School of Education
Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology

Do New Ideas for the Use of Technology in Higher Education Really Improve Instruction?  (12/24/2012)  Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss recent innovations in course delivery, such as MOOCs, and the outlook for them to improve instruction and access to instruction at the post-secondary level.

Recognition for AECT Standards Alignment (12/24/2012)  Technology and Education Today hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford review the Association for Educational Communication and Technology’s new plan to assure that programs preparing instructional technology coordinators and instructional designers maintain high standards.

Argumentative Students (10/25/2012)  Technology and Education Today co-hosts Richard A. Smith & Caroline M. Crawford take on the topic of why some college students feel compelled to argue with their professors over seemingly trivial matters.

How to Attend a Conference (10-17-2012)  Technology and Education hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss how to change the attending a conference from an exercise in running from session to session to a way of obtaining that first job, in academia, as an assistant professor.

Tim Holt – 180 Questions (10-4-2012) Richard Smith speaks with Tim Holt, Director of Instructional Technology for El Paso ISD about his new book, “180 Questions” which serves as an innovative guide to implementing technology into instruction.  This interview took place during the fall 2012 meeting of the Technology Education Coordinators Special Interest Group of the Texas Computer Education Association.

The Future of Face-to-Face Education (9-28-2012) Technology and Education Today hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss the possibility of education taking place in school buildings to being provided in a virtual environment.

Teaching to How We Think our Students Learn (9-12-2012)  Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss how teaching according to our preferences of the way we would like students to learn can prevent students from learning.

Basic Manners and Professional Etiquette (9-13-2012)  What passes for etiquette and good manners in the 21st Century? Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford tackle this topic with enthusiasm.

The Technology That College Students Wanted (8-30-2012) – Technology and Education Today hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss how college students would like to see professors use technology.

Massive Open Online Courses (8-12-2012) For this edition of Technology and Education today, hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss the possibilities of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOKs) to change how higher education is delivered.

Tablets for Textbooks (8-12-2012) Can texts delivered on tablet computers replace texts published on paper? This is the question hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss during this edition of Technology and Education Today.

Six Tips to Make a Successful Online Teacher (7-10-2012) Technology and Education Today hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss an article written by Professor Richard Rose of West Texas A & M University that provides six tips to ensure that an online teacher will be successful..

How Technology Might Influence Universities (6-19-2012) – Clinical Associate Professor Richard A. Smith and Associate Professor Caroline M. Crawford get into a thoughtful discussion on the pros and cons of using technology to facilitate instruction at the university level.

Disruptive Technologies (5-9-2012) - Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford get into a discussion of how technology in education can be a disruptive force even as it benefits instruction.

Instructional Technology and its Application in the Country of Tunisia (3/5/2012) - Grand Valley State University graduate student Ahmed Lachheb describes, to hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford, his outlook on how instructional technology can be implemented in Tunisia in order to facilitate education. Recorded live during the 2012 Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference in Austin, Texas.

Helping Parents to Understand How Their Children are Doing in School (3/6/2012) Hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford speak with Clyde Boyer the cofounder of Trinity Education Group regarding helping parents to get a better grasp on what their children are doing in school. Recorded live during the 2012 SXSWedu Conference in Austin, Texas this podcast also describes LaunchEDU, a new way in which companies can be aligned with investors.

Professional Learning Communities for Education Leaders (3/6/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford meet with Ken Kay, the Chief Executive Officer of EdLeader 21 and discuss the importance of developing and utilizing professional learning communities for leaders in education. Recorded live during the 2012 SXSWEDU Conference in Austin, Texas.

Innovative Science Curriculum (3/6/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss a novel video enhanced supplemental science curriculum with the CEO of Exploration Nation, Pete Monfre. Recorded live during the 2012 SXSWEDU Conference in Austin, Texas.

Increasing Teacher Effectiveness (3/7/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford meet with Raluca Sirbu, Lead Member of the Technical Staff at AT&T to discuss ways that teacher effectiveness can be improved. Recorded live during the 2012 Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference in Austin, Texas.

Structuring a Study Abroad Experience for University Students (3/7/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford speak with Roberta K. Weber, Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University regarding structuring a meaningful educational study abroad experience for university students. Recorded live during the 2012 Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference in Austin, Texas.

