E-learning e-levates e-fficiency:
Researchers e-xcited over measurement device

Flagstaff, Ariz. (May 19, 2005) -- In an instant, some professors at Northern Arizona University are able to tell exactly which students have a grasp of the content of their lectures, and who needs a little more help understanding the course material. And they're doing it without subjecting their students to a show-of-hands poll.

They're testing one of the latest breakthroughs in classroom technology -- the classroom response system.

Don Carter, director of NAU's Center for Research, Assessment and Development of Learning in Electronic Environments -- also called NAU's E-Learning Center -- said the system is ideal for larger lecture-format classes, and it involves wireless remotes for each student that are linked to the system's hub with the instructor. Similar to a hand-held TV remote control, students enter responses when prompted.

"The instructor can use the system to take attendance, to give pop quizzes, and even to determine the level of students' understanding," Carter said, adding "They know which students are getting it and which are not, allowing for targeted interventions by the instructor, who can customize the kinds of help students need and also redirect the lecture if needed."

NAU astronomy, chemistry and physics classes are experimenting with the system and participating in focus groups to analyze how it is impacting their classroom experience. If the results are as promising as Carter anticipates, others at NAU and other institutions may also want to incorporate the systems into their classes.

This is but one example of emerging technologies that are showing great promise but are not being widely used in educational settings -- yet. Carter and his team are hoping that by hosting the E-Learning Institute at NAU May 24-27, they can help encourage even more educators to incorporate technology into their classrooms.

The institute will bring national leaders in the use of technology in education together to explore and share the newest in strategies and technologies for teaching and learning.

Phil Long, senior strategist for the Academic Computing Practice at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a keynote speaker at the institute and will discuss MIT's partnership with Microsoft that led to the development of iCampus at MIT. iCampus encourages and sponsors technological innovations for the classroom, and fosters their usage through worldwide multi-institutional cooperation.

iCampus projects include remote labs called iLabs that allow researchers and students to access real science labs using the Internet. Students studying microelectronics in Mexico, for example, could connect to an MIT iLab and analyze data at their own local computer. "For students around the nation and even worldwide to do that remotely, to have access to that kind of cutting-edge equipment, is very exciting," Carter said.

Also on the agenda is a discussion about emerging classroom technologies. In addition to the classroom response system, the tablet PC is also generating a lot of buzz. Students and researchers can take this portable, notebook-sized personal computer with a built-in GPS system out in the field to instantly map where they are and collect data and observations, rather than transcribing from paper notes after returning from their outing.

"E-learning is about so much more than just web classes," Carter said. "I like to think of e-learning as engaged, effective and efficient teaching and learning," he said. "The tools we use may be technical in nature, but the goal is to engage the student in effective learning opportunities."

Carter hopes that by bringing e-learning experts from around the nation to NAU to share their insights on educational technologies, the E-Learning Institute could develop into an ongoing national or even international conference for educators to remain up-to-date on using technology to enhance teaching and learning.

"I think attendees will gain an appreciation for the maturity of both the strategies and technologies available in online and technology-enhanced education," he said. "For students, it means better connections with their faculty and better engagement in the content of their courses. And faculty can use technology to become more efficient at planning and managing their classes."

For more information, visit the E-Learning Institute website.

-NAU-

Contact:
Tracie Hansen
Information Specialist
Northern Arizona University
(928) 523-6908
Tracie.Hansen@nau.edu