Enhancing support and learning services for instructors and students who engage in course-related multimedia and web projects

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we describe a project called SPONGE that was initiated by IT staff at NDSU in response to a growing need for enhanced support and learning services for instructors and their students who engage in multimedia and Web projects. Until SPONGE, instructors and students received project assistance from three separate IT service areas: the Technology Learning Center, the Service Center/Multimedia Area, and Custom Media Services. IT staff identified the need for a communication "bridge" and a "learning link" between the instructors and the three service areas for project planning and developing/coordinating support and learning services. IT staff proposed an initiative that would require some reorganizing. The plan called for hiring Media Assistants, student employees who would possess skills in multimedia and/or Web technologies and graphic design. Instructors would be invited to meet each semester with IT service providers to plan projects, identify needs, and coordinate support. A SPONGE Web site would provide resources for students, instructors, and IT service providers. Positive outcomes of the SPONGE initiative include: improved communication between IT service providers, instructors, and students; better utilization of existing services; proactive project planning; and enhanced multimedia and Web development support and learning opportunities. This plan was funded by student technology fees in Spring 2002.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.0 General

General Terms:
Documentation, Human Factors, Management, Standardization

Keywords:
documentation, faculty, learning, multimedia, projects, student, support, training, web development