Professors as Practitioners: A Partnership between the Alabama School for the Deaf

and Lamar University

Presented by:Dr. Becky Sue Parton

Texas Woman’s UniversityDr. Beverly Rodgers

University of North TexasDr. Jean AndrewsLamar University

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006

Introduction

• Historically, state schools included teaching training programs

• Disconnect between professors and practitioners

• Collaboration can benefit the university and the school for the Deaf

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006

Case Study Highlights

• Dr. Pam Shaw and Dr. Lynn Hayes switched roles from professor to leaders of the Alabama School for the Deaf

• Faculty at ASD worked with Lamar University to take Master level (and eventually doctoral level) courses at a distance.

• The program has led to continuing education opportunities, internships, participation in national programs such as STAR schools, etc.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006

Technology Highlights

• Equipment such as:T-1 line, WebCT, Video Phones, Email, Via Phones (document collaboration)

• Students report that they could not have worked on a graduate degree without this program being offered at a distance.

• Support must be available on both sides (flexibility, physical space, resources, etc.)

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006

Recommendations

• Have periodic face-to-face meetings to promote cohort collaboration.

• Develop a formal evaluation process.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Dallas, TX, Oct 2006

Interview

Words from Drs. Shaw and Hayes