CTELT Newsletter Fort Hays State University

It has been twelve years since CTELT was formed out of a dual rationale: (1) the need to help Fort Hays State University (FHSU) faculty prepare for the use of new and emerging instructional technologies; and (2) to allow the members of the old Radio-TV concentration in Communication Studies to better pursue their curricular mission by establishing the Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications. The innovation in infrastructure proved to be a wise choice. In 1993, few institutions of higher education had given careful thought to providing the essential support structures so necessary to help increasing numbers of faculty grapple with basic and more advanced applications of instructional and information technologies. In addition, it was becoming clear that the conventional approach to curricular design whereby a solo faculty member conceptualized a course, got it approved by a department and the Faculty Senate or Graduate Council and, subsequently, delivered the learning experience in a traditional classroom space was not effective or appropriate for virtual learning environments. Instead, the traditional course development paradigm was being joined by one that was more learner-centered and powered by all kinds of information technologies, especially the development of the Internet. This learner-centered model served as an alternative to the faculty-centered approach where interaction in the classroom revolved around the instructor. As a result of this shift in focus, it became necessary to unbundle the course design and course delivery processes. No longer was the instructor alone equipped with a monopoly of expertise for course development, especially in the virtual learning environment. This unbundling of the design and delivery functions to meet the implications of new venues, technologies and education required teams of specialists and greater coordination and integration when compared with the development of classroom modes of instruction.

In the ensuing years since 1993, CTELT has served as the primary campus vehicle for implementing the collaborative paradigm of course design, delivery, and assessment. Its mission to systematically provide on- and off-campus faculty with professional development programs, consultations, workshops, introductions to new course management systems and emerging technologies, production assistance and technical support in collaborative and coordinated opportunities has become essential for the success of FHSU’s distributed learning strategy. This unbundling and collaborative paradigm has created implications for the role of faculty and shaped the need for new campus functions such as exploration of intellectual property rights, media licensing, instructional design, partnerships with publishers and technology providers among many others.

I am proud to say that the administration and the staff of CTELT have worked hard over the years to respond to these changes and implement the kinds of capabilities that have made course innovation and interactive delivery successful for hundreds of FHSU faculty and even high school and community college instructors off-campus. There is no doubt that the establishment of CTELT has been key in preparing the university and its faculty for success in dealing with the marriage of technology and education both in the classroom and in the world of distance education. Each year the CTELT staff identifies new strategies and skills for boosting the design of all kinds of learning experiences. This year, CTELT has established the new position of Teaching Excellence Coordinator to provide assistance for faculty with more traditional classroom practices and pedagogical skills that do not necessarily involve elaborate technologies. Robert Luehrs, former professor of history and one of the most respected of FHSU classroom instructors, has been persuaded to fill this position and fulfill the “teaching excellence” role in CTELT’s title and mission. I’m excited about this addition and urge you to visit Robert about course strategies, instructional delivery or course management skills, assessment techniques and the potential for technology to improve your classroom teaching performance.

In sum, CTELT continues to develop and provide faculty with more of what you have requested over the years. From multimedia design and support services, to videoconferencing, cable TV, satellite reception or interactive video distributed networks to deliver your learning experience to the rest of Kansas and the world, the staff at CTELT stand ready to make you a more effective and satisfied faculty member. I urge you to schedule an early visit to the Center’s facilities in the bottom of Forsyth Library to learn how our award-winning staff can help you prepare for success. The ball’s in your court!