of technology in instruction and reports results of a formal evaluation following the first year of implementation. The program provided intensive training and follow-up support to a heterogeneous cohort of 14 faculty members and was designed to enhance their ability to integrate technology into their teaching, use a new smart classroom facility, and/or develop products for instruction. Evaluation data were collected from program participants, their students, and the general faculty as a comparison group. Purposes of the evaluation were to determine the extent and quality of participants\u27 applications of technology in their courses, other effects on their professional development, and students\u27 perceptions of impact. Results demonstrate the program\u27s efficacy for increasing participants\u27 integration of technology in instruction. Students reported that these instructors\u27 applications of technology enhanced students\u27 learning and confidence in using technology

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