Professors as Practitioners: A Partnership between the Alabama School for the Deaf and Lamar University Presented by: Dr. Becky Sue Parton Texas Womans University Dr. Beverly Rodgers University of North Texas Dr. Jean Andrews Lamar University Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006

Introduction Historically, state schools included teaching training programs Disconnect between professors and practitioners Collaboration can benefit the university and the school for the Deaf

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006 Case Study Highlights Dr. Pam Shaw and Dr. Lynn Hayes switched roles from professor to leaders of the Alabama School for the Deaf Faculty at ASD worked with Lamar University to take Master level (and eventually doctoral level) courses at a distance. The program has led to continuing education opportunities, internships, participation in national programs such as STAR schools, etc.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006 Technology Highlights Equipment such as:T-1 line, WebCT, Video Phones, , Via Phones (document collaboration) Students report that they could not have worked on a graduate degree without this program being offered at a distance. Support must be available on both sides (flexibility, physical space, resources, etc.)

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006 Recommendations Have periodic face-to-face meetings to promote cohort collaboration. Develop a formal evaluation process.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006 Interview Words from Drs. Shaw and Hayes