This episode of the CTE's Teaching and Learning podcast series features a conversation among VCU faculty members Jose Alcaine, Terry Carter, Jen Darragh, John Kneebone, Betsy Nance, Audrey Short and Ruth Westervelt, all of whom were participants in the 2008 Teaching and Learning with Technology Institute. During the discussion they reflect on their experiences using technology in their teaching over the past year, share their views about challenges and successes and offer insights about how their practice continues to evolve as they think about the impact of technology on learning.

The conversation will certainly be of interest to others who are thinking about the meaningful use of technology in education. The episode closes with some particularly relevant comments about why today's faculty members - now more than ever - should seek to enhance learning and engage students through the use of technology.

Show Notes
CTE Teaching and Learning with Technology Institute

You can listen to or download the episode below:

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TeachTechReflect.mp3

Although much has been discussed and written about the educational use of blogs it remains a topic of interest. Many thoughtful educators continue to explore how writing blogs can be used to support learning, engage students with authentic audiences, and build community in the classroom. Complex pedagogical issues emerge when faculty and students invite dialogue in the blogosphere.

In this episode we explore the perspectives of VCU faculty members, Bonnie Orzolek and Liz Canfield, who have been integrating blogging into their Focused Inquiry courses for the past several years. During the conversation they discuss how blogging supports important learning outcomes in their courses, and also share key insights about how students grow as writers and thinkers in the process. We hope you'll participate in the conversation by sharing your comments.

You can listen to or download the episode below:

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WritingInOpenSpaces.mp3

The CTE is highlighting some of the final reports from our Small Grant Program, 2007-2008. The Small Grant Program supports faculty in their efforts to improve teaching; reports from the participants are due in August, at the conclusion of the grant cycle.

This report comes from Amy Throckmorton in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering. This study broadly sought to motivate junior engineers to nurture their intellectual curiosity, to be professionals, and to ultimately attain rewarding careers in engineering.

You can find her report here.

As students continue to use Facebook to connect and communicate in increasing numbers, it has also become common for faculty members to consider the use of this social networking site to facilitate interaction in educational contexts. One of the perennial questions that arises is whether faculty should accept Facebook "friend requests" from students.

In this episode, we are joined by VCU faculty members Mike Abelson, Melissa Johnson and Stephanie Rizzi who share their experiences with using Facebook and offer their perspectives on the pros and cons of "friending" students. In the course of the discussion they address some of the complexities of faculty members having online social identities, point out some uses that have supported some community building among their colleagues, and offer some meaningful advice to faculty who are new users or who are considering the use of Facebook.

We invite you to continue the conversation by sharing your comments.

You can listen to or download the episode below:

Facebook2Friend.mp3