Technological Initiatives
Overview

In addition to the three tracks, the program also has a technology component. Technology has an increasingly prominent role in academia and thus shapes the roles and responsibilities of faculty in various ways. Not only do faculty incorporate technologies into both their teaching and scholarship, but faculty have critical roles in helping institutions of higher education determine how technology fits in with the mission of the school. Successful use of technology throughout the institution requires faculty to be informed about current uses, advantages, and limitations of technology.

In their teaching, faculty use technology for various pedagogical and administrative purposes; these include a wide variety of software for determining grades, facilitating online chats with and among students, developing course web pages, submitting and grading assignments electronically, giving classroom presentations, utilizing in-class activities like modeling and simulations, and teaching virtual courses. Understanding students’ knowledge of, access to, and expectations for technology is imperative for effective learning to take place. Also, awareness of the technological job market skills that students need can help faculty better prepare students for successful careers.