Tag: highered

Higher Education, Learning Technologies, web 2.0

Higher Education in a Web 2.0 World

Laura Pasquini

The Higher Education Academy and JISC have recently (May 12, 2009) published a new Higher Education in a Web 2.0 World report (also available as a PDF), which examines the projected future trends in the use of technology in higher education.

The group was created in February 2008 to conduct independent research and review policy implications for higher education, specifically around the experience and expectations of learners and the increase of emerging technologies.

higher ed

Flickr photo by jrodgers

The HE in a Web 2.0 World report analyzes the use of web 2.0 technologies at colleges & universities in the UK, with regards to the digital divide and information literacy. It is clear that various institutions are utilizing online resources in various ways to support learning and engagement.

Issues that will continue to prompt change in higher ed include:

  • Tradition
  • Environmental factors
  • Diversity in the learner population
  • A richer educational experience
  • Practice in schools
  • Open source materials and online universities
  • Skills development
Higher Education, Learning Community

A Vision of Students Today.

Laura Pasquini

Here is an archived clip I was reminded of today about the current state of our learners.  Although this video past posted back in 2007, I think that the “vision” or purpose of the message still holds true as we support technology & learning.

This video is brought to you by Kansas State University, who has a working group led by Dr. Michael Wesch.  This group is dedicated to exploring and extending the possibilities of digital ethnography.  You can follow along at Media Cultures or @mwesch.

Learning Community, Micro-Blogs

Teaching with Twitter

Laura Pasquini

Some college students may be introduced to instructors & courses that ENCOURAGE micro blogging with Twitter.

Twitter is becoming a fast buzz in both media and celebrity circles, however, I think that more teachers are beginning to realize the power this social media tool for learning.

Here are a few benefits for professors who experiment with Twitter as a teaching tool:

  • source of news
  • opinions of peers
  • gain knowledge from experts
  • live & archived tweeting in class
  • capture lecture content
  • add depth to lecture material
  • build a learning community inside & beyond the classroom

For those faculty/instructors who might consider tweeting in class, I might recommend that you start up your own Twitter account and play with it. Also, be sure to read up about strategies &tools that to optimize learning with Twitter.

I personally like TweetDeck (an Adobe Air-based app) to organize & categorize my tweets. I can clearly see my messages, replies and content areas I am interested in at a quick glance.  Some categories I use for tweets include Higher Ed, Web Tools, Career Research, T.O., Students, etc.

Are YOU tweeting with your students? If so, please share!

Higher Education, Social Media

10 High(er Ed) Fliers on Twitter

Laura Pasquini

Check out 10 frequent fliers that are active on Twitter in Higher Ed c/o the Chronicle article from late last week. (Sorry for the delay.)

Most of these micro-bloggers study new media & the impact of Twitter on higher education.  Follow on, friends.

@PRSAjobcenter

@jayrosen_nyu

@hrheingold

@amandafrench

@academicdave

@dancohen

@paullev

@mcleod

@mwesch

@presidentgee

Conference, Higher Education, Learning Technologies, Professional Development

TIDE is Coming In for Developmental Educators

Laura Pasquini

The Technical Institute for Developmental Educators (TIDE) will be held at Texas State San Marcos from July 26-31, 2009.  This is an interesting, hand-on technology workshop sponsored by Texas State University, CRLA and NADE fo higher ed folks interested in utilizing technology in their work.

Those who should attend include:

  • Developmental educators in higher education who want to learn more about how to use technology
  • All expertise are welcome; workshops beginners to advance
  • Both PC and Macintosh platforms will be available
  • Project support for initiatives at respective institutions
  • Opportunity to receive 3 hours of graduate credit or continuing education credit.

There will be at least 6 mini-course sessions (3 hours each) throughout the week, to introduce various learning opportunities with technology and enhance skills.  There will also be daily mentoring group meetings to debrief and support project development.