ERIC Number: ED390381
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1995-Dec-1
Pages: 17
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Computing and Other Instructional Technologies: Faculty Perceptions of Current Practices and Views of Future Challenges. A Focus Group Study Conducted for the Information Resources Council and the Office of the Provost.
Byron, Suzanne
During the 1994-95 academic year a series of four focus groups were held to learn more about faculty attitudes toward computing and instructional technologies at the University of North Texas. This report assembles faculty quotes which represent group concerns about: (1) the reliability of the equipment and its technical support; (2) the availability of support staff; (3) faculty training in instructional technologies; (4) the lack of proper classroom design to support the use of technologies; (5) compatibility/platform issues; (6) whether technology saves time for the instructor or demands more; (7) if use of and expertise in technology might increase chances for reward in the form of promotion and tenure; (8) attitudes toward technology in general; (9) whether technology can improve teacher performance; (10) whether technology is an "enhancer," or helps students learn; and (11) whether technology is a distractor to teaching and learning. The group's comments suggest that faculty believe the use of technology can add value to the total educational experience, but they would recommend that the university: (1) foster development of discipline-specific models; (2) provide time to redesign courses using technology when appropriate; and (3) ensure availability and reliability of equipment and support. A list of the questions posed to the focus groups is appended. (BEW)
Descriptors: Classroom Design, College Faculty, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Attitudes, Computer Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Faculty Promotion, Focus Groups, Higher Education, Instructional Effectiveness, Instructional Innovation, Teacher Attitudes, Technical Education, Time Management, Training
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
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Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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