Dr. Jerry P. Butler

Speech Communication Interactive (SCIL) Learning Center

Overview

The SCIL Center, located in Room 201 of the Speech Building, has developed into an integral part of our instructional and service efforts in the department. It's most noticeable impact has been in the core course, Speech 1300. Students enrolled in Speech 1300 use the SCIL Center to receive one-on-one coaching prior to presenting their in-class speeches, use the interactive computer-lessons that cover a variety of topics relevant to the course, and participate in on-line testing and assessment activities. The Center also houses a growing print, software and video library that enhances the students' learning environment.

Functions

The SCIL Center's primary function is in support of Speech 1300. We are confident that student's enrolled in the core course recognize the Center as an integral part of their class. We average nearly 7000 student visitors to the Center during the Fall and Spring semesters. Our computer lessons are accessed over 3500 times a year. Many of our students enrolled in Speech 1300 have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a student intern or graduate assistant in preparation for an in-class performance. Our interns and graduate assistants have a visible role in the classroom as well, e.g., conducting and processing in-class exercises.

The Center also directly serves the upper-level majors and graduate students. In addition to the educational benefits accrued by those students who staff the Center, its video library is used by courses in the major and the graduate program. The Center has also been the focus of our Oral Communication Across the Curriculum effort resulting in a number of faculty outside of our department bringing their students to the Center to use the computerized lessons on public speaking.

Equipment and Instructional Software

We are currently delivering our computer-based lessons from a Windows-NT server to 35 Windows 95 workstations. We use Macromedia's Authorware software system to develop our computer-based lessons and tests. We currently have nine faculty-authored computer-lessons available to students in the Center. We also use LXR-Test to develop our on-line testing instruments in support of our assessment efforts in the basic course, the major, and our graduate program.

Personnel

The SCIL Center operates as an intradepartmental professional service agency with a staff comprised of a team of graduate assistants, upper-level majors enrolled in internship and independent study hours, and a faculty member who supervises the internships (and the operations of the Center). The activities of the Center provide unique educational opportunities for the graduate assistants and the student interns. Not only are they involved directly in the instructional process of Speech 1300, but they gain valuable experience in the professional conduct demanded by the Center. In a sense, the Center provides the students with a "simulated" professional environment that prepares them well for their careers after they leave the university. The department actively recruits outstanding majors to serve as interns and graduate assistants.

Internship Opportunities

• Use your Communication Skills!
• Evaluate 1300 presentations
• Facilitate classroom activities
• Assist students with computer programs
• Speak to classes regarding our ongoing recruitment program for interns
• Polish your business and professional skills

Are you interested in being an intern in the SCIL Center? Applications are available in the SCIL Center, room 201. The purpose of the SCIL Center is to assist students with their presentation needs and assist them with computer based learning programs. You will also provide assistance to the Speech Communication faculty.

Internship Requirements:

• Must be a major or minor
• Suggested Completed Courses:
  • Human Communication Concepts
  • Business and Professional Speaking
  • Small Group Communication
  • Communication and Conflict

For more information contact Melissa Haisty at 501-569-8384 or email at mahaisty@ualr.edu