Welcome to the new millennium! As consumer technology dramatically changes how we communicate, so too are the methods available for instruction. The resources below have been collected as a suggested starting points for exploring the brave new world of instructional technology.

Technology Resources

The Blackboard course management system (CMS) serves as the core for online instruction at NCCU. Blackboard serves as a hub for students and faculty to create and share documents, real-time discussions, and links to other relevant web sites. It also provides a means for creating and managing automatically scored and graded testing. Students can access course materials from the computer lab down the hall or from around the world. More information, training, and assistance are available through the Faculty Hub located in the 128 Farrison-Newton Communications Building (x7667), and through the Blackboard HelpDesk number: 1-866-845-0010.

Podcasts can be used as an effective tool for improving the comprehension, performance, and retention of students. The CUTL is equipped to enable you to record and upload audio lectures, music, and video clips at the CUTL Faculty Workshop located in the Center at 264 Farrison-Newton Communications Building. Simply plan what you want to say (write a script), and make an appointment to come by when you have time. Within minutes, you can be an podcaster (the envy of your peers)! Feeling more adventurous? Try creating a video podcast at the CUTL!

Links to sites help you understand and develop Eaglecasts:

• About.com's Guide to Podcasting
• Podcasting News
• C/Net Weekend Projects: Create Your Own Podcast
• Podcasting with Apple Garageband

Elluminate allows instructors and students to communicate via the Internet with two-way audio, text messaging, a shared whiteboard (that can be used to display Web sites, documents, and presentations) and more. For more information on Elluminate click here. To try it for yourself, contact LaToya M. Parker or Sharon Alston.

Also, check out our equipment available for loan. We have camcorders, iPods, laptops, projectors, microphones and other equipment you can use to supplement your instruction.

Other Online Resources

Merlot
By far, the number one resource for sampling the innovations of other educators in your discipline is the Web site of the Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching, or MERLOT, where over 36,000 of your technology-adept colleagues display their cutting-edge and highly relevant interactive teaching aids, methods, and suggested exercises—all for you to use freely without charge! To become more familiar with MERLOT, try the tour video, and watch for the International MERLOT Conference. The UNC system is a MERLOT partner.

UNC-TLT
The UNC Teaching and Learning with Technology Consortium can also be of great help to teachers, learners, providers of instructional support, and decision makers by identifying and developing resources that facilitate the implementation of technology in teaching and learning. Many trends, issues, pilot programs, and technological solutions available to modern educators are explored with depth and practicality.

More Resources are Coming

As the Center grows and technology develops, watch this page for news about events and technology being made available to NCCU faculty.