Integrating technology with the learning
process
Technology, like a traditional classroom or a lecture hall, is
a learning tool. Used properly, it enhances the quality of learning.
Students are exposed to a paperless system. Homework is emailed
to the instructor. The instructor grades these assignments, as
in a traditional setting, and then returns them with relevant
comments.
Trinity University is a private distance learning institution,
offering adult degree programs - in an online format.
Trinity University has three key components: (1) distance learning,
(2) Active Self-Learning, and (3) one-on-one faculty mentoring.
Distance learning is online education where the Learner and the
faculty mentor are not located in the same place.
Active Self-Learning in an adult degree program recognizes individuals
with different learning needs and styles. It emphasizes learning
that is meaningful, where individuals are involved in and enjoy
the learning process, and where individuals acquire knowledge
to better understand and benefit their own lives and the global
community.
With NO residency and NO classroom attendance required, your
work and home life remain intact.
Faculty mentoring offers support to the adult's active learning
role. Mentors guide and stimulate the learning process in one-on-one
online communication, recognize individual learning styles and
needs, encourage contact, and emphasize the relevance of the material
to the individual's real life situation.
Distance Learners are provided a variety of materials for each
course, including a course outline and detailed syllabus, a list
of textbooks for the course, and information on how to contact
the faculty mentor assigned for the course. The faculty member
provides guidance, answers questions, and evaluates the individual
Learner's work. Contact between the Learner and the faculty mentor
is primarily over the web using the Internet, email, audio, and
video.
Technology Recommendations
• 500mhz or greater (Intel Pentium or Celeron, or AMD Athlon
(processor)
• Internet Connectivity
• Windows® XP, or 2000
• Microsoft® Office XP, 2000 or 2003
• Microsoft® Word
• Microsoft® Power Point®
• Microsoft® Excel (for selected courses)
• Microsoft® Project (for selected courses)
• A current anti-virus application- updated regularly
56.6 kbps modem, or High Speed Internet Connection
Technology Competencies
• Access course and program material on the Web.
• Correspond with Trinity University staff, students,
and faculty using e-mail and the Web.
• Complete, send, and receive assignments to faculty or
other students using e-mail and attachments/files.
• Read/print e-mail and attachments/files from students,
staff, and faculty.
• Use the Trinity University E-Global Library for research
and completion of course assignments.
• Use the appropriate software for the course. (The University
uses as standards Microsoft® Office products including MS®
Word, MS® Project, MS® Excel, MS® Power Point, etc.)
• Use CD ROMs when required as part of course assignments.
• Use an appropriate anti-virus application to insure
the files transmitted and received are virus free.
Trinity Online Learning System MOODLE
The University's Online Learn Center is a computer- and web-based
learning environment that has replaced the traditional classroom
for many Trinity University students. It offers a convenient medium
for faculty-to-student and student-to-student interaction.
Students can communicate with instructors, interact with classmates,
and conduct their research online. They can also:
• Register for classes
• Pay their tuition
• Order their books
• Meet with a Mentor
• Obtain their grades
• Request transcripts and more
Even without the new software, students can log on to our Web
site from any Internet Service Provider - so they can check their
e-mail and access student services from any location and computer.
Key Features of the Chat-Based Online Program
Time and Place Independent
All communications in the University's online computer-conferencing
system are asynchronous rather than real-time. While this naturally
imposes some limitations, it has been found that asynchronous
communications result in increased access for students since they
can control the time and place for their participation. They enjoy
far greater flexibility since activities need not be simultaneous.
Asynchronous communication also enables both students and faculty
to synthesize material at their own pace and to provide well thought
out responses free of the pressure of instantaneous feedback.
The Learn Center is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week,
enabling working adult learners to choose the times when they
believe they are best prepared to engage in particular learning
activities and spend as long as they wish working on them. The
result is that the online adult learner has increased control
and has more options than in the classroom.
Confidentiality
The electronic computer-conferencing system shall be maintained
by an employee of the University (System Operator) who is required
by University policy to uphold the confidentiality of any messages
she/he may review in the process of tracking overall system usage,
and ensuring that the system is functioning properly. The Director
of Academic Affairs, the Vice President, Executive Director/Department
Chairs, and certain university administrators may review the archives
of class meetings and to assist in the resolution of grade disputes,
grievances, and charges of academic dishonesty, if required.
Policy on the Illegal use of the Learn Center
Trinity University retains the right to monitor the Learn Center,
via the System Operator, in order to verify appropriateness of
use.
Illegal activities are expressly prohibited and include such
things as distribution of "pirated" software, distribution
of unauthorized surveys, exchange of "hot" billing numbers
for long distance charges, and messages that are pornographic,
slanderous, or offensive by community standards.
The System Operator will delete illegal activity and the originators
of such messages may be denied system access on a suspended or
permanent basis.
