Faculty Spotlight
March - April 1999
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On the Cutting Edge of Technology:
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As an early adopter of instructional technologies, Mickey Sims, professor and director of Veterinary Medical Communications (VMC), has been involved in several innovative projects over the years. Working in conjunction with faculty from the college and partnering with other units in the University, Sims has developed two laser discs on Orthopedic and surgical procedures; implemented computer testing on stand-alone and networked computers; and co-authored a USDA funded CD-ROM on case-based, undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology.
Along with developing technology-based instructional products, Sims also oversees a comprehensive technology support infrastructure for the college that includes computer services, instructional video, medical art and graphics, and photography units. The latest component of this infrastructure is the college Intranet, Vet Net. Vet Net is designed to provide administrative and academic information in a timely and convenient manner. In addition to event calendars, room reservations, and class schedules, students are provided with supplementary course materials including text, high-quality still images, and digital video.
The accessibility of instructional technologies, coupled with a new cased-based approach to the Veterinary Medicine curriculum, is having a very positive affect on students. Students are embracing the technology by developing electronic presentations for courses and working collaboratively to access and manipulate digitally archived still images and video footage. As part of the new curriculum, Veterinary Medicine students are required to accept more responsibility for their own learning by developing information management skills. The focus is on helping them to develop skills early in the program that will enable them to become life-long learners.
Sims gives credit for the successful integration of technology to an unfailingly supportive college administration. Such support also makes it possible for Sims and other Veterinary Medicine faculty to continually investigate new ways to incorporate more advanced technologies into teaching and learning. Their most recent endeavor involves coordinating with colleagues from North Carolina State University and the University of Georgia on a project to share "virtual rounds" via live, interactive video. While faculty and students from one institution present a case remotely, the other two groups are able to view the case and participate in discussion from their home universities. The partners see this as an excellent opportunity to share resources and experiences. Sims and others are currently looking for funding sources for this innovative project.
For more information about the use of instructional technologies in the College of Veterinary Medicine contact Sims at msims@utk.edu.