Technology and Higher Education: A Winning Partnership

1
Technology and Higher Education A Winning
Partnership

• Ohio University
• Erin Genide
• David Derstine
• Leslie Jo Shelton
• Katie Knoll

2
Top 5 Hot Topics in Technology

• Blogs
• Institutional Spam
• Instant Communication
• Virtual Worlds (Second Life)
• Online Learning
• Laptops
• iPod U
• Online Portfolios

3
Blogs Description

• A blog, or weblog, is a page one can create on
  the internet by writing, in a diary-like fashion,
  on any issues the user deems appropriate.
• Once the blog is complete, the blog is published.
• Published blogs can either be kept private or
  public.
• Private blogs block access to any person who
  attempts to read the specific blog.
• Public blogs are able to be seen and read by
  anyone who is interested.

4
Blogs Importance

• Blogs are an outlet which can be used as a tool
  for reflection, communication, and personal
  expression.
• Blogs have been incorporated in many current
  applications which many students frequent, such
  as Xanga.com, Myspace.com, Blogspot.com, and
  Facebook.com.
• More importantly, many higher education
  institutions have incorporated the use of blogs
  in daily operations in order to connect with
  students.

5
Blogs Benefits

• Blogs are very user-friendly and easily
  accessible.
• There is minimal or no financial obligation in
  order to write, respond to, or view blogs.
• When using blogs, there is the possibility of
  unlimited dissemination of information
• Readers can submit a response as well as provide
  feedback to writers commentary
• Blogs provide a means to bridge the gap among
  faculty, staff, administrators, and students.

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Blogs Benefits (cont.)

• Instant sharing of information related to
• Academics, admissions, student affairs, general
  information related to university.
• Examples include
• Office of Education Abroad posting deadline dates
  to submit travel grant applications
• Professors posing a question related to class
  material in which students reply
• Vice President for Student Affairs writing to
  students on goals for the university as well as
  asking students for their input related to those
  goals.
• Users can remain anonymous by not submitting
  response as actual name, yet in the creation of a
  username.

7
Blogs Risks

• Reduction in human interaction
• Verbal cues are not available, therefore, could
  lead to misinterpretation.
• If personal information is shared (such as
  personal thoughts and feelings) and not correctly
  bookmarked as private, then others can read and
  use information at will.

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Institutional Spam Description

• Email is one of the most common forms of
  communication used by faculty, administrators,
  and students.
• Often when information needs to be passed on to
  many parties, one mass email is sent out.
• This mass email sent, even with good intentions,
  can be considered, spam or unsolicited,
  undesired e-mail. Also used as a verb, spam is
  the e-mail version of junk mail, as defined by
  The American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural
  Literacy, Third Edition.
• It is important to consider the impact of spam on
  the university, and what policies are in place to
  send mass messages out to groups of students.

9
Institutional Spam Importance

• Mass messages may be sent from the university
  directly to inform students of upcoming events,
  reminders of policies, facilities issues, or in
  response to crises that occur on campus.
• Sometimes specific student groups become the
  target for mass messages, some of these messages
  may be in regards to updates, reminders of
  meetings, newsletters, etc.
• Some universities, or student organizations will
  set up a listserv where members of groups can
  sign up to receive messages, while other times,
  students receive emails regardless if they have
  signed up to receive them or not.
• Often when universities or groups send out
  emails, the messages are sent as Blind Carbon
  Copies (BCC) so that everyone does not know who
  received the message. This is also important so
  that any replies to the message are sent only to
  the sender.

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Institutional Spam Benefits

• One message can be sent to many people
• Large messages can also be sent in e-newsletter
  formats so that many parties can collaborate to
  send out information
• Increased resource efficiency
• There is no cost to sending emails
• Allows for faster updates for all parties involved

11
Institutional Spam Risks

• Impersonal messages
• In considering Nancy Schlossbergs Marginality
  and Mattering, how are students or staff feeling
  like they matter when one mass message is sent
  out to everyone?
• Incorrect information being sent out
• Recently, UNC Chapel Hill, UC Davis and Cornell
  University have all sent out letters
  congratulating applicants for their acceptance
  into the university, but all of their
  applications were still pending
• How much information do people read. When many
  mass emails are sent out, it is like receiving
  junk mail and people may start ignoring the
  messages altogether.

