Q - What evidence do you have that demonstrates your commitment to technology?

Dr. Alford: Classrooms are all being equipped with computers, Elmos, and projection systems.  Many faculty members have been trained in Web CT with online course development.

Q - Since NCATE's last visit, what improvements have you made regarding the integration of technology?

Dr. Alford: The classroom projection systems have been added and the doctoral  computer lab has been updated.

Q - What do you see as weaknesses regarding the integration of technology in your department?

Dr. Alford: Smart boards would be a useful addition.

Q - What future plans do you have for improvement?

Dr. Alford: I would like to continue to update faculty computers, add two projection systems, and a smart-board.

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

Dr. Alford: We offer ITV for our principal program as needed and our Post Bac (PBIC) program is online.

Q - How close are these to the level of instruction as on-campus courses?  How do you know?

Dr. Alford: Our evaluations have shown a strengthening of these courses.

Note - when they respond, try to clarify what they are referring to so we can link it accurately on our chart later (face-to-face/distance ed; undergrad/advanced; faculty; candidate/other school personnel....)


OTHER SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Dr. Alford: (please answer as many as you can) Principalship master's program and the superintendent program for certification are offered face to face in off campus sites.  Post Bac (PBIC)  courses are offered online.

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

Dr. Alford:  Integration of technology as a tool with increased online course delivery has been added.

Q - What data (evidence) exists to suggest candidates know how to use technology in the content they teach?

Dr. Alford: Web CT certification by faculty members and use of Internet and Powerpoint presentations characterize classes.

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

Dr. Alford: A unit data base is maintained with dept. Microsoft Excel recording.

Q- What opportunities do candidates have to use technology for instruction during field or clinical practice?

Dr. Alford: Powerpoint presentations are used in mini-lessons and Internet sources are used as resources.

Q- What opportunities do candidates have to interact with candidates of diverse backgrounds through technology?

Dr. Alford: Teacher education candidates engage in online mentoring with public school students of diverse backgrounds.

Q- How does your department support the use of technology in (faculty) instruction?

Dr. Alford: Training is provided and equipment has been purchased.

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

Dr. Alford: A computer lab is available with faculty supervision.

Q - What technology has the department made available to instructors? (office, teaching, presenting....)

Dr. Alford: Laptop computers, desktop computers, and projection systems are all available.

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

Dr. Alford: Yes. One faculty member has assumed primary responsibility to assist and a committee gives direction.

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

Dr. Alford: Same answer as the previous question.

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

Dr. Alford: Adequate preparation is noted, but we know that we can always enhance skills.




DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS - IN YOUR DEPARTMENT

Q - RE Standard 1: What assessments are used to monitor candidate performance and determine that proficiencies are being met by candidates in distance learning programs?

Dr. Alford: Chats, discussion board responses, projects, reflections, response forms, papers, and tests are used.

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?

Dr. Alford: Course evaluations are completed online each semester.  The content of assignments have been modified in response to ongoing evaluation.

Q - RE Standard 3: How do distance learning programs (quality) in professional education ensure that field experiences and clinical practice are well sequenced, supervised by trained personnel and monitored by unit faculty, and integrated into the program?

Dr. Alford: Field experiences and clinical practice have on-site supervision with online support.

Q - RE Standard 4: How does the unit ensure that the curriculum provided through distance learning reflect diversity and prepares candidates to work with all students? (adapt/adjust instruction & access via technology)

Dr. Alford: By the choice of reading materials and the nature of assignments, students acquire knowledge of ways to serve all students.

Q - RE Standard 5: What are the qualifications of faculty members who teach via distance delivery that indicate they are proficient in technology?

Dr. Alford: Web CT certification.

Q - RE Standard 6: To what extent are distance ed program courses consistent with institutional mission and COE conceptual framework

Dr. Alford: They are consistent as we work to be a national program of choice.

Q - are they adequately funded by sufficient resources?

Dr. Alford: yes

Q - RE Standard 6: How are distance ed programs evaluated by your department?

Dr. Alford: Online evaluation instruments.
One face- to -face session is provided per semester.  Email and phone conversations are also used.