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Scope and Availability of Services
Learning resource services at James Rumsey Technical Institute Education (JRTI) provide students with current, comprehensive information related to the area of training. The accessibility provides students with opportunities that intensify the quality of instruction and support the overall mission of the JRTI. Individuals learn in a variety of ways; therefore, a multimedia approach is effective in providing learning experiences for students.
JRTI provides diverse educational resources to support each instructional department. The educational resource materials are current and available for use by the students and the faculty. These resources provide support to each instructional program in the classroom and lab environment. These materials include print and online periodicals; business, professional, and technical reference manuals; audiovisuals; instructional DVDs/CDs, and realia.
Computers and program-related software are also available. Internet access is available in classrooms. Dedicated, fixed computers are located in the classrooms, and mobile labs are also available when needed.
Every postsecondary program classroom has Internet access for research and learning activities as well as access to either desktop or laptop computers.
Postsecondary faculty and students have access to the Jill S. Weekley Learning Center every day from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., during the school year; and 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the summer months.
Because of ongoing classes held in the learning center, instructors who send students to the learning center are required to make an appointment to use the center’s facilities and equipment.
Provisions for media services support are provided in the annual budget of each program. Instructors may request media resources as needed. The postsecondary assistant principal and the director/principal approve all media resources and equipment purchases. In addition to state funding, instructors are encouraged to apply for matching grant opportunities to purchase resources that will enhance learning experiences.
The effectiveness of media resources is measured using instructors’ and students’ evaluations of instruction. The faculty and program advisory committees review the learning resources and suggest purchases as necessary.
JRTI uses a multi-media learning approach in providing educational services that includes the acquisition and installation of appropriate equipment and resources to meet evolving career-related skills. To address this approach, instructors diligently research their respective career fields and pedagogy to provide the equipment and materials that will most effectively address course content. Instructors and occupational advisory committee members evaluate technological updates, industry trends, and employer training requirements so that outstanding instruction, skill-based educational opportunities are maintained for all JRTI students.
The goals and objectives of the media services plan are as follows:
- To provide and organize materials and resources for the instructional programs.
- To provide adequate physical facilities for media services.
- To provide adequate access for both students and faculty to media services.
- To provide, as needed, in-service training for faculty using media services.
Current and Relevant Educational Materials
Each classroom and/or laboratory has a variety of current and relevant educational materials specific to the occupational area. Available media resources include print, reading, realia (objects used to relate classroom teaching to real life), and audio-visual materials. Also available are the hardware/equipment required to access the resources including LCD and other video projectors, high-definition televisions, document cameras, computers, printers, digital cameras, and scanners. Program instructors use web-based student and instructor learning resources in their respective career field.
Person Responsible
The person responsible for the implementation and coordination of the media services is the coordinator of the Jill S. Weekley Learning Center. The coordinator is assisted by the secretary of the Center.
Instructors are also responsible for and have a media center located in their classrooms/shops.
Roles and Responsibilities
The coordinator and secretary provide the following services:
- Students are introduced to the availability and use of media resources.
- Instructors may request and are introduced/provided orientation to new media and equipment.
- Each Advance Career Education (formerly postsecondary) student is given the opportunity to come to the Learning Center for supplemental services or information.
- ACE faculty and students have access to the Jill S. Weekley Learning Center every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. during the school year; and 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the summer months.
Orientation for User Groups
Each year, the Learning Center Coordinator provides an orientation to students, along with their teachers, concerning the Center and its availability of services. In addition, the Center is open to the public for those who want to prepare for their high school equivalency exam as well as enhance their academic skills.
Facilities and Technical Infrastructure Essential for Using Media Materials
The Center is located within the building. In addition to the resources the Learning Center provides, each classroom/lab has an area where the resources, print or non-print, are stored. Computers are available in the classrooms, two fixed labs, two mobile labs, and the learning center. All staff and instructors have access to the web from their desktop computers via connection to the West Virginia Department of Education system.
Annual Budgetary Support for Services
Although housed in the building, the learning center a separate entity from our school; therefore, the funding for the coordinator’s salary and supplies is provided directly from the West Virginia Department of Education. Individual programs receive monies from (1) Instructional Supplies, (2) Lab Fees, (3) Work-Order monies, and (5) Faculty Senate.
Evaluations of the Plan
The effectiveness of media resources is measured using instructors’ and students’ evaluations of instruction. The faculty and program advisory committees review the learning resources and suggest purchases as necessary.
JRTI uses a multi-media learning approach in providing educational services that include the acquisition and installation of appropriate equipment and resources to meet evolving career-related skills. To address this approach, instructors diligently research their respective career fields to provide the equipment and materials that will most effectively address course content. Instructors and occupational advisory committee members evaluate technological updates, industry trends, and employer training requirements so that outstanding instruction, skill-based educational opportunities are maintained for all.
