Leveraging Technology in Your Learning Center: NCLCA Institute July 2010 Napperville, IL Dr. Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein Director of Academic Support SUNY Empire State College, Northeast Center Enhancing Services, Creating New Resources, Getting the Word Out, and Managing & Training Staff

Leveraging Technology in Your Learning Center: Enhancing Services, Creating New Resources, Getting the Word Out, and Managing & Training Staff Emerging technologies such as social networking, multi-media sharing, collaborative workspaces, and mobile technologies are significantly changing the nature of learning and learner expectations for interaction, access, and engagement. Learning center professionals need to leverage these emerging technologies in ways that can enhance they ways in which we deliver services, create resources, market our centers, manage and train staff, and evaluate our centers. The focus of the topics I will cover during the institute will be on how to best understand emerging technologies and how to choose the technology tools that will help you meet your goals in managing your learning center.

How “techie” R U? - LOL Who owns 2 phones… one for talking and one for texting? Who has more than 1 computer at home? Who surfs the net from nervous tension when their is down? Who is on the web right now? How many of you paid full price for the iPhone when it 1 st came out? Since we started this presentation, who has thought about checking their ?

ACTIVITY #1 – Wildest Dreams… ACTIVITY #1 – Wildest Dreams… For Technology & Learning Assistance on Your Campus What kinds of technology are you currently using? What kinds of technology are your students using? What do you have to support tech at your institution? What goals do you have for enhancing student learning? Directions: Don’t be burdened by constraints – what (related to technology & the delivery of learning assistance programs & services) do you wish you had, could learn, has been on your “To Do” list that you haven’t had the chance to get to? List 10 things – Your Ultimate Wish List

What is the ONE GREAT PROJECT/IDEA/AREA that can be TECH RELATED you want to work on when you get back to your campus?

Views from the front lines… What some schools are doing? University at Albany (NY) just instituted a text messaging emergency system, and was criticized by the students and some administrators that it took so long. – Response to Virginia Tech (Facebook) Purdue and their Boilercast system - audio from class is recorded and atomically downloaded to students’ computers. iTunes U – Public sites – content & orientation Students at dozens of colleges, such as Syracuse, American University and Marist College, can check online whether a vacant washing machine is waiting downstairs and how much time remains on each machine's cycle. (Forbes online, 1/2006) University of Maryland's Smith Business School is handing a free BlackBerry to each student — practice makes perfect.BlackBerry Students learn to manage the 24/7 access to data and people they'll be expected to deal with as executives. (Forbes online, 1/2006) Ohio University, MIT and others go to 2nd Life.

Second Life Ohio University Second Life Campus Ohio University Second Life Campus

Who are our students today? Source: A Vision of Students Today A short video summarizing some of the most important characteristics of students today - how they learn, what they need to learn, their goals, hopes, dreams, what their lives will be like, and what kinds of changes they will experience in their lifetime. Created by Michael Wesch in collaboration with 200 students at Kansas State University. There is a community college student video in response to this one at college student video

RESEARCH on Technology & Students Today 98.5% have some type of computer 82.2% have personal LAPTOP computers (2008, in %) Average of 19.6 hours a week online for school, work and/or recreation. – 69% < 20hours – 7.4% > 40 hours – Community college students show significantly less time online – 14.8 hrs More than 82% have used a Course Management System (CMS), with more than 46% saying that they have use a CMS many times every week 85.2% have interacted with at least one SNS - social network service (Facebook, Myspace, etc…). with Facebook being the predominate SNS. (2008, in %) 61% of respondents agree that IT within a course improved their learning Over 40% said that they are more engaged in a course requiring IT Sources: EDUCAUSE Applied Research Center (ECAR)EDUCAUSEECAR 2008 Study 2008 Study of Undergraduate Students & Information Technology 2007 Study2007 Study of Undergraduate Students & Information Technology How’d They & Who’d They? 27, 317 respondents – most “traditional” (under 25 years of age – 78.8%), Attending 4yr institutions (87.8%) Most full-time (84%) Most public (74.8%) 32.2% at schools > 15,000 students. They have the technology & they are using it, and…

