MedTech Online Course Planner

For The Teacher

This web site describes the development and implementation of the Electronic Field Trip (EFT) model to address State of Hawaii Content and Performance Standards II (HCPS II). While this topic focuses on Career and Life Skills, Educational Technology, Science, and Language Arts other standards would be addressed by topics in other areas (e.g. art, music, government, current event, etc.) The following is a brief overview of the background and techniques involved in developing an EFT as part of classroom technology integration and enhancement of instruction.

Introductory Comments:

The concept of the EFT model might be thought of as a "sandwich" consisting of two "asynchronous pieces of bread" enclosing a "synchronous teleconference."
The first asynchronous aspect involves introductory e-mail or bulletin board introductions and exchanges. The synchronous teleconference is a live, real-time communications exchange that is followed by a final asynchronous round of student thank yours, follow-up questions and possible further investigations into the topic. The following outline, while providing authentic documentation for the Med Tech EFT, can be adapted for any other EFT…just substitute the appropriate topic, contacts, and available technologies.

Distance learning is often thought of in terms of long-term or complete courses given by distance learning methods. This project is designed to allow any teacher with basic Internet and computer resources to gain experience in using the techniques and technology without a large commitment of time, energy and expense. The use of available technologies may allow for starting with basic resources (e.g. Lumaphone or plain speakerphone and e-mail) without waiting for more sophisticated hardware and software resources to become accessible.

Following is a brief overview of our project for MedTech EFT:

Learning Objectives and Content Standards

Students will:

• gain experience with educational technology tools such as computers, e-mail,
  electronic bulletin boards, teleconferencing equipment and software programs.
  
• research the field of medical technology.
• communicate electronically and verbally effectively with staff/students in the UH MedTech program.
• gain practical information about the career and learn what education and training are necessary for persons choosing a career in medical technology.
  

These learning objectives meet the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards (HCPS II), developed by the State of Hawaii Department of Education, for the following areas: Career and Life Skills, Educational Technology, Science, and Language Arts.

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Project Activities

1. Teacher makes contact with MedTech program representatives (i.e. Patricia Taylor, ptaylor@hawaii.edu or Dick Teshima, dick@hawaii.edu) to discuss
   timeline and responsibilities for securing compatible equipment.

2. Teacher and MedTech staff decide whether to set up (free) class web site on Nicenet or to use the existing "What’s Med Tech?" web site. Alternatively,
   plain e-mail exchange could be used but it is more difficult for students to learn from correspondence replies and information sent to other students. Nicenet Conferencing provides convenient ways to post and review group information.

3. Teacher researches educational technology resources in classroom/computer lab including: Internet connectivity, computer video in/out capability,
   phone jack, TV monitor/video projector. Test to see if amplification is needed depending on the volume level of the system. It may be necessary for students to hear the remote speakers. Sometimes

4. MedTech staff posts a welcome and directions including some questions about MedTech study/career that can be found under LINK SHARING.

5. Students post brief introductions on Nicenet as well as questions/comments that resulted from their search of the med tech web sites.

6. Med Tech staff replies to individual student questions/comments.

7. Live teleconference held during which med tech brochures are handed out by teacher, videotape can be shown giving examples of the program, and live interactive dialogue between students and Med Tech staff takes place.

8. Concluding discussion by Nicenet postings of thanks, concepts learned, and further questions. These might be complemented by a visit to a medical
   technology academic or commercial lab.

9. Teacher provides feedback on the results and issues suggestions for improvement.

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Technology Resources Needed

Computers with Internet access (or phone jack to use with speaker/videophone backup)

Video projection (or use of TV monitors)

Camera/software compatible with both sides of the teleconference.

Videoconferencing programs such as CU See Me(both Mac and PC), NetMeeting (PC), or Apple Quicktime Conferencing (Mac).

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Management Tips

A technology troubleshooter will be needed should there be any hardware breakdowns.

Plan a short, live practice session for the synchronous teleconference to be sure equipment is compatible and set guidelines for re-connecting if session
interrupted (e.g. exchange phone numbers and/or IP computer addresses and decide who should call whom when a session is interrupted.

Practice session could include students linking between classrooms and critiquing voice clarity and volume levels.

Involve a student to be moderator during the teleconference. He/she facilitates student interaction during introductions and discussion.

Remind students in background to listen and not talk so dialogue can be understandable at both ends and learning occurs for everyone.

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