tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193760082024-03-07T03:23:35.391-06:00The Learning SpaceAn innovative and dynamic learning environment providing information in IT, technology trends, social media strategies, learning space design, media and journalism. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-13735905995149874942019-03-05T11:10:00.001-06:002019-03-05T11:10:04.426-06:00<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">35 Years of Apple Computers Displayed</span><br />
<br />
Our ITS Client Services Eagle Help Desk developed a small museum display, celebrating 35-years of Apple computers. ABC affiliate WXOW covered this event and filed this news segment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vws4nou9hTc/XH6qcYdki0I/AAAAAAAAIyY/ECqsUQKwnjIXpQxzEhCp75O-54wQkQzOACLcBGAs/s1600/2019-03-05_10-56-06MOD.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="719" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vws4nou9hTc/XH6qcYdki0I/AAAAAAAAIyY/ECqsUQKwnjIXpQxzEhCp75O-54wQkQzOACLcBGAs/s320/2019-03-05_10-56-06MOD.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<a href="https://wxow.com/news/top-stories/2019/03/04/old-tech-new-tech-classic-computers-on-campus/?fbclid=IwAR2ozml-av460HKCJI4kfhZ0As4NZhOfU_U_YH4Twl_yV7ePXnQSwYkqy4k">https://wxow.com/news/top-stories/2019/03/04/old-tech-new-tech-classic-computers-on-campus/?fbclid=IwAR2ozml-av460HKCJI4kfhZ0As4NZhOfU_U_YH4Twl_yV7ePXnQSwYkqy4k</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNBII2wE-Fk/XH6tOutrUsI/AAAAAAAAIyo/RBLliJVw1h071MIZPoqPjW8dP69xVE4EQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4564MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1005" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNBII2wE-Fk/XH6tOutrUsI/AAAAAAAAIyo/RBLliJVw1h071MIZPoqPjW8dP69xVE4EQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4564MOD.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2o_W7QN0otk/XH6tP2sgjSI/AAAAAAAAIy4/ptabsGbmqukAtlAcafzqQmMTgX-3Tm7nQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4565MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1247" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2o_W7QN0otk/XH6tP2sgjSI/AAAAAAAAIy4/ptabsGbmqukAtlAcafzqQmMTgX-3Tm7nQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4565MOD.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vu6A2dGUQhxSTsxuS9-uZ8B4C8viNLWcnGZjHB4jV34I9zHq2s9XB5qsRv5Wsnvyg381zLURUDqi-gjdLBxi-uYaSexUh9P4Dqj7lHHZIx1X46VMsVf_GGTWFDv78muq0VQ/s1600/IMG_4566MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1005" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vu6A2dGUQhxSTsxuS9-uZ8B4C8viNLWcnGZjHB4jV34I9zHq2s9XB5qsRv5Wsnvyg381zLURUDqi-gjdLBxi-uYaSexUh9P4Dqj7lHHZIx1X46VMsVf_GGTWFDv78muq0VQ/s320/IMG_4566MOD.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku0Rh7x4AY4/XH6tPLBM-II/AAAAAAAAIys/eKyOUHu1CysOhslazYXlCuARm-fUckLEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4567MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1400" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku0Rh7x4AY4/XH6tPLBM-II/AAAAAAAAIys/eKyOUHu1CysOhslazYXlCuARm-fUckLEgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4567MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA79WeFAxTY/XH6tPOr7jCI/AAAAAAAAIyw/GNT5E1hfV5A-kmcF8z4E1JIU-OKUK2aagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4569MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1010" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mA79WeFAxTY/XH6tPOr7jCI/AAAAAAAAIyw/GNT5E1hfV5A-kmcF8z4E1JIU-OKUK2aagCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4569MOD.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHSfoXwEMGQ/XH6tPQB8XmI/AAAAAAAAIy0/GcbOLITk8nUF60qBspTZC-zqvTG9NCZUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4570MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1400" height="260" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHSfoXwEMGQ/XH6tPQB8XmI/AAAAAAAAIy0/GcbOLITk8nUF60qBspTZC-zqvTG9NCZUwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4570MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-24825504407958085152018-11-11T00:22:00.000-06:002018-11-11T00:23:40.135-06:00<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">
Rethinking Dorm Wi-Fi</span></h2>
<br />
Today’s students have high expectations for
campus connectivity, and the colleges that
hope to recruit them face stiff competition.
Studies show students now bring an average of seven
connected devices to campus, including smartphones,
laptops, PCs, smart TVs, gaming consoles and more. At
mid-sized schools of 5,000 students, 35,000 devices
may be trying to connect to the Wi-Fi network at any
given time. Students expect seamless and unlimited
connections, and they’re counting on colleges and
universities to provide them 24/7.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvQsUTI5SfE/W-fJjyfpvbI/AAAAAAAAIkg/4Cn67uHsKhYDJ9OUtLXynsQ5PRthH1aTACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-11_0-17-36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvQsUTI5SfE/W-fJjyfpvbI/AAAAAAAAIkg/4Cn67uHsKhYDJ9OUtLXynsQ5PRthH1aTACLcBGAs/s320/2018-11-11_0-17-36.png" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Learn more at: <a href="http://www.govtech.com/education/papers/Rethinking-Dorm-Wi-Fi-108010.html?promo_code=CDE_web_library_list" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"> http://www.govtech.com/education/papers/Rethinking-Dorm-Wi-Fi-108010.html?promo_code=CDE_web_library_list</span></a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-66125377614347220872017-10-19T21:27:00.002-05:002017-10-19T22:00:34.711-05:00<h2>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Phishing Attacks in Education- What Can You do?</span></h2>
In 2016, Phishing attacks became mainstream, and in 2017 hackers began to innovate their practice of targeting of unsuspecting victims. While the media has covered large data breaches by corporations, hackers are increasingly probing and targeting educational institutions to steal data and create enormous spamming issues.<br />
<br />
One of the most important methods to help thwart these attacks is to have a solid program to help end users be aware of the risks of potential phishing and how to protect themselves. Developing a strategic communications can help faculty, staff, and students be prepared against cyber attacks.<br />
<br />
This film was created to help end users understand what phishing attacks are, the risks, and how to create cyber awareness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-FE5ARpwNBI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-FE5ARpwNBI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
First, be sure to create and distribute clear and concise communications. Have a person or team craft messages which are easy to understand and not written in IT-jargon. Make your messages understandable to a wide audience.<br />
<br />
Second, use analytical research tools to determine if and when your e-mail messages are being opened by your end users. E-mail marketing software such as <a href="https://mailchimp.com/features/?awid=855343170&awag=45632864075&awad=209978607311&awkw=mailchimp&pid=GAW&source=website&gclid=CjwKCAjwmqHPBRBQEiwAOvbR88PX2aOouGg796ZH41fSBFYGNvd-EeSXCkhLs_3iJkEWqdyjt4zH-hoCeh8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CMGntPWS_tYCFU6KaQod32MBPQ" target="_blank">Mail Chimp</a> or <a href="https://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?utm_id=GOO910401D&cc=GOO910401D&pn=search&gclid=CjwKCAjwmqHPBRBQEiwAOvbR83h_zMilrIAqvIC6oA4vhjUcRv1A7Pf1r46JyyROSfWvr62rJPsgKhoCS_UQAvD_BwE&ef_id=WZnchAAAAHvWRmSC:20171020022543:s" target="_blank">Constant Contact </a>are excellent services to track the effectiveness of your communications, and provides insights into the best time to target your audience, and the actual location placement of your content in your web e-mail message.<br />
<br />
Third, don't rely only on electronic messages to your end users. Consider written messages, posters, door hangers, and other print materials to disseminate your narrative.<br />
<br />
Fourth, develop a cyber security culture by going out to your customers to explain the importance of cyber security. Plan meetings and workshops which provide a platform to faculty and student senates, committees, and residence halls. IT professionals should go out to their customer base to help them become aware of cyber threats and how to protect themselves.<br />
<br />
Fifth, create your communication plan and target and time when you want to connect with your audience. Search out and consider research which specifies the optimum times to send digital messages through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. Some research suggests the best time to posts on Facebook is 1–4 p.m. on Wednesday. For Twitter Wednesday 12-3pm, and Instagram, Monday and Tuesday at 9:00am are ideal times. There are exceptions to these times based upon time zone, culture, and additional factors.<br />
<br />
To recap, the top 5 things to remember in creating a strategic communication plan for cyber security awareness are:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">1) Good communications</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">2) Use analytical tools</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">3) Use digital and analog communications</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">4) Create a Cyber Security Culture</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">5) Target and time your messages</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-85097231649406404982017-05-01T22:33:00.000-05:002017-05-01T22:35:02.840-05:00UNLEASH 2017 Begins in Madison, WI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On May 1, 2017, <a href="http://unleash.sonicfoundry.com/" target="_blank">UNLEASH 2017</a> opened with special pre-conference workshops and the Enterprise Video Awards. It is impressive with the number of universities and international attendees who participate in this event. The conference is easy to navigate and networking opportunities abound. Stay tuned for more on location reports. #Unleash17 #mediasite.</div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnUNNcSg_uqvbZ6tlXIWaCTBAG7A9iwkicjjsfoUbXrzjzrkOt-mgQ1CYv4ZCtgPpInfRTLebo8x4' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-39909435761931536212015-03-19T19:55:00.005-05:002015-03-25T23:44:22.500-05:003 Elements for Transforming IT CultureRecently I was interviewed by <a href="http://www.educause.edu/" target="_blank">EDUCAUSE</a> about the top 10 strategies to Transform IT Culture. As we talked, the interviewer asked if I could narrow it down to 5, and when it came to produce a short video, I had to reduce it to just 3. While all of the 10 core strategies, there are 3 elements, which can make a very large impact on your IT department, and in a sense "super charge" your culture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsf9FH74HHV8BJGiKgfQnQsHqwCe9gWGRwPONGSflYa-SXLpeJHMwrF_oz01gxcNjUErHtwFMdEFsvdNO-X9OvouZiTyOZ7YpTDH5XsVRxK7XuXJQMJR_7ItjTbMHGhpmuQU/s1600/3-19-2015+7-27-03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsf9FH74HHV8BJGiKgfQnQsHqwCe9gWGRwPONGSflYa-SXLpeJHMwrF_oz01gxcNjUErHtwFMdEFsvdNO-X9OvouZiTyOZ7YpTDH5XsVRxK7XuXJQMJR_7ItjTbMHGhpmuQU/s1600/3-19-2015+7-27-03+PM.png" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First, there is <span style="font-size: large;">Communication. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