RESEARCH on Student Engagement & Technology Sources National Survey of Student Engagement (Promoting Engagment for All Students: The Imperitive to Look Within, 2008 Results)Promoting Engagment for All Students: The Imperitive to Look Within, 2008 Result “For both first-year and senior students, online learners were more likely than classroom-based learners to: Be older, transfer, and first-generation students. Very often participate in course activities that challenged them intellectually. Very often participate in discussions that enhanced their understanding of different cultures. Very often discuss topics of importance to their major.” (p. 16) “Online courses seem to stimulate more intellectual challenge and educational gains. This suggests that integrating technology-enhanced courses into the curriculum for all students might have some salutary benefits.” (p. 16)

But, while most respondents like information technology (IT) as part of their learning… Conclusion of the Executive Summary of the 2008 Educause Study

Networked Student Source

So, students are online and on computers, they are more engaged when there is online learning, and they also want F2F interactions… While, colleges are exploring, integrating and infusing technology into every aspect of the college experience, we need to be mindful that technology is not the only way that students today want to engage. BUT, students expect to have technology be a part of their daily lives, so F2F is not the only way to engage students. When we take this need for blending F2F with technology, many college professionals don’t have the time, support, resources, nor expertise to infuse their existing F2F programs and services with technology. BUT, professionals in Academic Support and Student Services need to adapt the ways in which we deliver services in order to better enhance and engage students in their college experience using a blended approach to service delivery and resource access. How can these complicated and somewhat conflicting needs/concerns be addressed?

Technology Enhancing Learning What you should consider for academic support and learning assistance… – BENEFITS to LEARNERS – BENEFITS to COLLEGE OVERALL & ACADEMIC SUPPORT/STUDENT SERVICES – BENEFITS to ACADEMIC SUPPORT/STUDENT SERVICES STAFF Learning is flexible, accessible, and tailored to a variety of learning preferences. Students can explore, have choice, & engage/create using different modalities where and when they choose to access… Beneficial in both face-2-face and technology enhanced mediums. One does not necessarily have to replace the other – center and college missions as well as learner needs drive the blended use of these learning engagements. Maximize resources (human and time), training options open up, F2F interactions can take on depth when students come into a learning center or seek out student services having gone over the “basics” online – deeper conversations faster – high touch and high quality at the same time

Grounding Points: Quotations to Remember “The particular characteristics and needs of each individual institution drive the organization of [academic support] programs, the format of service delivery, the overall management and operation of the program and the methods of program evaluation.” - Casazza, M. E. & Silverman, S. (1996). Learning Assistance and Developmental Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. p. 71 “In addition to background, aptitude, ability to learn quickly, and the desire to learn, students need persistence, flexibility, and a willingness to cooperate with instructors’ demands and institutional policies if they are to succeed in college.” - Maxwell, M. (1997). Improving Student Learning Skills. H&H Publishing: Clearwater, FL. p. 135 Student Success Academic Support & Learning Assistance

Successful Academic Support Programs & Student Services include… * Proactive interventions, * Supportive environments, * Personalized support systems, * Small group tutorials, * Development of students’ basic learning skills, * Teaching of study skills and learning strategies in the context of academic content courses, * Opportunities to interact in informal settings and develop personal relationships with faculty, and * Opportunities to experience success. Adapted from: Maxwell, M. (1997). Improving Student Learning Skills. Clearwater, FL: H&H Publishing. Casazza, M. E. & Silverman, S. (1996). Learning Assistance and Developmental Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Alexander and Serafass’ (1999) planning model for educational institutions. Alexander, W.F., Serfass, R.W. (1999). Futuring Tools for Strategic Quality Planning in Education. Quality Press; Milwaukee.

Great In Theory, But Where’s the Practice???

