Faculty in the Department of Human Sciences have always been leaders in utilizing WebCt and provide several  on-line courses. Six on-line courses are offered yearly.  The Family and Consumer Sciences program works with a network of other universities to provide on-line certification and other collaborations in this area are being sought.

Commitment to Technology – The Department of Human Sciences has made great strides in the past ten years by providing each faculty with lap top computers and providing each classroom with projectors, computer capabilities, DVD/VCR and Elmo’s.  The department chair and faculty are working to insure that the necessary communication tools and equipment is available. The Department of Human Sciences is a very unique and versatile department with six majors:  Child and Family Development; Family and Consumer Sciences; Fashion Merchandising; Food, Nutrition and Dietetics; Hospitality Administration; and Interior Design.
 
Integration of Technology - Update Since Last Visit –  Since the last visit, each classroom has been provided with projectors, computers/ LCD’s, internet  and DVD/VCR connections.  Internet is provided in all classrooms and offices for faculty and student use.  Additional stations have been provided for student workers and an additional computer lab was set up for all students in the HMS South building.  Two HP plotters are stationed in the HMS South building for printing CAD drawings.  Wireless internet access was provided in two classrooms of the HMS South building.  New textile equipment was purchased for burning tests and color studies. A high quality  Elmo was purchased to study fabric weaves. Portable projectors were purchased in the department  as well as two Digital cameras, camcorders, food lab equipment, ILE Carts and digital voice recorders.

Areas in need of Improvement – Instructional improvement would include wireless capabilities in classrooms and  mixing areas for student use.  We constantly update & rotate computers but smart boards would be a plus.  Our hospitality program is in need of an on-site commercial kitchen and our nutrition program is in need of a science lab for food testing.  Adjustable lighting in some of the classrooms could be improved and a lighting laboratory is needed for interior design.  The Fashion Merchandising area is in need of a Historical Costume Laboratory as well as textile laboratory.

Future Plans –  The department of human sciences has made great strides the last 3 years.  The faculty are committed to staying abreast of all the new WebCT components and webbing portions of their classes for more student interaction outside of the traditional classes.  Several courses are offered on-line.  Faculty utilize some sort of technology on a daily basis either through the delivery of the course, or through utilizing hands-on technical equipment. Development of a foods lab, commercial kitchen, lighting lab and keeping existing equipment updated is a priority. 

 
Specific Questions:

Q - What future plans do you have for improvement?

A - A wish list is used and prioritized by faculty within the department.   This list included the above mentioned laboratories and equipment as well as state of the art computing and technical support

 Q - What kinds of ITV and distance learning courses and programs does your department offer? (undergrad/advanced?)

A - At this time only on-line courses/ WebCt are offered. The collaboration with the FCS Alliance is a benefit for Family and Consumer Sciences undergraduate students.

Q - How close are these to the level of instruction as on-campus courses?  How do you know?
A - These courses are approved through OIT and the department chair.

Q - What changes have been made to the conceptual framework since the previous visit? http://www.education.sfasu.edu/ncate/conceptual/COE%20Conceptual%20Framework.htm

Q - What technologies are used to maintain, summarize, and analyze your department's assessment system?  

A - Through use of excel spreadsheets, monkey survey and survey forms used in word.  Use excel

Q - What technology has the department made available to students?

A - Faculty in Department of HMS check out equipment such as digital camera, video equipment, use of computers and scanners within department when needed.


Q- Does your dept have a technology plan or committee that provides for the needs of faculty? 

 A - Plans within the department are updated yearly to assure needs are met.


Q - What do follow-up surveys of Educator Candidates indicate about their technology preparation and use?

 A - Refer to Secondary Ed.



DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS - IN YOUR DEPARTMENT

Q - RE Standard 2:  What evaluations of the distance learning programs provide systematic and ongoing data for use in program improvement? What changes have occurred as a result of these evaluations? 

A - Per students request, SFA has joined forces with other universities in the state to form a Family and Consumer Sciences Alliance for this major.  Family and Consumer Sciences Distance Education Alliance (FCS Alliance) is a statewide inter-institutional system cooperatively offering and providing access to distance education courses to prepare individuals for Family and Consumer Sciences Education certification. To access distance education courses through the FCS alliance, Information about degree requirements and how distance education courses can be utilized to satisfy those requirements at SFA, and the phase-in-time line contact runderwood@sfasu.edu . More information can be found on the website: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/Cate/fcs


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