In any IT culture, communication is the most often talked about challenge, but rarely solved. As a manager, you need to think about communications internal to the department, external to the department (on campus), and then the communication outside the traditional borders of the campus. Communicating our successes off campus to external audiences can may big dividends down the road.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">"Communication needs to be clear, concise, and frequent."</span></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Second, there is <span style="font-size: large;">Empowerment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
If our employees don't feel empowered, where does that motivation we want them to have come from? What gives them the most satisfaction in their job? It's feeling empowered in their job, to feel they can make a difference, that we can make a change.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83mZA5UbPo0/VQtuH4kDUaI/AAAAAAAAF-w/5DyHqCOEs_Q/s1600/3-19-2015%2B7-46-22%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83mZA5UbPo0/VQtuH4kDUaI/AAAAAAAAF-w/5DyHqCOEs_Q/s1600/3-19-2015%2B7-46-22%2BPM.png" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Third important strategy is to <span style="font-size: large;">Develop Relationships. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
This is easy to say, but difficult to accomplish. Developing relationships can start with your colleague down the hallway. Rather than avoid people by e-mailing them- talk to them face-to-face. The next step is to connect with colleagues throughout your building and across campus. In the past I have heard the IT mantra, "What's good for IT is good for the campus." This can create perceptions that IT wants to be in control of everything technology related. Instead we need to position ourselves to be a partner with our customers. Breaking down those barriers can help develop relationships which can go a long way in creating a culture of cooperation and collaboration.<br />
<br />
Communication, empowerment, and relationship- a winning formula to help create a successful IT culture. Try this formula, and consider all 10 strategies listed in the previous post. To see the YouTube for this story, go to: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb0ySd-AVwc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb0ySd-AVwc</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sDDiGG_y8S8aiPWtr8bZup8B9N3Y_HrmjdnwctXiiPclm60b0zfK8Zdos2b-WQ5-GgXXlwG2HkPRaETkUiF2L-kBuuVCLSewG4J_ymcKMx93D13qe8FcLtaAgA1mxu7aZ3Y/s1600/3-19-2015+7-49-06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sDDiGG_y8S8aiPWtr8bZup8B9N3Y_HrmjdnwctXiiPclm60b0zfK8Zdos2b-WQ5-GgXXlwG2HkPRaETkUiF2L-kBuuVCLSewG4J_ymcKMx93D13qe8FcLtaAgA1mxu7aZ3Y/s1600/3-19-2015+7-49-06+PM.png" height="163" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-59188621618974588802014-10-10T12:06:00.000-05:002014-10-15T01:41:23.716-05:00Creating an IT Culture: What You Want "IT" to Be<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange;">10 </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Key Strategies </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">to Transform Your IT Culture</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
In many IT departments it is readily apparent there is employee disengagement, dissatisfaction, and a lack of empowerment. It many situations, as an outside observer, you can simply feel these negative vibes as soon as you walk into through the door. The question for technology managers and administrators, <b>"How can you effectively change an IT culture to transform it into a vibrant, engaging, and effective department?</b>" There are 10 key strategies that work in tandem to create this much sought after goal. These concepts to transform IT Culture were initially presented at the 2013 EDUCAUSE Regional Conference in Chicago, and refined and expanded at the 2014 EDUCAUSE International Conference held in Orlando. The room was filled to capacity with CIOs, technologists, and faculty from around the world, all with one important. Let me explain a few of these strategies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The 10 key transformative strategies to change your IT culture include the following:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVk3pealRIg/VDdjdsvy_pI/AAAAAAAAF4c/Lmm39_GvOGo/s1600/10-9-2014%2B11-40-30%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVk3pealRIg/VDdjdsvy_pI/AAAAAAAAF4c/Lmm39_GvOGo/s1600/10-9-2014%2B11-40-30%2BPM.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
When you embark upon a change in culture, it is first important to ensure that you precisely define your STRATEGIC VISION to the staff. This statement should be clear and simple so that all of the employees can explain it to others. For example, one potential version may read: </div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">"Build a </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">more focused</span><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"> IT organization with the ability to </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">proactively</span><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"> adapt to new technology, new roles and implement seamless and </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">customer centered process</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">."</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tm1d2vaHzqGSmLv7vIcWGHJALHJMJOxcdI2xIubxCRDWhW58aVuz5BpWg5ebKmaaxb33ZzyeInjVNwNfhWhq_HCVwgqDMl3e7WvQN3MerXGLVwqC5kN7T_oA07bjwNgTL28/s1600/10-10-2014+12-03-34+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tm1d2vaHzqGSmLv7vIcWGHJALHJMJOxcdI2xIubxCRDWhW58aVuz5BpWg5ebKmaaxb33ZzyeInjVNwNfhWhq_HCVwgqDMl3e7WvQN3MerXGLVwqC5kN7T_oA07bjwNgTL28/s1600/10-10-2014+12-03-34+AM.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a>Trust is another important element in building an effective team. Without trusting in your leadership, and your co-workers, it makes for an environment which cannot function effectively and efficiently. To continually build trust, the workplace must instill a sense of accurate and consistent communications.Trust is a long term process to earn, but much more difficult to get it back once it's lost. As defined, trust is the "belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest, and effective."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEdq414z_uc/VDf86eMat7I/AAAAAAAAF5A/TKmggLRznAY/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEdq414z_uc/VDf86eMat7I/AAAAAAAAF5A/TKmggLRznAY/s1600/01.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a>Another key component for a successful IT is how we EMPOWER our employees. As a manager, it is question that we too often fail to ask our employees. Perhaps we just don't think about asking "the question" or on a more subconscious level, maybe we don't want to take the risk of hearing the answer. Finding ways to empower employees takes time and effort. One of the best ways to accomplish empowerment is to put employees into lead project positions and let them succeed, or fail. Failure is one of the 10 core strategies to change IT culture. The Honda Motor Company created a series of documentaries around the theme of The Power of Dreams. One of these films,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJAq6drKKzE" target="_blank"> "Failure-the Secret to Succcess,"</a> deals with our ability to deal with Failure and to first admit it, then learn from it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemhyphenhyphenmESWuBVdFCPJCjoUPAxGwHF6l5CfFOKJzVBWcK5RV5jEOSgPUJfYSJ0WaDAClQcM-_CRteiimhSFDTI9O6fE9JaOgcAmS7MBitM5bOxHa7lWp9F_2CL2976WOnkg-PqU/s1600/2014-10-10_11-08-57.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemhyphenhyphenmESWuBVdFCPJCjoUPAxGwHF6l5CfFOKJzVBWcK5RV5jEOSgPUJfYSJ0WaDAClQcM-_CRteiimhSFDTI9O6fE9JaOgcAmS7MBitM5bOxHa7lWp9F_2CL2976WOnkg-PqU/s1600/2014-10-10_11-08-57.png" height="178" width="320" /></a>With the realization of failure also comes with the potential for success. It was Thomas Edison who once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." To encourage success it is important to innovate. For example, providing a wide, diverse, and innovative technology training programs not only energizes the faculty to learn, but it also supercharges the staff presenters to learn, stretch themselves, and motivates them to lead. Innovative events such as HOT-Hands on Technology, Passport to Technology, and Tech 4 U serve to create interest and excitement and help to sustain the technology training program. You can learn more about these interesting technology training sessions by going to the <a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/ITS/Technology-events/" target="_blank">UW-La Crossse ITS web site.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yPtw3HuANGQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
One event that accentuated the concept of Innovation, and which promoted collaboration and teamwork within the IT culture was the Technology Tomorrow, Today- a technology showcase. This event brought technology companies from around the U.S. and Canada, car manufactures, technologists, CIOs,faculty, staff, and students throughout Wisconsin. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPtw3HuANGQ" target="_blank">Local TV stations covered the event.</a><br />
<br />
In addition our internal video unit captured the event. This was an excellent example of IT staff leading, taking ownership, and collaborating towards a common goal. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eni5mL5ftII&list=UUNAUGSLLdCeqb5eUmATdCdg" target="_blank">The video captures the energy of IT staff on display, bringing technology to nearly 300 registrants. </a>When you watch the video you will get a sense of excitement from the participants, corporate partners, and students.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Eni5mL5ftII?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpleYy24SGqR00ZI8_CapAbvmD7JHVV_Uze0rYV08_j3DcC0Gw_2p7Z5Mtk3RkO3HxPHPfeqMip3aO2PI-H5fDw93SgZYOqbAHujSHucKKpjVXkhlfHolhDeqX40eH-bziNk/s1600/2014-10-10_11-26-24.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpleYy24SGqR00ZI8_CapAbvmD7JHVV_Uze0rYV08_j3DcC0Gw_2p7Z5Mtk3RkO3HxPHPfeqMip3aO2PI-H5fDw93SgZYOqbAHujSHucKKpjVXkhlfHolhDeqX40eH-bziNk/s1600/2014-10-10_11-26-24.png" height="204" width="320" /></a>One lingering strategy that is rarely discussed in transforming IT culture is the concept of EMPATHY. The notion of empathy extends from teh manager to the employee, but also from the IT staff to the client. As the definition tells us, empathy is "our ability to understand the feelings of another."Understanding the backgrounds, work and personal lives helps the employer make strategic yet empathetic choices when working with employees. Understanding these same things when working with clients and stakeholders helps to provide a point of reference when searching out technology or process solutions.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
For more information on all 10 of the core strategies to Change IT Culture, send me an e-mail or Tweet. You may also find the <a href="https://www.educause.edu/annual-conference/2014/creating-it-culture-what-you-want-it-be" target="_blank">2014 EDUCAUSE session here.</a> Follow each of these strategies and you too will be well on your way to change your own IT Culture- for the positive.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-89417702507756531542014-07-14T12:16:00.000-05:002014-07-14T12:16:03.962-05:00The Wonder of Time Lapse Videos Reveals Insights and HistoryTime lapse videography allows us to see details in the passage of time that go unnoticed to our eyes. These fleeting moments are almost imperceptible as we go about our daily lives, until we compress this time so that we can see motion, action, and trends in a sequence of individual frames of information. This collection of images can include thousands of frames of information, and when brought together and edited to music and entirely new world of information is presented to our eyes and ears.<br />
<br />
I was always captivated with time lapse photography of clouds and plants, but wanted to transfer this concept to the construction of buildings. These events can occur over many months and years. Using time lapse photography reveals the stages of demolition, site development, construction, and site completion. Tiny details emerge as the interplay of light, weather, and construction are captured. In addition, you are able to document a piece of construction history that would otherwise be lost, or otherwise potentially captured only in a few still images.<br />
<br />
Centennial Hall Construction-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYf4P3WnKa8/U8QD8UBs2AI/AAAAAAAAE0o/VODL3DvfGCc/s1600/IMG_8685MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYf4P3WnKa8/U8QD8UBs2AI/AAAAAAAAE0o/VODL3DvfGCc/s1600/IMG_8685MOD.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00HHh0gMNKw#t=89">http://goo.gl/Ud4r2I</a><br />
<br />
At the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, I took the concept of capturing images through traditional video cameras, and later web cameras and recording individual video frames to a server. Later, thousands of still images would be collected and compiled with digital editing software to create short video segments. This may include 3 frames a day. For some segments, individual frames were purposely deleted to avoid stroboscopic issues with bright and dark images, depending upon the weather, season, and lighting for specific days. Later, music would be chosen to accentuate the emotional feel of the edited piece.<br />
<br />
Showing these videos to various audiences, always seems to illicit a sense of wonder and amazement. It is a way to capture those fleeting moments we miss in our lives, and also persevere a sense of history in the process.<br />
<br />
Stadium Site Preparation-<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEw2SKJ5zsc">http://goo.gl/5xVFIf</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BscN9_mgdK_ejl0bwghzfayu6pXYxeJ2dg_Gr2HqJ5M3ROXlVmPwts9Qg6hwdumTt_yHKIOeZKveyT4ewZb7ojnHFi0BP1Y-Ub0PXfz3ut0AIGzAnRtQ_PJG5zFz2t1ETnY/s1600/IMG_9385MODMODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BscN9_mgdK_ejl0bwghzfayu6pXYxeJ2dg_Gr2HqJ5M3ROXlVmPwts9Qg6hwdumTt_yHKIOeZKveyT4ewZb7ojnHFi0BP1Y-Ub0PXfz3ut0AIGzAnRtQ_PJG5zFz2t1ETnY/s1600/IMG_9385MODMODSM.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6P2Xh8Y9MY/U8QOaqYP_yI/AAAAAAAAE04/TduO-F5zOJk/s1600/Reuter-5MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6P2Xh8Y9MY/U8QOaqYP_yI/AAAAAAAAE04/TduO-F5zOJk/s1600/Reuter-5MOD.jpg" height="161" width="320" /></a>Reuter Hall Construction-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlCU1W3nInA#t=17">http://goo.gl/WSDpjm</a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-51838888761220475272014-06-09T15:12:00.003-05:002014-06-10T12:19:26.212-05:00The Digital Transfer Project- Preserving a University's Analog Past<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwXIJChUq0KkUTXEm45xIgDAp4Jy07P5z-ldAjgT-Rlq10_30Mq5CsXcr3TSHQxMiKKtyD8U1qODEPkxSDusEpdGUQA8vG_lx5cAaFGz3ldXY9FMx9TIaSPkD8cjF1NNbGRU/s1600/IMG_8028MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwXIJChUq0KkUTXEm45xIgDAp4Jy07P5z-ldAjgT-Rlq10_30Mq5CsXcr3TSHQxMiKKtyD8U1qODEPkxSDusEpdGUQA8vG_lx5cAaFGz3ldXY9FMx9TIaSPkD8cjF1NNbGRU/s1600/IMG_8028MOD.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
There they are. Rows of and rows of analog videotape, sitting on shelves stretching yards and yards down the wall. Perhaps the last time a videotape from these shelves was played was 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Each day the videotape sits there, the magnetic particles may start flaking off the polyester base. This breakdown process occurs when the binder that holds the magnetic particles on the polyester base decays on the videotape. These particles may eventually just flake of the tape itself. And remember, polyester can stretch and shrink.<br />
<br />
If the videotape had been played over the years, it may have been subjected to a misaligned tape path around the spinning playback heads, or the cassette may have been ejected prematurely, causing tape additional damage. Also you may have difficulty finding an operational playback machine, or one that is in good working condition.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Each day the videotape sits there, the magnetic particles may start flaking off the polyester base."</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<br />
What can universities, campuses, and companies do?<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHkuYIzo7oM/U5YN3A2rssI/AAAAAAAADoI/0pG_B00vJA0/s1600/6-9-2014+2-40-42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHkuYIzo7oM/U5YN3A2rssI/AAAAAAAADoI/0pG_B00vJA0/s1600/6-9-2014+2-40-42+PM.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a>In an interesting sequence of events, the topic of transferring analog videotape to a digital format took on great significance in a very short period of time. At the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the original impetus to begin transferring videotapes occurred with the gradual removal of VHS players. This occurred when existing or new classrooms were converted to totally digital equipment, and the VHS player would be removed. This happened on a much larger scale with the construction of <a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/centennial-hall/" target="_blank">Centennial Hall, the first major building to be digitally controlled. </a>In the summer 2014, an e-mail from the IT department was sent to the campus explaining the importance of transferring old analog videotapes, and to be aware of the copyright law. This notice was also included in the campus newsletter, and was quickly picked up by the <a href="http://goo.gl/165A0X" target="_blank">La Crosse Tribune.</a> The story, "Tale of Tape" explains the magnitude of a duplication project and what it takes to get it moving.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxEvE4DzcmA/U5XcSBQFkkI/AAAAAAAADnk/p7dRRZYqcC4/s1600/6-9-2014+11-08-39+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxEvE4DzcmA/U5XcSBQFkkI/AAAAAAAADnk/p7dRRZYqcC4/s1600/6-9-2014+11-08-39+AM.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogiudoYujb4f8d9HPiYEj9Mbm1RkbsaFJGMt1I7H1Fu48YyDIXOzyGEeCDgrrgtN_mCcqds-73wu96MSZhA5T_RfAHBHLmujFttdtmiYoHDeh5YvCVJLZOdb4u8MS6eHitWc/s1600/6-9-2014+11-03-25+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogiudoYujb4f8d9HPiYEj9Mbm1RkbsaFJGMt1I7H1Fu48YyDIXOzyGEeCDgrrgtN_mCcqds-73wu96MSZhA5T_RfAHBHLmujFttdtmiYoHDeh5YvCVJLZOdb4u8MS6eHitWc/s1600/6-9-2014+11-03-25+AM.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a>Before long, the story became very popular with the media.<a href="http://www.news8000.com/news/uwla-crosse-preserves-campus-history/26354580" target="_blank"> CBS affiliate WKBT-TV picked up the story, and did a live 3 minute feature</a> on the idea of transferring videotapes to digital formats. The story, by reporter Brittany Schmidt, does a good job of explaining the dilemma of duplication, and the actual process of transferring the videotape to a digital format. In transferring the footage, we typically consider DVD or Blu-Ray, but also a digital media file saved to a portable drive or on-line. In addition we utilize <a href="http://www.sonicfoundry.com/mediasite" target="_blank">Mediasite streamming technology </a>and YouTube. On-line video storage web sites allow you to collect analytical utilization data about who is watching, when, and from where, something you cannot easily do with hard media. The duplicated media is then entered into a database, with appropriate metadata, for easy searching.