Technology in User Instruction

User Instruction

April 1, 2008

Who are your users?

(and how do they use technology?)

Understanding the User

Figure 1 from Marshall, Todd. “A New Approach to Understanding the Digital Divide : Why Two Levels are Not Enough.” Conversants vol. 1, 2008. Available at http://conversants.syr.edu/2008/01/24/marshall-2008-1/

Goals for users

Further student outcomes (academic setting)

Better understanding of resources Improved information literacy “You can do it!”

Goals for users

Further student outcomes (academic setting)

Better understanding of resources Improved information literacy “You can do it!”

What Technology is out there?

Thank you Read/Write Web

Ludwig Gatzke http://flickr.com/photos/stabilo-boss

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs Wikis Twitter Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs long-term interaction

Wikis Twitter Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs long-term interaction

Wikis long-term interaction

Twitter Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs long-term interaction

Wikis long-term interaction

Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels

Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs long-term interaction

Wikis long-term interaction

Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels

Second Life instantaneous interaction

Blackboard IM Social Networks

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs long-term interaction

Wikis long-term interaction

Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels

Second Life instantaneous interaction

Blackboard long-term & short-term interaction

IM Social Networks

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs long-term interaction

Wikis long-term interaction

Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels

Second Life instantaneous interaction

Blackboard long-term & short-term interaction

IM instantaneous interaction/ back channels

Social Networks

But what technology is useful?

Weblogs long-term interaction

Wikis long-term interaction

Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels

Second Life instantaneous interaction

Blackboard long-term & short-term interaction

IM instantaneous interaction/ back channels

Social Networks long-term & short-term interaction

Why use technology? Collaboration Read/Write Web

• Creation• Response

Distance learning Ability to add continuity

• Learning outside classroom• Increased awareness of material in real-world scenarios

Metacognition Purposes of reference/ research

• Social bookmarks• microblogging

Why use this stuff in the classroom?

Technology shifts classroom power structure• Moderator/ facilitator rather than professor/ teacher

• Collaboration

Technology that exemplifies this change• Twitter

• Second Life

• Social Networks

Technology for Single Meeting

Instant reaction Technology for use @ point of contact

Appropriate:• Instant Messaging

• Twitter/ Pownce/Jaiku

• Second Life

Technology for Extended Meetings

Development over time Allows exploration of more complex

ideas

Examples• Blogs

• Social Bookmark Site

• Social Networks

Case Study

Electronic Publishing, WP692, Emerson College

Fall 2007

Class Assignment

Students responsible for posting an article every week on personal del.icio.us and link it to the class site (WP692).

At the beginning of each class, class would discuss 1 article per student.

Students would also discuss article on class blog.

Goals

Create a digital repository for students to use on research/ project.

Provide new information not covered in textbooks. Example: Amazon Kindle.

Have students focus on different modes of information delivery (social bookmarking, class discussion, blog)

868 links!!

1 semester

12 students

868 links tagged by subject and grouped by class

1,043 links for Spring 2008 class

Outcomes

Students more aware of current events Students forced to think & respond to

topics Students had a ready resource for

papers/ projects Future classes able to use and build

upon resources

Problems & Concerns

When technology goes bad it hurts us too.

Challenges for Instructors

Facebook≠Technology• How do you teach to everyone?

Personal setting vs. Group Setting Constant Tweaking Classroom not structured for this kind of

interaction You’re an instructor all the time.

• IM, e-mails at 11 o’clock at night

Biggest Challenge for Instructors

TIME to: Develop resources Develop big picture Explore new Technology Play with Technology Review and relearn

Problems with online technology

First post!

Problems with online technology

First post!

You suck.

Problems with online technology

First post!

You suck.

Check out my site.

Problems with online technology

First post!

You suck.

Check out my site/ video.

10 Secrets to Love!

Digital Divide

Access to technology available? Users able to use technology outside of

class? What devices are needed?

• Twitter via cell-phone

• Youtube?

Technology for Technology’s sake

Just because we can use it, should we? Some technology doesn’t translate into

an academic setting. Technology should enhance learning

outcomes not compete with them.

Questions?

Ask me about Twitter

FacebookSecond LifeDel.icio.us

Slides Available Online

http://www.slideshare.net/rodzvilla/technology-user-

instruction