The SXSWedu Conference (3/6/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss the SXSWedu conference with the conference’s Executive Producer, Ron Reed. Held in Austin, Texas and in its second year, this conference is a unique blend of authoritative speakers and knowledgeable attendees who share innovative ideas and projects in a relaxed atmosphere. Recorded live during the 2012 SXSWEDU Conference in Austin, Texas.

The Consistency Management & Cooperative Discipline Project (2/21/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford interview Dr. H. Jerome Freiberg, the originator of a unique systematic method of instruction that ensures maximum participation of students, teachers, and parents in the educational process while also producing increases in student academic achievement.

Meeting Student Needs Through the Texas Virtual School Network (2/9/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford interview Barbara Smith, the director of the Texas Virtual School Network and find out how distance education is being implemented in Texas schools. The interview took place at the Texas Computer Education Association Conference in Austin, Texas.

Adapting Instruction to Student Needs (2/9/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford chat with Tom Deliganis, National Vice President of Sales for REVOLUTIONK12, regarding their innovative instructional software and the special way it adapts to student needs. They also touch upon integrated learning systems and other instructional software systems, putting each in context.

Mobile Devices and Cloud Computing (1/18/2012) Co-hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss how mobile devices and cloud computing can and are affecting instruction.

Trends in Educational Technology Within Higher Education (1/18/2012) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford examine how the use of educational technology in higher education is changing and where it is heading.

Flip Teaching at the Eanes Independent School District (10/13/2011) Richard A. Smith speaks with Sandy Medina, an educational technologist at Eanes Independent School District in Austin, Texas, about “flip teaching” which turns the traditional classroom experience into homework and homework into the new classroom experience. This podcast was recorded on-site in Austin, Texas, during the Fall 2011 meeting of Technology Education Coordinators Special Interest Group of the Texas Computer Education Association.

Preparing Teachers to be Online Instructors (9/28/2011) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford, the co-hosts of Technology and Education Today, get into a spirited and informative discussion over the most appropriate methods for schools of education to prepare pre-service teachers and in-service teachers seeking master's degrees, to be online instructors.

Connecting the Dots (9-22-2011) Co-hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford talk with John Halpin, Vice President for Strategy and Programs at the Center for Digital Education, regarding ideas for using technology to facilitate education in the 21st Century.  This podcast was recorded at the Connecting the Dots Conference held in Houston, Texas which was hosted by the Center for Digital Education.  Ideas that emerged from the day's seminar style meeting of educators and product innovators form the core content of this podcast.

For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Universities, Part 1 (9-14-2011) Caroline M. Crawford and Richard A. Smith review what not-for-profit universities can learn from for-profit universities emphasizing technology use and touching on a variety of other areas.

For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Universities,  Part 2 (9-14-2011) Caroline M. Crawford and Richard A. Smith continue the conversation regarding what not-for-profit universities can learn from for-profit universities.

.

Bring Your Own Technology (8/31/2011) Drs. Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford of the University of Houston - Clear Lake's Instructional Technology Program discuss the new initiative in schools where students bring their own technology to the classroom and it is integrated into the instructional process by their teachers.

.

Conducting Online Discussions (8/24/2011) Technology and EducationToday co-hosts Caroline M. Crawford and Richard A. Smith chat about what makes a good online discussion.  Each provides insights into how they design their own online discussions and what they have learned from the literature on effective online courses.

.

The Florida Virtual School (8/3/2011) Clinical Associate Professor Richard A. Smith and Associate Professor Caroline M. Crawford speak with Claudine Townley, Director of Global Services for the internationally known, Florida Virtual School. Ms. Townley provides an excellent overview of the mission and operation of the Florida Virtual School. This podcast was recorded during the Speaks VOLumes conference held August 3, 2011 at the Harris County Department of Education in Houston, Texas.

.

Information and Technical Services at Tarrant County College (8/3//2011) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford, of the University of Houston – Clear Lake, speak with Maria Shelton, Vice Chancellor for Information and Technical Services at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. The discussion centers on Tarrant County College’s implementation of Blackboard version 9.1, a course management system. The training needed by faculty to create and teach effective courses using Blackboard is explored. This podcast was recorded during the Speaks VOLumes conference held at the Harris County Department of Education, in Houston, Texas.

.

Does Distance Education Inhibit Good Quality Courses? (8-2-2011)  Hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss some basic concerns about putting courses online. This discussion was prompted by a posting on the Innovations blog of The Chronicle of Higher Education.

.