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"On-line video storage web sites allow you to collect analytical utilization data about who is watching, when, and from where, something you cannot easily do with hard media."</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXZapknVKuA/U5XcRjvx_zI/AAAAAAAADnY/rM0PT6_MrVc/s1600/6-9-2014+11-01-21+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXZapknVKuA/U5XcRjvx_zI/AAAAAAAADnY/rM0PT6_MrVc/s1600/6-9-2014+11-01-21+AM.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a>After the WKBT story, <a href="http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/UW-L-phasing-out-VCRS-262048431.html" target="_blank">FOX and NBC affiliates, WLAX and WEAU carried another version of the story,</a> focusing additionally on how these new digital formats work well in digital classrooms. Duplication is only one part of the project. The other critical issue is to be aware of current copyright law. To ensure the university was following the correct protocols, a draft of providing "copyright guidance" for the campus was shared with University of Wisconsin- System Counsel in Madison. After a thorough review, this was distributed to the entire campus to help faculty and staff navigate the sometimes confusing regulations covering copyright of multi-media materials. Support is provided faculty to help to obtain rights, purchasing digital copies, and duplicating copyright-cleared video material. In addition IT provides assistance in editing the material, uploading it to various on-line storage options, and how to promote their materials through social media.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-91120902606357121402014-04-23T20:53:00.000-05:002014-04-24T19:55:47.752-05:00Former CIA Consultant Provides Global Insights- Opportunities to Engage LearningThe tools of technology, communications, and our modern methods of data collection and analytical analysis today can provide us with a very insightful picture of our current and future worlds. The way we live, consume our news and information, and how we interact with the world provides us clues into where we might be headed as a country.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glJRHFWlp3U/U1hs2yUEMUI/AAAAAAAADfM/dH7IHnYoGGo/s1600/IMG_8463MODBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glJRHFWlp3U/U1hs2yUEMUI/AAAAAAAADfM/dH7IHnYoGGo/s1600/IMG_8463MODBW.jpg" height="164" title="" width="200" /></a>Recently I was provided the opportunity to interview, Herbert E. Meyer, who served during the Reagan administration as special assistant to the director of Central Intelligence, and vice chairman of the CIA’s National Intelligence Council. He is credited as being the first senior official to accurately predict the fall of the Soviet Union, a forecast for which he later was awarded the U.S. National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, which is the Intelligence Community’s highest honor.<br />
<br />
Meyer spoke at an event sponsored by the <a href="http://tecmidwest.com/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Chapter of TEC21</a>, which is made up of executive members representing area companies employing 10,000 workers and generate revenues in excess of $1 billion. The global organization TEC, is a professional<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s-BH6GONhNQBLJQD1I48mGL_i8LHvdWMWYxcv9Xe-0Jz3GxLS30OjmT3KZZhMjXLkzxVFsIwEK7i8D40nZWb1zVOBjQblSk30dRMWQplMv80HGjDNK_yznGjBCqC20L2COs/s1600/IMG_8447MOD3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s-BH6GONhNQBLJQD1I48mGL_i8LHvdWMWYxcv9Xe-0Jz3GxLS30OjmT3KZZhMjXLkzxVFsIwEK7i8D40nZWb1zVOBjQblSk30dRMWQplMv80HGjDNK_yznGjBCqC20L2COs/s1600/IMG_8447MOD3.jpg" height="132" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nearly 200 business executives and </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">professionals attended Herb Meyer's talk.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
development group of CEO’s, presidents, and business owners that meet in a confidential environment to “help each other succeed.” Meyer, who speaks to business executives on global intelligence, provided a personal interview of key issues he feels the world needs to pay attention to. These key observations are not only helpful in our daily lives, but are also important concepts to discuss in our college curriculum. Meyer’s assertions and observations provide a good framework for faculty and students to “dive deeper” into worldwide trends barely noticed in the short term. Meyer provides a framework and opportunity to make learning both relevant and engaging for both faculty and students.</div>
<br />
<b>Birth Rates.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Of the many topics Meyer focuses on, perhaps the most provocative is his analysis of world birth rates. He says to sustain a country’s population; a birth rate of 2.1% is required. This means two children, one each to take care of mom and dad, and the .1 child to keep the county’s population stable. Easy to understand, but becoming more difficult to achieve in developed countries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vPjPj8tXJw/U1hs0k_BooI/AAAAAAAADe4/yqUOJj4jlds/s1600/IMG_8440MODSMBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vPjPj8tXJw/U1hs0k_BooI/AAAAAAAADe4/yqUOJj4jlds/s1600/IMG_8440MODSMBW.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
In nearly 20 European countries, the birth rate is actually less than 1.3%. Meyer stresses, “This is suicidal and in 30 years, there will be 70 million to 80 million fewer Europeans alive than there are today,” says Meyer. Meyer points out his figures are quite real and be can be looked up on the <a href="http://www.who.int/en/" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a> web site.<br />
<br />
Meyer points out that Japan also has a 1.3% birthrate. “As a result, Japan will lose up to 60 million people over the next 30 years. Because Japan has a very different society than Europe, they refuse to import workers. Japan has already closed 2,000 schools, and is closing them down at the rate of 300 per year. Japan is also aging very rapidly. By 2020, 1 out of 5 Japanese will be at least 70 years old. Nobody has any idea about how to run an economy with those demographics.” Meyer said that for the first time in Japan’s history, more diapers are being produced for the elderly than for babies. Understanding birthrates, according to Meyer is critical to forecasting the effect on business, and on future generations.<br />
<br />
<b>The News.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Meyer stresses that, “News tells you what’s going wrong, but it doesn’t tell you what’s going right. If an airplane lands on time it is not a news bulletin.” Meyer points out, that the story we are not hearing is that the “world is emerging from poverty at a rate never before seen in world history.”<br />
<br />
<b>Pessimism.</b><br />
<br />
With our interest in news, comes our focus on pessimism in the world. Meyer says, “If you are being told everything is going wrong it’s hard not to be pessimistic. There are things that are going right.” Meyer cautions that if you are hearing so much pessimism, “You are getting a completely skewed view of the world.”<br />
<br />
<b>Journalism.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Most importantly, Meyer says that our “Journalism has to change. Journalism is the radar. If the radar <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glJRHFWlp3U/U1hs2yUEMUI/AAAAAAAADfQ/uMzyDnQTDNk/s1600/IMG_8463MODBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glJRHFWlp3U/U1hs2yUEMUI/AAAAAAAADfQ/uMzyDnQTDNk/s1600/IMG_8463MODBW.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></div>
gives you bad information, then pilots make bad decisions. The radar is not tuned properly.” Meyer continued by noting that the while the mystery of flight 370 is a big story, the larger story we are missing is the democratic vote in Afghanistan. Meyer said, “Afghanistan had the most extraordinary vote better than anyone could have ever thought. That’s a gigantic story and our troops made that possible. No one is making that linkage, not even the President. He should have been on national TV....saying ladies and gentleman did you see that election in Afghanistan? That would not have happened without the armed forces of the United States, and people would feel better about it.”<br />
Meyer stresses, “If you are the radar screen you have to tell them when there is a mountain in front of you, but if there are clear skies you have to tell them that too. The radar is only built to look at trouble. And that’s the glitch. You don’t get a balanced picture.”<br />
<br />
<b>Politics.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Meyer tells us “the world is becoming modern. If you don’t have a framework then all you see is little events here and there that don’t make any sense. During the cold war decades we saw the world through a prism- this titanic struggle between the Soviet Union and the free world. When the cold war ended, nobody knew what the world was going to look like. George H. W. Bush tried to explain what the new world order was, but could not explain what it meant. It wasn’t clear.” Meyer says that, “Now it’s clear- the world is becoming modern, and it’s the best use of American power and ingenuity to make it go.” Meyer added, “As the world becomes modern, this is less of a reason to go to war.”<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Message to the Young.</b><br />
<br />
To conclude the interview, I asked Meyer how he would address today’s youth with so many daunting<br />
