Friday, September 16, 2011

Interview with Joe

This interview was conducted with a faculty member that has seen technology trends at Hudson County Community College (HCCC).  Over the past 5 years, the subject of this interview experienced changes in the use of technology at HCCC. 

Interviewer:       Zuany  Chicas ,
Interviewee:      Joseph Caniglia, Instructor –Academic Foundations Department (Joe)

Zuany: What do you do at HCCC and how long have you been there? 
Joe: I have been an employee at Hudson County Community College for 5 years.  I am currently a full- time instructor with the Academic Foundations Department (Remedial Writing and Reading).
Zuany: What kinds of technological changes have you witnessed during your time at HCCC?
Joe: There have been many changes in technology since I have been employed at the college.  In    the past the college has used the Alpha System.  We are now currently using Data Tel which is now a more user friendly system.  Also, during the past year the college is now offering on line courses to our students.
Zuany: How is technology used at HCCC?
Joe: The technology at the college is used for communication between faculty, staff and students.  Also, the technology was used to register students.  At the college we also have technology to assist students.   We have open writing labs and a tutorial center.
Zuany: Describe what Distance Learning was like prior to Fall 2011?
Joe: Before the Fall of 2011 there were only two on line courses offered and approximately 30 students. Now I believe that there are more than 40 sections of different division and approximately 1,000 students. Not bad for the first semester!
Zuany: What has been the biggest difference with recent technology usage at at HCCC?
Joe: The biggest difference is the new Center for Distance Education and what they have done in brining technology and training to the community.  Additionally we now have Smart- Boards available to us.
Zuany: Have you seen any changes in technology here at HCCC?
Joe: There have been major advancements made regarding technology use at Hudson in not only how we are delivering our courses inside and outside of the classroom but also how the students register for courses.
Zuany: As a faculty member, how do you feel about the changes in technology at HCCC?
Joe: I appreciate all different approaches to better instruct our students.
Zuany: What do you think of Distance Education at HCCC?
Joe: I think the Distance Education program here at Hudson is fabulous.  It gives students who cannot bodily attend the college for whatever reason an opportunity to obtain a college degree.
Zuany: Are you aware of the Learning Management System recently implemented at HCCC?
Joe: Yes, We are currently using Blackboard Learn.
Zuany: Have you been trained to use this new Management System?
Joe: The faculty and staff are given an opportunity to attend various workshops to be trained using Blackboard.  I am currently enrolled in these workshops.
Zuany: If you were a student, what would you expect from HCCC in regards to technology?
Joe: If I were a student I would expect to have technology available to me that would allow my learning experience to be more enriched, and allow me the flexibility to take courses from home.