3.4.12 Technology Use

The institution’s use of technology enhances student learning, is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs. Students have access to and training in the use of technology.

  Compliance           ____  Partial Compliance          ___  Non-Compliance

Narrative:   

Enhance Student Learning
Faculty incorporates technology through their use of the course management system Joule a component of Moodle.  All faculty are required to use Joule to post the course syllabus and the grades.  The Library personnel provide Joule training to students as a part of bibliographic instruction or through the computer or a face-to-face class.

Technology is used to enhance student learning through the use of Smart Podiums or Carts which contain a laptop computer, projector, speakers, and an Elmo, document camera and projector, for each classroom. Faculty incorporates PowerPoint into courses as appropriate to the course.  All campuses are wireless allowing faculty to utilize internet resources such as YouTube and appropriate websites in the classroom to enhance student learning. 

An expected learning outcome in most degree programs is for students to use technology.  For instance, in the Associate of Science in Teaching program students develop an electronic portfolio using PassPort, which is used by universities in Louisiana.  In Industrial Technology students develop skills in Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD).  Students in digital media courses are expected to use Digidesign ProTools LE and TDM environments, Macromedia Fireworks, Dreamweaver, and Flash MX.  In certain math courses, students use Hawkes courseware.  In certain English and reading courses, Pearson’s My (Writing or Reading) Lab is used.  In each of these cases, instructors train students in their classes in the use of the technology.

Technology Access

Library
The library has computers and multi-media equipment for use in and outside the library as follows:

Equipment at the Lafayette campus may be checked out by faculty and staff for use at the New Iberia campus and other sites. All library desktop computers are loaded with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center, South Louisiana Community College’s (SLCC) tutorial center, trains students in how to use SMARTHINKING, Plato, and SkillsBank.  Students are encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunities to use these technologies.  Faculty are encouraged to participate in training sessions with the tutors.

eLearning
SLCC has a limited number of eLearning courses.  Online instruction is explained in Orientation (1) and in the Schedule Booklets. (2)  Training for online instruction is available either face-to-face in the library or online.

Program Appropriateness
Through unit plans and program student learning outcomes, program coordinators assure the technology is appropriate for meeting the program objectives. For example both the Associate of Science in Teaching and the Associate of Science in Industrial Technology programs assess their students’ skills in the use of computer applications. (Source: Annual Plan Report 2009-2010 AST UP 1 and ITEC PSLO 1)

According to the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) students “often” use email to communicate with instructors. Student and instructor communication frequently occurs through electronic media.  These media include but not limited to: email, Joule, web postings.etc.

Documentation: