Rice University Fall 2007
The Fall Lecture series will be hosted in collaboration with Rice University’s Language Resource Center, the Technology Division of the Center for the Study of Languages.
"How much Learning is Taking Place via Technology in Today’s Classroom?"
Presented by Ms. Claire Bartlett of Rice University
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Bio: Claire Bartlett is Associate Director of the Center for the Study of languages, and Director of the Language Resource Center at Rice University. She is past President of IALLT (International Association for Language Learning Technology), a former member of the CALICO (Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium) executive board, and has held several other positions in professional organizations. She has taught languages for over fifteen years and has presented at numerous national and international conferences. Her interests include, language learning, courseware development, and computing administration.
Abstract: Using language learning as a model, we will discuss the rapidly growing role that technology plays in today’s classroom. We will present examples of on-line audio/video distribution, our own assessment and communication tools, and samples of student’ productions for a world wide audience. The Language Resource Center at Rice has used an approach which has required significant customization in order to adapt to the needs of its students and teachers. We will discuss the challenges that this customization has entailed, and highlight how empowering students with their own learning can have positive results on education.
Theme: Distance Learning: Learning Management System. Classroom Technology: Distribution of Audio/Video. Internet Tools: Communications and Assessment Tools. Software: ExTemplate, Wiki, Blog, Streaming Media. Level: College/Secondary. Audience: All.
"Individual Content Mastery in a Hybrid Internet Course."
Presented by Dr. Bill Boudreaux of Galveston College
Watch Archived Webcast (We incurred some minor technical difficulties in which you can overcome by viewing the PowerPoint presentation from the "Reference" link.)
Bio: Dr. Bill Boudreaux, Professor Health Science, Galveston College
Abstract: Learning requires three main attributes: active learning, learning through sequential problem solving, and cooperation and teamwork. While the first two attributes can be can be met by appropriate design of instructional material, the last is difficult to incorporate into a paced online course. Use of individual mastery of content in a hybrid Internet course can meet student’s individual needs regardless of their knowledge base or learning style without slowing down the students who can demonstrate mastery of the content.
Theme: Distance Learning. Level: College/Secondary. Audience: Faculty
Thursday, October 11, 2007 1:30PM CST
"Using Video Technology to Enhance Pre-service Teachers’ Understanding of Key Aspects of Effective Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education Settings."
Presented by Dr. Denise Chapman of University of Houston, Clear Lake
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Bio: Dr. Denise N.J. Chapman is an assistant professor of special education at University of Houston Clear Lake. She teaches and coordinates undergraduate and graduate courses in early childhood special education as well as teaches practical applications of American Sign Language. She recently graduated with an Ed.D. from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University with a focus in early childhood education and language, literacy, & culture. She also has a Master’s degree in special education from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Chapman works with children with various language and literacy needs in the Houston area and has a special interest in creating innovative approaches to teaching reading to children with and without special needs as well as creating effective technology/media tools for teaching pre-service teachers.
Abstract: Teaching aspects of effective instruction in early childhood special education to pre-service general educators can be challenging as the subject matter may be viewed as difficult and uninteresting to pre-service teacher interested only in working with typically developing children. With the use of “Teacher Tube” and software programs called Pulp Motion, I have been able to generate higher levels of student interest and higher levels of critical thinking within both the college classroom and on-line settings.
Theme: Classroom Technology: WebCT. Internet Tools: Teacher Tube. Software: Pulp Motion & iMovie Level: College Audience: Faculty/Technologists
Thursday, October 18, 2007 1:30PM CST
"Realizing Wireless Mobile Computing in Under-Resourced Urban Communities."
Presenters:
Dr. Jerome Crowder, Department of Anthropology, University of Houston (UH)
Ms. Esperanza Vredenburg, Department of Anthropology, UH
Mr. Jim Forrest, Technology for All
Bio: Department of Anthropology, University of Houston www.jeromecrowder.com/
Abstract: Our driving vision is to provide low-income population with usable and affordable access to information technologies (IT.) With great computing capacity, low cost, high mobility, and wide social acceptance, mobile phones have shown great potential to achieve our vision. The challenges to realize this potential for under-resourced urban communities are both technological and cultural.
On the technological side, when users rely on mobile phones as their primary computing resources, theirholisticusability beyond user interfaces becomes critical. Moreover, high-speed wireless access also imposes a severe challenge to battery lifetime and thermal management of mobile phones.
