ITD Fellowship Application

Summer 2005

(1 Paper copy and 1 digital copy to be filed with the Information and Technology Division, Cope 003)

Name:   _Removed                                      Date: ___2/19/05       

College: N/A                                              MTSU Phone: Removed       

Department:  Developmental Studies/University Seminar

Project Title: University Seminar Online Faculty Manual__

In the space below (and on additional sheets, if needed), outline the following:

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (including purposed and objectives of project, program design, procedures and method, timeline for completing the project, etc.)
   
   Recommendations set forth by a University Retention Task Force in 1993 suggested that the University Seminar course be expanded to include most of the incoming students. This suggestion was based on information from Noel-Levitz that indicated “extended orientation courses improve retention, improve academic performance (including grade point average, communication skills, units completed, academic dismissals, study habits and attitudes, and relations with faculty) and increase knowledge of Student Services.” The report also indicated that MTSU students who took the course were retained at rates higher than those that did not.         
   
   Based on this report, Fay Johnson in Academic Affairs was given the responsibility to grow the program. As a result the program has grown from the offering of 7 sections in Fall 1992 to over 60 sections in Fall 2004. Because of the similar focus on student transition and retention, the responsibilities for the University Seminar 1010 program were transferred to the Chair of Developmental Studies in 2004.
   
   The catalog description of University Seminar 1010 (UNIV 1010) states that it is a course “designed to help freshman students develop tools needed for success. This seminar course helps new students appreciate the value of a higher education, learn about the numerous campus resources available to them, clarify their career goals, and gain academic skills required of the successful college student.” Presently, it is an elective 3-hour course required only of undeclared students. There are several students who opt to take the course based on its merits. Class sizes are capped at 25 students and are taught by approximately 45 University administrators, faculty, and adjuncts from the community.
   
   The purpose of this project is to develop an online instructor’s manual for this course.  Unlike other university faculty, UNIV 1010 instructors are not all housed in a single department full time where they have opportunities for collaboration with peers that would facilitate the exchange of ideas that leads to more effective teaching. Also, due to the nature of this program, each fall several new instructors teach the course. Although many of the instructors are acquainted with the use of technology, many are not aware of how it can be utilized to help achieve instructional goals. The purpose of the online manual include the following:

• Provide a central  and readily assessable location for information on teaching UNIV 1010
• Provide PowerPoint presentations on UNIV 1010 topics that can be integrated into classroom instructional strategies
• Provide information on the five key components of the course: academic skills, career planning, university resources, time and financial management, and lifestyle issues
• Provide sample lesson plans for each key component of the course that include the use of technology
• Provide web resources for each key component of the course.
• Provide instructions on syllabus preparation and sample syllabi
• Provide information on classroom management
• Provide a list of university resources relative to each key component
• Provide examples of active learning instructional strategies
• Provide topics conducive to small group discussions

2. IMPLICATION FOR INSTRUCTIONAL ENHANCEMENT (including method of project evaluation, expected results, etc.) 
   
   Performance is improved when instructors are given the tools that they need to be effective and when they have the opportunity to learn from each other. This online manual will enable over 45 new and veteran instructors to quickly access information that will readily enable them to develop various instructional strategies. To assist in accomplishing their instructional objectives. It will also equip instructors with ideas to maximize student engagement in the classroom making it a more student-centered environment. Students at MTSU  are expected to be comfortable in the use of technology as they matriculate. Therefore, it is very important that UNIV 1010 instructors model the use of technology in the classroom. Having this online manual will help them to achieve this. They will learn to make assignments that require students to utilize technology. In master classrooms, instructors will be able to present various topics just by accessing the PowerPoint presentations available on this site. Instructors will be encouraged to develop other presentations on their own and make them available to be placed on the site as well for shared usage. Instructors, while presenting a topic in the class, may also open one of the many related links that will be available on the site. For example, when encouraging student campus involvement, the instructor can from this site open the link to Student Organizations. Early exposure to the various ways the instructors use technology in the classroom will encourage students to become comfortable with it also.
   
   Approximately 1900 freshman students take UNIV 1010 during the academic year. The online manual that will result from this fellowship will provide a treasure of centralized and readily accessible information that has the potential of transforming the way this large group of students are taught this course.
   
   Approximately 1900 freshman students take this course during the academic year. This online manual will provide a central and readily accessible location to disseminate valuable information to those teaching this group.

SIGNATURES OF APPROVAL:

Applicant:  ______________________________     Date: __________

Department Chair: ________________________     Date: __________

College Dean: ____________________________     Date: __________

Note: All of the signatures should be obtained by the applicant before the copies of the grant are made and submitted.

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Committee Recommendation:  _______________     Date: __________

Total Funds Authorized:  ___________________     Date: __________

Comments: _______________________________________________________

________________________________________     Date: __________

Chair, Instructional Technologies Development Committee

_______________________________________        Date: __________

Vice President for Information Technology & CIO

Information Technology Division

(Revised 1/05)