Chapter 9: A Faculty Member’s Journey In Using Technology To Enhance Learning

In fall, 1999, I submitted an application to participate in CEP 822, the Professional Development Seminar on Educational Technology at Michigan State University (MSU), the following spring semester. My interest was encouraged by a colleague and a doctoral student who knew about both my curiosity about uses of technology to enhance teaching and learning and my hesitancy regarding my own knowledge in this area. In the proposal that I wrote in November 1999, I offered an analysis of the potential impact and value of my participation. I noted that I take my teaching very seriously, and, that for several years, I had had a growing realization that my low level of knowledge and skill with technology meant that I was not able to take advantage of some of the available resources that would benefit my students and their learning. I noted that I often teach courses on teaching and learning issues in higher education, and I believe these courses should model innovative uses of technology to enhance learning. I hoped that participating in the design course would help me gain the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill these expectations. Furthermore, I hoped to develop a project to facilitate students’ progress toward the goals of the course.