Pictured: Cheryl Beaty, Margaret I. McClain, Edwin Craft (CIO), Rachel Becker, and Diane McCall.The Office of Information Technology (OIT) at Delta State created the Partnership for Applying Technology to Help Students (P.A.T.H.S.) Program as a professional development opportunity to empower university support staff with resources and information regarding campus OIT services. The goal is to enable participants to contribute to student success with campus technology. The cohort-based program is delivered over three days in a lunch-and-learn format.
Support staff often receive questions concerning IT services, the learning management system and access to IT resources. P.A.T.H.S. was designed to equip “first responders” with a firm understanding of technology services as well as a broad aptitude for operating systems. Participants recognized the value in the training.
“The P.A.T.H.S. program helped me understand the ways in which students and faculty use campus systems, such as Canvas, so I can assist them with any difficulties they have and direct them to other campus resources that are available to improve their digital interactions,” said Rachel Becker, senior secretary for Teacher Education.
The first cohort of five was completed five sessions led by OIT staff. Session topics included “Learning and Teaching with Canvas” and “Cybersecurity.” In addition to workshops about OIT services, participants also received hands-on training in software that can increase efficiency in their assigned work. Over the course of three days, participants learned about OIT supported technologies including Canvas, the university’s learning management system, Banner, DSU Online Services and Microsoft Word and Publisher. OIT presenters included Dr. Edwin Craft, chief information officer, Dr. Nicole House, instructional technology, Chris Giger, admin services, and Jabari Buck, desktop services.
At the conclusion of the program, participants received a Certificate of Completion with recognition as OIT Certified Strategic Partners in promoting student success with technology on campus. The first cohort consisted of Cheryl Ballard, administrative secretary for Academic Affairs and Provost, Cheryl Beaty, senior secretary for Music, Rachel Becker, senior secretary for Teacher Education, Diane McCall, senior secretary for Art, and Margaret I. McClain, administrative secretary for the Dean of Arts and Sciences.
For more information, contact House at nhouse@deltastate.edu or visit http://bit.ly/1QmqfrS.