challenges ahead of them. Without hesitation, and a smile on his face Meyer said, “The job of your generation is to take the world out of poverty without trashing the planet. I can‘t imagine a more interesting and complicate chore for a generation- lucky you!” He said he had very high hopes for the youth of the world.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS8aKd9SRWE/U1httYp4seI/AAAAAAAADfc/GW19Quz3h_A/s1600/IMG_8467MODBW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS8aKd9SRWE/U1httYp4seI/AAAAAAAADfc/GW19Quz3h_A/s1600/IMG_8467MODBW2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>For Meyer, he said he enjoys telling his story. He added, “It seems to resonate with people. People come up to me, and say, “I haven’t heard that before.” I am painting the picture they aren't getting.” Meyer concluded the interview by emphasizing the goal is to get his predictions of global intelligence on the public’s radar. He concluded saying, “You don’t have the radar with the green lines sweeping around. And that’s the missing piece. That’s what I am trying to fill in.” Understanding technology, communications, and analytical data collection and analysis are important concepts to help educators make learning both relevant and engaging. Understanding and discussing what Meyer has uncovered can help motivate faculty and students to dig deeper into topics and issues that will have a dramatic and profound impact on our daily lives, today and in the distance future.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-67617434457128422702013-12-02T19:23:00.000-06:002013-12-02T19:23:44.853-06:00TEDx Talk on Digital Storytelling Inspires Millennials and Beyond<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-AVa2OBcyQ/Up0wMc1BYlI/AAAAAAAABg8/_m3inVq39QQ/s1600/Jorstad-TEDx_01MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-AVa2OBcyQ/Up0wMc1BYlI/AAAAAAAABg8/_m3inVq39QQ/s320/Jorstad-TEDx_01MOD.jpg" width="223" /></a>The effective use of social media today is by many accounts still a “trending topic.” The population of digital natives, or more commonly referred to as Millennials, the population generally born between 1980 and 2000, typically is the group we most focus on. Certainly people of all ages use social media, but perhaps not as much as the 18-24 year old section of the world.<br />
<br />
With such an immense amount of media messages being focused on this group, or content being created by this same group, the question becomes, “What is the most effective way of getting compelling and engaging content to be read or acknowledged by our targeted population, namely Millennials.”<br />
<br />
One proven technique is to find relevant, authentic, and emotional digital stories which connect with the audience. With so many competing messages being disseminated, perhaps the best strategy to engage Millennials audiences and beyond is to find, create, and disseminate stories that people can connect with. And by strategically disseminating these stories through social media outlets, we can disseminate them even further, making our original message more sustainable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN3Aa01A11Q1BK1aUMJ0BLYfsNzDFq3DSD4uYFELUEuBzQMGA_k2b7nN_n701qCFScfvG1964-FrfLmTezt8CRY_h9hA3e8UI8WtfUKd-Ho7-78Snj1fAa0By3PhwAvc2Rwg/s1600/Jorstad-TEDx_08MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN3Aa01A11Q1BK1aUMJ0BLYfsNzDFq3DSD4uYFELUEuBzQMGA_k2b7nN_n701qCFScfvG1964-FrfLmTezt8CRY_h9hA3e8UI8WtfUKd-Ho7-78Snj1fAa0By3PhwAvc2Rwg/s320/Jorstad-TEDx_08MODSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This topic was part of a recent TEDx Talk held at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The talk was entitled, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhJDUIQ9EzY" target="_blank">“Digital Storytelling- Changing People, Perceptions, and Lives.”</a> A series of TEDx talks were held at this event with the general theme of “Turning Points.” You can view Jim's presentation here: <b><a href="http://youtu.be/QhJDUIQ9EzY">http://youtu.be/QhJDUIQ9EzY</a></b><br />
<br />
Jim Jorstad, a CNN iReport 2013 Spirit Award winner took the audience through an eighteen minute journey of how digital storytelling can help audiences emotionally connect with a personal message and experience. As Jim points out, “We need to ‘dive deep’ into getting the story which resides in each of us. While we all have technology at our finger tips, many of us have become disconnected with one another, merely because we have access to technology.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6zPRHJdTP6mLUaFZsYJqzhTT-JjjPxp-A-4DSLpkiXW_QEisrA9A23WmyLpg70FNZfTps6w-cQc6VCz9Y817G6ve3aBVIQ23jsICqu2-RJ3Ag50IvsR4YzaWsIIF9kvZFJI/s1600/Jorstad-TEDx_02MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6zPRHJdTP6mLUaFZsYJqzhTT-JjjPxp-A-4DSLpkiXW_QEisrA9A23WmyLpg70FNZfTps6w-cQc6VCz9Y817G6ve3aBVIQ23jsICqu2-RJ3Ag50IvsR4YzaWsIIF9kvZFJI/s200/Jorstad-TEDx_02MOD.jpg" width="200" /></a>Jorstad uses <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/people/mediaman?viewingAsOthers=true" target="_blank">CNN iReporting </a>to bring engaging and emotional stories to the world to help us learn about people’s lives, their perceptions, and how we can change. <br />
<br />
His citizen journalism has inspired students, teachers, and social movements. As he points out, “When I started reporting my goal was 10,000 views. Now, by creating more engaging content and using social media outlets, I have nearly 1 million views. And when you look at the data, a million people very large audience you can connect with.” What is your story?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-32578602092034372892013-10-04T11:25:00.002-05:002013-10-04T13:51:37.494-05:00MOOCs- More Than Massive Courses: They Are Massive ProjectsAs the acronym for MOOCs moves through the daily news cycle and travels through the Twittersphere, questions continue to surface asking, “What makes for a successful MOOC?” While academic and corporate institutions search for the best formula for “MOOC success,” perhaps it would be instructive to consider the formula used by a successful math program developed at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. It is an on-line developmental math program for high school students was created and carefully tested, and eventually expanded to a worldwide, multi-aged student MOOC. I interviewed Dr. Bob Hoar who conceived of the concept, and who assembled a collaborative team to develop the MOOC program. This is how they did it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3qxmmLqbP0/Uk7qdh8lfEI/AAAAAAAABWM/AwRBdbwa0WY/s1600/IMG_7480MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3qxmmLqbP0/Uk7qdh8lfEI/AAAAAAAABWM/AwRBdbwa0WY/s320/IMG_7480MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Dr. Hoar, or as he is sometimes referred to, “Dr. MOOC” is a math professor and now Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. When he talks about MOOCs he is quick to say, “A MOOC or a Massive Open On-Line Course is more than just a Massive Course, it’s really a Massive Project.”<br />
<br />
From the very start, the key for the program’s success was to test and pilot the concept before taking it to “prime time.” As Bob states, “We were able to pilot our MOOC with students that were intending to attend our university. We were able to study these students before they took the course through university application and placement test information. After they took the course we used an independent post-test and followed their progress into the freshman year. The data indicated that over 97% of the students improved their math scores. We made a few modifications based on our findings from the pilot and opened the course to the world.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHg9lMTBFIg/Uk7tHNzsxPI/AAAAAAAABW0/5ZzrUu4-NKI/s1600/Bill-and-Melinda-Gates-Foundation1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHg9lMTBFIg/Uk7tHNzsxPI/AAAAAAAABW0/5ZzrUu4-NKI/s200/Bill-and-Melinda-Gates-Foundation1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Once the program’s success was proven, the University of Wisconsin System invested into the concept to see how the MOOC can become scalable to other institutions. At about the same time the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was offering grants related to our research. Bob and his team applied for a grant, and also added a video component to showcase the success of the project. As Bob will tell you, “the video really made the difference.”<br />
<br />
As Bob reflected on the grant he commented, “Some would say the announcement of the Bill and Melinda Gates award was the defining moment, but I think the key moment came before the award. A MOOC is a very different course and our system was not setup to handle this sort of thing. The timeline on the grant submission was short, and to get the proposal submitted, we needed to get agreement between faculty, support staff, administration, and lawyers (both internal and external to the institution). Everyone did their job and asked many questions. For me, the defining moment was when this diverse group came together and agreed that UW System was ready to offer a MOOC and that ours would be the pioneer into this new frontier.<br />
<br />
Once a MOOC has been developed, you need to have your next steps already in place. In some regard, <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0ov5wSgK3Y/Uk7qOsdCwGI/AAAAAAAABWE/7obeBMuJ_7s/s1600/MP900426465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0ov5wSgK3Y/Uk7qOsdCwGI/AAAAAAAABWE/7obeBMuJ_7s/s320/MP900426465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
developing a MOOC is like playing a good chess match. You need to think of multiple moves in advance. For Dr. Hoar’s MOOC a great deal of data was created. He said, “The data helps us to quickly make changes to the course, and we will continue to make data driven improvements. In addition, the data likely contains information that we have not yet discovered. The field of user analytics supports more sophisticated data analysis.”<br />
<br />
Because of the success of this MOOC, the team received another grant, this time from the<a href="http://mooc%20research%20initiative%20%28mri%29%20is%20funded%20by%20the%20bill%20%26%20melinda%20gates%20foundation%20as%20part%20of%20a%20set%20of%20investments%20intended%20to%20explore%20the%20potential%20of%20moocs%20to%20extend%20access%20to%20postsecondary%20credentials%20through%20more%20personalized%2C%20more%20affordable%20pathways./" target="_blank"> MOOC Research Institute </a>to gain new insights into “who” is learning in the course and “what” elements of the course are having the greatest impact. MOOC Research Initiative (MRI) is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of a set of investments intended to explore the potential of MOOCs to extend access to postsecondary credentials through more personalized, more affordable pathways. The results from this research will help in the development and and study of other potential MOOCs.<br />