Teacher Training for Mathematics (7/27/2011) Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford discuss the mathematics teacher training project taking place at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and funded by the Texas Regional Collaborative, with the project’s director, Dr. Sandra Browning.

.

Honesty in Grading (7-22-2011) Richard A. Smith And Caroline M. Crawford discuss the challenge of keeping students honest through the use of technology and the price some instructors pay in making certain that their students do not plagiarize.

.

In and Out of the Public Domain (7-22-2011) Caroline M. Crawford and Richard A. Smith discuss the impact of technology on the acquisition and distribution of books in the public domain. The two focus on the rights of people to redistribute public domain books obtained from distribution sources that charge for their services.

.

Evaluating Online Instructors (7/8/2011) Caroline M. Crawford and Richard A. Smith discuss what to be aware of when evaluating online instructors. While the temptation is to evaluate online instructors against traditional benchmarks and standards, the reality is that traditional benchmarks and standards are not always applicable to all online instructors, as Crawford and Smith's discussion makes clear.

.

Mobile Learning (4/22/2011) Assistant Professor Maria Elena Corbeil and Associate Professor Rene Corbeil take time out from their busy schedule at the 2011 Texas Distance Learning Association Conference in San Antonio, Texas to talk about the state of mobile learning with Technology and Education Today hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford..

.

Technology in the Irving Independent School District (2/10/2011) Co-hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford speak with Sam Farsaii, Director of Instructional Technology at Irving Independent School District, located in Irving, Texas regarding the success of Irving ISD teachers in applying technology to instruction in innovative and effective ways. Sam Farsaii, (a master's degree graduate of UHCL's Instructional Technology Program) provides a lucid and compelling description of what makes Irving ISD's technology program, an award winning program, and what makes the district a state leader in education. This podcast was recorded on-site at the 2011 annual conference of the Texas Computer Education Association.

.

South by Southwest.edu (2/10/2011) Ron Reed describes "Project Share: Knowledge Knows No Boundaries," the inaugural event of the 2011 South by Southwest.edu (SXSWedu.com) Conference, with Technology and Education Today hosts, Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford. SXSWedu.com is facilitated by South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This podcast was recorded on-site at the 2011 annual conference of the Texas Computer Education Association.

.

The Texas Computer Education Association (10/7/2011) Richard Smith speaks with Candace Threadgill, the current president of the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) about the goals of the organization, its yearly and highly successful conference, and the future of instructional technology. This podcast was recorded on-site during the October 7 – 8, 2011 meeting of the TCEA Technology Education Coordinators Special Interest Group in Austin, Texas.

.

The Texas Distance Learning Association (3-23-2010) Brenda Quintanilla, the president of the Texas Distance Learning (TxDLA) association speaks with Richard A. Smith regarding TxDLA’s mission and goals, and the role of the organization’s annual conference. The two go on to discuss discus the design of distance education courses and the elements that comprise a well constructed online course. This podcast was recorded on-site during the TxDLA annual conference held in Houston during March 22 – 24th, 2010.

The Texas Virtual School Network (2-10-2010) Barbara Smith, the Director of the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) discusses with Dr. Caroline M. Crawford and Dr. Richard A. Smith how Texas is implementing online education at the secondary school level. From online teacher training, to creating online courses, to meeting the needs of online students, Barbara Smith reveals the philosophy of the TxVSN and how it achieves its goals by adhering to the standards of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL).

The Man Behind the Clickers (2-11-2010) Co-hosts Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M. Crawford speak with Dr. Darrell Ward the man who originated the use of “remote response systems” in schools. These systems, now commonly known as “clickers,” originally simply allowed students to enter responses to teacher quizzes and surveys from their seats with the results instantly displayed to the class. Their present abilities are now far more varied and innovative. Dr. Ward discusses his beliefs about the type of educational technology that will best suit the schools of the 21st Century and how his new company, All In Learning is providing products that will be future-ready.

The Institute for the Medical Humanities at The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston (10-5-2009) Dr. Howard Brody, the director of The Institute for the Medical Humanities at The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, speaks with E&TT co-hosts Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M. Crawford regarding the work of the Institute. They explore the principle concerns of The Institute which center around “moral inquiry, research, teaching, and professional service in medicine and health care.” Listeners will learn how the faculty of The Institute “engage in research on ethical and legal problems in clinical practice and biomedical research; and on philosophical, historical, visual, literary, and religious dimensions of medicine and health care.” This podcast was recorded on-site in Galveston, Texas.

