The Media Technology Services department provides a growing number of instructional technology resources, including scanners, video and image digitizing support, and traditional audio-visual resources (videotape equipment, overhead projectors, sound reproduction and recording equipment, etc.). MTS manages the campus cable TV system (which includes foreign language programming).  They also maintain the data/video projectors that are installed in classrooms, and can provide support for computer-based uses of this equipment as well. In addition, MTS can loan out a projector for occasional class use. Contact us for details at x2422.

MTS is also a place to turn to for classroom issues that do not get addressed through other channels.  For example, if a room does not have the equipment you want in it, you can ask them to facilitate. MTS strives to improve the teaching environment and will try to make or coordinate adjustments to meet the needs of the faculty.  For classroom technology issues,  call Phil Duffy at x2423.  For scheduling issues, please call the Registrar’s Office. For classroom emergencies, dial the Classroom Emergency Line at x4000.

Academic Computing’s mission is to work with faculty utilizing technology both in and out of the classroom.  Two Instructional Technologists, David Tatem (x2124) and Scott Vanek (x2109) help the faculty to locate, evaluate, develop, and implement technology as a tool for enhancing teaching, learning, and research. They are assigned by department, so they develop a familiarity with the needs of specific disciplines. Feel free to call Jean-Pierre Haeberly at x2475, Director of Academic Computing, if you have any questions about this support.

Hardware and software problems with your workstation are better addressed by the Computing Center’s Help Desk at 297-2100.  The phones are staffed on a regular schedule, and they are equipped to provide faster resolution for these types of issues.  This includes repair and maintenance of desktop computers and departmental printers, and help with Microsoft Office and e-mail.

Specific Ways Academic Computing and MTS Can Help

As you develop your course syllabi, your answers to the following questions will help determine how MTS and Academic Computing can be of assistance to you:

1. What skills should students have for communicating and presenting information? How will they demonstrate these skills within your course?
2. How will you communicate with your students (in and out of class)? How will students communicate with each other as well as with you?
3. In what manner is information being presented (by students, T.A., as well as yourself)?
4. What opportunities will you provide for student participation, collaboration, and reflection?

Some examples you may wish to consider:

• Weekly Discussion Questions or Problem Sets. Require each student to post one answer to the assignment and also to reply/comment on at least one other student's answer.
• Group Assignments. Divide students into small groups and assign a collaborative project, paper, video or presentation.
• Online Journals. Require students to keep an online journal of their learning experiences and reflect on both the content and online experience. Make this available for all students to view.
• Online Fieldtrips. Provide opportunities/assignments for students to perform research online, visit related sites, and report experiences to the rest of the class.
• Online Guest Speakers. Arrange for a subject matter expert to answer student questions in a chat or discussion board.

Type of Assistance	Lead Time (When Applicable)
One on One Training (Examples: Blackboard, GIS, Luna Insight, SPSS, Stata, web page creation, multimedia presentations, etc.)	Contact your Resource Specialist as soon as possible, since the amount of prep. time depends on the level of training needed. Some training can be provided immediately without the need to formally schedule a time.
Student T.A. By request, a T.A. or student assistant may attend a personal training session with the faculty member or alone. Typically, this form of training is for Blackboard administration, but we are happy to provide help for other applications as well.	Depends on level of customization required; contact your Resource Specialist for more information.
Class Training Faculty members may request specific training for their class. Examples: effective presentations, web page design, Excel charts and graphs, Blackboard, Refworks, etc.	The most successful training sessions are those that are tied to an assignment and presented at the appropriate time in the course when the student needs the information. This requires advanced planning (as early as possible, ideally before the semester begins).
Group Training Faculty may request specific training for a group, dept. etc. Examples: a tailored Blackboard training session for faculty teaching sections of the same course, specific application features, or an overview of a new technology.	Generally 2-3 weeks
Video Training Video assignments are becoming increasingly popular. In order to best serve all classes, MTS needs to know the scope of your project, and discuss the level of support.	Class assignments should be made known to MTS before the semester begins, or at the latest the first two weeks of the semester. Camera and editing training are available. Classes run the smoothest when there is a T.A. who can work with the students and also act as a conduit to MTS.
Other
Winter Institute on Teaching Spring Institute on Teaching with Technology	These programs explore resources and services available to Trinity faculty and how they can enhance teaching and student learning.
Student Technology Assistant (STA) Program Allows faculty to enhance their teaching through specific projects developed through collaboration with ACS staff, the STA, and other necessary staff resources (such as the library, Math Center, Writing Center, Media Technology Services, etc.). A perfect option for faculty members who may not have the time, expertise, or resources to complete a specific project on their own.	Applications are accepted year-round; however, it is recommended that you submit your proposal as early as possible to allow adequate preparation.

Other questions? Please contact us. We welcome your inquiries regarding which technologies might best serve your teaching needs.

Phil Duffy – Director Media Technology Services X2423	Jean-Pierre Haeberly – Director Academic Computing X2475
John Dlugosz – MTS Specialist X2422	David Tatem – Instructional Technologist X2124
Ron Perkins – MTS Technician X2422	Scott Vanek – Instructional Technologist X2109