"Providing Support for Instruction"
Mission
The Center for Independent Learning (CIL), an instructional support facility, is engaged in three missions to the Mesa College campus:
- to augment classroom instruction through individualized learning modules that students complete independently. Faculty may either select materials produced commercially or create their own with support from CIL equipment and staff. These may include a broad array of media formats ranging from models and collections to technology-enhanced learning modules such as videocassettes, slide/sound programs and interactive multimedia.
- to provide assistance to faculty, in learning to use and apply computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in the classroom. Faculty are assisted in designing and producing computer-based learning modules, presentations and/or multimedia, for use in classroom instruction, to be used independently by students in the Student Learning Center, or for delivery over the Internet.
- to provide assistance to Mesa College staff in learning how to use software applications that enhance efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
Services
The CIL houses a multimedia reserve for students. Just as faculty can place books on reserve in the library, they can place media on reserve in the CIL. Items range from models to videotapes and slides, and are available for viewing by students in designated booths. Two staff members are always at this service area.
The CIL also provides services for faculty and staff. Two full time faculty members who are Instructional System Specialist not only oversee the service to students, but also work with faculty on how to integrate technology into their curriculum. The two faculty members teach special interest classes such as website design, Microsoft Office applications, and electronic gradebooks to interested personnel. In addition they meet individually with personnel to work on special projects. A separate computer lab that is located in the CIL is dedicated to faculty use. It has state of the art computers, scanners, and printers. It is especially useful to adjunct faculty who do not have an office on campus. A full time computer technician staffs the lab to assist faculty and service equipment.