Comprehensive
Standard 3.4.12
The institution’s use of technology enhances student learning, and
is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs. Students have access to and training in the
use of technology. (Technology use)
aCompliance ___Partial Compliance ___Non-Compliance
Narrative:
Lawson State Community College enhances student learning by
utilizing technology that is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its
educational and support services programs and ensuring that students have
access to and training in the use of technology. The College’s Management Information Systems
(MIS) unit is responsible for the maintenance of technology to support
instruction and administrative computing.
The responsibilities of the unit include computer hardware, software,
system administration, Help Desk support; computer system and network security;
telephone services/ audio visual support and Distance Education support. Over 90% of the classrooms on both campuses
are equipped with the capability for internet connected computers, projectors,
and audio systems for instructors and student use. Additionally, the College utilizes Tegrity, a
lecture capture web service that allows faculty to automatically capture,
store, and index classes on and off campus for later review by students anytime
and anywhere.
Students have access to hardwired and wireless open computer
laboratories with a variety of software both general and course specific,
available for their use. The College
utilizes Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) which allows for video and audio
conference between campuses and other remote sites. State-of-the-art computer laboratories are
available across disciplines on both campuses.
Lawson State Community College identifies technology as integral
to its mission to “provide accessible quality educational opportunities,
promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life for people in its
service area. LSCC
Mission Statement Goal 3 of the College’s institution-wide goals is “to thoroughly
integrate technology college-wide in instruction.” A core requirement for the associate degrees,
college transfer and the general education programs is student demonstration of
computer proficiency by successfully completing a three-credit hour course (CIS
146) (Degree Offering).
In support of its mission and to facilitate attainment of the
Strategic Plan, planning for technology is a regular part of the College. The Dean of Educational Support Services is
responsible for MIS. He sits on the
President’s Administrative and Expanded Cabinets and has vital input into
technology and other administrative needs.
The College places primary responsibility for quality educational
programs however with the faculty.
Individual departments of the College engage in technology planning
throughout the academic year and identify their technology needs according to
specific programmatic and course requirements.
Advisory committees help identify technology needs as well as program
reviews, students and employers. The
College also uses the Instructional Technology and Distance Learning Committees
(Technology Committee Responsibility) (Technology Committee Minutes), which is co-chaired by
faculty to identify issues related to technology.
The Lawson State Community College Technology Plan (Technology Plan 2006-2009) includes specific goal
statements and current and future infrastructure requirements. The scope of this plan is defined as
technology resources used to deliver information technology services for
academic and administrative needs. The priority for allocation of computers is
for classroom and student use. Since
2005, budget planning reflects the plan to have high quality computers,
representative of the workplace, available for student use. In addition to purchasing Technology Expenditures and (Technology Expenditures Chart)
desktop and laptop computers for classrooms, all
faculty were provided with laptops to facilitate ease of use in the classroom.
The Business and Information Technologies Division has 90 mobile laptops and 20
desktops for student use. Classroom
computers were added to the science laboratory, the Library laboratory, the
Ward Technology Building laboratories, the Student Persistence through
Assistance and Collaborative Efforts (SPACE) laboratory, the developmental
studies laboratories (writing, reading and mathematics), the Radio and TV
laboratory, the Robotics laboratory, the Drafting laboratories, automotive
hardware and software purchases, Blackboard Course Management Software, Tegrity
software, licensing, etc. Distance
learning students’ access their courses through the Blackboard Course
Management Software. (Blackboard Bio Site)
BLACKBOARD
With BlackBoard, each student is able to receive instant feedback
via the use of online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching.
The instructors provide students with the features below and more:
(1)
Course Materials – Students are able to view enrichment materials, documents
(syllabus, slideshows, links, etc.), videos, etc., that assist them in
understanding the materials.
(2)
Course Tools
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Provides details for posting important information about the course,
such as assignment due dates, content changes or guest speakers. Also, the announcement link serves as a
resource for students to be informed concerning about jobs, financial aid,
admission information, departmental information, weather alerts, software
discounts for classes, etc. |
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Provides all the details for posting course-related events on a Calendar. This features assist students in
remembering due dates in each class. |
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Describes how to post information about Instructors, Teaching
Assistants, and guest speakers for the course. Students also are able to view
instructors’ Locator Cards. |
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Explains how to organize course projects, priorities, and
details in the class. |
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Provides information on how to send email to other participants
or groups of participants within a course.
