UA Technology Students Sell Their Wares For Free

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With increasing demand to understand computers and technological offerings, software instructors around the country are cashing in by selling their wares and teaching the less-technologically savvy how to become literate in a world of webs, word, and windows. But in a unique partnership between the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions and the Jones Center for Families in Springdale, UA students are offering their expertise and fresh, energetic instruction at no charge to the community while gathering important people skills to boot. The series of 75 "free school" computer classes is taught by students from the College's education technology program.

"Of all the classes offered, the computer classes are, by far, the most popular," said Grace Donoho, director of education at the Jones Center for Families. "Mrs. Jones has always said 'It takes a team to build a dream'—the Ed Tech students really create a positive atmosphere."

The partnership was developed in response to the growing demand at the Jones Center for computer courses facilitated by professors Cheryl Krawchuk and Jim Swartz from the UA educational technology program. Students are responsible for all aspects of their classes—with subjects ranging from basic e-mail and internet surfing to html and web page construction—including the development of the curriculum, the creation of activities and design of handouts.

In response, people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are rushing to enroll in the computer courses. In nearly every case, Donoho says, there's a waiting list to get in. "We're reaching more people than ever before because of these UA students," she said.

The Ed Tech students' curriculums and methodology are evaluated and improved each time the course is offered, according to Krawchuk. While the Ed Tech students gain valuable practical experience in the classroom, Jones Center students gather a wealth and variety of technological savvy in an upbeat, nurturing environment. And so far, there are no complaints—both Krawchuk and Donoho as well as those enrolled in the computer courses have been extremely pleased with the UA students' enthusiasm and eagerness to teach. "[Jones Center] students leave with big smiles on their faces," Donoho said.

"Our students plan to be, in many cases, instructors in educational technology, so this provides an extremely useful and valuable experience for them as they hone their teaching and curriculum skills," Krawchuk said. "And because the Jones Center had the need for instructors, we're more than happy to pitch in and help. Everyone benefits from this partnership."

Donoho notes an added advantage of the program. "There's a real need for people to volunteer in their communities," she said. "Through our partnership with the professors and students at the University, we're sending a solid message that volunteerism is important—that's a huge part of our mission. The work we've done together is truly amazing," she adds. "We have miracles every day at the Jones Center—this is one of them."