Issues for Cross-Training Teachers For Multiple Computer Spaces

Teaching in a computer space allows an instructor to adapt assignments and content delivery in ways that stimulate learning among students. However, taking advantage of the available technology requires an increase in preparation time and additional planning not required of the conventional classroom. This additional workload is exponentially increased as instructors are asked to teach in multiple computer spaces that contain differences in hardware and software configurations. The following discussion represents the major issues that any teacher technology training program must address if instructors will be asked to teach in multiple computer spaces. Please use the list of questions at the end of this section as a heuristic to stimulate thought about the ways in which this discussion might be expanded to meet specific needs.

File Extensions
File extensions are the three (can vary) letters after the period in file names used to indicate file type (i.e., “.doc” for Word documents). When trying to open a file, a program recognizes compatible files by the file extension.

Potential Benefits
Some file types can be opened by multiple programs. Often a single program allows the user to save a file using a number of file extensions. Choosing a widely-compatible file extension allows for greater portability of a file.

Potential Concerns
Some file types are associated with a single program. If this program is not available in all spaces, then the file is not portable. Some programs, or program versions, read files of the same extension type differently. Changes in appearance and even loss of data are possible.

file extensions l file size l room controls l instructor/student station differences l room access

File Size
Typical methods of transporting files include FTP via a common server, emailing the file to one's self, or through the use of portable storage media, such as floppy disk, Zip disk, CDR or CDRW.

Potential Benefits
Files of moderate size can be transported from space to space quickly and easily via email as an attachment or using portable storage media, such as floppy disks and Zip disks. Larger files can be transported using FTP via a common server or large capacity portable storage media, such as CDR and CDRW.

Potential Concerns
The types of portable storage media are not interchangeable among the types of portable storage drives. Some CD ROM and DVD drives are unable to read CDR media. A CDR drive is required to read CDRW media. Most Internet Service Providers limit the size of email attachments. FTP requires a common server and file transfer time is affected by connection speed.

File extensions l file size l room controls l instructor/student station differences l room access

Room Controls
Typical room controls allow the instructor to control lighting, sound, the projection device (i.e.: overhead projector or LCD projector), the device to be projected (i.e.: computer screen or Elmo), software program and drive selection, and access to peripherals.

Potential Benefits
Instructors may choose from a variety of configurations for delivery of course content and switch between configurations at will. Control of multiple technologies is conducive of creative delivery of course content. Control of multiple technologies allows for easy backup alternatives should one technology fail during class.

Potential Concerns
Room controls may be quite disparate from room to room causing confusion or increased setup time. Software programs used for room control are often confusing and may fail or freeze. Saved settings from previous courses (i.e., speaker volume) may cause surprise.

File extensions l file size l room controls l instructor/student station differences l room access

Instructor/Student Station Differences
Typically, instructor stations will be equipped with room controls as well as more or more advance software and peripherals (i.e., scanner and CD Burner). The instructor station is usually located away from student stations.

Potential Benefits
Instructors can assist students in using advanced peripherals and software. Instructors can maintain control of room controls and class while setting up or troubleshooting. Instructor can ensure sensitive equipment is not tampered with.

Potential Concerns
Requires advanced training for instructors. Programs and files functioning properly on the instructor station may not work properly on student stations. Student use of instructor station peripherals may cause pile up at instructor station.

File extensions l file size l room controls l instructor/student station differences l room access

Room Access
Most computer spaces used as classroom spaces are schedule with back-to-back classes and provide for a number of security measures that restrict access.

Potential Benefits
Equipment is protected from vandalism or theft. Equipment is used on a regular basis so failures are reported immediately.

Potential Concerns
Instructors may need more setup time at beginning of class because of restricted access to the space. Students must wait outside of class for the instructor to arrive and must vacate the space before the instructor can depart.

File extensions l file size l room controls l instructor/student station differences l room access