Notes and News
By Ireta Ekstrom

Hello everyone,
Technology is being used increasingly in our society and the university classroom is no exception.  Many professors already make effective use of tools and software such as computers, visualizers, video/DVD players, PowerPoint and Blackboard. One of the newer forms of utilizing technology in education is podcasting class lectures. The feature article this month is “iPODing Education” by FaCIT director Todd Zakrajsek.  It is time to open a dialogue about podcasting’s impact on the learning environment. Please let me know if it is something you want to try in one of your classes.

The book review this month is by Robin Sabo (Assistant Professor, Reference Librarian/Health Sciences Bibliographer, Park Library):Blueprint for Learning: Constructing College Courses to Facilitate, Assess and Document Learning by Laurie Richlin. If you are interested in reviewing a book, please let us know.  In addition to assisting colleagues, reviewers get to keep copies of any book reviewed.  We have a steady supply of new titles if this interests you.

The next First Friday for December is Forming Strategic Collaborations on December 1, 2006from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  This discussion will focus on establishing external collaborations as a tool to facilitate both teaching and research.  The conversation will be facilitated by Shane Cavanaugh of the Teacher Education and Professional Development Department.  Please come to meet and share ideas with colleagues while enjoying a free lunch provided by ORSP and FaCIT. 
 
Until next time,
Ireta Ekstrom
FaCIT Instructional Designer