You’ll get some hands on time in the computer lab to explore… LRNASST Listserv

ACTIVITY #2 – Focusing on Just One Thing For Technology & Learning Assistance on Your Campus Directions: Pick from your wish list. What is your number one interest/priority?-- You can determine this based on your center/college’s constraints, $$$, time (workload, seasonal demands, etc.), staff desires/access, student needs, access to technology, etc. Defining your top priority… Major idea/goal/priority - Narrowing it down… List at least 3 components related to this idea/goal/priority – What research/people/resources/etc. do you need to connect with to get a start on making your idea/goal/priority a reality? Outline some of the first steps you need to take.

ACTIVITY #3 – Making Your Plan For Technology & Learning Assistance on Your Campus Directions: In Small Groups – review your focus and flesh out what you can do to take action – develop your action plan with your group. What new insights and ideas to enact your plan do you have? CREATING A Detailed “To Do” List for this Project While at the conference…. Immediately upon my return to the office… 2nd Week after the conference 1st Month – Convo with Group via wiki/Lisa

What Have We ESC??? What kinds of technology are WE currently using? What kinds of technology are OUR students using? What do WE have to support tech at OUR institution? What goals do WE have for enhancing student learning? Our environments – Online & Face-to-Face/Blended

Empire State College Mission& Commitments The Mission of Empire State College regardless of geographylife circumstance rigorous, individualized Empire State College enables motivated adults, regardless of geography or life circumstance, to design a rigorous, individualized academic program and earn a college degree. The Commitments of Empire State College self-directedcurious learnerscollaborate To support self-directed, intellectually curious learners who collaborate with faculty mentors. To document, evaluate and award credit for an adult’s prior college-level life learning. array of learning experiences To offer each student an array of learning experiences through independent study, seminars, short-term residencies, and online courses. new approaches to learning that recognize the strengths and needs of adult learners To develop, implement and assess new approaches to learning that recognize the strengths and needs of adult learners. access to degree programs at multiple locations in New York state and abroad, and through the World Wide Web To provide access to degree programs at multiple locations in New York state and abroad, and through the World Wide Web. To expand degree opportunities for adult learners through partnerships with employers and unions, government agencies and the armed forces, and community organizations and educational institutions.

CREATING PROGRAMS & SERVICES Academic Support = Student Support Merging college mission & goals with students’ needs & skills – regardless of geography or life circumstance – students can have access 24/7 - ANGEL is available to all NEC students as a community group – individualized, self-directed, curious learners – students self-select what they want or be directed to what they need – collaborate with faculty, professionals, and mentors in the creation, use, & assessment of resources – array of learning experiences – allows for multimedia, interaction, discussion, & enhancements to workshop content – new approaches to learning that recognize the strengths & needs of adult learners – can review at their own time & own pace, access to resources for unit students is enhanced, & access to self-assessments

WHAT ARE OUR TECHNOLOGICAL PRIORITIES? Collegewide – Centralization of resources – Culture shift – Give the power to the content expert, not the designer Center specific – Culture shift – Center needs drives design – Center sharing DAS based – What can be customized for students? – What can we be in control of, or provide feedback for?

MYESC/Learning Support Tab

ANGEL Community Group - NEC How it started… NEC Academic Support – Online repository of academic support workshop materials and student services information and website links What it is now… – Comprehensive range of resources, weblinks, presentations, & discussion forums designed to support & enhance NEC students' success – Utilized by students, staff, & faculty What it is evolving into… – We’re not sure… – What we hope for is all of the above PLUS… An interactive meeting place for students, faculty & staff Creation of materials by students & faculty

Log into Angel – Choose COMMUNITY GROUP - Northeast Center Academic Support

The Good, the Bad, & The Ugly The Good – Students have access 24/7 and are using it when and where they want – Faculty are using the site to support their work with students – Usage reports to determine how & who Can more appropriately target resources based on demand, ask for feedback, & seek input for other areas of interest/need The Bad – The ANGEL environment is password protected and some students think of it as only for online courses. Those students in online courses are comfortable, but others might not be. Therefore, we are expanding into other formats but still linking to this password protected site The Ugly – No instructional design support at the early stages We didn’t start with template development & “retro-fitting” – consistency & ease of use – HARDER after the fact – Site maintenance is difficult without fulltime support – as we can FUTURE – co-creation of materials with students, networking, peer-tutoring, & so much more…