<br />
Bob added, “We are also working with other institutions (colleges, universities and high schools) to develop partnerships. One of the time-consuming, but important elements of the course is the online office hours and tutoring. Students in the course can get one-on-one (or small group) help as they advance through the course. This group of students would have access to tutors from their own campus which helped to build a cohort-type community.” The added benefit was that students could ask more than just math related questions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sStlfIu0PcQ/Uk7qvQsprLI/AAAAAAAABWc/vn8J_E96DkA/s1600/IMG_7206MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sStlfIu0PcQ/Uk7qvQsprLI/AAAAAAAABWc/vn8J_E96DkA/s320/IMG_7206MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So what is the best advice in developing a MOOC? Bob says, “Put together a team that you like working with. Include IT support, platform support, content experts, and someone to help with marketing. Our<a href="http://uwlax.edu/MathMOOC" target="_blank"> <b>MOOC</b></a> has two internal tracks, one is synchronous and one is asynchronous. A given MOOC could be one or the other, or both and each approach has its design challenges. The content is very important, but once you have that, the user experience is key to supporting the learning. To ensure sustainability, you will need to show impact. Be sure to gather the data necessary to speak to impact. Numbers are not enough." <br />
<br />
As far as what the current MOOC trends are in the world, Bob says MOOCs are still a fairly new concept. “Comparisons to traditional courses are attempted, but the fundamental difference between the two calls for new metrics. In the next few years, MOOCs will be categorized based upon their goals and format. This has already begun, and the number of categories will likely grow. The characteristics that distinguish one MOOC-type from another may imply some measurable difference, and how well a MOOC performs on these measures will allow for comparisons of MOOCs within the same category."<br />
<br />
MOOCs will continue to be a closely watched phenomenon over the several years, with many institutions looking to see if they can create courses and programs that are scalable, sustainable, and hopefully profitable.” The other key is to promote and marketing what you are accomplishing with your MOOC. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjpdGjDcrtU/Uk7ruSOhF7I/AAAAAAAABWo/A6qqgdW_SPY/s1600/IMG_7739MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjpdGjDcrtU/Uk7ruSOhF7I/AAAAAAAABWo/A6qqgdW_SPY/s320/IMG_7739MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Dr. Hoar was <a href="http://www.sonicfoundry.com/webcast/mediasiting-your-mooc-how-uw-la-crosse-transformed-online-learning-modules-massive-open" target="_blank">part of a special on-line webstream hosted by Sonic Foundry</a> that included over 1200 on-line viewers, covering every state in the U.S. and 60 countries worldwide. Marketing the MOOC concept is an important element for success. In addition, for Dr. MOOC picking a relevant topic and a group you want to work with to create a MOOC is important. In the end he reminds us, “MOOCs are not just massive courses, they are massive projects.”<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-6071047231807652752013-09-09T15:09:00.003-05:002013-09-10T00:51:39.280-05:00Five Technology Trends That Will Transform Teaching & Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m07mIO41qY/Ui3eALJunRI/AAAAAAAABRk/tbQaB1KMYLg/s1600/Tech_in_20_Logofin_cropped.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m07mIO41qY/Ui3eALJunRI/AAAAAAAABRk/tbQaB1KMYLg/s200/Tech_in_20_Logofin_cropped.png" width="200" /></a></div>
At the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse an annual technology event called, "TECH in 20" is held which gives faculty and staff "quick hits" on a wide variety of relevant topics. These sessions are limited to 20 minutes to basically whet the audiences' appetites on technology topics that help faculty and staff in their classrooms, offices, and in their lives.<br />
<br />
One session, "Five Technology Trends That Will Transform Teaching and Learning" highlighted a number of innovative technologies that have moved from the lab to the mainstream. These trends include: <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Multiple and Flexible Displays, 4-K Resolution, 3-D Printing, Flipping the Classroom, and Mobile Learning and Living.</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Multiple and Flexible Displays</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0tF4AOpcc8/Ui3eoNaxaoI/AAAAAAAABTA/0hFrStsxzSE/s1600/IMG_1627MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0tF4AOpcc8/Ui3eoNaxaoI/AAAAAAAABTA/0hFrStsxzSE/s200/IMG_1627MOD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tiKiW72knao/Ui3elnVeOdI/AAAAAAAABSE/znzQaNVKTmU/s1600/IMG_1575MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tiKiW72knao/Ui3elnVeOdI/AAAAAAAABSE/znzQaNVKTmU/s200/IMG_1575MOD.jpg" width="200" /></a>As the display panel industry continues to innovate, we are seeing a steady stream of thinner, larger, and high resolution flat panel displays hit the market. In the academic world, these new products are beginning to replace the traditional smartboard products with higher resolutions and wider surface areas. The new generation of panels allow for multiple user interactions and more sophisticated applications.<br />
In addition these panels can be connected to form entire walls of displays, large tabletops, and even floors. As prices continue to evolve, these new panels could replace analog white boards in a variety of room types. The ability of multiple users to interact on the display can provide a much more collaborative and interactive experience.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBn_QHt338frr4MJpVbK6Uls35hG75iMsp95tKi0bZMmPO-AE9_yxlM0ufWS1jYF1LL6MTLoQdFZlhG2jO7Oz8AbmX6L0jBOQcGlDgqQ1DiGFj0lfuxDuYhDlcyJwsxcUon0/s1600/flex-display-apple.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBn_QHt338frr4MJpVbK6Uls35hG75iMsp95tKi0bZMmPO-AE9_yxlM0ufWS1jYF1LL6MTLoQdFZlhG2jO7Oz8AbmX6L0jBOQcGlDgqQ1DiGFj0lfuxDuYhDlcyJwsxcUon0/s200/flex-display-apple.png" width="200" /></a>In addition to multiple displays is the introduction of flexible displays. This development opens up entirely new opportunities to include image display in a wide variety of environments in our work and lives. Untethered by the traditional limitations of a hard device, flexible displays could be treated literally like paper. These same devices could even be seen as wearable jewelry or clothing. As millions of people worldwide carry their iPhones, it is intriguing that Apple has recently announced a number of patents for a potential flexible iPhone. The trend for flexible displays and appliances will likely accelerate as innovations are introduced and consumers adopt them in their work and play.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkHpNnXLB0&list=PL363989F7BCF53A36" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0DGYNTs9fQ/Ui3mBr6xDoI/AAAAAAAABTY/d3MQV9mVjVM/s320/9-9-2013+10-13-24+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a>Corning created several insightful videos entitled, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkHpNnXLB0&list=PL363989F7BCF53A36" target="_blank">"A Day Made of Glass." The most recent version 2 </a>speculates on how displays will change our lives through a number of innovative uses. This YouTube video has been viewed by nearly 4 million people. The program not only illustrates what is currently available in market place, but creatively and accurately speculates how displays will likely be utilized in academics, corporate, medical, and in our social lives.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4-K Resolution</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
With the advent of HD TV, the world was introduced to an entirely new world of sharper images with unprecedented resolution. Today, there is migration toward even higher resolution which is referred to UltraHD which boasts twice the vertical and horizontal resolution of 1080p, and 4 times the overall pixels. our current HD standard. At a resolution of 4096x2160, UltraHD is impressive even when viewing video projection on a 25 foot screen. At INFOComm 2013, spectacular images could be seen both on projection and flat panel displays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GApcn3xc_3M/Ui3embp2hxI/AAAAAAAABSM/N0EpByeJcuo/s1600/IMG_1606MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GApcn3xc_3M/Ui3embp2hxI/AAAAAAAABSM/N0EpByeJcuo/s400/IMG_1606MOD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1S7662ZOUDg/Ui3el1V7esI/AAAAAAAABR8/rEGb-G7Lgtc/s1600/IMG_1578MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1S7662ZOUDg/Ui3el1V7esI/AAAAAAAABR8/rEGb-G7Lgtc/s400/IMG_1578MOD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
The quality of these images have applications in the consumer market, but also in medicine, corporate, and eventually academics.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3-D Printing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1232wkqIiri4oFCRKRJspADCf0Z3nwtOVQk2i78V3nooKl19au6YY7bBz72-5MK5-3dAMAOr2yZdxXem4byLOf7n42qU5cSQkQNpSxo7ie-CrT3OZvRh_azOCa6qMs1rquDk/s1600/9-3-2013+11-20-05+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1232wkqIiri4oFCRKRJspADCf0Z3nwtOVQk2i78V3nooKl19au6YY7bBz72-5MK5-3dAMAOr2yZdxXem4byLOf7n42qU5cSQkQNpSxo7ie-CrT3OZvRh_azOCa6qMs1rquDk/s320/9-3-2013+11-20-05+AM.jpg" width="227" /></a>The world of 3-D printing has ushered a new era of taking complex 3-dimensional concepts, and making them "come to life" so that we can interact with them. In this world of printing, if you can conceive of a shape, you can create it. From artwork, shoes, musical instruments, and robotic devices, we now have the capability to create items without the need of traditional molding processes. Today, 3-D technology is allowing companies to create replacement jawbones, or even a transparent 3-D model of a human body.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0bYxmfQq_LIIFyA8fHJsZ5GUTaQGRPzjs5TzKTJQSTiJ5Ga6q2cBJCzrCymzvs5z2KHO61FUG_4CsFwlNbBqKTKdGkH-P_5K0eqTfQpegO3TmyjjR2WYrzJRLDMvJ3K7GlI/s1600/9-3-2013+11-18-53+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0bYxmfQq_LIIFyA8fHJsZ5GUTaQGRPzjs5TzKTJQSTiJ5Ga6q2cBJCzrCymzvs5z2KHO61FUG_4CsFwlNbBqKTKdGkH-P_5K0eqTfQpegO3TmyjjR2WYrzJRLDMvJ3K7GlI/s200/9-3-2013+11-18-53+AM.jpg" width="193" /></a><br />