The Institute for the Medical Humanities at The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston (10-5-2009) Dr. Howard Brody, the director of The Institute for the Medical Humanities at The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, speaks with E&TT co-hosts Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M. Crawford regarding the work of the Institute. They explore the principle concerns of The Institute which center around “moral inquiry, research, teaching, and professional service in medicine and health care.” Listeners will learn how the faculty of The Institute “engage in research on ethical and legal problems in clinical practice and biomedical research; and on philosophical, historical, visual, literary, and religious dimensions of medicine and health care.” This podcast was recorded on-site in Galveston, Texas.

Designing Innovative Math and Science Instructional Software (9-8-2009) UHCL Instructional Technology faculty members Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith talk with Frank E. Hughes, Vice President for Education and Training Products at Tietronix Software, located in Clear Lake, Texas about effective techniques for designing software that will engage and motivate high school students in the areas of math and science. The three review software design techniques found to be effective at Tietronix and at the University of Houston Clear Lake’s next door neighbor NASA.

Distance Education Techniques at The University of Texas at Brownsville. (4/14/ 09) - This podcast was recorded during the April 2009 meeting of the Texas Distance Learning Association Conference held in Corpus Christi, Texas. Richard Smith engaged Assistant Professor Rene Corbeil and Associate Professor Maria Elena Corbeil, both of whom teach at The University of Texas at Brownsville, in a conversation about how they construct their online courses to make them interactive, while at the same time maintaining the highest academic standards.

The Online Teaching Experience, etc. (2/3/ 09) - Dr. John T. Thompson, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems at Buffalo State University joins Technology and Education Today hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford of UHCL in a fascinating discussion on their experiences over the last ten years with distance education and the choices that must be made when creating and/or teaching courses. This podcast was recorded at the 2009 Technology Research Symposium of the Texas Computer Education Association held in Austin, TX.

Distance Education Via Video Conferencing (2/5/09) – Richard A. Smith chats with W. David Slaymaker and Gabriela Hogue of the Office of Distance Education at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, & the Arts. The conversation takes place on the exhibit floor of the February 2009 Texas Computer Education Association annual conference. The advantages of using a video conferencing system for distance education were discussed. Included in the conversation are some tips and tricks of a successful video based distance education system.

Conducting Large Scale School District Training – (10/2/08) Richard A. Smith talks with Tim Holt, Director of Instructional Technology at El Paso Independent School District in El Paso, Texas regarding how to create technology based training programs for audiences that cannot all gather in the same place at the same time. The El Paso ISD serves as the content model for this discussion. The podcast was produced on-site, during the October 2008 Technology Education Coordinators Special Interest Group meeting held in Austin, Texas. In addition to being a UHCL Instructional Technology Program production, the production was also simultaneously recorded as an issue of the podcast “Intended Consequences” produced by Tim Holt.

A Few Thoughts as We Go Around the Corner – (10/3/08) Richard A. Smith talks with Miguel Guhlin the publisher of the education blog, “Around the Corner.” Miguel discusses the history of his blog and its significance. In addition, Richard and Miguel discuss the potential of technology for improving how we educate our students, in the face of Miguel’s contention that much of our previous efforts at applying technology to improve education have failed. The podcast was produced on-site during the October 2008 Technology Education Coordinators Special Interest Group meeting held in Austin, Texas

Enhancing On-line Courses – (9/12/08) This podcast finds hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford in a discussion about how to improve and on-line courses beyond the basics of good design. As usual, the discussion is freewheeling and wide ranging.

Standards for On-line Course Design and On-line Teaching – (7/23/08) The podcasting team of Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith focus on standards established for on-line course design and on-line teaching. Both activities are linked and setting standards for both or either activity is not as simple as it might seem at first.

Standards for On-line Course Design and On-line Teaching – (7/23/08) The podcasting team of Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith focus on standards established for on-line course design and on-line teaching. Both activities are linked and setting standards for both or either activity is not as simple as it might seem at first.

On-line Courses vs. Face-to-Face Instruction – (7/30/08) Drs. Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith debate the topic of on-line vs. face-to-face instruction. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Add to that the concept of hybrid courses, which are a combination of on-line instruction and face-to-face instruction, and this podcast discusses the qualities of a significant portion of mediated instruction.

The Makings of a Good Instructional Designer – (3/25/08) Richard Smith engages Valerie Hainley, a Senior Instructional Designer with Imedia.it in an exciting conversation about what it takes to be an instructional designer in a innovative and fast-paced firm dedicated to producing web-based interactive courseware and training programs.

