My rationale for participating in the grant project:

I have extensive experience in using the web for instructional delivery and content development, and I also teach web design. The workshop will provide me with insight into some of the newest technology applications and their use in instruction. I am also hoping to get a better understanding of the theories underpinning these new technologies.

The sad tree from August

The Process:

In August 2007 it was my hope that I would be introduced in some new technology that would allow me to advance my skills and knowledge in instructional use so to better provide instruction to my students.

After participating in the workshops during the school year I decided to find ways that I could use my existing knowledge with current technologies. For the past three years I have been delivering digital videos through Quicktime for my online students and this seems to be an effective way to provide instruction. These videos are much more in depth and I provide anywhere from 5-15 videos for one topic. These videos are much longer and therefore the file sizes are much larger. Using these type of videos would not be effective to the general individual that just needed to know one tip, or find that tip that will help them achieve completion of a project. However I got to thinking about how I can use this type of delivery and make it more globally available.

I had created podcasts in the past, but didn't have a venue for their use, or I should say I didn't have a defined need for podcasts. The knowledge I gained made me revisit the need for this technology as an instructional tool and to find areas that it could be useful for many people. I have also spoken to students and faculty on instruction that they would be interested in. After a quick, informal survey I found that many people were looking for "quick tips" not necessarily long instruction, therefore podcasts would be an ideal delivery method.

The tree now has leaves and it is green!

The following project is a practice in the effectiveness of using podcasts to provide individuals within the college with quick tips using various types of software. My thoughts were that the podcasts could be used by students, faculty and staff and delivered through the colleges new relationship with iTunes University. My hope is to find funding that would allow me to create a catalog of podcasts for various software applications that are being used by these groups.