Power Studentaffairs.com Virtual Case Study Competition 2007 Hot Topics in Technology: A presentation to the Deans Council Christina Mastrangelo, Ryan McKinney, and Amie Jackson Kent State University

Power Committee Hot Topics Brainstorming Some of Hot Topics we considered were: YouTubePodcastingDistance Learning Second LifeWeb-CT/BlackboardPeopleSoft BannerWikisTechnology Training Network SecurityIllegal DownloadsMySpace FacebookiPods, MP3sInstant Messaging Cell phonesText messagingLaptops TeleconferenceOnline Stalking Classroom TechnologyPiracyAcademic Dishonesty Computer VirusesCyber crimeDisaster Recovery

Power Committees Selected Hot Topics 1.Blogs 2.Institutional Spam 3.Podcasts 4.Wikis 5.Distance Learning (Second Life)

Power Why the Committee Chose these Hot Topics All topics are: Up and coming trends- they may not be new, but their use is increasing Currently being used by institutions Popular amongst traditional college students and responding to our fast-paced society Impacting the way in which higher education institutions function Relatively new to those unfamiliar with technology, despite the fact that these topics may directly impact their role within an institution To address the benefits of these topics in improving higher education services To create awareness of the possible issues associated with these topics and their use in higher education To shed light on the ways in which these topics can be used in higher education

Power Blogs

Power A blog… is normally a single page of entries. There may be archives of older entries, but the "main page" of a blog is all anyone really cares about. (Brain, 2007) is organized in reverse-chronological order (Brain, 2007) is normally public for anyone to see (Brain, 2007) The entries in a blog usually come from a single author. Basically, a blog is a lot like an electronic journal or diary. What is a blog?

Power Types of Blogs One-way: There is one author/blogger who is responsible for the entry that is read (Anton, 2006) Interactive: Allows readers to post comments and ask questions to which the blogger can respond in an additional comment or through a new post (Anton, 2006)

Power Example of a Blog

Power Benefits of Blogs 1. Student Recruitment Boost: Blogs provide prospective students with real life answers about the colleges they are interested in attending (Joly, 2006) Blogs enable prospective students to gain a virtual sense of the campus when they are unable to visit (Joly, 2006) Blogs provide exposure to the university in a non-threatening way (Joly, 2006) Examples of Blogs Used in the Recruitment of Students… University of Missouri-Columbia Ball State University Simmons College Houghton College

Power Benefits of Blogs 2. Academic Enhancement Allows for interactive classrooms (Baim, 2004) Improves students ability to use the Internet as a research mechanism (Baim, 2004) Provides students with networking opportunities Improves students writing skills (Baim, 2004) Blogs can serve as catalysts in stimulating critical thinking and inspiring students to be lifelong learners (Oravec, 2003)

Power Benefits of Blogs 3. Communication Provides a means of sharing an individuals thoughts, ideas, opinions, and concerns Can help create understanding and an open mind through the exposure to different perspectives Enables a group of individuals to communicate on specific topics immediately, cost-effectively, and flexibly Is an opportunity to increase communication and information sharing between individuals

Power Problems/Issues with Blogs The effectiveness of blog usage in the recruitment process is difficult to measure (Joly, 2006) It is difficult to regulate the information submitted in an interactive blog (Joly, 2006) Inappropriate blogging has given various universities grounds for firing or expulsion (Anton, 2006) –Students, faculty, staff, and administrators need to be mindful on information posted as it may follow them into future positions

Power Institutional Spam

Power What is Institutional Spam? Institutional Spam is when someone sends an announcement to a large number of addresses within the institution. Many institutions have created systems which control these mass s and have set guidelines for which s are sent. Examples of institutional spam : –Advertisement of events for Students, Faculty, Staff, Administration, surrounding community –New hires, promotions, awards, engagements, deaths –Members of the Institution in the news –Reminders of services provided for community members –Announcements (i.e.- snow closing/delay)

Power Benefits of Institutional Spam can be an great way to get information out to many people in a quick, cost effective way. Students utilize their on-campus voic at lower rates because of cell phones, students typically check their . By having a system in place where institutional spam is regulated, we can help streamline the process of how and where important information is received. It creates a central location for news and information related to the campus community. Administration can more efficiently track where and when events are happening.

