Fierce Education’s mission is “Rethinking Higher Education Pedagogy in a Blended Learning World” and technology is at its center. We are highlighting “Fierce Ed Technologists” who have responded to the new blended learning world by:
- Improving the use of technology
- Providing additional technologies to staff
- Optimizing integration of technology
- Providing staff the support required for proper deployment and utilization of technology
Fierce Ed Technologist:
Javier Aldape, Program Manager in the MBA Programs Office at Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
Affiliation:
Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
Technologies Embracing:
Many colleges and universities have uncovered new technology tools to improve the student experience in this new blended learning environment and either bolted them onto their existing Learning Management System or just use them in certain classes. However, Texas A&M University took on the daunting task of transitioning its entire LMS from Blackboard to Canvas and Javier Aldape, Program Manager in the MBA Programs Office at Mays Business School, Texas A&M University, was at its center.
This big move has required self-teaching and provided new technologies for the university to utilize. For one, HonorLock exam proctoring has been helpful for its program. It is less human resource intensive and meets the needs of offering proctoring and safe, secure exams. Aldape has stepped up to train university faculty, as it rolls out the new LMS. He has taken courses to become certified as an instructional designer and designs the courses to be well organized, aesthetically pleasing, and with student needs at the forefront of the design.
Impact of Technologies:
The use of the Canvas LMS continues to provide an organized and seamless repository for course information. Videos, Zoom meeting links, Google drive links, reading materials are all readily accessible. It provides a means to share additional learning resources. It is customizable and flexible to meet each professor's needs.
Decision Makers/Influencers:
The decision to switch to a new LMS was a university-wide decision made in Academic Innovation and University Information Technology departments. The design of individual Canvas courses is decentralized and up to each instructor to customize. Program-specific technology, such as exam proctoring, is made by the Program Director in coordination with College/department leadership.
Click here to register for Fierce Education's April 28, 2021 "Higher Education: Technologies and Strategies in the New Blended World" virtual event.