Students are also able to communicate with each other pertaining to
group projects, asking questions, etc. |
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Provides information for exchanging files between the Instructor
and course participants. All student
files are able to be deposited into each instructor’s account. Instructors do not have to search for
files—each student has a separate folder.
Instant feedback is also available. |
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Explains how messages are sent to users within a course. Instructors and students are able to send
and receive emails from members of the class.
The names are instantly available. |
(3) Discussion Boards - The Discussion Board is
an-outcome based learning tool that can be applied in a number of ways to
enhance learning and measure performance.
Students are able to communicate and critique each other in the class.
Moreover, they are able to view documents posted by the instructor, alter the
materials, and resubmit the correct version (immediate feedback).
(4) Virtual Chats – Instructors are able to
communicate live with their students in online as well as web-supported
classes.
(5) Online Quizzes – Students are able to take
quizzes online, with multiple chances and receive immediate feedback. As for the instructor, this is a great
resource, at least for one school year.
Once the exam is input into BlackBoard, it stays permanently. It is recommended that tests are changed
yearly for security purposes.
(6) Academic Resource Center – Students receive
instant messages from both campuses through the announcements weekly. They are always informed of changes and
weather alerts.
(7) Course Cartridges - Allows Instructors to
access sets of teaching tools provided by academic publishers. Chalk Titles are
Course Cartridges that are integrated with external applications and content
from publishers Course Cartridges allows Instructors to access sets of teaching
tools provided by academic publishers. Chalk Titles are Course Cartridges that
are integrated with external applications and content from publishers
(8) Grade Center (Grade Book) – The Grade Center posts
all student grades associated with Tests and Assignments. Moreover, Lawson
State’s policy is to post all attendances.
Posting the attendance verifies participation and good business ethics
when employers need references. The
Grade Center also accommodates external grades for work completed outside of
BlackBoard. Instructors view the results
of created tests, quizzes, surveys, etc., through the Grade Center as
well. At the end of the semester, each
instructor is allowed to save an electronic version of each class and submit a
copy to the supervisor via e-mail.
Calculations of categories in BlackBoard are instantly given. Students know their status in each class at
all times.
(9) Library Remote Access – Every student that logs
into BlackBoard is also able to go directly to Lawson State’s Library. They have a choice of ProQuest, NetLibrary, Alabama Virtual Library, CINAHL, and Athena.
TEGRITY
Tegrity is another learning technology tool that has been adopted
by the College. This student-based technology allows instructors to
automatically capture lectures (audio and video) and to upload them to
Blackboard. Students have access to archived lectures 24 hours a day, 7
days a week via the Internet. For those who do not have access to the
Internet, lectures can be saved to the CD-ROM. This enhancement provides
an entirely new dimension to the College’s instructional program. Tegrity
reinforces learning by providing students with a convenient way to study.
The technology allows students to replay an entire class session or to
focus on specific concepts introduced in class with which they may be having
difficulty.
SOUTHERN REGIONAL ELECTRONIC BOARD
Lawson State is an electronic campus of the SREB (Southern
Regional Electronic Board). SREB is an
"electronic marketplace" of online courses and programs from the
South's colleges and universities. The Electronic Campus was
designed to provide learning opportunities from accredited colleges and
universities that offered courses and programs that exceed SREB's Principles
of Good Practice. By doing this, learners could be assured of the quality
and integrity of the courses and programs available in the Electronic
Campus, that comparable information would be provided to help learners
in making decisions that best meet their needs, and that learners could quickly
and easily search the large database of course and program offerings.
Lawson State Community Colleges places primary responsibility for
educational quality with faculty. Their use of technology differs and is
appropriate to these specific disciplines. Examples of the use of technology to
enhance student learning includes:
English (Structure of an Essay) (Criterion Snapshot)
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PowerPoint slide shows are done for all major lessons.
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Essay prompts and instructions are placed in Criterion Online
Writing Evaluation software.
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Students have unlimited opportunities for revision-using Criterion.
