Even the instructors need instructions.

For the past four years, Betty Baker, instructional technologist for Internet courses, has been doing a class that helps teach technology to teachers. The class consists of a summer program and a during-school program.

Both programs are designed to help instructors become more knowledgeable with technology in the classroom as well as Blackboard.

Baker said the programs consist of numerous seminars that focus on hands-on experience with such things as Office Suite, Word and file maintenance. With Blackboard, teachers take the class through the site “from a student’s perspective.”

The seminars show the instructors how to use Blackboard from the amateur level all the way up to using the advanced features.

With about 15-20 people showing up to each class, Baker said the results have been positive.

“We get a lot of repeat customers,” Baker said. “They, I believe, get a lot of good information. They get a better feel for what they are doing.”

The class also works to get instructors interested in doing more Internet classes. While lifelong learning does not choose what classes are offered over the Internet, Baker said she would like more to be offered.

Most of the people who show up, she said, are any faculty/staff member interested in learning more about technology.

Many of the instructors are interested in incorporating the technology more into the classroom.

Dr. Scott Wells, head of biology, has been to a few of the sessions.

He said his reasoning to go actually changed.

“I guess I went for different reasons at different times,” Wells said.

He enjoys the seminars. Wells said they are helpful for him to learn about the technology. He likes the way the seminars are set up.

“It’s either hands-on or at least visual so you can see what’s going on,” he said. “That helps.”

Wells believes he isn’t the only one who benefits from the classes.

“More importantly, the students benefit,” he said.

He said it is “easier” for his students to learn from the technology.

The seminars are geared toward faculty and staff members.

Students who need help learning Blackboard only have the option of using the Blackboard demonstration site.

Wells said he hopes the seminars will continue.

He said he is “very appreciative” of the work put into the seminars.

Students may also contact the Blackboard help desk at 625-9885.