<br />
The process of 3-D printing is made possible through an "additive process" whereby successive layers of different types of material is laid down. As the Wall Street Journal notes, "A 3-D printer bears little resemblance to a document printer in an office. It has two major parts: a "build box" that contains a smooth, thin bed of finely ground material such as pulverized stainless steel or powdered plastic; and a printing head. Depending on the type of printer, the head contains either a heat source, such as a laser or an electron beam, that melts the powdered material or jets that spray binder over the powder in a precise pattern. The binder functions as a glue for the material as an object is built." To see an example of the power of 3-D printing, here is a video from Shapeways:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJuTM0Y7U1k" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VdF2Kidv3g0/Ui38505C3II/AAAAAAAABUA/LWwEBZxIMTI/s400/9-9-2013+11-49-44+AMMOD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJuTM0Y7U1k" target="_blank">Shapeways 3D Printing & the Culture of Creativity</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Flipping the Classroom</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Much has been written about flipping the classroom, but for many, the exact definition can appear elusive. Generally a flipped classroom occurs when the learning takes more of an on-line component with students being able to learn on-line augmented with videos, homework, assignments, and assessments. In doing this, it provides the student with more instructor time, provides more of a self-paced learning environment, promotes more engagement, and assessments are more enhanced. There are times where the instructor teaches, and others when students join in to teach as well. Each of these components deal with pedagogical issues. However, flipping the classroom is also tied to the actual design of the face-to-fact environment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhRakS_Axfs/Ui4meXSAHfI/AAAAAAAABUU/SNxgt-m7iJU/s1600/MIT_TEAL2++430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhRakS_Axfs/Ui4meXSAHfI/AAAAAAAABUU/SNxgt-m7iJU/s200/MIT_TEAL2++430.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRiFFy-HNiQ/Ui4mew0qirI/AAAAAAAABUk/0p9aQsNI2Po/s1600/scale-up_penn_state-erie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRiFFy-HNiQ/Ui4mew0qirI/AAAAAAAABUk/0p9aQsNI2Po/s200/scale-up_penn_state-erie.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOfxbtsaezQ/Ui4med-vCUI/AAAAAAAABUQ/PFKJq6OtKps/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOfxbtsaezQ/Ui4med-vCUI/AAAAAAAABUQ/PFKJq6OtKps/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>A Flipped Classroom can become much a more engaging environment, when the design of the room promotes active learning. Carefully designing the learning environment to promote an active learning space accentuates the notion of flipping the experience. MIT, the University of North Carolina, and Penn State are just some the many examples of creating active learning spaces which do not define the front of the classroom as one area. Multiple projection and displays, distributed and clustered AC power, and innovative furniture all work in unison to create an truly Flipped Classroom experience.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mobile Learning and Living</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As mobile devices get smaller and become more powerful, and display technology advances it becomes increasingly easy to see a blurring of lines between what is work and what is part of our daily lives. Technology miniaturization and revolutionary industrial processes and led to an rise of electronic devices that can allow us to check our e-mail, surf the net, but also track our personal status. A new generation of "wrist band" computers are entering the marketplace. Two prominent manufacturers are FitBit and Jawbone's UP. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ve4f88F5xA/Ui4opS5I7II/AAAAAAAABU0/XXOLxWdyW8k/s1600/fitbit-flex-jawbone-up-review-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ve4f88F5xA/Ui4opS5I7II/AAAAAAAABU0/XXOLxWdyW8k/s320/fitbit-flex-jawbone-up-review-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These devices can track our activity levels, our sleep patterns, moods, and allow us to add nutritional intake and other data to monitor ourselves. As one company states, "Know Yourself and Live Better."<br />
A video on the design and manufacturing of the UP product provides insights into the notion of a mobile learning and learning device and whole technology has evolved to allow us to know more about each of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3xk48GsPIg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcWiNMnlbBI/Ui4qZ4LhDgI/AAAAAAAABVA/0xN1suope7Y/s320/9-9-2013+3-06-02+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3xk48GsPIg" target="_blank">Jawbone UP Design and Manufacturing</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span><br />
<br />
Each of these 5 Technology Trends are interrelated, and taken as a whole will likely enhance and transform how we learn, work, and live. Certainly these trends will be modified, tweaked or changed completely. Still it is important to understand the potential each of these elements have, and to carefully research and pilot each concept to carefully plot our course in academics and in corporate. Stay tuned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-69549386805001072142013-08-02T12:44:00.002-05:002013-08-02T12:48:29.196-05:00Changing the Culture of Your IT Organization [podcast]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7hQGiyemBs/Ufvtve9Mg9I/AAAAAAAABQU/2FH0nhbMr48/s1600/IMG_7700MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7hQGiyemBs/Ufvtve9Mg9I/AAAAAAAABQU/2FH0nhbMr48/s320/IMG_7700MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGswubyBgJ5OT_B4KP3eP83t4Osv5Q8VQMxgxaQ08nqpuPeZ9SvPZL4xQhVofXjyiQxx7QW7U8Dgad4qXN546DhGgvQ0TwBBMcKuuUujhRalz2N88GoVu_1VUrfTkegcqcaA/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGswubyBgJ5OT_B4KP3eP83t4Osv5Q8VQMxgxaQ08nqpuPeZ9SvPZL4xQhVofXjyiQxx7QW7U8Dgad4qXN546DhGgvQ0TwBBMcKuuUujhRalz2N88GoVu_1VUrfTkegcqcaA/s200/logo.png" width="200" /></a><span style="line-height: 16.796875px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the EDUCAUSE 2013 Midwest Regional <i><b>Conference, as a follow up to our session on "Changing the Culture of Your IT Organization,"</b></i> we sat down with Gerry Bayne from EDUCAUSE to record a <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.educause.edu/sites/default/files/wisc-lacross-culture.mp3" target="_blank"><b>10 minute podcast.</b> </a></span>The podcast highlights how an IT organization can go through an external, becoming more strategic, and enhance the IT alignment, both internally and externally. The key to success is a clear plan, effective communications, and an open process that engages IT staff and stakeholders. Listen how an IT culture can change and empower people in the process.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-44771914108485189892013-05-15T00:15:00.003-05:002013-08-02T12:46:46.144-05:00Flipping the Classroom with Social Media<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFcjXCfzPq0/UZMTRclaE1I/AAAAAAAABM0/QZ50IaufDJc/s1600/IMG_7808MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFcjXCfzPq0/UZMTRclaE1I/AAAAAAAABM0/QZ50IaufDJc/s200/IMG_7808MODSM.jpg" width="176" /></a>Educators continue to look for ways to "flip the classroom" through effective learning space design and adhering to the principles of Universal Design. The concept of Universal Design focuses on seven principles in designing spaces: Equitable Use, Flexibility in Use, Simple and Intuitive Use, Perceptible Information, Tolerance for Error, Low Physical Effort, Size and Space for Approach and Use. While each of these elements are closely related to learning space creation, they also have a relationship with the curriculum and how it's taught.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M8yNWJZWiQdM7GcASlr6OX537LFvNYsEzFSSwNxRgCkMWtiV6T5H4d_S9VtDPu_VhuwVjwgLybsovQ12gwsNRKe49YH9huen6rBWGt-l_ReSXRQdhlJQKZA0X6oGEIY-S94/s1600/IMG_7784MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M8yNWJZWiQdM7GcASlr6OX537LFvNYsEzFSSwNxRgCkMWtiV6T5H4d_S9VtDPu_VhuwVjwgLybsovQ12gwsNRKe49YH9huen6rBWGt-l_ReSXRQdhlJQKZA0X6oGEIY-S94/s200/IMG_7784MODSM.jpg" width="180" /></a>The key for higher education, is to research how new technology tools, and strategies can be incorporated into the learning space to make teaching and learning more authentic and relevant to the student. One of these tools for educators is the academic use of social media by students. This can open dynamic "windows of opportunity" by flipping the classroom through effective use of social media- in this case, through citizen journalism.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8zvV7laNd8/UZMTUQsZF-I/AAAAAAAABNI/s79Gtv4wXPs/s1600/IMG_7814MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8zvV7laNd8/UZMTUQsZF-I/AAAAAAAABNI/s79Gtv4wXPs/s320/IMG_7814MODSM.jpg" width="320" /></a>Through a series of class lectures in political science, English, and Communication Studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, students are exposed to the concept of creating digital stories through citizen journalism with <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/" target="_blank">CNN iReporting</a>. The class quickly learns about the potential of a wider audience to view their work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziltuP3mAD9oVe_WHs2p5K1ecVHKAdCNmxmYXJOQ3mBNVz1ob77zZ_bxSe2ZnQhkqxFqtCj6g9RwPTnsM-BbdgGeih57d2pWoqqeVugS0GbYXxsE1P93zxtTylQApxj0nfdg/s1600/IMG_7810MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziltuP3mAD9oVe_WHs2p5K1ecVHKAdCNmxmYXJOQ3mBNVz1ob77zZ_bxSe2ZnQhkqxFqtCj6g9RwPTnsM-BbdgGeih57d2pWoqqeVugS0GbYXxsE1P93zxtTylQApxj0nfdg/s320/IMG_7810MODSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In a variety of classes, a diverse array of human interest and relevant political events are shared with the students. These "digital stories" are used to illustrate how authentic and relevant events and personal stories can connect emotionally with the audience. In addition, social media tools such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Skype are discussed, and examples are used to show how they can quickly disseminate content and stories worldwide, almost instantaneously. As it was pointed out in the lecture, "social media is history in real time."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8tvr1KenF8/UZMTNWLkDCI/AAAAAAAABMc/k50xDGa2h64/s1600/IMG_7788MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8tvr1KenF8/UZMTNWLkDCI/AAAAAAAABMc/k50xDGa2h64/s320/IMG_7788MODSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