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My Writing Lab software is used to provide tutorial videos that are synchronized
with the textbook
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My Writing Lab software is used for writing exercises to demonstrate integration
of the lesson discussed in class.
Natural Sciences
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Virtual laboratories are used in on-line Introductory Biology (BIO
101 and BIO 102) courses. The laboratories
correspond to the concepts that are covered in the course. (Biology BlackBoard Puzzle)
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Blackboard is used for communicating class information and grades
and for using videos and animations which relate to lectures, online
discussions, and research.
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The Blackboard Course Cartridge that accompanies the textbook is
used extensively. These course
cartridges include study materials that have proven to be very helpful to
students. The textbook study materials
for each chapter include quizzes, crossword puzzles, flashcards, labeling
exercises, etc.
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PowerPoint lectures are posted to Blackboard as well as personal
audio lectures (Audio Lecture) for download. Some students put the lectures on a CD and
listen while they are in a car, cooking dinner, or jogging. Others listen as they are re-writing their
notes.
Automotive
Interactive Distant Learning, a live interactive broadcast is
used. Another method is called Service Information (SI). SI was created by
General Motors as a multipurpose web site. This site replaces the hard copy
repair manuals. Multi Diagnostic
Interface Modules are also used. This communication method works in conjunction
with a laptop to communicate with the computers on automobiles.
Lawson State is a certified Snap-on Diagnostic training center
utilizing hand held computers like ETHOS, an entry-level system that features
software that communicates with vehicles back to 1980. The software covers
manufacturer specific codes and data for systems, from engine and transmission
to ABS, airbag and more. The software’s user interface makes it easy for
technicians to read and clear manufacturer specific trouble codes, graph live
readings for multiple data parameters, print, record and save data for review,
and connect to a PC to save and review files.
SOLUS is the mid-range hand-held diagnostic tool built on
Microsoft Windows CE technology. The SOLUS scan tool provides critical
diagnostic data faster and presents more of the information at once—allowing
technicians to make better decisions in less time. SOLUS is ideal for general
repair, specialty imports, brakes, transmission and collision shops where
technicians and shop owners need to diagnose engines, transmissions, brakes,
airbags, and other controlled systems. SOLUS replaces the need for multiple,
expensive manufacturer-specific tools.
MODIS is the top-of-the-line diagnostic system. This
innovative diagnostic platform allows technicians to pinpoint and diagnose
today’s sophisticated vehicles faster. The MODIS system incorporates
advanced on-board diagnostic capabilities including Domestic and Asian Import
Vehicle Communication Software, plus Fast-Track Troubleshooter, the industry’s
only software that integrates experience-based information with scan tool
instrumentation.
Cosmetology
In COS 118, 143, and 144—Beauty/Salon Imaging, students use
digital photos as a before shot and load the photo into a software
that will then allow them to choose various hairstyles, haircuts and make-up
applications so the client can see how a style, haircut or color will look on
them before the service is actually done. This process serves to minimize
errors and damage to a clients hair and or skin. They can actually see the
outcome digitally and make any changes before proceeding with service.
Supplemental technology resources are used during theory
instruction which provides PowerPoint lesson plans. Some other
interactive technology resources allow students to work independently and
reinforce theory and practical assignments all in an effort to strengthen
knowledge.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Digital diagnostic equipment such as combustion analyzers,
manometers, anemometers, and electronic micron gauge for extreme low pressures and
vacuums are used in the instruction process. When learning about heating
in ACR-119, a combustion analyzer and a manometer help students understand
combustion and gas pressure. While studying air distribution and balancing the
ACR-132, the curriculum outlines an incline manometer and anemometer for
measuring duct system pressure. ACR-112 students learn to measure
extreme low pressures and vacuums by using electronic gauges and
in ACR-148 instructors use interactive software to diagnose heat pump
problems.
Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is used to teach
students to map data. GIS helps companies and governments look for patterns in
both the man-made and natural realms so they can better understand the world. The
System takes the numbers and words from the rows and columns in databases
and spreadsheets and places them on maps. This process highlights
characteristics such as the location of new customers, where environmental
degradation is occurring, the identification of roads and water systems which
need repair, and it identifies ways to increase farm production and manage land
more efficiently. Mapping geological features and ground temperatures can
assist exploration geologists look for minerals, gas, oil, and other materials
underground. If companies can identify patterns of likely locations, they
save money and reduce the environmental impact of drilling.
