My COMM 0004 class begins at 8:30 am tomorrow morning, but I've already sent an email message to each member and have even managed to give them something to work on. These are just some of the small miracles of teaching in 2011. I've just spent an hour setting up a class course page.
The British Columbia Institute of Technology has always adapted fairly quickly to technological change. That's a must for our type of institution. First, I now accept my teaching contracts entirely online. I use an online online message board to encourage written student participation. In addition, I use BCIT disc storage space to provide students with video listening exercises they can view from home. Students practice speaking skills in the computer lab too. I also let students practice grammar using software in our lab. As well, I keep all records in an online grade-book which allows students to view their own marks. I even fill out their final marks, absence reports, and failure reports electronically.
The weird part of this is I still give my midterm and final exams on paper!
