Kaua‘i community college

The Learning Center

Currently TLC does not have a standardized tool to measure its success in teaching students to locate and use information they need and/or improve their use of technology. However, session records are kept to show if students have demonstrated the skills taught to them (Learning Center Program Review).

Instructional Technology

Instructional Technology also does not have an assessment tool to measure success of students after they have utilized the online tutorial and self-assessment; an assessment and remediation instrument has been developed to assess baseline computer competencies. It is currently awaiting adoption.

Planning Agenda

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  It is recommended that more faculty be encouraged to incorporate LILO into their courses and programs through dissemination of information from UH System faculty who are using it successfully.
  

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  It is recommended that a student focus group be conducted to elicit suggestions on how to improve library resources and services.
  

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  Assessment tools should be developed to measure effectiveness of TLC’s programs.
  

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  The assessment instrument for Instructional Technology services should be implemented.
  

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  The online version of the library pre-tests should be implemented.
  

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  Campus priorities for remedial, developmental, and other educational services to be offered jointly by TLC and College Success Program should be developed.
  

II.C.1.c. The institution provides students and personnel responsible for student learning programs and services adequate access to the library and other learning support services, regardless of their location or means of delivery.

Descriptive Summary

Library

Due to the non-filling of a vacated support staff position the library has reduced its service hours to 52.5 hours a week. However, the library has maintained the Saturday hours. Library hours are posted at the front entrance to the Learning Resource Center, within the facility, and on the library’s web site. The Library is open Tuesday, and Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m. The Learning Center is open on Monday and Wednesday evenings until 7:00 p.m., so students have access to computer labs 4 nights a week.

Students have 24/7 access to the UH Voyage catalog and to over 5,000 full-text journals in electronic subscription databases. Students use their student ID number to access the resources and do not need a library card. Even within the library itself, wireless access to the local area network (LAN) has enabled students to access the library’s resources through their own laptops or through the laptops that are available for loan at the circulation desk. Library orientations are provided for on-campus and distance students at the beginning of each semester. The Distance Learning Librarian sends emails announcing specific databases and interlibrary loan services available to students taking courses at the different colleges in the UH System and how to access these resources using their student I.D. numbers.
The Learning Center
The Learning Center’s hours of operations are also posted at its front entrance and on its home page. Evening hours are provided two evenings a week until 7:00 p.m. This schedule is worked out with the library so there is evening access to the computer labs at both sites throughout the week. Much of the daily access to TLC revolves around operating hours and includes walk-in traffic and appointments with TLC staff. Basic remote access to information about TLC and Instructional Technology are available through the TLC website and the IT website. The TLC has many links to services provided by the facility and also links to sites on the Internet that will assist the student in self-management interpersonal skills.
The University Center Educational Specialist proctors West O‘ahu Writing Assessment exams. Some of these proctored exams are proctored during non-business hours, to accommodate special requests of students. In addition, the Educational Specialist accommodates student requests for use of TLC resources at other than normal hours of operation.
Instructional Technology
Since Instructional Technology is located within TLC, the hours of operations are aligned with that unit. However, remote access to Instructional Technology was made possible in 2004 with the implementation of an information technology help desk center in TLC. It consists of two high-end workstations (both Windows and MacIntosh) and other equipment available for faculty use and checkout. The development of an online help desk permitted ad hoc peer-to-peer network (s), on-demand audio chat and remote computer assistance available to faculty and administration (Instructional Technology Program Review, Appendix: Hardware, Software, Tutorials, and Faculty). This online help desk serves as Instructional Technology’s web site.

Faculty can make an appointment to use Instructional Technology Resources. Appointments can be made in person, by phone, by email, or by submitting a request at the online help desk (IT website). Anyone can visit the online help desk and make subsequent use of the resources cited at the above website. It is possible to use the resource without being counted or identified as a user.

In terms of physical access to the learning support units, structural modifications to the buildings on campus in 2005, including the Learning Resource Center, have improved entrances/exits for people with disabilities. These include electronic door openers, easier opening door handles, and up ramps. These modifications have placed the physical accessibility of the library, TLC, and IT in accordance with the ADA.
The existing Kaua‘i Community College ADA related modifications meet those required by law and they equal or exceed those made at other campuses in the UH System. The main entrance to the Learning Resource Center was modified per ADA recommendations. The main entrance is the first (closest) entrance to the drop off/pick up point for special assistance students.