University Designated as Microsoft Host Institution

SALISBURY, MD--Salisbury State University recently became one of only 20 schools in the nation to receive the distinction of being a Microsoft Host Institution after 10 faculty members who graduated from software training offered by the computer giant.

“We are better able to bring the electronic classroom to the students,” said Frank Shipper, SSU business professor.

Shipper, who requested that Microsoft come to SSU last spring, said the training was a public-private collaboration among 29 faculty members from 10 institutions, including, Bowie State University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Washington College. The Microsoft Mentor Program offers support for faculty in higher education institutions to develop and enhance their computer skills. Microsoft placed an emphasis on solving educational problems rather than focusing on features in software.

SSU faculty who completed the training were Dr. Edward Crane, Dr. Dan Ervin, Dr. Frances Kendall, Dr. Elizabeth Rankin, Dr. David Rieck, Dr. Denise Rotondo, Paul Scovell and Dr. Carol Wood.

Shipper said the faculty learned how to create their own Web pages and place class presentations on the Internet.

The higher degree of technology integration in the educational process also will provide students with 24-7 access to other resources such as an electronic library, he said.

Participating faculty are now obligated to train their peers. If successful, they will be eligible for more training from Microsoft.

The host schools also will receive additional software from Microsoft to be used by the faculty.

"This will improve the educational experience by enabling better communication among instructors and students both inside and outside the classroom," Shipper said.