The Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium is a regional conference dedicated to providing higher education participants an educational experience focused on the integration of computer-based technology in the teaching and learning processes of all disciplines and the incorporation of the study of this technology in the curriculum.

The Symposium was established in 1967 at the University of North Dakota. It is one of the nation's oldest conferences focusing on sharing creative thinking about computer-related issues and their opportunities and implementation at institutions of higher education.

Dr. Richard Varn - Chief Information Officer for the State of Iowa. His keynote will discuss trends and solutions related to integrating technology into teaching and learning. The State of Iowa's and UNI's efforts to build a 21st Century Learning Infrastructure will be highlighted. Recent studies and reports on technology in education and training will be reviewed with special emphasis on the Commission on Technology and Adult Learning. Finally, the policy challenges that must be addressed and possible solutions to those challenges will be discussed. Richard Varn's biography can be found at www.state.ia.us/government/its/richbio2.htm

Participants will receive an overview of the Web-based groupware product, WebCT. WebCT is used for developing on-line courses that can be used to enhance a tradition course or to teach a course that is completely on-line. During the hands-on portion of the workshop, participants will work with WebCT course tools to actually build an on-line course.

Presented by Rob Faux - PhD Candidate, Union Institute

This workshop will focus on some of the myths and the struggles faced by instructors in the classroom. We will discuss topic coverage stress, assessment issues, active and passive learning approaches and other issues identified by the group. Participants will explore how some of their own assumptions and preconceptions get in the way of learning and effective teaching. Approaches and innovations will be presented and explored that are practical for classroom use and are effective learning tools. Methods topics include the use of discussion in Computer Science, the improvement of lecture time and providing quick feedback for assessment. Interested persons should be prepared to participate in discussion and play a role in directing some of the specific content of this workshop.

Thursday - Saturday, April 5 - 7, 2001

Locations

Best Western Starlite Village, 214 Washington Street, Waterloo, IA and University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA

Check-In

7:30 pm Thursday and 7:45 am Friday in the lobby of the Best Western Starlite Village

8:00 am Saturday in room 5 of Wright Hall, University of Northern Iowa

Cost

Early registration is $145 ($75 for students) by March 22. Regular registration is $195 ($95 for students). One-day early registration is $95 ($40 for students) by March 22. One-day regular registration is $115 ($50 for students).

Your conference registration includes all conference sessions, session materials, refreshments, Thursday evening reception, Friday and Saturday lunches and Friday evening banquet.

Additional meal tickets are available for purchase. See the registration form.

Pre and Post Conference Workshops

The workshops will be held on Thursday from 3:00 - 6:00 pm and Saturday, 1:45 - 5:45 pm on the University of Northern Iowa campus. Cost is $25 for each workshop. Please mark the appropriate box(es) on your registration form.

Accommodations

We've held a block of rooms at the Best Western Starlite Village, 214 Washington Street, Waterloo. Call (319) 235-0321 by March 30 to make your reservation. Code: MICS or Midwest Instruction & Computing Symposium. Rate: $53/room, single or double occupancy.

Cancellation

If your plans change, notify us by March 29 for a full refund of your registration fee. Substitutes are always welcome!