Information Fluency, Technology Application, and Teaching a Middle East Politics Course1

In teaching Middle East Politics (MEP) courses, instructors speak of many challenges, particularly students' typical uninformed and misleading preconceived notions about the region. Based on extensive experience in teaching MEP classes, my observations suggest that using Information Fluency (IF) principles, along with the application of internet technology, significantly improves course effectiveness for both students and faculty. The following essay is based on a study of the results of teaching MEP using an IF-inspired assignment in both the face-to-face and on-line course formats. To enhance the classroom environment, I use WebCT technology to deliver, supplement, and assess my MEP classes. Along with this discussion, I have appended relevant information from the syllabus for my course, CPO 3403 Politics of the Middle East. The complete syllabus can be accessed from my website: http://www.cas.ucf.edu/politicalscience/main.php?URL=sadri.