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Mediaworks
The Arbor: A Safe Haven in the World of Computing
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Mediaworks
The Arbor: A Safe Haven in the World of Computing
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 When used effectively, technology enhances the ability of instructors to teach and their students to learn. However, sometimes it is difficult for instructors to learn how to incorporate technology into their teaching. Joseph Coulombe, a faculty technology consultant at the Arbor, sees his facility as a place where instructors can find the help they need. "The Arbor is a comfortable, nonthreatening place where instructors can come for one-on-one consultation and training," he says.Just as a garden arbor provides shelter for shrubs and vines to grow, the Arbor provides instructors with a safe haven to explore technology. The staff offer instructors support and training in:
New This Quarter
The Arbor recently moved to a new location in 161 Everson and started offering new services. A classroom media cabinet with a SmartPanel is available for instructors to familiarize themselves with the equipment before using it in their classes. The Arbor staff can guide you as you rehearse your PowerPoint presentations, learn how to display a Web page live from your laptop, play a video from the built-in VCR, and much more. Or, you may consult the staff to set-up demonstrations and training on the course management functions in MyUCDavis, the portal that more and more faculty are using for their classes. In collaboration with the Teaching Resources Center, the Arbor hosts hands-on workshops and software demonstrations. The Arbor hopes to expand its services in the coming months. Plans include offering training on advanced software programs and developing a team of students to provide mobile support to instructors in their classrooms or offices. These services should enhance the safe environment that the Arbor already provides to help instructors learn to use technology in their classrooms. In keeping with the Arbor's friendly and informal style, the staff hosts weekly potlucks for faculty on Fridays at noon. "It's the best place on campus to have lunch on Fridays," says Coulombe. "We even get some of our recipes from the Web." |
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