Faculty Roles and Rewards: Where Does Technology Fit In?

Abstract

Computer technology has rushed on the scene as a significant component of the teaching and learning environment in a relatively short time. Recognition of the use of technology as a component of scholarship, teaching, and learning is a must as academia continues to move full-speed into a technology-dominated environment. It is argued that faculty development of course management systems, for example, is an inefficient use of faculty time. To the contrary, such efforts can be a superb mechanism through which faculty are encouraged to rethink their teaching strategies. Relatively few institutions have addressed this issue directly, nor has any national organization taken up the cause in a significant way. It is critical to initiate, encourage, and sustain discussion on this topic in the academy. Results of the second iteration of faculty interviews to assess their readiness to transform and to determine the impact of an institution's intervention strategies will also be discussed.