Power General Problems/Issues with Institutional Spam When people become inundated with s they tend to pick and chose which to read and which not to read. This trend can lead to important information not getting to those who need it (St Sauver, 2007) Not everyone checks their on a regular basis, if at all Campus constituents that are not technically inclined may miss out on the benefits of institutional spam or become frustrated with its overuse Depending on who has the ability to send institutional spam, the mass s may lack relevance and result in the individual ignoring the s in the future

Power Proposed Approval Process for Institutional Spam Specify a moderator address for announcements to be sent to and checked before it is sent out Create an online submitting form - this would be the recommended system because all the requirements would be specified in the announcement and it would be in the proper format Sender must have a specific relationship to the university subject must be relevant for members of the campus community (specifically, the individuals receiving the )

Power Proposed Approval Process for Institutional Spam Must be in a particular format (i.e.- plain text, html, online form, PDF.) Must have specific information so the receiver understands the content (i.e.- Name of Event, Date, Time, Location, Contact Information) Individual responsible for sending institutional spam must receive information 3 days to a week prior to when the sender wants it disseminated

Power Possible Institutional Spam Solutions 1. Create Moderated Lists Benefits: Can target a specific group of people instead of entire campus (i.e. faculty, class of 2010, Smith House Residents) Can be edited for content or denied for irrelevance Can be labeled as coming from a specific moderated list so receiver knows a little more about what it pertains to Issues: Could still lead to multiple s Can delay sending time sensitive announcements Need to create strict guidelines as to what important means

Power Example of Institutions Utilizing Moderated Lists Skidmore College Northeastern State University ations/pdf/CampusWide Guidelines.pdf ations/pdf/CampusWide Guidelines.pdf

Power Possible Institutional Spam Solutions 2. Daily campus newsletter organized by Communications Department Benefits : Put multiple announcements into one organized which can cut down significantly on amount of s Can be edited for content or denied for irrelevance Can create summaries so readers to not have to go through entire Issues: Can become too time consuming to skim through one to find what you need Not all announcements are relevant to everyone Some prefer to have individual s so they can organize easier Can delay time sensitive announcements

Power Example of a Daily Campus Newsletter

Power Podcasts

Power What is a Podcast? Bausch & Han define podcasting (or podcasts) as, enables users to quickly and easily download multimedia files, including audio and video, for playback on mobile devices including iPods and other MP3 players (Brown, 2006) Individuals subscribe to a podcast and then automatically receive all newly initiated installments. (Brown, 2006) Read states once a podcast is loaded onto a computer or digital music device it can be accessed and reviewed at the users leisure, such as during a jog around the gymnasium track, waiting for the campus bus, folding laundry, or commuting to campus (Brown, 2006)

Power Benefits of Podcasts Learning Styles- the use of audio and visual podcasts appeals to individual learning style preference Meeting Students at their Level- students are already utilizing these methods of communication. As Campbell observed, This is a language they not only understand, but use, often on a daily basis (Brown, 2006) Podcasts are Relatively Easy and Cheap to Create- the initial development, making the podcast available online, and upkeep is quick Can increase communication outside of the classroom and expand a students understanding of course topics Source: Brown, 2006.

Power Benefits of Podcasts The ability to listen to a lecture multiple times Flexible- Available anytime, anywhere (so long as there is internet availability), which is especially helpful for non traditional and commuter students. Increased interaction with the instructor (instead of focused note taking) Supplement to traditional class notes Audio resources for blind and distance education students Portability (using personal media players) Multitasking (e.g. exercising while listening to lectures). Source:

Power Problems/Issues with Podcasts Institutional and technical support problems –Institutions are choosing to steer resources elsewhere –Lack of personnel able to solve technical problems Proper equipment and training is needed in order to fully benefit from podcasting Quality control issues –Podcasting relies on being able to convey a spoken message. It is important to periodically check the quality of the equipment. Podfading –A term coined by podcaster Scott Fletcher in February 2005, which refers to podcasts that simply vanish from cyberspace (Brown, 2006) Friess stated Podcasting is one of those things thats cheap and easy to begin to do, but takes a tremendous amount of time to keep going, stated blogger and former podcast host Brian Reid (Brown, 2006)