CIS269 Hardware Support
The CIS269 Hardware Support
class prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Certification exam. Upon completion
of the course, labs and lecture materials, each student takes a simulated
exam. The simulated software is by Transcender (Transcender Software Snapshot). The score report allows the student to assess where they
stand and better prepare to reach the goal of certification. Once a score of
80% or better is achieved consistently, the student is then prepared to take
the actual exam. If the student does not achieve the score, he/she may review
the questions missed and retake the exam.
Industrial
Electronics
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2308 Cutline: A
nine-station automated manufacturing system that is the perfect platform
for analyzing and troubleshooting the interaction between mechanical,
pneumatic, robotics, electrical, and controllers.
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1425 Cutline: A Lawson State student is programming the
logic controls on the automated manufacturing line. The nine station
system is modular so it can be configured to match the
specific setups found in industry. Instructors have
found that math and technology skills are
strengthened with hands-on learning in the automated manufacturing
lab.
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Manufacturers need technicians who have hands-on experience with
industry standard robotics. The College six robotic arms are used by the
Industrial Electronics, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Engineering,
Welding, and Auto Body programs. In addition to the robotic arms, the
College has six specialized robotic simulation software cells: Programming and
Parts Manipulation, Auto Body Painting, Dispensing, Material Handling,
Palletizing, and Welding. Each operation consists of a Six-Axis
Mechanical Robot Trainer and industry approved curriculum. The trainers
work in tandem with the simulation software packages to teach a wide spectrum
of robotic programming, utilization, and maintenance skills.
Drafting and Design
Rapid prototyping is additive production technology and is taught
in the drafting and design program. It is frequently used in design,
casting, biomedical industry, construction, reverse engineering, architecture,
art, geology, healthcare, and defense. Students in rapid prototyping
classes create drawings of anything from a building to a motorcycle using
either AutoCAD or SolidWorks software. They then print
the drawings in 3D using the rapid prototyping equipment. This
equipment is especially important in research and design because the scale
model can be created in a matter of hours.
Radio and TV
The Radio & TV Production Department is 100% Macintosh based.
All computers in the program are Macs/Apples running the latest operating
system OSX. Macs allow students to use industry standard, state-of-the-art
production software including Final Cut Studio 2 (includes Final Cut Pro,
specifically listed below, Soundtrack, DVD Studio, Motion and Live Type) and
Creative Suite 3 (includes Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign), in addition to
many other software suites and programs, including, but not limited to,
QuickTime Pro, Microsoft Office, Popcorn, iTunes, iPhoto, Aperture, Safari and
Garage Band. The speed of the Macintosh system, along with user friendliness
and an excellent and resilient operating system, allows instructors to focus
more on instruction and departmental management then on computer maintenance
and troubleshooting. In addition, student computer access is rarely
interrupted.
The RTV Department has a computer lab with 6 Mac computer stations
and 1 MacBook laptop and it is opened for student use approximately 40 hours a
week with the laptop available for check-out providing 24 hour access. Computer
stations are used by students and instructors on a daily basis. An instructor’s
Mac station is used daily for instruction, it is connected to a projector and
the instructor is able to use PowerPoint presentations and incorporate
pictures, audio and video into instruction. Instruction on all of the
aforementioned software (along with additional programs) is facilitated through
the use of the instructor Mac station. Demonstrations of all software are
provided and students can interact with software and the instructor. This also
allows for questions to be answered visually and for students to be able to
demonstrate software usage. Ninety-five percent of all instruction in the
program uses some form of image, video, audio and/or text to support
instruction/information dissemination.
Final Cut Pro (Part of Final Cut Studio 2) (FCP) - FCP is an industry-standard,
state of the art video editing software. A large percentage of motion pictures
and television programs are edited using this software. FCP is installed on all
of the computers in the RTV Program and the software is used by the instructor
and students on a daily basis. 15% of instruction in the RTV department focuses
on this software alone. The majority of classes in the RTV department have at
least one project (most at least two) that students use Final Cut Pro to
complete.
