USC teaches students and professors how to take advantage of available technology
According to the University of Southern California Daily Trojan, USC professors welcomed new technology in a number of classrooms as the school year opened, but some are under-utilizing the hardware.
In some cases, classroom technology tools are critical at the university level. In large, lecture based classes, a document camera, interactive whiteboard or
DLP projector can make all the difference in a professor's ability to deliver an effective lesson.
Some professors, however, note that while the technology is appreciated, their busy schedules don't afford them the time to learn how to use the tools properly.
"I don’t know what is different now than five years ago," William Thalmann, a professor of comparative literature, told the source. "I only have so much time. I know what works for my classes so I must set priorities."
Although classroom technology tools hold great educational potential, it is only realized when educators are properly trained on how to integrate the tools into lesson plans.
USC is taking steps to bridge the technology knowledge gap. This past winter, the university began offering professors and students subscription access to a video tutorial website that teaches theoretical and technical usage methods for popular online and software programs. The school also offers grant incentives to professors who integrate new technology into their lesson plans.
