 |
 |
 |
|
August 2015
|
The CETL Technology Laboratory is a dynamic space that uses SMART technology and online tools as an avenue for lecturers to become familiar with cutting-edge technologies to enhance their teaching skills. Among the planned uses of the space are the introduction to new teaching and learning technologies, for example, the use of evaluation and feedback technologies such asPadlet and Poll Everywhere, podcasting software such as Screencast-o-matic, collaborative tools such as Twiddla and social media outlets like Pinterest. Lecturers will also be exposed to SMART and Digital Vision Touch Technology (DViT), a contemporary suite of interactive tools (hardware and software) that facilitate collaboration, learning and innovation. In so doing, lecturers will learn to use the SMART board that is not only a feature of the CETL Technology Laboratory, but is a feature of all tutorial rooms in the Teaching and Learning Complex (TLC). Training continues to be provided by CETL staff to assist lecturers in infusing technology into their teaching. Blended Learning involves leveraging the internet to afford each student a more personalized learning experience, meaning increased student control over the time, place, path, and/or pace of his or her learning. To accomplish the goal of blended course delivery as part of its curriculum, the Campus has employed the Replacement Model of Blended Learning. In this conception of blending, the goal is that a certain minimum percentage (45%) of a course will be mediated through technology, substituting for regular faceto- face course implementation. The implication of using the Replacement Model is that learning activities incorporated into the course must engage learners and facilitate their learning both within and beyond the four walls of the physical classroom. This therefore necessitates the re-conceptualisation and re-organisation of traditional face-to-face courses. With the new lab, UWIlecturers and instructors will therefore have the requisite resources to meet the challenges of teaching digital natives using elements of their language. Campus teaching staff are expected to use the lab to effectively utilise the Campus’s learning management system, myeLearning, a derivative of the Moodle system, and also to use a variety of “cool tools” that will allow them to manipulate and diversify the learning landscape to entice and engage learners who need more visual and nontraditional methods to facilitate their learning. The Technology Lab will also facilitate training in the use of the upgraded campus’s learning management system to myeLearning 2.X which will be piloted in the 015/2016 academic year. This is one of three components of the 2015/16 Blended Learning project. The others are a campus-wide survey to assess the current status of Blended Learning as engaged on the campus and a marked increase the number of Blended Learning courses and programmes on the campus. Academic departments are an integral part of the Blended Learning Programme thrust, and will be required to play specific supporting roles in terms of identifying those persons who are interested in and committed to blending their courses/programmes, and in identifying those programmes and courses that they wish to target for blended delivery. Department Heads will also have a role in allocating reduced teaching loads for those directly involved in the process of blended course conversion and delivery. The commissioning of the CETL Technology Laboratory and the launch of the 2015/16 Blended Learning Project signal in no uncertain terms that the future is here and The UWI St. Augustine Campus has taken the lead amongst Caribbean tertiary education institutions in facilitating teaching and learning with technology that mark a paradigmatic shift in 21st century tertiary education. |
In late July, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine, Professor Clement Sankat commissioned a new Technology Laboratory at the campus’ Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning’s (CETL). Valued at TTD .5M, the lab marks an important step in the expansion of the campus’ Blended Learning Programme, which has been in pilot phase from 2012 to 2014.