Town Hall takes Technology to a New Level

Over 80 staff and faculty members attended Town Hall on May 3. The event was facilitated by Stephanie Bangert and Penny Bamford, WASC Steering Committee (WSC) co-chairs, and Vicki Davis, Managing Academic Technology and TurningPoint expert. Provost and COO Scot Foster and Craig Elliot, Assistant VP of Enrollment and Student Services gave brief College updates on facilities and enrollment. The team of Bangert, Bamford and Davis successfully introduced the interactive learning program TurningPoint which was used throughout the session as a means to educate staff and faculty about the four year WASC accreditation process began this spring.

TurningPoint is a program that works to make a PowerPoint slide into an interactive survey. An integral part of TurningPoint are the “clickers” — small handheld remote devices that let the poeple select answers to multiple choice questions displayed on the screen. The program allows results to be displayed instantly, allowing facilitators to clarify points or tailor presentations to their audience. It also engages the audience in topics by allowing interactive participate with the system.

Margaret Early, Chair of the BSN Program, enjoyed the event, saying, “This last Town Hall reminded me why I am glad I came to Samuel Merritt College. The combination of solid information on the WASC process along with a great “picnic” lunch and the use of the TurningPoint technology enhanced the value of the event. TurningPoint is a great learning tool, and I enjoyed having the experience of seeing its application as a student would.”

Town Hall attendees were treated to a barbeque lunch before participating in small group activities focused on the WASC accreditation process.

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