12
Institutional Spam Risks

• Mass messages do not guarantee people will read
  the message. Some students do not use their
  university assigned email accounts, some do not
  check them regularly, and others will not use
  email at all.
• Security concerns
• What kind of systems are in place to allow
  students or administrators to send messages? Not
  everyone should have access to every students
  email address.
• Who is screening the content of what is being
  sent out? Viruses and or other inappropriate
  messages must be eliminated as much as possible.

13
Instant Communication Description

• Instant Messaging Providers
• Such providers as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and
  Yahoo Instant Messenger allow users to have a
  written conversation with other users online.
• Wireless Internet Connections
• Many laptop computers have wireless internet
  capabilities, and often on college campuses
  wireless connection is available in many
  buildings.
• Cell Phones
• Cell phones are used for a variety of purposes
  including video and text messaging, and internet
  connection.
• Cell phones that are internet capable allow users
  to use instant messaging technology as well as
  any general internet usage.

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Instant Communication Importance

• As technology continues to advance, the time it
  takes for one person to communicate with another
  is becoming more instantaneous.
• Many students utilize various forms of
  communication such as those used through instant
  messaging providers, cellular phones, and
  wireless internet connections.
• Students have become accustomed to instant
  gratification, and university officials should
  understand the mindset students have in
  communicating with one another.

15
Instant Communication Benefits

• Instant Communication allows for students and
  staff to be constantly updated with current
  information.
• Instant messaging systems can be used at help
  centers, for example, in libraries and various
  other offices, to immediately respond to student
  concerns
• Text messaging can be used to update students and
  staff about school closings and/or schedule
  changes
• In comparison to email communication, instant
  messaging allows for faster response between the
  two parties.
• By implementing instant communication methods
  campus- wide, faculty and administrators are
  utilizing a tool students are already familiar
  and comfortable using.
• New features are constantly being added to cell
  phones, including video and picture capabilities,
  allowing students and staff to document everyday
  happenings.

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Instant Communication Risks

• Text and instant messaging allow for the use of
  abbreviated words, such as LOL (laugh out
  loud), Thx (thanks), ttyl (talk to you
  later), and jk (just kidding). This shortened
  version of communication has allowed for the
  decrease in use of formal communication, both
  verbal and written.
• Advanced technology has allowed for students to
  rely primarily on cell phones resulting in a
  decreased use of land lines. This could be an
  issue in terms of long distance charges incurred
  by the university when initiating contact with
  students.
• Not all students have access to the same
  technology. Therefore, not all communication
  methods will reach the entire population.

17
Second Life Description

• Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created and
  owned by its residents. The population has grown
  to over 3.5 million users since inception in
  2003.
• Consists of a mainland where residents can
  interact with each other.
• Residents can purchase private islands to build
  on and restrict access.
• Resident identities are protected by having to
  select a last name from a common list that
  changes periodically.

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Second Life Description (cont.)

• Universities could create a virtual campus
  identical to their physical one.
• Second Life provides a unique and flexible
  environment for educators interested in distance
  learning, computer supported cooperative work,
  simulation, new media studies, and corporate
  training (Linden Research, Inc., 2007).
• Second Life provides an opportunity to use
  simulation in a safe environment to enhance
  experiential learning, allowing individuals to
  practice skills, try new ideas, and learn from
  their mistakes (Linden Research, Inc., 2007).

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Second Life Importance

• The never ending amelioration of technology
• Moores Law processing power doubles every 18
  months and is expected to continue for the next
  two decades (Elliot, G. Phillips, N., 2004).
• Universities cannot lag in their implementation
  of technology or they will be surpassed by their
  peers (Tiffin, J. Rajasingham, L., 2004).
• Successful implementation of technology increases
  competitiveness.
• Universities that are competitive on key issues
  such as technology, will lead innovative
  programming initiatives (Komives, S. R, Woodard,
  D. B. Jr., Associates, 2003).
• Increased student performance
• Enhanced interactivity can optimize academic
  achievement. (Komives, S. R., et al, 2003).

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Second Life Benefits

• Increased accessibility
• Ability to have a virtual campus that mirrors the
  brick and mortar version.
• Students can use their avatars to walk around the
  virtual campus, enter buildings, and explore
  without the anxiety of being lost on campus.
• Experience a global environment without leaving
  the country.
• Narrows the perceived gaps in distance, time, and
  openness for disparate populations of students
  (Komives, S. R., et al, 2003).

