Welcome to the Wonderful World of Telecommunications!     Here we explore the technologies that have recently been changing the US economy, but more importantly, they have been changing the way that we work and communicate with one another.  These technologies have the capacity to make significant contributions to the education that we offer to our students and experience ourselves.
    Telecommunications implies communications at a distance. Therefore, we may include computers (telecomputing) or we may use other technologies.  This definition allows significant room for growth in other areas of technology outside the traditional computing environment.  Telephones, appliances, entertainment equipment and personal communications devices of all kinds are poised to join the network revolution that has changed the way that we view and work with information on desktop computers.
    While education is rarely on the forefront of the application of new technologies, it behooves us to thoughtfully apply all technologies that are available to us in the preparation and administration of educational experiences for students.  There are a variety of reasons why education will most likely continue to lag behind the business community in terms of the application of new technologies.  We should discuss these together in class.
    The limitations of time and space have long plagued education.  Students can only spend so much time in the classroom.  How much time is enough for each individual?  Obviously, this will vary quite a bit.  Having the ability to present information to students in a “Just In Time, Just As Needed” method could help to overcome this hurdle.  We can also employ methods that allow the student to customize the way in which materials are presented to serve their particular learning style and need.
    Are we isolating students by keeping them in the classroom, cloistered away from the rest of the world?  If so, what problems does this create and how might they be addressed.  Can telecommunications help?  How might we design an educational experience for students such that they experience collaboration and communication with students who have varied cultural backgrounds?  Can we increase the interactions that students have with others through the use of telecommunications?
    Would the delivery of instruction solely through the medium of telecommunications be possible in your subject area?  What are some reasons why this might or might not work in your particular situation?  Are there other situations in which this would be appropriate?  If so, what are they?  What about simple integration, not sole delivery?  Would the integration of this technology into some of your lessons enhance the learning experience in the eyes of your students?  In what way could the use of technology provide these enhancements?  Would you agree with the students’ supposed assessment?  Note here that I encourage you to think about integrating the technology into a worthwhile curriculum that you already teach, not the other way around.  Technology should only be employed where some educational benefit can be derived from its use. I would not suggest that we should use technology for its own sake outside of a class that serves that purpose.
    There are ethical concerns that need to be addressed when using technology in the classroom.  We should not allow these concerns to paralyze us as we employ technology to aid instruction, rather we should thoughtfully reflect on what issues need to be addressed before student use of technology resources and after this use.  This preparation and reflection will allow us to be prepared for problems before they occur.  This sounds somewhat like traditional classroom management strategy!
    This has been a discussion primer.  I will endeavor to have a primer ready at least every other class.  Either the primer itself or the URL for the primer will be e-mailed to the address that you record in the spreadsheet for me tonight.  I ask that you read the primer before class and be prepared to discuss it with us informally when you come to class.  I am not interested in anyone memorizing it’s content.  I would like to have a discussion that addresses the areas of concern or excitement that are created by your having read it.  We will start each class with a discussion of your concerns, whether we have a primer to discuss or not.  My objective is for you to become comfortable with the technology, and to thoughtfully apply your knowledge of it to methods of teaching and learning.
    I have prepared a Web page that specifically supports this class its URL is http://members.whro.net/~tspencer/training/index.html   I also have a Web site which is used to support all courses that I teach located at http://members.whro.net/~tspencer  I will be available by e-mail on a regular basis at tspencer@whro.net    Feel free to contact me via the other contact information on the syllabus (http://members.whro.net/~tspencer/training/502syl.html) as well.