Power Ways Podcasts can be Used in Higher Education Training- can be used to train students and professionals from a distance and increases flexibility (i.e.- summer break, nontraditional students, commuter campuses) Recruitment- can be used to attract new students to your institution Transition- topics related to the transition to college can be created to help first year or transfer students learn more about the institution and the adjustment Communication- can help students stay in touch with their parents and individuals within the institution Academic Advising- help students choose a major and answer questions related to course registration and academic requirements Involvement- informing students of the different out-of-class experiences available at the institution

Power Examples of Podcasts in Higher Education 1. Audio Podcasts Miami Universitys (Ohio) CareerChat (2006): is a series of informative podcast interviews with professionals who discuss job- search techniques and various career topics ( ) Title: Transitions (Click on the box) North Carolina State University: has produced a number of podcast episodes dealing with everything from how employers look for qualified students to personal hygiene and proper attire for interviews ( Title: Finding a College Student in a Haystack (Click on the box)

Power Examples of Podcast in Higher Education 2. Video Podcasting University of Connecticut, Waterbury Campus: These two-minute scripted vignettes humorlessly address important information entering students to the University need to know. Title: First Year Experience (Click on the box)

Power Wikis

Power What are Wikis? Originally created in 1995 by Ward Cunningham (Bean & Hott, 2005) In Hawaiian Wiki-wiki means quick (Bean & Hott, 2005) Is a website that can be edited in real-time by anyone with access (Bean & Hott, 2005) According to the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (2005), Variously described as a composition system, a discussion medium, a repository, a mail system, and a tool for collaboration, wikis provide users with both author and editor privileges; the overall organization of contributions can be edited as well as the content itself.

Power Example of a Wiki: Wikipedia is a public online encyclopedia setup as a wiki (therefore, users control the content)

Power Benefits of Wikis Its open- environment encourages collaboration, participation, a strong sense of community and common purpose, and trust in information sharing and wiki monitoring Is a cost-efficient and quick means of sharing ideas and information Can be worked on at any time, from any location with an internet connection Easier to learn than creating an HTML website Can include links to other sources (websites, podcasts, blogs, etc.) Source: Bean & Hott, 2005

Power Benefits of Wikis Responds to our fast-paced society by allowing real-time revisions Users have ownership over the material because they are all editors and readers- students feel empowered Unlike blogs, is a two-way communication- is a more active, than passive web-based mode of communication Is flexible in structure/format- users can be creative and specialize Can be made public or kept private to a specific audience Teaches students network literacy and current technology terms

Power Problems/Issues with Wikis Liability and Accountability- users are free to edit content and without proper monitoring the information shared could have negative implications Validity of content could be questionable- users may impose their personal views rather than facts which could impact the wikis credibility. In addition, if the site is created by non- experts on the subject, then the content may not be accurate, comprehensive, balanced, and consistent (Bean & Hott, p. 7) Sense of Disorientation- If you are not familiar with how to use wikis it may be cumbersome to edit a wiki document. The lack of structure/format could make navigation and the overall organization of the wiki difficult at first (Lamb, 2004)

Power Problems/Issues with Wikis Wikis tend to appear plain and lack excitement. However, this is all the result of the author and editors, so it could be more attractive with some time and effort. If the wiki lacks the ability to tell you who edited the site then tracing work and course management can be complicated (Lamb, 2004) The material in the wiki represents the collective perspective of the group that uses it- a wiki has a collaborative bias (EDUCAUSE, 2005) Is more effective at reflecting on current thoughts and issues rather than those that are rapidly evolving (Lamb, 2004)

Power Ways to Use Wikis 1.To support meeting planning: provisional agendas can be posted and commented on by participants, during the meeting the wiki can be used for note taking so notes will be available online immediately following the meeting, participants will be able to review, annotate, and revise the notes (Lamb, 2004) 2.Brainstorming: can be used in group projects to brainstorm and sketch a presentation 3.Complement Coursework/Support Instructions: professor and students can post materials pertinent to the course, class assignments, etc. 4.Collaboration: groups can use it to collaborate on projects, solicit information or input, etc. 5.Training 6.E-portfolio

