Faculty at University Park who want to enhance their courses with latest technology but are not sure how to do so can turn to a Technology Learning Assistant (TLA) for help.
Available for full- and part-time faculty at University Park, TLAs are Penn State students who are skilled in technology and consult one-on-one with faculty. These consultations answer faculty's technology questions and can help them acquire the skills necessary to learn ANGEL, create Web pages, produce PowerPoint slides, develop a grade book, and other technology skills.
The TLA Web site, http://ets.tlt.psu.edu/tla/, provides more information about the program, including how a student can become a TLA and how a faculty member can request a TLA. The site also features a blog where TLAs and faculty can meet online and share experiences, offer new ideas, and ask questions about educational technology. "The goals of the blog are to create a community that constantly interacts with each other and also offer a knowledge base of information on how to use technology in education," Jeff Swain, instructional designer and TLA coordinator, said. "For example, a faculty member may be able to find the answer to their technology question, such as how to create a new course in ANGEL, by interacting with their peers and TLAs on the blog."With the new version of ANGEL coming out in May, Swain said the program will be looking for more students to serve as TLAs. Students interested in becoming a TLA are encouraged to visit the TLA site for more information.
The TLA program is sponsored by the Schreyer Honors College, the College of Information Sciences and Technology, the Instructional Systems program of the College of Education, and Teaching and Learning with Technology, a unit of Information Technology Services.