2004 StudentAffairs.com Virtual Case Study Presentation Created by: Tim Breitbach Megan Johnson Sarah Rockwell Matt Suwalski Western Illinois University

Presentation Outline  Relevant Information  Key Players  Assumptions of the Case  Alternatives  Plan of Action

Facts  A consortium of 10 Student Personnel Administration programs are offering a course on Student Affairs and Technology  We have been asked to come up with a syllabus for a 14 week graduate level course  Not all faculty in the 10 programs support the notion of adding another course  Our decision issue is how to develop the course, implement it, and how to present it to the faculty

Key Players  Department Faculty and Chairs  Provost  Graduate Students  10 current program coordinators implementing this course

Assumptions  Graduate students have advocated for this course and would be involved in the curriculum development to ensure all needs are met  Technology is important to student affairs and higher education  Professionals need training and to be up to date on current technological resources  The implications of technology transcend basic skills to include impact on student development theory and holistic learning  Some faculty think graduate students are already tech savvy  The programs are composed of a cohort or peer group and there is a standardized curriculum  This course would be required for graduation

Alternative #1 No technology course, but incorporate or highlight technology into existing courses  Advantages: Technology issues are still being addressed, No need to rearrange curriculum requirements to graduate  Disadvantages: Issues may not be fully covered, Current faculty members may not be skilled or educated on the subject, Other topics will be eliminated to include technology

Alternative #2 Hold technology workshops  Advantages: Material is still being addressed, Topic is not a strain on the curriculum  Disadvantages: Information is not being fully covered, Not tailored to a variety of learning styles, Having to give up time on weekends or weeknights

Alternative #3 Offer this course as an elective  Advantages: Course is still offered, Students who believe that they are already technologically advanced would have the option not to take the course  Disadvantages: Not all students would understand the implications of technology on higher education

Plan of Action  Research important aspects of technology and how they relate to higher education  Develop a course syllabus – Please see attached syllabus  Get approval for the syllabus  Move through the chain of command for course approval and implementation  Create course evaluation form to be implemented each semester and to ensure that material would be constantly updated and reviewed  Develop a presentation for professional conferences regarding the importance of technology in the future of higher education

Course Justification CCCCourse readings highlight the technology issues which student affairs professionals must be prepared to encounter TTTThis course is a proactive approach to addressing legal and ethical issues which are beginning to surface on college campuses TTTThe syllabus covers information from technology skill development of graduate students to identity development and communication issues of undergraduates TTTThe course educates future practitioners on technology related professional development tools that will guide their future career growth

Thank you to the department faculty for reviewing our course recommendations. We appreciate your continued dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.