Power Examples of Wikis in Higher Education Bowdoin College: Romantic Audience Project: Professor complimented the coursework by requiring students to complete weekly assignments on wikis. According to Professor Phillipson, The site has not just changed the way students think. It has also changed the way they write, pushing them into a more direct, self-aware style. (Read, 2005) Writing Instruction: Site for college faculty and instructors teaching rhetoric and composition. According to Joe Moxley, professor of English at University of Southern Florida, wikis invigorate writing…provide a low-cost but effective communication and collaboration tool…promote the close reading, revision, and tracking of drafts…discourage product oriented writing while facilitating writing as a process…ease students into writing for public consumption (Lamb, p. 44)

Power Suggestions When Using Wikis in Higher Education Dont follow the typical sense of classroom hierarchy- instructors must give up some control in order to empower students and create a sense of community. Instead, the instructor is responsible for creating opportunities for student engagement and allowing the students to be autonomous in interactions (EDUCAUSE, 2005) Private or Public?- think about the implications of having open access vs. selective participation. Depending on the purpose of your wiki, you may want the information and ability to edit to be confined to a particular audience (i.e.- registered students in a course) Explore ways to utilize wikis as a means of responding to a variety of education needs- involvement, activities, etc. (EDUCAUSE, 2005)

Power Distance Learning: Second Life

Power What is Distance Learning? Distance Learning is when students take academic courses through the use of internet resources, video and/or audio, print materials, and correspondence instead of the traditional lecture or class discussion in a classroom. It allows students to take class when and where they want (Hardesty, 2007)

Power What is Second Life? Second Life is a virtual world created by an organization called Linden Lab in which members create a character, known as an avatar, to represent them (Prisco, 2006) With an avatar, a member can interact like people do in the real world. Instead of just traditional websites, Second Life members create 3-Dimensional virtual spaces where information can be shared and new ideas are created. These spaces can be developed to mirror a location in the real world or create something completely new. Second Life currently has over 3.7 million members.

Power Examples of Second Life in Higher Education There are almost 50 colleges and universities that are currently have or are creating campuses with in Second Life. Some examples of such institutions are: 1. Harvard Law School Harvard Law Professor Charles Nesson and his daughter, Rebecca Nesson, Harvard Extension Instructor, taught a class in Fall 2006 in Second Life (Foster, 2006). The classes were held in a replica classroom Ames Court Room at Harvard Law School.

Power Examples of Second Life in Higher Education 2. Ohio University: Ohio University (OU) has recently developed an entire campus on Second Life where the classroom has not just been recreated, but reinvented (YouTube Inc., 2007e). OU offers anywhere from one hour training modules to entire semester long college credit courses. Audio and Visual podcasts are used throughout the campus as well as text in various forms. The virtual campus also has space available for conferences and trade shows. Music and Art of students and professors can be showcased. The campus even has a student center where students can hold meetings and partake in social events from full scale musical concerts to a game of pool.

Power Examples of Second Life in Higher Education 3. Texas State University – San Marcos Bobcat Village, the virtual campus of Texas State University is currently being constructed to be a center for gathering, exploration and learning (YouTube Inc., 2007a). Avatars can use a golf cart to travel around campus. The campus will include a gift shop, art gallery, a café, docks, and a student union.

