Teaching

1

• Teaching Learning Resource Centre (TLRC)

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Presenters

• Carole Dence, Associate Director, Instructional
  Services
• Nestor Querido, Technical Co-ordinator
• Patrick Lyons, Technical Designer
• Susan Ampleford, Team Leader, STA

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Student Technology Assistants

• A Winning Initiative in Support of Quality
  Teaching and Learning

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What is an STA Program?

• One solution to the Support Crisis
• Train and pay students to provide support in
  using computer technology to instructors and
  other students using WorkStudy funding.

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The STA Energy Transfer Triangle

• Matching the needs and assets of four players
• Instructors
• Students
• TLRC
• Workstudy

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Instructors
WorkStudy Funding
TLRC
Students
The STA Energy Transfer Triangle
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Evolution of the Program

• Background
• 1999-2000 Pilot
• Summer 2000
• 2000-2001
• The future.

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Principles

• Students receive broad training
• Instructors get professional level products
• Teaching learning always the first priority
• STAs are partners in the program, not just
  employees

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Challenges for the Future

• Permanent technical admin support
• Summer funding for students
• Building the career structure
• Setting / maintaining professional standards
• Capitalizing on the exuberance energy
• Keeping up with demand
• How far can the program grow?

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STA Program

• Course Web Sites
• In-Class workshops
• Templates
• Documentation
• Instructor training

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Web Sites

• Course Web Site
• Departmental Project

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In-Class workshops

• CHAT
• Web Authoring
• Presentations skills

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Templates

• Course Web Sites
• Logos

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Instructor Training

• Publishing
• Maintaining
• Authoring

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Documentation

• Authoring A Web Site
• Opening your CHAT account
• Activating your CHAT account from Home
• Publishing a Web Site
• Manuals for PowerPoint

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Summary

• Number of STA 11
• CHAT workshops 1600
• WEB Authoring 480
• PowerPoint 120
• Web sites 50 for 35 instructors
• Instructors trained 11

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An STA Perspective

• Formal Training Program
• Informal Training Program
• Personal experiences as an STA and benefits
  gained
• Thoughts on the future

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Formal Training

• Based on skill gaps and needs identified in first
  year
• Fall weekend workshop
• Weekly meetings (ongoing)
• End of term 1 -on- 1 meetings
• Winter weekend workshop

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Informal Training

• Team Work Communication
• Coaching Leadership
• Opportunity to show Initiative
• Progressive Responsibilities

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Personal Experience

• A home on campus
• Participated in developing something new
• Gaining supervisory experience
• Relationships on campus
• Technical skills

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Going Forward

• Solidify training program
• Identify permanent funding
• Marketing to students and faculty

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Supporting a STA Program

• Background
• Responsibilities
• Ideal Support Person(s)
• Recommendations

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Background

• Earth Scientist
• Worked with STA program for 12 months.
• Designed one of Carletons first online courses
• Familiar with many different media types (audio,
  video, flash).

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Responsibilities

• Training of STAs
• Complex projects
• Teaching faculty and leading workshops
• Documentation

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The Ideal Support Person(s)

• Teaching experience
• Strong technical skills
• Faculty contacts
• Experience working in a University environment

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Recommendations

• Dynamic Team Leader
• Technical Supporta generalist.
• Department Head who is willing to take risks,
  accept change, and listen.
• Students who want to make a difference!

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What is an STA program?

• So much more than just one solution to the
  support service crisis!