Working as an Instructional Designer - (3/25/08) Caroline Crawford talks with Houston-based Imedia.it’s Tyler Delane, the company’s Instructional Support Systems Manager. Imedia.it designs and develops award winning web-based interactive courseware and training programs. Under discussion are various aspects of how to obtain and maintain a job with a company dedicated to the development cutting edge training programs for a variety of clients.

Being a Distance Learning Teacher - (6/18/08) There are differences and similarities between the requirements of being a good classroom teacher and being a good on-line teacher. Drs. Smith and Crawford explore the roles of both types of teachers The duo brings to light some important, and often overlooked, aspects of on-line teaching and on-line course creation that are key to providing students with a high quality education while not burdening on-line teachers without a disproportionate amount of work.

Myths and Realities in Educational Technology - (8/2/07) Co-hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford are joined by guest host Trina Davis, the President of the International Society for Technology in Education and Assistant Professor of Educational Technology at Texas A & M University in a discussion of the beliefs people hold regarding the efficacy of technology in the classroom.

The Role of the International Society for Technology in Education - (8/2/07) Trina Davis, President of the International Society for Technology in Education, rejoins Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford in this discussion that starts with distance learning and extents to role of the International Society for Technology in Education in making certain that technology in education is used effectively.

Teachers and Communication - (6/18/07) Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith discuss with “WeAreTeachers” CEO Sandy Fivecoat how teachers can use Internet technology to decrease the amount of isolation they feel in the classroom.  Sandy Fivecoat's new Internet-based service for educators “WeAreTeachers” is described with an overview of how it provides teachers a platform for communication and an opportunity to take advantage of their professional knowledge.

Schools and Business - (6/18/07)   “WeAreTeachers” CEO Sandy Fivecoat continues the discussion with Drs. Smith and Crawford. The group extends the discussion to the opportunities that advances in technology and software distribution systems for consumers have opened for teachers.

Teachers as Entrepreneurs - (6/18/07)  Caroline Crawford, Richard Smith, and “WeAreTeachers” CEO Sandy Fivecoat discuss the possibilities of integrating the private sector world into the world of education, opening the way for teachers to earn money while enhancing their professional capabilities. Drs. Smith and Crawford and Ms. Fivecoat examine the potential impact on educators of “WeAreTeachers.”

Creating Effective Schools, Part 1 ( 5/7/07) Guest Host Dr. Robert Sanborn, the President and CEO of the Houston based child advocacy group, “Children at Risk” joins Drs. Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford in an intense discussion that reveals the essential elements of effective schools

Creating Effective Schools, Part 2 (5/7/07) Dr. Robert Sanborn rejoins Drs. Smith and Crawford, picking up where Part 1 of this mini-series left off to reveal the obvious and also subtle influences of education policy, law, and practice in the effort to identify the characteristics of schools that function with a high degree of effectiveness.

Simulation and Gaming in Education, Part 2 ( 12/11/06) Co-hosts Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M. Crawford are joined by guest co-host Virginia Dickenson and continue their freewheeling discussion of simulation and gaming in education and in particular its potential in Second Life, the “3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents.”

Philosophy of Education (10/16/2006) E&TT Hosts, Caroline M. Crawford and Richard A. Smith are at it again. This time their discussion explores the purposes of education and how we educate students. The entertaining duo explores a range of issues, from the history of education to the unforeseen consequences of NCLB testing.

Classroom Technology-Unintended Consequences (7/24/2006) E&TT hosts, Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M.Crawford are joined by guest host Mr. Anthony Sassi, the Executive Director of Technology and the Public Education Information Management System at Texas City Independent School District to discuss some of the unintended and unexpected consequences of student access to technology, especially communication technology, in the classroom. This wide-ranging, lively and informative discussion was recorded live, on-site, at the Texas City ISD central office.

The Changing Face of Higher Education (6/12/06)  Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M. Crawford, the intrepid hosts of Education & Technology Today, offer their observations and opinions on how the typical college and university student differs from those of a generation ago. They also comment on how universities have changed in response to the needs of these new students.

College Admissions - What is Nice to Know (6/5/06) With getting their children into top colleges becoming more of a concern to parents, "Technology and Education Today" hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford launch into a wide ranging discussion of the college and university admission process that both parents and high school students will find useful.