Teaching and Learning with Technology
CNDLS encourages faculty to reflect on teaching practices and to explore new approaches and strategies for teaching and learning, which may include the use of technology.
As a support organization, CNDLS helps faculty consider whether and how digital teaching and learning tools can enhance the educational experience for Georgetown students. While we believe strongly in the transformations in learning that new digital technologies can enable, we also recognize that new technologies are only part of the teaching and learning equation and are not necessarily appropriate in all contexts. In addition to our support of technology in the classroom, CNDLS works collaboratively with faculty to research, design, and develop new web tools specifically intended to enhance teaching and learning at Georgetown and in the wider academic community.
CNDLS helps all areas of the University make the best use of new and existing technologies, whether through innovations with Web 2.0 applications in the Georgetown University Commons, support for good pedagogical practices with course management systems, the development of curriculum materials through the Language Learning Technology Center, or consultations with faculty or departments on strategic technology implementation and planning.
Our ongoing work relating to teaching and learning with technology includes:
The Georgetown University Commons
The Commons is a place where Georgetown students, faculty, and staff can explore new and innovative online tools for communication and collaboration. CNDLS staff who work on the Commons support the use of blogs, wikis, podcasts, and more, in addition to providing pedagogical support for integrating these tools into the classroom.
Blackboard
As part of its mission to support Educational Technologies, CNDLS provides support for the Blackboard course management system through workshops and help desk assistance. CNDLS staff also helps faculty to consider how best to make use of Blackboard’s tools in their courses.
Workshops
CNDLS offers workshops for faculty, staff, and graduate students on a variety of topics relating to teaching and learning, including workshops focusing on technology. Workshops take place throughout the semester and at our annual Teaching, Learning, and Innovation Summer Institute (TLISI).
The Language Learning Technology Center
The Language Learning Technology Center provides materials, services, and consulting support that promotes the integration of technology into foreign language teaching and learning at Georgetown University.
Selected Current Projects:
Clickers Community of Practice
Faculty from various departments and staff from CNDLS and CETS meet regularly to share strategies for using clickers for teaching and learning.
Academic Continuity
CNDLS supports faculty in meeting the challenges of continuing instruction in the face of university closings or unexpected absences. During the winter of 2010, when weather forced the university to close for several days, CNDLS staff developed resources to help faculty and students keep up with coursework using blogs, the Blackboard discussion board, synchronous communication and lecture capture software, and other tools.
Web Development Projects
CNDLS staff have collaborated with faculty to develop customized web applications for particular pedagogical contexts. For example, Frank Ambrosio (Philosophy) has worked with CNDLS’ Eddie Maloney, Bill Garr, and Theresa Schlafly to develop MyDante, a digital version of Dante’s Divine Comedy designed to teach contemplative reading.
