Not long after Penn State's Course Management System, A New Global Environment for Learning (ANGEL), was implemented, it became apparent that most faculty would benefit from ready access to an ANGEL-savvy individual. Thus, Information Technology Services's Teaching and Learning with Technology department, under the direction of John Harwood, extended an offer to University Park colleges and non-University Park locations to cost-share an individual for several years to serve this purpose.
The job of an e-learning support specialist (eLSS) is to support Penn State faculty in developing their ANGEL skills and integrate the use of ANGEL into their courses. The position is designed to assist faculty to become experts in management and delivery of learning in online environments.
eLSSs are able to:
An eLSS is expected to work with many faculty over the course of a year, assisting each with small, individual needs.
Currently, five eLSSs have been placed. At University Park, Roxanne Toto is in the College of Engineering and Mark Wherley is in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Alan Hecht is at Penn State Abington, Carol McQuiggan is at Penn State Harrisburg, and Stephanie Janson is at Penn State Erie: The Behrend College.
To date, the eLSS position is of immense benefit to Penn State faculty. The eLSSs have worked with hundreds of faculty on both small and large projects, and continue to help build and foster groups and communities interested in expanding their teaching offerings to an online environment.
This is not just "another" technical position. As one eLSS describes, "Helping faculty use the ANGEL system is not as simple as showing them how to add a file or uploading a syllabus, but a more complex learning process that begins with technical instruction, followed by trust in the system, and eventually moving to the creation of interactive learning environments contained within ANGEL."
Another eLSS, Alan Hecht, describes his impact: "For many faculty, the time and effort it takes to learn a new technology by reading through a user manual or by trial and error substantially diminishes the return on investment that the technology offers. My arrival has enabled many faculty to explore the use of ANGEL in a much more effective and focused manner while giving them the confidence that they won't be left on their own if they encounter problems. By combining technical skills with a pedagogical framework, I am able to show them how they can improve their teaching with ANGEL as well as why they might want to do so."
eLSSs are quickly becoming deeply attached to the communities they serve. Faculty often post the eLSS's phone number near their computers, for example. eLSSs sometimes have trouble traveling from one room to another in a timely manner, because faculty want to chat with them when they see them to discuss the odd ANGEL tidbit or two.
Here are some faculty insights on the eLSS position: "As with all previous workshops, the potential for ANGEL to enhance my ability to teach and my students to learn has been demonstrated once again as a result of this workshop."
"It was a 'major-league-kick' to witness our ANGEL instructor innovatively developing solutions to problems and answers to questions. (Our eLSS) definitely 'knows her stuff' and communicates her in-depth knowledge of ANGEL both professionally-and enthusiastically."
"This training session was outstanding! I learned at least a half dozen examples of features that I will use this month in setting up my fall courses. Thank you!"
"The most significant change that has made ANGEL much easier to deal with is the eLSS's presence in the system. I was elated when I received the e-mail this summer announcing that the eLSS was assigned to be an ANGEL support person. The eLSS is an important resource for me as I use ANGEL, not only because he has been able to quickly respond to 'how to' questions and help with the design of applications, but also because he has helped me deal with some of the frustrating system issues that I have no way of approaching."
"The project that (our eLSS) accomplished for me was something I had been working on for more than two years. His expertise got the job done in a few one-hour sessions."
"Our eLSS is a very resourceful individual with a genuine desire to work with people, which shows with every contact I have had with him. He is an asset to our campus."
As Penn State moves into its third year of ANGEL use, the role of the eLSS continues to grow. Not only are they working and expanding within their local environment, they have also developed a community among themselves where problems, ideas, and products are shared daily. The fruits of their labors are now being shared with the larger Penn State community, empowering us all.