Volume V Number 2
October/November 1998
This semester's Faculty Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, November 19 from 4:30 pm until 6:30 in the Faculty Center. The Advisory Board of the Faculty Center has planned a program highlighting support for the teaching and learning process. Volunteers from the Advisory Board will also provide refreshments. Faculty Showcases have been popular because they focus on what we do best at Bucks -- teach. The program on November 19 will feature the IT (Information Technology) Facilitators for this academic year, Joe Walsh, Tom O'Keefe, and Maureen McCreadie.
Joe will demonstrate computer display capabilities that allow a large group to view the output of one computer. He will demonstrate this equipment by showing his class presentation on global demographic trends that he created with PowerPoint. Advantages of this format include that course materials are easily updated and are visually engaging, and that the presentation reconfigures the student - teacher relationship in the classroom, encouraging greater student participation.
Tom will introduce the survey he has been developing. The survey seeks to identify current and future needs of the faculty with regard to teaching and learning that might be enhanced or supported through technology. What do we need in the way of support or training? What are our current needs? What do we want to be able to do in the future?
Maureen will introduce new World Wide Web-based information resources recently made available on campus as well as other information resources available on the Internet. She will also demonstrate some simple web pages and how they can enliven the teaching and learning process. The Library's resources are now available in multiple formats from multiple locations, and the interactive nature of the web provides a medium for students to engage actively in learning.
Seminar: Reflecting Upon One's Teaching
Teaching is an art; one can never fully master the form.
Participants in this seminar will work individually and in groups as a means of reflecting upon effective teaching. Participants will be guided through an activity that can help them to construct a personal professional development plan based upon their teaching ideals. This activity can also be adapted to a wide range of situations and purposes.
To participate in this professional development activity, please contact Michael Schwartz (ext. 8162 or schwartm@storm.bucks.edu), who will schedule the seminar.
Voluntary, Confidential Professional Development Consultation
Dear Colleague:As the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning Professional Development Consultant, I wish to offer my services as a consultant and an observer. To that end, I would be happy to discuss your teaching strategies, instructional methods, and professional development plans with you. I would also be happy to make an in-class observation, which includes a pre- and post-observation conference. The purpose of this activity is to afford you the opportunity to reflect upon your teaching in an objective, non-evaluative, non-threatening atmosphere. Of course, participation is voluntary and confidential.
Collegially, Michael Schwartz, M.A., M.Ed.
Teaching with Technology Series: The Color Copier
Catherine Jansen (Fine Arts) has offered a number of workshops and training sessions in the use of the color copier located in New Arts 016. This is a tool with great flexibility and a range of applications to teaching. For example, in one workshop, Catherine converted computer-generated pie charts to color transparencies suitable for display in class using an overhead projector. Next, she began with a small representation of the Mandelbrot set, a fractal image illustrative of complexity or chaos theory. Catherine enlarged the image using the color copier so that the class studying this concept can view the representation in full detail.
To arrange a demonstration of the copier, its potential, and how to operate it, contact Catherine Jansen at extension 8428. She will work with you to develop applications of this tool to support your classes.
Creativity Series
Doug Rosentrater (Communications) has developed a series of creativity workshops based on Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. Sessions begin at 2 pm every Wednesday in the Faculty Center. If you are interested in exploring how creativity can be positively applied to individual circumstances, drop in on these sessions. You are welcome to join in any time.
Participants are enthusiastic about the program. They find the exercises stimulating and thought-provoking. They also enjoy the company as well as exploring applications of creativity to teaching and learning.
The Advisory Board encourages all full- and part-time faculty members to schedule the Center for meetings or special events. The loft, with its ample table and comfortable chairs, provides an ideal meeting or conference area. The kitchen facilities are for you to use (if you clean up afterwards). Committee meetings, curriculum planning groups, program of study advisory committee meetings, brainstorming sessions are welcome in the Faculty Center. To reserve the Center, contact Maureen McCreadie by e-mail at mccreadi@storm.bucks.edu or by phone at extension 8055.
The Advisory Board welcomes your programming ideas
Talk to any member of the Advisory Board (see page 2 for a list of names) about programs you would like the Faculty Center to offer. We'll do our best to meet your professional development needs.
Computers (with e-mail and Internet connections) are available for you to use. Whether your preference is a Mac or Windows platform, you have access to a well-equipped computer in L115 (next door to Academic Computing). As well as computers with network connections to access the WWW, the Center also provides a flatbed scanner and laser printing capabilities. This equipment is yours to use every day. To arrange access on weekends, contact security.
You may have your own key to the Faculty Center
To assure access to the Center at your convenience, request a key from Maureen McCreadie (ext. 8055 or send e-mail to mccreadi@storm.bucks.edu).
The Distance Learning Roundtables meet monthly and focus on the tools, challenges, and successes of distance learning. The sessions usually include a brief presentation followed by open discussion and each focuses on a theme. All are welcome to participate.
Unless otherwise noted, all sessions meet in the Faculty Center
Creativity Series
Weekly in the Faculty Center
Creative Thinking ProgramEvery Wednesday afternoon Doug Rosentrater leads creativity sessions based on the work of Julia Cameron. The schedule follows the chapters of Cameron's book, The Artist's Way, and explores applications to teaching and learning. You are welcome to join these sessions in progress.
Teaching with Technology Serie: Introduction to the Color Copier
The color copier has multiple applications to teaching. Work with Catherine to explore options for its use in your courses. The best approach is to get an idea of the capabilities by participating in a demonstration, then, with Catherine's help, design a project for your students that allows them to use the color copier. With their assignment in mind, students are more likely to grasp and apply the concepts involved in using this amazing tool in their course work.
Orientation Series
One program remains in the Orientation Series which offers new faculty members an introduction to services, resources, and human connections on campus. All new faculty, both full- and part-time, are encouraged to participate, as are faculty mentors. Open to all faculty, programs begin in the Faculty Center, then return there for a half hour of refreshments and socializing from 4 - 4:30.
Advising & Learning Styles Research
Catherine McElroy, head of Academic Advising, will be on hand to bring participants up-to-date on advising services and procedures for students. Bill Ford will report on the work of the Learning Styles Research Team.
Notices regarding calls for papers, conference notices, and other professional development information are available through the Faculty Center electronic mail discussion list. The discussion list allows all subscribers to receive posts to the list at individual e-mail addresses. Once you have subscribed, you are encouraged to initiate or participate in discussions related to teaching and learning by posting to flc@storm.bucks.edu.The list is a vehicle for discussions on any topic related to teaching and learning. For example, it is an ideal forum for those teaching distance learning to ask questions of each other or to pass along reports of tools, techniques, or approaches they find useful.
To subscribe to the discussion list:send an e-mail message to: majordomo@storm.bucks.edu message: Subscribe flcThen, simply send the message as you usually send any other e-mail message. That is the last time you will address a message to majordomo until you want to unsubscribe.
To post a message to the list:address it to: flc@storm.bucks.edu.