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Second Life Benefits (cont.)

• Wow factor
• A university with a successful implementation of
  a virtual campus on Second Life would attract
  students and faculty alike.
• Enriching the campus environment
• The ability to prepare for similar real-world
  experiences by using Second Life as a simulation
  has unlimited potential (Linden Research, Inc.,
  2007)!

22
Second Life Risks

• Information technology requirements
• High-speed Internet connection and powerful
  graphics processors are necessary to get the full
  experience.
• Resource requirement
• A dedicated support staff would be needed to
  create and maintain the environment.
• Sticker shock
• Initial investment would be substantial and a
  thorough cost benefit analysis would be
  mandatory. Potential return on investment is
  very high.

23
Second Life Security

• Would have to create the virtual university on a
  Second Life island
• Islands are isolated from the mainland in Second
  Life.
• Students would need a limit on the amount of time
  spent off the island to ensure the use of virtual
  campus
• What is a universitys liability in an online
  world?
• Legal counsel would be needed to protect the
  university from its students actions
• User level Access
• Students should not have the same access as
  support staff. Students should be limited from
  altering the virtual campus.

24
Online Learning Description

• The goal of online learning is to, Provide
  learning opportunities far beyond the time and
  place constraints of the traditional classroom.
  E-learning has emerged from its beginnings as an
  add-on to traditional education and has now
  becomes a mission-critical component of the
  educational environment (Ghaoui, C., 2004).
• 3 main areas of focus
• Laptops
• iPod U
• Online Portfolios

25
Online Learning Importance

• Web-based learning includes strictly online
  courses as well as hybrid courses, which
  physically meet while making some class material
  available online.
• Students are able to access course materials
  online such as lectures, notes, and assignments.
• Students are able to form live online discussion
  groups with classmates and instructors, as well
  as post in an ongoing discussion board about
  class materials.

26
Online Learning Benefits

• Distance education is a recognized solution all
  over the world for bridging the learning and
  education divide between the educated and poorly
  educated. It gives people the opportunity to
  continue their formal education. Despite the
  initial concerns that distance education might be
  lower in quality than traditional method of
  schooling many forms of distance education are
  gaining acceptance (Ghaoui, C., 2004, p. 202).

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Online Learning Benefits (cont.)

• Benefits for students and teachers on
  instructional design include the following
  Courses can be constructed to meet the
  individual requirements Learning comes in
  digestible chunks Learning is available on a
  just-in-time basis Courses can be customized to
  suit the needs of different audiences Courses
  can be constructed using components from a wide
  range of sources Components can be reused to
  meet a range of learning needs (Ghaoui, C.,
  2004, p. 198).
• Traditional students felt more isolated during
  the learning experience online, while students
  who were re-entering higher education after a
  number of years adapted well to the any time,
  any place model of teaching and were intimidated
  by the more traditional methods of instruction.
  (Preston, D., 2004, p. 27).

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Online Learning Risks

• Software becoming outdated which requires keeping
  up with technological advances and options
• Losing face-to-face contact with classmates and
  instructors
• Usability, defined as the extent to which a
  computer system can be used to achieve specified
  goals with effectiveness, efficiency and
  satisfaction in a given context to complete a
  well-defined task (Ghaoui, C., 2004, p. 227).
• Navigating methods of evaluation for online
  learning communities, which includes using
  traditional tools and techniques such as
  questionnaires and interviews to explore the
  impact upon members, facilitators,
  administration, learning levels, and development
  of knowledge (Lewis, D., and Allan, B., 2005, p.
  183).

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Laptops Description

• It is becoming increasingly common today for
  students to be required to have laptops on campus
  and to have access to widespread wireless
  connectivity throughout campus.
• Laptop computers are a convenient, portable
  option for students on the go.
• Laptop-enhanced courses are becoming
  increasingly common, and these offer both
  benefits and challenges for faculty (Campbell,
  A., and Pargas, R., 2003).

