Like our FOCUS program, the University of Washington has a series of classes for first year students that are built around specific content themes. UW has recently augmented this program by developing several classes that make technology an integral compo nent of the course. Called UWired, this project provides instruction for faculty, space for collaborative student projects, and ongoing support from Computing and Library staff.
Evaluation of the UW non-technology courses and the UWired courses show that students in the Uwired program learn to use technology to pursue their studies, both in the specific course and throughout their other courses, but also develop a greater sense o f community with faculty and their peers as well as attaining greater comfort levels with the University system as a whole.
This proposal suggests that modeling one or more FOCUS classes on the UWired program could benefit both faculty and students at UVM.
Partners and methods:
CIT, FOCUS, FOCUS faculty
Provide highly focused in-depth training and ongoing support for specific faculty members who teach selected FOCUS courses. If possible, provide equipment and space (see Steve Cavrak's proposals for classrooms an
d "lending library" equipment)