CNS 576: Technology in Student Affairs

Textbook:

Using Technology to Promote Student Learning: Opportunities for Today and Tomorrow
by Catherine McHugh Engstrom & Kevin W. Kruger.
(New Directions for Student Services # 78).
Jossey-Bass, 1997 (ISBN 0-7879-9858-3).

Purpose of the Course:

This course is designed to provide an overivew of the various technologies available to student affairs/higher education professionals. Included in this survey course are computer, Internet and related automated information systems. The primary emphasis of the course will be on how technology affects the deilivery of services at all levels in higher education. Specifically, the uses of technology for forecasting, budgeting, program planning, communication, policy analysis, resource allocation and customer service facilitation in student affairs/higher education will be explored. Although technical aspects of technology will be discussed in some depth, this is not designed to be a 'technical' course; the content will revolve around implications of technology as both a driving and a supportive element within the Student Affairs profesion.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course students will demonstrate:

1. An understanding of the historical development of technology in general and how this has impacted the delivery of student services in particular.

2. An understanding of the administrative uses of technology as a means of enhancing communication within Student Affairs, including software and audiovisual applications.

3. An understanding of how information systems are used in Student Affairs, including data processing systems, management information systems, modeling systems, and decision support systems.

4. An understanding of automated information uses in Student Affairs, including applications for forecasting, planning, budgeting, policy analysis, resource allocation, and assessment.

5. An understanding of the considerations intrinsic to the successful and efficient use of technology in Student Affairs, including the acquisition of hardware/software, cost-benefit analysis, management implications, staff training, access/security, upgrading, and legal parameters.

6. An appreciation of the tremendous advantages associated with the competent use of technology in Student Affairs administration.

7. An appreciation of the integrated nature of Student Affairs and how this affects technology utilization.

8. An appreciation of technology combined with an ability to keep it in the proper perspective.

Requirements:

For a B:

(1) On-Site Experiences/Summary Presentation.

a) Each class member will be placed into a consulting group with two other students for the purpose of engaging in three (3) on-site experiences in various student affairs/higher education departments. The purpose of these on-site experiences will be to gain an indepth understanding of how technology affects departmental functioning on both a microcosmic and a macrocosmic level. Consulting groups will be assigned specific departments by the instructor; details regarding the requirements of these on-site experiences will be provided.

b) During the final weeks of the course, consulting groups will be asked to share their findings with the rest of the class in the form of a formal presentation. These presentations will afford other class members the opportunity to gain insights regarding the impact of technology on departments which they have not examined directly. The primary points covered in the Summary Presentation should be covered extensively in the Documentation/Evaluation Report.

(2) Documentation/Evaluation Report. Each consulting group will be responsible for producing a written report which (a) documents the impact technology has on the departments they visit, and (b) critically evaluates the department's use of technology in terms of achieving its philosophical and operational goals and objectives. Copies of the report are to be distributed to each class member at the conclusion of the course.

(3) Final Exam. At the conclusion of the class, students will complete a final exam which will give them an opportunity to demonstrate what has been learned throughout the semester. The final exam will be essay and cover the full content of the course. Everyone who participates fully in the class throughout the semester should have no difficulty with the final.

(4) Attendance/Participation. Each student is expected to participate extensively in the class experience; i.e., attend all class sessions and be prepared to contribute meaningfully at those sessions. Each student is expected to read any assigned materials in depth prior to the class period in which they will be discussed.

For an A:

(6) Personal Webpage. In order to potentially achieve an 'A' in the course, the student must develop a personal webpage that is oriented toward student affairs/higher education (or a related area as approved by the instructor). An outline for what should be included on the webpage will be provided. It is the student's responsibility to do all the research related to developing and designing a webpage as well as getting it online. The student will be asked to submit the URL for their personal webpage to the instructor.

Grading:

The final course grade will be determined as follows:

For a B:
(1) On-Site Experiences/Summary Presentation........... 25%
(2) Documentation/Evaluation Report .......................... 25%
(3) Final Examination ................................................... 25%
(4) Attendance/Participation ....................................... 15%

For an A:
(5) Personal Webpage................................................. 10%

TOTAL ....................................................................... 100%