Power Second Life & Distance Education Benefits Helps alleviate issues of limited space on campus Increase enrollment without new buildings needed Allows more nontraditional students to pursue a degree More flexible and convenient than traditional class Gives students ability to attend an institution without relocating Faculty members maybe easier to access Provides unique accommodations opportunities for those with disabilities Can create new markets Opportunity to share resources Source: Hardesty, 2007

Power Second Life & Distance Education Weaknesses Students could become so involved in their Second Life that their real life could be neglected (Nino, 2007) Still in development so kinks in the system (Nino, 2007) Would need to train faculty, staff, and students on how to use distance learning and Second Life technology (Hardesty, 2007) Could become more costly – purchasing the virtual land and materials needed to construct your campus, hiring of staff to create and maintain the virtual campus, training, updates in technology, etc. (Linden Research Inc., 2007)

Power Second Life & Distance Education Weaknesses Technology competency required, may deny less technologically inclined users access Financial-aid for distance learning is limited Must train faculty on technology use Increase in the amount of work for faculty Many potential security issues Many intellectual-property issues Source: Hardesty, 2007

Power References Anton, C. (2006). Student blogs in recruitment. Recruitment & Retention in Higher Education, 20 (8), 8. Bean, L. & Hott, D.D. (July/August 2005). Wiki: A speedy new tool to manage projects. The Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 3-8. Brown, S. (2006). Student affairs and podcasting: the new frontier? Student Affairs On-line, 7 (2), Retrieved February 14, 2007, from Campus Wide Lists (n.d.) Retrieved February 13, 2007 from Skidmore Colleges website: Case Daily (n.d.) Retrieved February 10, 2007 from EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative. (July 2005) 7 things you should know about Wikis. Retrieved February 13, 2007 from Foster, A.L. (2006, September 8). Harvard to offer law courses in virtual world. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 53, 3. Retrieved February 14, 2007 from Gordon, R. S. & M. Stephens. (Feb. 2007). Tech tips for every librarian. Computers in Libraries, 27 (2), Halavais, A. (2004). Blogs, threaded discussions accentuate constructivist teaching. Online classroom, 1-5.

Power References Halavais, A. (2004). Blogs move student learning beyond the classroom: an interview with Alex Halavais. Onlineclassroom, 4-8. Hardesty, S. (2007, January 5). E-learning: Success and failure. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 18. Retrieved February 14, 2007 from Joly, K. (2006). License to recruit? University Business, 9 (8), Kattner, T. (2006). Podcasting makes its mark on campus. Student Affairs Leader, 34 (3), 5. Lamb, B. (Sept./Oct. 2004). Wide Open Spaces: Wikis Ready or Not. EDUCAUSE Review, Lamont, J. (Jan. 2007). Blogs and wikis: ready for prime time? KMWorld, Linden Research Inc. (2007). Second Life. Retrieved on February 5, 2007 from: Nino, T. (2007, February). Problems continue throughout the day finally resolved. Retrieved on February 15, 2007 from Office of Student Affairs (n.d.) Campus Guidelines. Retrieved February, 13, 2007 from Northeastern State Universitys website: pdf.

Power References Oravec, J. (2003). Blending by blogging: weblogs in blended learning initiatives. Journal of Electronical Media, 28 (2/3), Podcasting in education. Retrieved February 18, 2007, from: Prisco, G. (2006, April). Real virtuality in your second life and beyond. Retrieved on February 6, 2007 from: Reed, B. (2005, July 15). Romantic poetry meets 21st-century technology. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 51 (45). Retrieved February 15, 2007 from: SimTech (2006). Second life: A virtual world resource for educators and academics. Retrieved on February 10, 2007 from: St Sauver, J. (2007, January 29). Higher education users and spam: What do users do when things go wrong? How have users changed because of spam? Comments presented at the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Groups 9 th General Meeting, San Francisco, CA. YouTube Inc., (2007a). Bobcat village: Txstate second life. Retrieved on February 14, 2007 from:

Power References YouTube Inc., (2007b). GNWC in second life. Retrieved on February 18, 2007 from: YouTube Inc., (2007c). IvyGate: Harvard pro. Charles Nesson is insane. Retrieved on February 16, 2007 from: YouTube Inc., (2007d). NMC campus: seriously engaging. Retrieved on February 18, 2007 from: YouTube Inc., (2007e). Ohio university second life campus. Retrieved on February 17, 2007 from: YouTube Inc., (2007f). Thomson netg in second life. Retrieved on February 18, 2007 from: YouTube Inc., (2007g). UT Dallas metaverse. Retrieved on February 16, 2007 from: Watson, S. ( ). How podcasts work. How Stuff Works. Retrieved February 14, 2007 from: