Project Objectives To develop an online communication tool that would: 1. increase student communication and deep learning across disciplines 2. facilitate communication and collaboration among faculty within and across disciplines 3. promote the scholarship of teaching and learning by creating a forum for intra- and interdisciplinary dialogue focusing on pedagogical strategies for integrative learning

Project Rationale Applying What I've Learned In 2004-05 I experienced two powerful learning opportunities through my participation in the Maricopa Institute for Learning (MIL) and the Crossroads Online Institute (COI). These institutes supported and guided my research on instructional strategies that promote integrative learning. My Kaleidoscope project allowed me to apply what I have learned through my involvement in MIL and COI by developing frameworks and tools for providing similar learning and professional growth opportunities to students and fellow faculty. Sharing with Colleagues My participation in MIL and COI enabled me to actively engage in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning by conducting classroom research, regularly communicating with faculty at MCCD and across the nation about our SoTL-related work, and sharing my research findings with other professionals through conferences, lectures, and online communication tools. My Kaleidoscope project created additional opportunities for sharing with colleagues within and across disciplines, directly addressing the Kaleidoscope objectives of strengthening communication networks, building collegiality, stimulating intellectual socialization, and enhancing the sense of professionalism.

Timeline & Activities Fall 2005 Participated in HIS104 to familiarize myself with the course content As part of the MCC School of Education Teaching and Learning Communities Program, my Cultural Diversity in Education course (EDU230) is linked with U.S. History 1870-Present (HIS104). Through the use of linked student assignments, we strive to increase integrative learning for students across courses. Completed Post Seminar component of COI Project Analyzing the transformation of my former learning log assignment into an online discussion board served to identify advantages and potential areas for improvement of this communication tool for students. Adapted format of existing discussion board used by Maricopa Institute of Learning (MIL) fellows My experience using both the MIL and COI communication tools provided me with insights about how our MIL tool might be enhanced by adding some of the components in the COI tool. Spring 2006 Piloted online communication tool with Kaleidoscope faculty learning community The intent of this pilot was to provide additional support and opportunities for ongoing dialogue among Kaleidoscope fellows while also providing insights to inform future development and implementation of communication tools that promote collegial collaboration and professional growth Completed CIS108 to familiarize myself with the process of e-portfolio development and existing tools available for Maricopa employees and students One of the goals within MCC's School of Education strategic plan is to "improve quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning by integrating technology into teaching strategies and student learning projects." The incorporation of e-portfolios into course assignments is one way our Education Team has identified to address this goal.

Next Steps... Implement WebCT into my courses. Incorporate an e-portfolio assignment into my courses. Introduce WebCT for EDU faculty learning community. Encourage e-portfolio development by each EDU faculty using MCCCD's e-portfolio tool.

Results/Outcomes Participation in HIS104 increased familiarity with course content identified instructional strategies for strengthening assignment linkages (HIS104/EDU230) ongoing collaboration with HIS instructor to promote integrative learning for students Completion of COI Post Seminar deepened level of reflections shared by students increased amount of time and # of opportunities for student sharing of individual reflections increased student accountability for depth of reflections increased student exposure to a variety of perspectives enhanced students' ability to make connections between courses Adaptation of MIL Tool Format designed schedule, incorporating assignments added links to schedule and online sources to existing tool Pilot of Kaleidoscope Communication Tool created WebCT course for resource access and group dialogue introduced Snapshot poster tool (KEEPtoolKit) Completion of CIS108 Developed and published my own e-Portfolio Plan to incorporate an e-portfolio assignment into Fall'06 courses Additional Insights Gained Critical components for making a communication tool useful include: Relevance: The design and use of the tool should focus on participants' existing goals. Avoid creating additional work for them. Target dates: Identify target dates focussing on necessary milestones for project completion. Avoid the use of such terms as deadlines and requirements. Keep the tone positive and focussed on support rather than accountability. Aligned Expectations: Incorporating the use of the communication tool as part of the project/course criteria helps avoid perception of the tool as imposition of an additional requirement. On-going Facilitation: The saying "If you build it, they will come" does not apply here! Gentle reminders of upcoming target dates help keep participants on track and focussed. Brief summaries of recent discussion board postings also serve to encourage on-going dialogue and regular "visits" to the tool.