On the cultural side, in-depth knowledge of the IT needs and beneficial IT resources of under-resourced urban communities is essential to optimize the IT infrastructure for cost and usability. As collaboration between Rice and University of Houston and with support from local non-profit organizations, including Technology for All (www.tfa.org), we address these challenges with the inter-disciplinary research agenda. (Dr. Crowder will be emphasizing this aspect of the project from a cultural anthropological viewpoint. )
To date, we have deployed a first-of-its-kind multi-hop wireless access network, called TFA-Rice network, in a low-income community, Pecan Park, Houston. The network currently covers approximately 3 km2, serves over 2,500 users, and provides high-speed wireless access to neighborhood schools and libraries. Leveraging the TFA-Rice network community as our research site, we are distributing Wi-Fi capable mobile phones to selectively recruited K-12 students in order to study application, usability, social impact, and optimization of mobile phones and wireless mesh network, with a focus on education.
Theme: Community Interest
Thursday, November 1, 2007 1:30PM CST
"The Why and How of Educational Institution Podcasting"
Presented by Jeffrey Frey of Rice University
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Bio: Jeffrey D. Frey is Web Services Manager for Enterprise Applications in the Information Technology Department at Rice University. He has more than 10 years of experience in developing and managing Web-based business and educational solutions and applications, including analysis, enterprise architecture design, software development and project management. Mr. Frey holds a BA in Computer Science from Kent State University, where he is currently completing an MS in Computer Science. He teaches classes at the Rice University School of Continuing Studies and maintains an online podcasting questions and answers presence through blogging and podcasting. http://jdfrey.wordpress.com
Abstract: As a relatively new technology, podcasting is being implemented and tested by some educational institutions within multiple departments and schools. Through examples of, and research into, what they are doing, you will be shown five main reasons to podcast. Also, podcasting is not a complicated endeavor. It is easy to show, and help you understand, the steps in the process of podcasting in a short period of time. Lastly, the hardware and software needed to podcast will be discussed along with specific recommendations for all budget levels.
Theme: Distance Learning: Use of podcasting to do so. Classroom Technology: How to record and post lectures. Internet Tools: Podcast providers and directories. Software: Garageband, Audacity, iTunes. Hardware: Portable recorders, mics, boards. Level: All. Audience: All
Thursday, November 8, 2007 1:30PM CST
"Measuring Technology Benefits."
Presented by Dr. Richard Smith / Dr. Caroline Crawford of University of Houston, Clear Lake
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Bios: Dr.. Richard A. Smith is Visiting Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology and Coordinator of the Instructional Technology Program at the UHCL School of Education. He was formerly Director of Instructional Technology for the Houston Independent School District.
Dr. Caroline Crawford is Associate Professor of Instructional Technology at the UHCL School of Education. She is the editor of several Instructional Technology journals and is well known as presenter at national and international Instructional Technology conferences.
Abstract: The idea of technology immersion is not novel and the academic gains on the part of student that can be attributed directly to the use of instructional technology have, repeatedly, proved futile. This presentation provides a brief history of pioneering technology projects in the Houston Independent School District and Apple Computer's "Apple Classroom of Tomorrow" project that predated the TIP by about 20 years. Based on the previous technology immersion projects, and other studies that sought to show a positive effect on student academic achievement level directly attributable to instructional technology, the authors predict the TIP project will produce similar results. The authors conclude by providing seven suggestions for designing effective use of instructional technology.
Theme: Classroom Technology: Technology Immersion. Level: College. Audience: All
Thursday, December 6, 2007 1:30PM CST
"Using Web 2.0 in the Classroom."
Presented by Chris Duke of San Jacinto Community College District
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Bios: Chris is an educational technologist and instructional designer primarily interested in emerging technologies, institutional-wide technology integration, and distance learning. Chris is currently the Director of Training & Professional Development for San Jacinto College; he works with faculty, staff and students to integrate new technologies into learning spaces and assumes responsibility for directing the administrative technology-related training efforts. Chris earned his M.S. degree with a specialization in Instructional Design from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Learning & Technology from Texas A&M. Chris also teaches adjunct in community colleges, designs and develops Joomla-based websites, and enjoys geocaching and other activities with his wife, two daughters and baby-to-be-in-April-2008.
Abstract: Provides an overview of Web 2.0 and introduces several tools including: social bookmarking (delicious & Blackboard Scholar), rss/news feeds (Google Reader & Pageflakes), and blogs (Blogger & Blogmeister). One example of how each technology may be applied to a classroom environment will be discussed and then followed by a question and answer session on how the technologies may be applied to other specific disciplines.
Theme: Distance Learning. Classroom Technology. Internet Tools. Level: All. Audience: All
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