AIC Educators Present at San Diego Conference

Springfield, MA, March 06, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Flat screen televisions and iPads may be common entertainment tools, but at American International College (AIC) in Springfield, Mass., students are using them as learning tools. Two educators from (AIC) recently presented the at the 33rd annual conference on the First Year Experience in San Diego, Calif.

Carol Sitterly, Ed.D., dean for the Center for Academic Success, and Susan Petrucelli, director, of Developmental Education at AIC, presented "Reconceiving Developmental Education with Technology and Academic Self-efficacy Support."

The presentation explored the philosophy, pedagogy, and experience of freshman developmental education at American International College.They examined the new role of developmental education at the post-secondary level and explained how AIC engages students in developmental education courses through blended learning in both a paperless smart classroom and a new iPad learning lab.

The presenters shared alternative pedagogies and strategies that foster both self-efficacy and metacognitive skill development. Petrucelli and Sitterly demonstrated how using face-to-face learning with technology has helped students not only to become academically successfully but has also helped developmental education faculty deliver courses in a way that impacts the academic achievement of students and engages at-risk students in learning-to-learn.

AIC recently unveiled its new iPad lab, which is funded by the Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant. The Center for Academic Success through Developmental Education is the first department on campus to incorporate iPads into learning. Petrucelli said,"In addition to using this facility to engage students in developmental education, we want the iPad learning lab to be a resource to support learning and provide opportunities to enhance instruction."

The iPad learning lab has 18 iPads that are secured to workstations. In addition, there is an Apple TV with a flat screen monitor in front of the workstation area. There are two mobile iPads available for instructors or staff members to lead their discussions, workshops, or other scheduled events.

Petrucelli said, "The iPads are learning tools to motivate students." Most students use some form of technology every day. The iPad learning lab has the potential to improve skill building in reading, math, and writing. It also can increase a students’ academic self-efficacy and help support their metacognitive skill development.

The Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience provides an ongoing forum where higher education professionals can share experiences, concerns, and accomplishments related to supporting student learning, development, and success in the first college year.