Fitchburg
, Mass.—Fitchburg State College believes that a modern student needs a modern acceptance letter.
That’s why the college’s Admissions Office is planning to use podcast technology to alert its accepted students for the fall 2006 semester. By the end of this month, more than 1,000 accepted freshmen will receive an e-mail that includes a link to an iTunes podcast that will feature Fitchburg State President Dr. Robert Antonucci telling them the good news.
“What’s important from an admissions perspective is not just the message but the delivery mode. We’re doing this in a format that will hopefully be well received by our students and demonstrate our commitment to the use of technology throughout the college,” said Pam McCafferty, dean of enrollment management. “It isn’t just about the latest flavor and it’s not about flash. There’s substance behind it. It is about the college as a whole recognizing that technology can improve the way we communicate and learn.”
Fitchburg State faculty, staff and students produced the podcast, which was assembled by George Bohrer, interim associate dean of Graduate and Continuing Education. Paul Concemi, a student and a member of the Communications Media department staff, contributed videography and editing.
Music for the project was taken from a recently released CD by Dr. Jane Fiske, professor of music.
“At Fitchburg State College we take new technology very seriously. This podcast is a good example. We integrate technology into the process of teaching and learning,” Bohrer said.
The admissions e-mail isn’t Fitchburg State’s first brush with podcast technology. The college is joining the growing number of schools that are offering lectures and other education content on the iTunes Music Store. Information technology offerings are growing at the 5,200 student state school with the addition of more wireless classrooms and common spaces across campus. Starting in fall 2006, all incoming first year students will be using laptop computers in their classes. |
