TABLE OF CONTENTS |
FRONT PAGE
| NEXT ARTICLE |
PREVIOUS ARTICLE |
UNC HOMEPAGE
Carolina Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Robert Shelton has moved to
combine the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Instructional
Technology.
The change has not been universally accepted by some faculty members who said
they fear merging the units would shift the emphasis on tried-and-true teaching
methods to a focus on keeping up with emerging technology.
Supporters of the merger argue that technology on campus exists to support
teaching and it always will. Still, as the availability of technology continues
to increase, faculty members should be allowed, encouraged and even expected to
expand their skill using it as a teaching tool.
Shelton said the merger came from an examination of programs that report to his
office and was supported by Marian Moore, the vice chancellor for information
technology. "The rationale is that these two units have similar missions and
can be stronger working together rather than apart," Shelton said.
Shelton met with the Executive Committee of Faculty Council (ECFC) several
weeks ago to field questions and defend the merger.
Sue Estroff, the faculty chair, said Shelton made it clear at the ECFC meeting
that promoting teaching and learning will be the primary mission of the merged
units and that the decision isn't intended to alter the impact or resources of
either.
The provost emphasized that from his perspective, the shape and focus of the
new unit was yet to be determined, and that faculty would play the crucial role
in re-designing the services and future directions, Estroff said.
"I am not one of those who assumed at the outset that pedagogy would be
subordinated to technology, so I was not seeking reassurance," Estroff said.
"It would be fair to say that those who were skeptical or outright opposed to
the change came away with more information and perhaps fewer qualms."
The merged organization will have a dual-reporting structure under which
faculty will report to the provost and technology staff will report to Moore.
Some faculty members have said they fear that the dual-reporting structure
could obstruct collaboration between the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
and the Center for Information Technology (CIT). But as Estroff understands it,
the dual reporting structure is intended to emphasize that the academic
dimensions of the new unit are as important as the technological ones. Whether
this proves to be unwieldy or not remains to be seen, she said.
"CTL and CIT have some history of both collaboration and conflict," Estroff
said. "My view is that the merger will help enormously to deploy their
differing and common resources better, with fewer overlaps and redundancies,
and hopefully with more cooperation.
"It seems to me very important at this juncture that the faculty and the staff
of both units make a good faith effort to put differences aside, to participate
fully in the planning process, and to work toward an enhanced resource for
teaching and learning -- of all kinds -- on campus."
Shelton said he knows some faculty members are concerned putting the CTL under
the same roof with technology might compromise its pedagogical mission. That's
one of the reasons why he has decided to appoint an advisory group to help
shape the merged unit's mission -- to allow the CTL and CIT staffs as well as
concerned faculty to make sure such problems are avoided.
"There is always concern when change occurs," Shelton said. "It is essential
that the pedagogical mission be foremost. These issues need the best thinking
of a group of folks dedicated to the support of instruction at Carolina.
"The advisory group will consider the optimal organization of the combined
unit, including, but not limited to the ways of ensuring strong faculty
participation and guidance."
The merger is scheduled for Jan. 1, and before it takes place the units will
proceed under the current organization and governance. Shelton emphasized that
faculty will play the key role in ensuring that the merged unit serves their
needs.
Estroff said she hopes the advisory panel will give the CIT and CTL staffs and
various faculty members a chance to work together to construct a collegial and
optimistic future for the new unit. "We are recommending a wide range of
potential members to the provost, recognizing that there are strong feelings,
pro and con, about the merger among some faculty," she said.
"There is much potential to be realized here, and I would hope that everyone
involved will commit to open minded, thoughtful and creative planning."
Shelton echoed that thought. "We need the best thinking of folks dedicated to
the support of instruction and the use of technology in support thereof."
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
FRONT PAGE
| NEXT ARTICLE |
PREVIOUS ARTICLE |
UNC HOMEPAGE