30
Laptops Benefits Importance

• With laptops, in-class activities are available
  that supplement traditional learning strategies.
• Online testing in class is a fast and easy way
  to, gauge the level of student understanding of
  a particular topic and suggest that the planned
  lecture for the day should be adjusted slightly
  (Campbell, A., and Pargas, R., 2003, p. 4).
• Communication is also aided with laptops because
  they allow for students and faculty to
  communicate openly and easily in a number of
  ways. For example, a program called NetMeeting
  allows for anyone not in the classroom such as
  speakers, faculty, or students to participate in
  live audio and/or video discussion.

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Laptops Risks

• Some issues surrounding this topic include
  cheating, inappropriate communication such as
  instant messaging during class, and accessibility
  for students who struggle financially or do not
  have a background of computer skills.

32
iPod U Description

• iPod U is a free, hosted service for colleges
  and universities that provides easy access to
  their educational content, including lectures and
  interviews, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  (www.apple.com).
• Users are able to download free video and audio
  podcasts through iTunes software onto an Apple
  iPod mp3 player. The portable information at
  ones fingertips ranges from educational items
  like course materials, lectures and seminars, to
  athletics, student affairs updates, specific
  college information, programming and other
  involvement opportunities. Students can even
  upload their own content to share with
  classmates.

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iPod U Importance, Benefits, Risks

• iPod U is significant because it is an innovative
  way to connect with students by utilizing popular
  technology that is a part of their daily lives.
• In a Spring 2006 Lifestyle Media study, iPods
  ranked the 1 most in thing on the college
  campus (www.usatoday.com). Tapping into this
  popular source provides a fun and useful way to
  connect with students.
• iPod U is easy to administer and use, with
  built-in tech support at all times.
• Despite the popularity of this technology, some
  students may not have the financial resources to
  purchase the iPod, which rage in cost from 80
  for a basic model without a screen to 350 for
  models with a color video screen (www.mac.com).
  Downloading from iTunes also requires a computer
  with a reliable internet connection.

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Online Portfolios Description and Importance

• Essentially, an e-portfolio is an extensive
  résumé that links to an online repository of a
  student's papers, problem sets, pictures from
  study-abroad stints, and anything else that
  demonstrates the student's accomplishments and
  activities (Young, J., 2002).
• The hope is that students will show off their
  portfolios to potential employers or to parents
  eager to see where their tuition money is going
  (Young, J., 2002).
• More and more institutions are encouraging -- or
  even requiring -- students to create electronic
  portfolios that highlight their academic work
  and help them reflect on their campus
  experiences (Young, J., 2002).

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Online Portfolios Benefits

• Among administrators and faculty members, the
  key benefit of e-portfolios is that they can
  breathe new life into the academic-advising
  process and help students reflect on how their
  disparate activities become a well-rounded
  education. Today's busy college students -- many
  of whom juggle classes, work, volunteer
  activities, and more -- can easily lose sight of
  the big picture (Young, J., 2002).
• A handful of nationwide efforts are under way to
  refine the e-portfolio concept and develop
  easy-to-use software tools that will integrate
  portfolios into existing campus information
  systems. Many of the e-portfolio efforts include
  a privacy feature that allows students to
  regulate access to their portfolios (Young, J.,
  2002).

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Online Portfolios Risks

• Reflection is the word that many e-portfolio
  enthusiasts use to describe what they hope to
  spark in students. However, "Meaningful
  reflection often includes dialogue and
  conversation with a coach, a mentor, an adviser,
  or a peer." That means that professors or peer
  advisers must get involved to help students
  decide what to include in their portfolios and
  how their activities fit together (Young, J.,
  2002).
• Getting a large number of professors involved is
  the most challenging part of starting a campus
  wide e-portfolio system (Young, J., 2002).

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What We Learned Final Thoughts

• There is no one way to contact students either
  through email, instant messaging, virtual
  communities, blogs, online learning, text
  messaging, snail mail, or even through fliers
  and posters around campus . It is important to
  realize that different students and staff are at
  different levels of understanding of technology.
  This does not mean that advancements ought to be
  ignored, nor does it mean that the newest
  technologies are the best. Rather, we ought to be
  up to date in our understanding of what the
  trends are, but still use the tried and true
  methods that have worked in the past.
• Overall, it is essential to keep current on
  literature while including both assessment and
  evaluation of current practices to ensure
  effective communication with students given their
  potential relationship with advanced technology.

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