UF Faculty Development Program

David Colburn, Provost

I am pleased to announce that the Office of Academic Affairs will continue the initiative to foster the instructional use of computers in the classroom. The “UF Faculty Development Program” will be administered through the OIT-Office of Academic Technology. This year’s program will have several changes from the previous two programs. The 2002-03 program will have two separate tracks.

In one track, faculty selected by Academic Affairs will be awarded a notebook computer and a choice of software and/or a Palm Operating System PDA. This track is intended for faculty who will use a notebook computer in the classroom and for other professional activities. This equipment and software will be provided upon the completion of hands-on training at the Center for Instructional Technology and Training.

Faculty in the second track will be awarded a high-end Pocket PC and accessories. This track is intended for faculty who have an interest in using Pocket PC based technology for teaching, research, and outreach. Faculty selected for this track will also be required to complete hands-on training at the Center for Instructional Technology and Training.

The hardware and software provided in each track will remain the property of the University of Florida but will be for the use of the selected faculty. Training sessions will be conducted in the second half of Fall 2002 and the first half of Spring 2003. Information regarding the training courses and equipment specifications may be viewed at: http://at.ufl.edu/laptop/.

Colleges are invited to nominate their tenured and tenure track faculty for consideration in this program. Faculty members are requested to provide a one-page statement indicating the instructional activities for which the training and laptop or Pocket PC will be used. I ask that faculty statements be sent to their respective colleges for an initial screening. Faculty should apply separately for the two tracks. Please submit the names of faculty recommended for this program to the Office of Information Technology, 235 Tigert Hall by September 13, 2002. Deans may recommend up to five percent of the tenured and tenure track faculty within the College. This total is the combined number for both tracks.

Please bring this program to the attention of your faculty at the earliest opportunity. Additional details concerning the program will be available by September 1 at: http://at.ufl.edu/laptop/.