There are a variety of teaching and learning resources available to faculty at Metropolitan College.
Teaching Credit Courses to Adults
Metropolitan College Associate Professor Eric Braude has authored Teaching Credit Courses to Adults: Opinions and Notes with an Emphasis on Computer Science. This document is a useful resource for any instructor faced with the unique nuances of teaching adult students, though there is emphasis on teaching computer science. Download the PDF:
Student Communication Skills
One of our duties as educators is to develop and nurture our students’ English knowledge and skills, while ensuring their mastery of professional terminology.
The following PDF outlines Metropolitan College standards on written or spoken communication abilities for native speakers of English and international students. The document also details resources available to help students improve their skills to meet the minimum standard of written and oral communication consistent with the professional standards in the field.
IT Support Services
Information Technology support services available to faculty include: MET IT Services, which offers support to users of Metropolitan College & Extended Education computers and software; and BU Information Technology, which supports computing services University-wide. Follow the links to learn more.
Learning Management Systems
Blackboard Learn
Blackboard Learn is a courseware program supported by Boston University to help faculty manage their classes. Instructors are highly encouraged to use the new Blackboard Learn system.
You must have a Kerberos password to create and access courseware sites.
Please Note: The Blackboard 8 system is being retired Fall 2013. To copy a Blackboard 8 site to Blackboard Learn, click on “Copy a Site” on the Blackboard OneHelp Ticket page.
Library
Boston University has many library resources available to all members of the BU community. Below are some of the frequently used links. Please note that there are numerous resources available on the main website and at each library. Additionally, at any time you can click the “Ask a Librarian” in the top, right-hand corner of the library websites and you will be able to virtually chat with a librarian for help on your issue. http://www.bu.edu/library/
Boston University Libraries: Services for Faculty
http://www.bu.edu/library/services/for-faculty/
Library Classes & Instruction
Mugar and branch librarians offer instruction for class sessions to faculty and to students. Instruction can cover the use of electronic resources, bibliographic tools such as RefWorks, and the overall process of posing problems, designing effective investigative strategies, collecting and evaluating information, drawing conclusions, and presenting findings. Collaborative projects provide opportunities for the librarian to work with faculty to tailor instruction to the specific needs of the class.
http://www.bu.edu/library/services/classes-instruction/
Reserves
Faculty may place materials on reserve at the Mugar Memorial, Music, Pardee Management, Science & Engineering, and Pickering Educational Resources Libraries for the use of students enrolled in their classes. Items from the libraries’ collections as well as personal copies of such material as books, syllabi, lecture notes, articles, or sample exams may be designated for reserve. We will scan items (within the limits of copyright law) for you.
http://www.bu.edu/library/services/reserves/
Collections
We offer access to literally millions of ebooks and print books through both regular purchasing and through memberships in organizations like the HathiTrust. Our ejournal collections currently number in the tens of thousands. You can request an item to be purchased by using the Suggest a Purchase link on the Libraries website or by contacting the selector for a particular subject.
http://www.bu.edu/library/research/collections/
Borrowing
BU faculty may check out most BU library materials for 365 days. Loans may be renewed as many times as you wish, unless the item is recalled by another patron. Using your BU login name and Kerberos password, you can access your patron record and renew your own loans. Other borrowing methods include using a Boston Library Consortium Card in person at BLC member libraries; Interlibrary Loan; and, in limited cases, through the Faculty Reciprocal Borrowing Program.
Research Help
The BU Libraries offer a number of research guides covering both broad and narrow subject areas; formats (such as newspapers); and key resources for specific research needs. Course-specific guides can be requested. Subject Specialists are always available for consultation.
http://www.bu.edu/library/research-help-by-subject/
For more information, contact Ken Liss, Head of Liaison & Instruction Services: kliss@bu.edu
Additional Links
BU Library Homepage
Reserve Desk
Reference Support
Interlibrary Loan and Virtual Catalog
Research Guides by Subject
BU Center for Excellence & Innovation in Teaching
Boston University’s Center for Excellence & Innovation in Teaching is a University-wide resource and forum dedicated to the promotion of excellence in teaching. There are many discussions, tools, and sources of information on this page and it is recommended that Metropolitan College faculty become acquainted with the center.