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QEP Roundtable Discussion
Division of Business, Computer Science, and Technology
Childersburg Campus
July 27, 2004, 3:30 p.m., Distance Lab
Present: Levetta
Wheeler, Lee Butler, Sonja Blackstone, Melenie Bolton, Danny
Coleman, Dee Hamm, Dorie Bowden, Amelia Pearson, Barbara Anne
Spears
Spears provided an overview of the SACS process, including the
Compliance Review, the QEP, and the visit. She explained that
the QEP will focus on developmental education based on a
year-long review by the Planning Committee. Since 60% of the
College’s students must take at least one developmental course,
developmental education is a logical choice. She noted that the
plan will include three phases: a focus on mathematics for the
first year, English and reading for the second year, and student
services for the third year.
Pearson said she had just learned that Math 090 will be taught
in Childersburg again this Fall after an absence of several
years.
Spears explained the operation of the I Can Learn self-paced
system of math instruction to be implemented this fall. Coleman
warned that students should be carefully monitored for cheating.
Possibilities discussed include students completing work for
each other for specific objectives or students taking quizzes
for each other. Pearson said that students will still attend
class at a regularly scheduled time and be monitored by an
instructor. Furthermore, instructors will take roll or use a
seating chart; students can still be dropped from class for
non-attendance.
Blackstone inquired about software for reading and English.
Spears said that the approach for English and reading is still
unknown; English and reading teachers will meet throughout the
year to discuss options and decide upon a method for improvement
of developmental English and reading courses. Pearson noted that
the CITY program uses PACE software; English and reading
instructors will have the opportunity to visit a CITY site to
review that software. Whether or not English and reading
teachers choose to convert to a software-based class, these
courses will include a lab component.
Blackstone said that enhanced math skills gained through I Can
Learn will prove helpful to students entering her Excel classes.
Wheeler noted that self-paced learning should be of great
benefit to those who need to cover material more slowly or spend
a greater amount of time on certain areas. Blackstone provided
an example of tutorials available for software; she said that
students find that the tutorials work well if the students use
them as intended and do not wait until two days before the final
to begin using the tutorials. Therefore, students reporting to
class each day to work on the I Can Learn software should find
that it works well.
Bowden inquired about whether the program would be server-based
or Internet-based. Spears explained that the computers would
link to a common server which allows instructors to view student
progress. Server will record all grades as well. Instructors
will be extremely busy during class time but will have little
work to do out of class.
Discussion then centered on headphones and potential germ or
head lice issues. Attendees agreed that it may be best to have
students bring their own headphones, as they can be purchased
inexpensively at Wal-Mart or a dollar store.
Bowden asked if students with no computer skills will be
provided tutorial services on computer basics prior to
enrollment in the I Can Learn class. Spears said this has been
suggested but no action has been taken to date. She thanked
Bowden for reminding her of this need; she will discuss with
Mrs. Brown.
Pearson said that the College will be committed to I Can Learn
for at least three years. After that time, the equipment will
belong to the College. Whether or not the College continues
using I Can Learn will depend on its success in preparing
students.
The computers will have no Internet access and no software other
than the I Can Learn software. This is because the I Can Learn
software is memory-intensive but also because students should
not be distracted by other opportunities on the computer.
Spears reminded everyone to read Central Developments, the QEP
newsletter. Coleman said he had received only two issues thus
far, not three. Spears said all issues are posted on the CACC
website at www.cacc.edu/qep but that she will begin sending an
email to all employees notifying them that the newsletter for
the month is being distributed. Spears invited all persons
present to submit an article or comment for publication in the
newsletter and thanked those who had already done so.
With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:13
p.m.
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