Butler University’s CAT, Center for Academic Technology, is a special area on campus that specializes in teaching and integrating technology into a classroom setting. They brainstorm, research and develop new technologies for classroom use. They also train faculty, in the use of the technology
When the CAT first started out it was a very small department with 2 faculty members and one student who mainly dealt with diagnostic issues such as:
“My mouse doesn’t work.”
“Do I have a Windows or Mac?”
“I hate my computer!!! It keeps freezing!!”
Since then the center has grown tremendously, and no longer deals with diagnostic issues but looks into the future for ways of turning the campus into one of the tech savviest institutions.
When a faculty member has an idea or desire to incorporate technology into their curriculum but need some help achieving their goals, the CAT is the go to place.
The CAT uses a theory/model to perfectly design and help the faculty. It’s called the ADDIE model
Analyze
Design
Develop
Integrate
Evaluate
It is the basis for all IT integration. It includes charts and ways to help a client solve all their issues. It takes the specialist through the phases.
Analyze: Your family is growing and you’re running out of room. You have been looking for a house but none are to your liking so you decide to build your own house. You are analyzing your needs.
Design: You have analyzed your own home and others in your city. You have decided to build your own home and you meet with an architect to help design your home. How many bedrooms, floors, wall colors, granite counter tops or wood? You then hire contractors and carpenters.
Development: After receiving all measurements and blueprints the contractors and carpenters get to work building. They “develop” your house to your liking and bring possible problems and issues to your attention with possible workarounds.
Implementation: You are contacted saying your house is ready for you to move in. You come and look and start seeing how your new IKEA furniture will look inside.
Evaluation: Your home is ready and you move in. You love the colors and the layout. But the bedrooms could be a little bigger, you tell this to your contractor for the event of future renovations to your house.