WIDS Webinar
April 30, 2007
At the 13 April 2007 department reps meeting, we were informed that Schoolcraft College had decided to use WIDS software for curriculum development. What I had heard about WIDS was primarily negative, but because the decision had already been made, I decided to investigate WIDS with an open mind. While looking at the WIDS web site, I learned about today’s Webinar—or online seminar.
Today’s seminar was designed to give an overview of the WIDS webinar and to answer basic questions. After the webinar, I spoke privately with the facilitator to get additional questions answered.
Concerns Addressed
I had five main concerns which were addressed; four of them satisfactorily.
- WIDS will produce a one-size-fits all syllabus.
Depending on departmental and college decisions, WIDS software need be no more restrictive than our current common syllabus. For example, it can be designed so that we all have the same course objectives, but that the course schedule be designed by the individual instructor.
- We will be limited in the number of assessments we will be able to give.
It was my understanding that we needed to pick assessments from the list that was available in WIDS. While this is technically correct, we are also able to add our own assessments to the WIDS database. Therefore, a best practice that I want to use but which is not in the database can be selected as soon as I add it.
- We will not be able to modify the course once it begins.
WIDS allows modifications in assignments throughout the semester based on student progress and feedback.
- We will not be able to access the WIDS software from home.
WIDS is licensed per individual; not per computer. Therefore, the college could legally put the software on my office computer, my home computer, and my yet to be purchased laptop.
- WIDS is overly difficult to use.
It is definitely going to take time to learn the software, the terminology, and the process. It will also take time to get materials entered into the templates. Once that is done, I am not clear on how much time it will take me to construct my courses.
Time Well Spent
The webinar lasted just over an hour and it was time well spent. Others can register for a webinar online. The dates and times of future webinars are on the bottom of the registration page.
|
