Anne Zald, Reference and Research Services
UWired, a collaborative effort of the University Libraries, Undergraduate Education, and Computing & Communications, enters its third year this fall after two years of successful and innovative programs.
The Freshman Interest Group (FIG) program kicked off the UWired program in 1994, with three pilot UWired FIGs. In 1995, eight FIG groups learned about information technology. In this third year, all 60 FIGs, with 1250 students, are UWired, integrating electronic communication and information skills into the curricula of General Studies 199, University Resources, Information and Technology.
Another initiative of 1995, the upper division innovative courses, will be continued during 1996-97. Twelve courses were taught over Winter and Spring Quarters, 1996, in the new Collaboratory facilities located in OUGL.
A new initiative for 1996-97 will be four pilot "linked" courses. An information and technology seminar will be offered in conjunction with a content course for second quarter freshmen who have participated in a FIG and who want to learn more about technology. By linking the seminar to a content course, students will be able to explore the disciplinary applications of technology. The pilot courses are Anthropology 100, Sociology 271, Fisheries 101, and Psychology 101.