Moving Beyond CMS to More Means of Blending Resource Repositories – Course Management Systems – ANGEL – Wiki spaces – Career Services, Non-traditional Student Week & AcademicEye Interactive & Communication Systems – Smarthinking – Elluminate – Instant Messaging – YouTube & Facebook Where we might go (exploring)… Who knows? ;)

Keeps the conversation going between meetings…

JING Example -- Providing video screen capture feedback to student papers via a free program

Some tutors/estructors are available for live tutorials 24 hours a day and others have set hours. What is Smarthinking? Smarthinking is an online tutorial service that is available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Northeast Center Learning Coaches What is a learning coach? A learning coach is someone who provides academic support to students in one-on-one or small group settings in all areas of the writing process and related study skills strategies including time management, organization, reading efficiency, developing a study plan, goal setting, critical thinking, library research skills, note-taking, and learning styles. Office of Academic Support Dr. Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein, Director Northeast Center  21 British American Boulevard  Latham, NY phone ext 5939  fax Mary Sanders- Shartle is located in Saratoga working with Saratoga & Queensbury students. Contact Mary to make an appointment : (518) ext 2827 or Sarah Spence- Staulters is located in Latham working with Schenectady & Latham/ Albany students. Contact Sarah to make an appointment : (518) ext 5992 or Kate Stockton is located in Latham working with Johnstown & Latham/Albany students Contact Kate to make an appointment : (518) ext 5992 or For students studying in the Plattsburgh, you may contact any of the learning coaches to work at a distance via phone or computer, or contact Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein, Director of Academic Support to arrange for face-to-face support. Her hours are: Mondays – 12pm-2pm Wednesdays – 3pm-6pm Thursdays 4pm-6pm Her hours are: Mondays - 4:30pm-8pm Wednesdays - 4:30pm-8:00pm Fridays - 9am-11:15m Her hours are: Mondays - 4:30pm-7:30pm Tuesdays - 4:30 pm-7:30pm Thursdays - 4:30 pm-7:30pm

Workshops F-2-F & Online

How to Participate in the NEC Academic Support & Student Services Elluminate Web Conferencing Room First time users will need to follow online instructions carefully and download a JAVA script. This will happen on each computer that you use to access the room for the first time, and it can take 5-10 minutes to complete. All users follow this link to access the site: The following pages are simplified directions for how to navigate in the Elluminate environment. Additionally, Elluminate provides excellent online training materials accessible at This webconferencing room provides you with live and archived access to presentations given by the Office of Academic Support at the Northeast Center. You can participate in the environment in 3 ways – an observer/listener, a text participant, or an audio participant. You do not need special equipment to participate UNLESS you want to participate by being able to speak. If you want to speak as part of your participation, you will have to have a headset and microphone. If you do not have a headset and microphone, you will still be able to listen to the presentation and to type in your questions and comments in the CHAT box. If you do want to participate by speaking, then you will need to purchase a headset. Most stores that sell electronics will have a set for about $15-$20. Due to prohibitive costs, we are not supporting telephone connections at this time. Academic NEC

Where the content of the presentation/class will appear Follow link to access NEC Academic Support & Student Services Elluminate Web conferencing Room: 59 CHAT Space to type in comments, ask questions, etc. PARTICIPANTS Where the participants will be listed. Menu/Tool Bar - Roll your cursor over each icon to see what it does – see next page for detailed view… AUDIO - Adjust volume for receiving (everyone) & for transmitting audio (only if you have a headset). If you have a headset, push TALK when you want to speak.

Active Participation Features

PARTICIPANTS WINDOW TOOLBAR CHAT WINDOW Detailed View of Active Participation Features WHITEBOARD TOOLS AUDIO WINDOW Press to talk if you have a headset Use the slider to adjust volumes for hearing presenter or your own audio if you have a headset.

