The Lava Java

The Lava Java is a faculty resource center that is brewing with hot new ideas and resources for teaching and learning. The Lava Java was originally funded and initiated in 1996 through a Title III, Strengthening Institutions Program grant.

The Lava Java offers workshops, tutorials, one-on-one assistance, and equipment to help you incorporate new ideas and technologies into your classroom, workplace, and your daily communication. People work together to solve problems, discover fresh ways of presenting information and experience continual revitilization. It provides opportunities for faculty and staff to experience renewal and positive change.

Staff

Brian Benedetti, Director of Media Technologies & Training
	I direct the media department for the Pierce College District. Our department manages both Lava Java's as well as teach instructional technology workshops and offer one-on-one assistance to faculty. Each year we lobby for the necessary equipment and software needed to keep the Lava Java current so be sure to let us know what your needs are. You can also contact us if you are interested in taking or teaching any workshops.
Chris Martin, District Curriculum Development Specialist
	I am the district curriculum development specialist. I can collaboratively work with you as you strive to fulfill your instructional needs. Give me a call or send me an email for any of the following: -integrating and assessing Pierce College's five abilities -developing course outcomes -instructional design consultations -integration of innovative learning practices into the classroom, such as: learning styles, cooperative learning, planning for motivation, internationalizing curriculum, experiential learning, active learning strategies, etc. -classroom observation -developing learning communities -professional development opportunities
Ed Bachmann, Distance Education Director
	Distance Learning connects people via technology for convenient, flexible teaching and learning. We bring the classroom to you, providing courses that transfer and appear on your transcript just like campus based courses.
I.T., District Institutional Technology
	The Lava Java could not operate without the support of Institutional Technology (I.T.) They do a great job at making sure the equipment is running properly and efficiently. You can contact them if you are having any problems with the computer hardware or network connections.
Kandee Nelson, Instructional Technician
	I work in the computer labs at the Puyallup campus. I also work one-on-one with staff and students to help them learn new computer skills. Laura and I will come to your office and give you "computer coaching" sessions. After being a student myself, I can be very sympathetic towards the 'newbies' in the lab. I love to see the enthusiasm in their faces as they realize how much the available technology can help them succeed. Keeping up with the latest software versions and operating systems requires continuous learning -- which is what I thrive on. "The only constant in life is -- change," is a motto that I live by. And remember, the only 'dumb' question is the one NOT asked. Check out our site at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/puylabs/
Laura Bagley, Lab Coordinator/Manager
	Hi! I am Laura Bagley and I run the computer labs at the Puyallup campus. I will also teach some Lava Java workshops and work with staff and students to help them learn new computer skills. Kandee and I will come to your office and give you "computer coaching" sessions. Please come by and see me! I like company and I like to help students! I am a graduate of Pierce, so I can really relate to student issues! Ask me about computers and Pierce College --- if I don't know the answer, I will be able to find it for you! Check out our site at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/puylabs/
Shirley "Crasher" Chung, Electronic Media Producer
	I'm the multimedia producer, and that means...hmm... we do all sorts of "stuff" and have a lot of fun doing it in general. I'm a Jack-of-all-trades. Currently, my main areas of research are: web-based multimedia, digital video, and streaming media. I can help faculty get started with their multimedia productions.

The Library and Media Services also help with instructional and development issues. Workshops are coordinated through them as well as one-on-one training and consulting.

The administration at Pierce College supports the Lava Java as a high priority item. The best and newest equipment goes to the Lava Java first assuring that everyone has access to the latest technology.

The Lava Java website was developed by Brian Benedetti with the help from Shirley Chung and the cooperation and support of many others.

You can access a quick guide for several of the basic functions in the Lava Java whenever you see the "How do I" menu bar. Just click on the box then click on a selection.

The site is divided into three sections. Click on graphic icons and text links, or use the navigation bar at the bottom of each page to browse the following resources:

These pages show what the faculty multimedia labs have to offer as well as other equipment available for faculty use.