Time Capsule - Apple Time Capsule has been installed in the
RTV area and through the technology, a departmental network has been
established. All computers in the RTV Department are now on a network and are
able to communicate. Great progress toward a “paperless” work environment has
been achieved. Ninety-five percent of student work is now submitted through the
Time Capsule server. Students use the server for file sharing and project
submission. In addition, students and instructors back their work up using the
500 GB Time Capsule. A central area on the Time Capsule has been established
for departmental file sharing. Requirements for student server use have been
integrated into the syllabus and instruction/training on server use has
implemented. Instructors can move files using the Time Capsule. For example, a
PowerPoint presentation can be created on the instructor’s office computer and
can then be placed on Time Capsule and accessed from all other student
computers and the classroom instructor station. This system helps eliminate
departmental waste (CDs, DVDs, paper, and such) and wear and tear of equipment
(external hard drives, thumb drives and the like). Student computers can be
accessed by the instructor and work and progress can even be viewed through the
Time Capsule. The Time Capsule is used on a daily basis.
Video Cameras - In the RTV Department video cameras (high definition and
standard definition digital cameras - Canon XL2 & Canon HD) are used on a
weekly basis by students and instructor. Instruction on the cameras is provided
and camera use is a focus of 60% of the courses in the program.
Blackboard - Students and instructors in the RTV department use Blackboard
on a daily basis. Blackboard is used to manage grades and allow student access
to their grades and manage their progress. In addition, PowerPoint slideshows,
hand-outs, manuals and the like are uploaded to Blackboard and students use the
site to access files. Students are able to reinforce what they have learned in
class by reviewing PowerPoint slideshows and other materials and information
presented/covered in class. In addition, if students are absent they are able
to access materials and/or presentations that they may have missed. The use of Blackboard in such a way appears
to have a direct, positive influence on student grades. Moreover, it has a
positive influence on instructor productivity.
All computers in the RTV Department offer Internet access. Through
the previously mentioned Time Capsule, a wireless connection has been
established in the RTV classroom and lab areas. The Internet allows students to
access sites such as Blackboard and the Internet Movie Database as well as
local, industry related sites (Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, Alabama Film
Commission, Alabama Public Radio). In addition, the Internet is used to
facilitate student research and job searches and allows for virtual library
access and email communication as well as access to the student federal
financial aid site and other colleges and universities. The instructor station
has Internet access and Internet use has been incorporated into instruction.
The College also offers Distance Learning opportunities. The distance learning students access their
courses through the course management software, Blackboard. Distance learning is coordinated by the
Associate Dean of Business and Information Technologies. This person works closely with Management
Information System personnel to make sure that appropriate equipment and resources
are available to support distance learning.
During the 2007-2008 academic year, 807 students enrolled in distance
learning courses and 793 enrolled in distance learning courses in 2006-2007.
Students also have access to the Electronic Campus (Electronic Campus) a secure, free sign that will provide access to various tools and
information and allow them to save information from searches, online
applications, etc. The link is located
on the Lawson State Community College homepage.
The current level of technology integration into the curriculum is
designed to significantly impact student learning. Assessment results from the spring 2008
administration of the Student Survey indicate that approximately ninety percent
of students responding to the survey rated the technological resources
available to them as average or above.
During the spring 2007 administration of the survey, ninety-two percent
rated the technology resources as average or above. The level of satisfaction with technological
resources appears to be high and reflects that technology is being used
effectively within the classroom.
Additionally, the use of and satisfaction with technology is monitored,
reviewed and evaluated by the Administrative Computing and Telecommunications
Committee (Administrative Computing Committee) (Administrative Computing Committee Minutes).
Documentation:
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Document |
Location |
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LSCC
Mission from Website |
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LSCC
Catalog, pages 58-59, Degree Offerings |
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Instructional
Technology and Distance Learning Committee |
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Instructional
Technology and Distance Learning Committee Meeting Minutes |
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Lawson
State Community College Technology Plan |
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LSCC
Technology Expenditures |
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LSCC
BlackBoard |
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Criterion
Snapshot Understanding the Structure of an Essay |
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Criterion
Online Writing Snapshot |
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Biology
Blackboard Pages |
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Biology Audio Lecture Files |
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Electronic Campus |
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Administrative
Computing and Telecommunications Committee |
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Administrative
Computing and Telecommunications Committee Minutes |