Grant Goals and Objectives
Activity I: Purchase of Equipment to Improve Academic Programs
Objective 1
By 2002, assess the state of readiness of existing classrooms used for “highly visible undergraduate programs” for the incorporation of educational technology related to instruction.
Objective 2
During 2002-2006, between 75% to 100% of the classrooms used for “highly visible undergraduate programs” will be adapted for multimedia instruction.
Objective 3
By 2006, a minimum of 60% of USM faculty will report being “satisfied” to “very satisfied” with available classroom technologies.
Objective 1
By 2006, 50% of the faculty will report adequate skill levels in basic technology applications and instructional equipment operation, including word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications, electronic presentation methodologies, and other applications relevant to educational technology.
Objective 2
In each project year, present emerging instructional technologies on an ongoing basis throughout the project year to all faculty.
Objective 3
By 2006, the number of fully or partially online courses will increase from 100 to 300.
Objective 4
Between 2003 and 2006, the number of online degree programs offered by the University of Southern Mississippi will increase to 6.
Objective 5
By 2003, 50% of USM faculty will report using email, email lists and/or listservs to enhance teaching and learning activities.
Objective 6
By 2004, 45% of USM faculty will report using web pages for instructional purposes.
Objective 7
By 2006, 50% of USM faculty will report using multimedia presentation methods, including audio and/or video clips, slide production, and/or animation to augment curricula.
Objective 8
By 2006, there will be 4 faculty members from each college (with the exception of the Honors College and the College of Continuing, International and Distance Education) who are able to serve as mentors and providing training and guidance to their colleagues related to educational technology.
Institutionalizing Practices and Improvements
The university is willing to commit its financial resources to support the Title III program and maintain this initiative when Title III terminates. Specifically, the University will:
- Assume responsibility for an increasing percentage of funding for positions initiated by the Title III funding in years 2-5.
- Establish a Technology Enhancement Center to sustain the training and development efforts included in this proposal.
- Maintain and enhance access to instructional technologies made possible through Title III funding.
- Sustain the quality of equipment through a refurbishment program.
- Continue to pursue and implement emerging technologies for instructional use.
- Revise the tenure and promotion policies to include incentives and rewards for the full integration of technology applications to enhance an updated learning environment.
- Promote collegiality and mentoring related to technology between and among faculty.