Technology Survey (#7)

For those of you who do not know it, I work for the Institute for Learning and Teaching Excellence. As a result, I was asked to put together a technolgy survey to be distributed to students who are preparing to take online courses. The followoing is what I came up with:

Section I: Learning Styles

1. How important is face-to-face interaction with your instructor?

Very important

Somewhat important

In my opinion, LESS is more

2. For me, face-to-face participation in the classroom is

Integral

I could live without it, but it is nice

No life form could ever take the place of my computer

3. My reading skills are

Skookum

So so

? (For our friends who can't read)

4. Are you an independent thinker?

Yes, leave me alone

Somewhat, but I want to know help is available

I need all the help I can get

5. What type of classroom setting do you prefer?

Independent study: who needs teachers?

Student-centered: I like to have the opportunity to ask questions

Teacher-directed: For the love of God, Give me details!

6. How much time do you have to devote to an online course?

My time is limited; that is why I am taking an online course

I have the same amount of time I do for an on-campus course

I'm a bum; i’ve got nothing but time

7. Would you be available to come to a few on-campus meetings?

I would be willing to do that

Some of them—if my schedule permits

Online means online; I’m not coming to any of them!

Section II: Technical Comfort Level

1. How comfortable are you with computer technology?

Calling me a computer geek would be an understatement

I have been using computers for awhile, but sometimes need assistance

What’s a computer?

2. How often do you use e-mail?

I am an e-mailaholic

I use it several times per week

I would use it but I don’t know where to put the stamp

3. Do you use Instant Messaging (IM)?

Are you kidding? I use MSN, AIM, Google, Yahoo, and Skype IM at the same time!

I have used IM before, but not on a regular basis

If it’s not on my typewriter, then I have never used it

4. Do you have access to a computer?

I have an up-to-date computer at home with high-speed Internet access

I have to use the computers on campus or at other facilities

I don’t have a computer and I don’t know where to find one

5. How do you feel about confronting new technology?

Let me at it!

I proceed with caution

In cave we say, “Me no like change.”

6. How would you describe your experience with the World Wide Web?

I am a master surfer!

I get on the Web from time-to-time for fun

World Wide What? All of these technical terms are confusing me

7. Are you familiar with the IU Southeast computer support resources?

Yes; I have the extension, 2447, memorized

I have heard of the Help Desk thingy, but I am not sure where it is

We have that? Why wasn’t I informed?

To all of my S554 classmates, please feel free to take the survey and let us know your answers. FYI: there are no "right" or "wrong" answers, but I will give you the responses I prepared for the survey results.

A Blast From The Past: Living In A VHS World (#6)

While on assignment for another class, I wandered into T&T video in Scottsburg, Indiana. The store is an independently owned and operated business--unlike those capatilist pigs: Blockbusters and Movie Gallery! (What can I say? I always favor the "little" guys.)

At any rate, The business is owned by Tony Solo; hence the first “T” in T&T. The second “T” represents Tony’s now deceased wife Tina. Tony has been in business in this location for twenty-five years.

The exterior of the structure the business is housed in is quite unassuming, but it gets much worse on the interior. Not only is it a bit ugly (the walls are painted a very unattractive lime green and the shelving appears to have been constructed out of barn siding), but even more shocking is the fact that most of the “collection” is on VHS format! After entering the building I was convinced that I had taken a wrong turn and ended up in 1984.

Like most Rental stores, T&T has a Drama, Action, Comedy, and Adult section (Ooh-la-la). However, most of the collection is outdated. While I was in the store I spoke to Tony about his collection and he told me that he was not really making any money these days; therefore, he could not always afford to buy the latest releases, and when he could, he could not afford multiple copies. He told me that he still has some customers who have not purchased DVD players or those who are looking for an older movie to rent, but that it was just too difficult for him to compete with the aforementioned conglomerates who also have stores in the rather small town.

As I stated at the beginning, I always favor the “little” guys; However, as I left Tony’s establishment I asked myself, “Is there really a need for a place like T&T video?” Well, there is if I want to rent Rambo: First Blood. However, I think I just seen a copy of that in the $5.00 DVD bin at Wal-Mart!