English Faculty
Guide to Technology

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 Technology creates new roles and relationships.
Technology provides opportunities for new collaborations.  Teachers are learning to use new tools, rethinking the material they present, and seeking assistance from new partners in the teaching/learning process.  Despite the demands, these new collaborations are highly rewarding and satisfying.  The best way to learn a new technology is by using the "buddy system."  Don't hesitate to ask questions and form new relationships as you learn.

Technology requires planning.
Faculty must plan ahead when using technology tools.  One rule of thumb is to always have a "dress rehearsal" with new technology before using it in the classroom.  Make a visit to the classroom well ahead of the day you plan to use that DVD or website activity to test the equipment and practice operating it.   Then, if problems arise, there is time to contact the Helpdesk or Media Services at 623.845.3119 to trouble shoot the problem and find a solution.

Technology is time consuming.
Whether teaching or learning, the integration of technology is time consuming.  Faculty discover they spend much more time in preparation and course design when using technology resources.  Even if classroom time is reduced, student contact time in writing emails and mentoring is usually increased.  Students spend more time searching for information and, even if they are not in the classroom as many hours, they spend more hours on their course work.  Teachers and students become over-extended and frustrated when it seems there is never enough time to learn everything.  It helps to set realistic learning goals and create practical time management policies when learning new technologies.  Remember to ask for help and not try to reinvent the wheel.  We all want to work smarter, not harder!