	The learning pages provide professional development opportunities through the use of workshops, consultations, group discussions, and online tutorials.
	These pages show what the faculty multimedia labs have to offer as well as other equipment available for faculty use.
	These pages highlight various Pierce College faculty and their use of technology in their curriculum.

We wanted a fun and unique name to go along with the fun and unique experience the Lava Java can offer. Besides it's 'subtle' reference to the "Java" web programming language, we like to say that the Lava Java is the place where Hot Ideas Are Brewing!

The Lava Java was originally funded through a grant specifying that faculty receive priority in the use of the facility. However, staff and administrators can also use the facility whenever available.

The facilities are off limits to students however. This is meant to be a place where faculty can have some privacy from students and work and learn without any interruption. Faculty must not bring students into the Lava Java for classes. Also equipment cannot be checked out to students.

The Lava Java is equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software on both the PC and Macintosh platforms.

In the Lava Java you can:

• have access to a specialist for help
• attend workshops on pedagogy & instructional design
• learn to use various software programs
• navigate the Internet & build your own homepage
• create interactive graphic presentations & training modules
• access your e-mail
• create color transparencies
• scan graphics and pictures
• use a digital camera
• capture video & audio clips for presentations
• create databases & spreadsheets
• save your work to Zip, CD or the LAN
• enjoy working in a calm, relaxed environment

The Lava Java is located at both the Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup compuses of Pierce College.

At the Fort Steilacoom campus, the Lava Java is located in room 344. The phone number is 964-7328.

At the Puyallup campus, the Lava Java is located in room 160A in the Administration building. The phone number is 840-8338

For directions to both campuses please click here.

At the Fort Steilacoom campus, the Lava Java is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The network occasionally backs itself up from 10pm to 5am so access to the Internet during those times may be slower.

At the Puyallup campus, the Lava Java is open 7am-10apm M-F, 7am-4pm Saturday, and 12pm-4pm on Sunday.

The Lava Java is also used for workshops a few times each week but these times will be posted in advance so you can attend or plan around them.

You access both Lava Java's by using Key Cards. To get a Key Card, contact Campus Security for a form and have your Division Chair or Supervisor sign it.

You can get assistance to help plan and implement the use of educational technology. We have a small initial staff that can help you succeed with the technology, from getting you started to helping you create your products. We can also connect you with the resources of many other people throughout the campus.

• For equipment problems call the I.T. Helpdesk at 964-6373.
• For software related issues or instructional support call Brian Benedetti at 964-6549 or email him at bbenedet@pierce.ctc.edu
• For assistance with curriculum development contact Chris Martin at 964-6309 or email her at cmartin@pierce.ctc.edu
• For assistance with Distance Learning contact Ed Bachmann at 964-6377 or email him at ebachman@pierce.ctc.edu

Mac & PC laptops, digital cameras, video cameras and tripods are available for checkout. These are checked out from the front desk at the library on both campuses. Click here to see more details.

Lava Java workshops are offered each quarter. The workshops range from basic computer skills to specific multimedia development applications with connections between technolgoy and pedagogy. All faculty are encouraged to attend or teach workshops. If you have an idea for a workshop that you would like to teach, fill out the comment form, or contact Brian Benedetti at 964-6549 or email at bbenedet@pierce.ctc.edu.

You can receive Professional Activity Credits (PAC's) for each workshop, so they will help you economically as well as professionally.

Workshops are posted quarterly at this site as well as through the campus email system. You can register for them from this site. All workshops are free of charge.

One-on-one tutorial training is available. Call 964-6549 or email bbenedet@pierce.ctc.edu to set up an appointment.

Faculty can accumulate Professional Activity Credits (PAC's). These PAC's are earned on a yearly basis. Two good ways to earn PAC's are to attend or teach Lava Java workshops. To find out more about PAC's you can contact the Faculty President.

Contact Brian Benedetti at 964-6549 if you are interested in teaching a workshop.