Documentation:Faculty Resource Guide/Get Started
Using Technology at UBC
In the learning pillar of Trek 2010, a clear link is made between the use of technology and promoting excellence in teaching and learning with the inclusion of the following goal:
"Support innovative teaching and create new learning experiences through the application of leading-edge technology."
What does this mean in practice? There are a wide variety of approaches, strategies, practices, technologies and tools to choose from, some of which are described in this Resource Guide. Most importantly, teaching, learning and technology are intertwined. The key is to ensure that your instructional goals guide the technology you choose, rather than trying to make classroom activities fit with a specific technology.
Where and How Can I Learn About Teaching with Technology?
If you are interested in using technology in your teaching, we encourage you to consult with the various people on campus who serve as resources on learning technology. Following is a brief overview of some of the people and departments at UBC, as well as key resources, that offer training and information. There are a variety of others, some of which are listed for your convenience on the inside back cover. Please also see the section titled What e-Learning Tools Can I Use? for information on teaching and learning with technology tools provided at UBC.
Funding
The Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF) was created in 1991 to enrich student learning by supporting innovative and effective educational enhancements. Many learning technology projects with strong links into Trek 2010’s Learning Pillar have been funded by TLEF over the years, including Campus-wide e-Portfolio Project, Digital Tattoo, LEAP, Implementation of Internet Based Videoconferencing in Distance Nursing Education, A Coordinated Infrastructure for Image Repositories in the Faculty of Arts and many more. Just under 3.5% of the tuition fees paid by domestic undergraduate and graduate students are contributed to this fund. As well, 3.5% of the tuition fees paid by international students are directed to this fund. The annual deadline for submitting a funding proposal to the TLEF program is in mid-November of each year. Some Faculties have internal development funds available as well. Check with your Faculty.
For more information, please visit: http://tlef.ubc.ca
How to Get Started
Contact your Instructional Support Unit (ISU)
Some may find the idea of e-learning to be very daunting while others may find it exciting and want to jump on board as they begin teaching. Two characteristics these groups share are the need to know how to get started and how to best use technology to aid in meeting their teaching and learning goals. If you have an ISU in your Faculty, your first step should be to contact them. The staff in the ISU are best able to orient you within your Faculty context, as well as to suggest many ‘best practices’ and other helpful hints. Please check the contact information on the inside front cover of this guide or search the directory at: http://www.directory.ubc.ca
What if my Faculty Doesn’t Have an Instructional Support Unit?
If you do not have an ISU in your Faculty have no fear, help is available! UBC’s Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT), described on page 14, collaborate with faculty support instructors across campus to offer a variety of e-learning workshops and seminars that appeal to novice through to experienced users of technology. From a technical perspective, UBC Information Technology (UBC IT) can assist you with obtaining the accounts and web space you may need (e.g. your Campus Wide Login and a WebCT Vista course area) and assist you with the basics of getting started. Making use of these services will help you establish confidence in using the available technologies and also provide you a means to gather new ideas by seeing what others around campus are doing. Contact the CTLT, or check the e-Learning website for more information:
How to Get Online and Connected
At UBC, the responsibility for offering the various information technology tools, services and support that you’ll need, including email, telephone, internet connectivity, information about UBC’s wireless network, security and software is shared across Instructional Support Units, individual Departments and Faculties and UBC IT.
Ask your department who provides each of these services for your unit and who the point of contact is. They may direct you to your ISU or to UBC IT depending on the arrangements your department has made. In addition, the following is a brief overview of where to find information about some of the key services you will need at UBC.
Email, Phone, Internet Connectivity, Wireless, Security, Etc.
Contact UBC IT for information about email, telephone, wireless connectivity, security issues, Campus Wide Login (CWL) and more.
UBC Vancouver: http://www.it.ubc.ca
Campus Wide Login (CWL): What is CWL and Why do I Need It?
You will need a Campus Wide Login account to access your WebCT courses, the Faculty Service Centre and UBC’s wireless network. CWL is UBC’s authentication and authorization system that allows you to use a variety of online tools and applications with a single username and password. Learn more about how UBC’s CWL system helps ensure a single log on process across various UBC campuses:
http://www.estrategy.ubc.ca/news/update0401/040121-id.html
If you don’t already have a CWL Account, you can sign up for one at: http://www.cwl.ubc.ca
Classroom Support
At UBC, the scheduling of rooms is managed both locally and through a division of Enrolment Services called Classroom Services. You will need to check with your department office or ISU to determine which classrooms and equipment may be booked locally. Classroom Services is responsible for the coordination of course, exam and room scheduling functions of most of UBC’s classrooms and learning spaces. The unit is also responsible for the daily stewardship, AV support and physical improvements of those spaces. This unit also provides additional services for students, faculty and staff, including booking of AMS Constituted Club activities, approval of liquor licensed events and outdoor booking requests. For more information, please contact your ISU or visit:
http://www.students.ubc.ca/facultystaff/bookings.cfm
Faculty Service Centre
The Faculty Service Centre (FSC) allows faculty members to access class lists and submit grades online for their own classes. Other functions include course outline URL maintenance, curriculum management and scheduling.
For access and more information, please visit: http://students.ubc.ca/fsc