Study Group Planned Online Only Session

Study Groups Es: lol! This is fun, but I like the interaction of a "real" class too Ritch: This is the best way to do class that I have ever seen Dianae: My joker son has already embraced Elluminate. He offered me 10 bucks to turn on my webcam and use a puppet to express myself.

Ritch: okay, not finding the text box, can someone let me know how to do that while Lisa cleans up the page? sorry I missed that

Melanie: Rich the text box is the A with the lines in it next to the box we all just wrote in click on the box in the upper left with the A on line paper

Jessica: on the left of the text box there is an a then an a with line you click on that and then click a spot on the page

Ritch: Got it! Thanks!

Study Group Unplanned & Blended Participation

Study Groups Christine: I love taking the online courses (in Elluminate) Jess: if only i could be working out an doing this all at once

Benefits to Students: Study Groups Increases range of student interaction. Easier to regulate talk time. Students participate from a comfortable space of their choice instead of only physical classroom space. Access no matter the weather and/or health issues. Session recording available for review/absence.

Independent Study Blended Conversations

Working a Distance

Benefits to Students: One-on-One Provides convenient options for students who are juggling busy schedules Improves opportunities for students to gain familiarity with technology Increases the number of students who can access academic support Recorded sessions can be viewed at any time Josh: i thought it was really cool. i never did anything like this before

Academic Support Workshops Blended Participation

Workshops F-2-F & Online

How to Participate in the NEC Academic Support & Student Services Elluminate Web Conferencing Room First time users will need to follow online instructions carefully and download a JAVA script. This will happen on each computer that you use to access the room for the first time, and it can take 5-10 minutes to complete. All users follow this link to access the site: The following pages are simplified directions for how to navigate in the Elluminate environment. Additionally, Elluminate provides excellent online training materials accessible at This webconferencing room provides you with live and archived access to presentations given by the Office of Academic Support at the Northeast Center. You can participate in the environment in 3 ways – an observer/listener, a text participant, or an audio participant. You do not need special equipment to participate UNLESS you want to participate by being able to speak. If you want to speak as part of your participation, you will have to have a headset and microphone. If you do not have a headset and microphone, you will still be able to listen to the presentation and to type in your questions and comments in the CHAT box. If you do want to participate by speaking, then you will need to purchase a headset. Most stores that sell electronics will have a set for about $15-$20. Due to prohibitive costs, we are not supporting telephone connections at this time. Academic NEC

Where the content of the presentation/class will appear Follow link to access NEC Academic Support & Student Services Elluminate Web conferencing Room: CHAT Space to type in comments, ask questions, etc. PARTICIPANTS Where the participants will be listed. Menu/Tool Bar - Roll your cursor over each icon to see what it does – see next page for detailed view… AUDIO - Adjust volume for receiving (everyone) & for transmitting audio (only if you have a headset). If you have a headset, push TALK when you want to speak.

Benefits to Students: Workshops Students become familiar with multiple “faces” of Academic Support Each workshop topic is presented as a “piece of the academic success puzzle” Students who attend feel more comfortable initiating individual appointments Students gain confidence in using technology

Diane: By the way, I did just do a job that would have overwhelmed me had I not taken your class. I was hired to moderate a webinar. Those two sessions in Elluminate had really prepared me for what I was getting into. We had bases in Albany, Schenectady, Boston, and somewhere in England (and attendees from around the globe). You should know we had least half a dozen tech/support people involved. You do an amazing job keeping it together in the virtual classroom! Diane: By the way, I did just do a job that would have overwhelmed me had I not taken your class. I was hired to moderate a webinar. Those two sessions in Elluminate had really prepared me for what I was getting into. We had bases in Albany, Schenectady, Boston, and somewhere in England (and attendees from around the globe). You should know we had least half a dozen tech/support people involved. You do an amazing job keeping it together in the virtual classroom! Unexpected Benefits to Students