Judson College Participates in
1998 Faculty Development Consortium Conference
at Tuskegee University

Judson presenters at the FDC conference Judson College presenters at the 1998 Conference included (from left):
  • Thomas Wilson,
    Biology
  • Curt Meisenheimer, Physics
  • Clark Wheeler, Journalism
  • Ruth Kastenmayer, WebMaster
Judson Student, Jill Shoemaker (center) demonstrated the Judson Webspinner to conference participants.

FDC Conference 1998

By Jill S. Shoemaker

The Faculty Development Consortium (FDC) held the fourth annual instructional technology conference March 11-13, 1998 on the campus of Tuskegee University. The consortium includes: Judson, Auburn, Tuskegee, Faulkner, Huntingdon, Birmingham-Southern, Spring Hill, Patterson State Tech., Talladega, Stillman, and Montevallo. The FDC conference allowed educators, interns, and students to learn exciting methods of integrating technology into curricula. Many different workshops, mini courses and panel discussions provided enlightening knowledge and hands-on experiences for the attendees to learn skills for both upcoming and older technological programs. People saw first-hand that computers are our friends. There are so many programs and concepts available just waiting to be accessed to help make life more interesting and often easier.


Jill demonstrating the Webspinner


Jill Shoemaker demonstrated the Webspinner to Dr. Nick Backsheider, Chairman of the FDC Task Force Committee

Dr. Wilson, one of the FDC Task Force committee members, gave a dynamic PowerPoint presentation of technology in the biology program. His presentation emphasized the numerous ways of keeping students' attention. He also captivated the audience by illustrating the art of teaching through fun methods. He reported, "I am very proud of those who represented Judson at the Technology Conference at Tuskegee University. Ruth set an all time record for presenting and panel discussions...five presentations in one conference. Curtis was asked to do an encore of his PowerPoint and Physics talk...by far the most dynamic presentation of the conference. Jill Shoemaker did a wonderful job of showing and explaining the Webspinner to lots of people in the exhibit area...she certainly gave Judson some quality PR. Our Webspinner is the only electronic magazine in the State."

Mrs. Kastenmayer impressed the audience with her presentation on Webmastery. She commented, "This was Judson's chance to shine, and we really did!"

Judson Students at Conference
Judson Foreign Exchange students Elena Mishastaya (Ukraine) and Monica Stoica (Romania) attended the conference and enjoyed Jill's presentation of the Webspinner.

Mr. Clark Wheeler reported, "I learned much from putting together my presentation keeping with the adage that the best way to learn anything is to teach it. I appreciate Thomas and Ruth allowing me to be a part of their traveling circus on this event as they go from town to town with their equipment in tow, sharing the good news about computers like the old evangelical preachers that would pitch tents to hold revivals..."

The conference was an overall success. Everyone left the conference knowing more about technology in the classroom. I can barely wait to see what will be presented and what new technological features will be at next year's conference!