Joe Heim, Department of Industrial Engineering, described his use of e-mail to structure his class and communicate with his students. Gail Stygall, English Department, spoke about issues of discourse in a virtual environment. Ease of access and anonymity allows students freedom to offer their opinions and ideas, but also presents problems of etiquette and rules of exchange. The UWired Pilot Project was represented by several participants. Fred Johnson, Fisheries Department, spoke of his positive experience using technology to assist with teaching a large lecture course.
Nothing is simple.
It costs twice as much, requires twice as much staff and takes three times as long. Anne Zald, UW Libraries, outlined the goal of the year-long information and technology seminar taken by the UWired participants which is to integrate information navigation, retrieval and evaluation skills into student coursework. Four UWired student participants, Jean Dahl, Laura Groenwald, Karen Thompson and Mo Falkner related how the use of technology has improved their ability to communicate with faculty and peers, and has provided flexibility in completing research and delivering assignments to instructors. The students felt that the UWired program has given them a jumpstart on participating in the electronic age.