During the class lecture, a series of CNN iReport stories are highlighted to explain how the story concept was initially developed, written, and disseminated with the help of social media tools. The key to understanding social media is to realize how it can: <b><i>motivate and engage; accelerate dissemination; distribute fact or fiction; affect attribution of the author; reinforce, influence, or change opinion; and make learning more authentic.</i></b><br />
<br />
Students are encouraged to consider becoming iReporters to further enhance their writing and photojournalistic skills. Even faculty members can participate in this process. Currently there are over 1 million iReporters worldwide. As an iReporter, you become part of the iReport community, learning techniques and strategies from a worldwide cohort. The experience of being a citizen journalist can extend to almost any discipline. Once an article on CNN iReports is verified for its accuracy with appropriate clearances, it is becomes officially <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/faq.jspa#vetted" target="_blank">"vetted."</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6ka-fFUzjE/UZMTQpoL9MI/AAAAAAAABMs/YA5c7EcfiWg/s1600/IMG_7796MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6ka-fFUzjE/UZMTQpoL9MI/AAAAAAAABMs/YA5c7EcfiWg/s320/IMG_7796MODSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once this occurs, other news aggregators may take the story and disseminate it to even larger audiences. Originally my goal was to reach 10,000 views by the on-line audience. Today, that total is approaching nearly 1 million views, and that total continues to grow every day. By providing students the opportunity to document original personal stories or a relevant news event, it helps create a diverse portfolio of the author's work, and offers opens the opportunity for worldwide commenting and discussion. Providing these opportunities to students helps to empower them to become more engaged in the learning process. By encouraging students to immersed themselves in relevant topics helps to "flip the classroom" into a much more dynamic and engaging environment environment. <b>[in class photos taken by Nicole Noe and Rileigh Van Driessche]</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Jim Jorstad- <a href="http://www.cnn.com/ireport-awards/spirit-honorees" target="_blank">CNN 2013 iReport Spirit Award Winner</a></b><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-41207394259743947202013-04-22T22:19:00.001-05:002013-04-23T23:08:01.515-05:00Mediasiting Your MOOC-Transforming Online Learning Modules into a Massive Open Online Course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3EUDBUaZoE/UXXuk0EjLAI/AAAAAAAABJY/7J-ayJdXt58/s1600/IMG_7741MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3EUDBUaZoE/UXXuk0EjLAI/AAAAAAAABJY/7J-ayJdXt58/s320/IMG_7741MODSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On April 16, 2013 Dr. Bob Hoar, Math Professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Jim Jorstad, Director of ITS/Academic Technologies, presented <a href="http://www.sonicfoundry.com/webcast/mediasiting-your-mooc-how-uw-la-crosse-transformed-online-learning-modules-massive-open?fullscreen=1" target="_blank"><b>a live webinar at the corporate headquarters of Sonic Foundry in Madison, WI. </b></a>Sean Brown, Vice President of Education at Sonic Foundry moderated the event, with over 1200 on-line viewers from across the globe participating and posing questions. It was the one of the largest on-line web streaming international audiences Sonic Foundry has ever sponsored.<br />
<br />
Jim described the essence of a MOOC as a type of on-line course which is offered to a large population through the web. The goals of a MOOC can be best explained by three main core concepts including how <b>scalable, sustainable,</b> and if the course can someday be <b>profitable. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMHpicyEA5knksqyvWhABHol3LwQJoCGw4iK8Cw-_AEJ9khHIYx4KDBquhqfOMEnvFItm2iSoecfUblyCO4KYZKlJ4k9AMEuOmehC7CzfkZHydrWOUBY1WtcaNAZbNgm3y3I/s1600/4-16-2013+10-02-43+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMHpicyEA5knksqyvWhABHol3LwQJoCGw4iK8Cw-_AEJ9khHIYx4KDBquhqfOMEnvFItm2iSoecfUblyCO4KYZKlJ4k9AMEuOmehC7CzfkZHydrWOUBY1WtcaNAZbNgm3y3I/s320/4-16-2013+10-02-43+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Academic institutions and corporate partners are wrestling with each of these goals as they consider the potential of MOOCs. In addition it is important to consider the "MOOCability" of the the course- in other words can a course be transformed into a MOOC or not? Some academic disciplines naturally lend themselves to being converted into a MOOC, such as math course. However certain science lab courses may not translate well into a MOOC.<br />
<br />
There are seven core strategies for a successful MOOC which include:<br />
<br />
1) develop a worldwide strategic strategy<br />
2) engage faculty into MOOC pilots<br />
3) explain the MOOC concept to faculty, staff, and students<br />
4) use web streaming to explain and promote the MOOC concept<br />
5) consider live and on-demand learning opportunities<br />
6) track project analytics<br />
7) review and refine your plan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgN747_izAdA8s2MQ_wlU4D41MA3zT9kWokdtyJ7CH-ZU22eAgc4MEsDpOBm4jQnpGmYTcJ-GGB8EEA1V10OUXZyQwvk_wI3V9fkQnj8nVg3m901kSqRe2brCwjlAGMccNfU/s1600/IMG_0748MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgN747_izAdA8s2MQ_wlU4D41MA3zT9kWokdtyJ7CH-ZU22eAgc4MEsDpOBm4jQnpGmYTcJ-GGB8EEA1V10OUXZyQwvk_wI3V9fkQnj8nVg3m901kSqRe2brCwjlAGMccNfU/s320/IMG_0748MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a>In this <a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/mathmooc/" target="_blank">Math MOOC project</a>, a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant in concert with UW-La Crosse and UW System, "helped to open our eyes" to a worldwide audience for our math MOOC. UW-La Crosse utilized Mediasite streaming technology to promote, explain, and disseminate the MOOC concept on-campus, throughout the U.S. and across the globe. Web streaming was also utilized to hold live class office hours so that students could interact with the faculty, as well as with other students. Polling options within Mediasite provided additional interactive feedback. Comments and questions were collected via an e-mail address dedicated to the course web stream. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4aP5w48haM/UXX1biI6YPI/AAAAAAAABJ8/0Ki6UkWjx8Y/s1600/IMG_3443MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4aP5w48haM/UXX1biI6YPI/AAAAAAAABJ8/0Ki6UkWjx8Y/s200/IMG_3443MOD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Using this technology helps to make the remote student feel more a part of the learning environment by engaging them into the teaching and learning experience. If the student cannot participate live in the event, they can watch the program on-demand anytime, anywhere, where there is a computer and Internet access. Having this feature available helps the students connect with a particularly wide MOOC audience for this project. The age groups for this MOOC extends to an eleven year old student, entire high school classes, to a 83 year-old grandmother.<br />
<br />
Dr. Hoar explained the importance of a well-defined team which included Maggie McHugh who is the lead instructor, Jenn Kosiak, a math education expert, Jim Sobota, a professor emeritus who helped to inspect the modules, and Cari Mathwig-Ramseier who served as the intelligent agent to integrate the MOOC into a LMS, which is Desire2Learn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofJiSshvYDk/UXX2MnxI4xI/AAAAAAAABKI/-Q_hGTTHtYA/s1600/Mediasiting+Your+MOOC+Bob%2527s+Slides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofJiSshvYDk/UXX2MnxI4xI/AAAAAAAABKI/-Q_hGTTHtYA/s320/Mediasiting+Your+MOOC+Bob%2527s+Slides.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Dr. Hoar pointed out that the success of the first MOOC was the previous work completed in the FastTrack on-line math program. In this project, 38 high school students enrolled in a summer camp that included on-line math modules. In the end 37 out of 38 improved their math scores which allowed them to avoid having to take a remedial math class as Freshmen. This saved the students from having to pay for credits to take a remedial math course, and also saved them time for not having to take the course. It also better prepared them for future science classes as they went through college.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxQrbgLz0M0/UXX2XdtAAsI/AAAAAAAABKM/mbsfBMcA4Z4/s1600/4-15-2013+10-36-39+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxQrbgLz0M0/UXX2XdtAAsI/AAAAAAAABKM/mbsfBMcA4Z4/s320/4-15-2013+10-36-39+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
According to Dr. Hoar, the MOOC web site at one point reached nearly 200,000 hits in one day, and the average grades for students in each module improved dramatically from the original pre-test. Jorstad commented that through social media, information about the MOOC project was disseminated worldwide through a number of social media channels such as Twitter, blogs, and web streaming. Analytic data was tracked in tandem with the data gained through the MOOC course itself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCD9CAd89sw/UXX2woIq1lI/AAAAAAAABKU/fy9kCdvcr18/s1600/Mediasiting+Your+MOOC+2.1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCD9CAd89sw/UXX2woIq1lI/AAAAAAAABKU/fy9kCdvcr18/s200/Mediasiting+Your+MOOC+2.1a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Dr. Hoar added that for a successful MOOC you "need to assemble the right team, provide support so that the faculty, staff, and students can develop the materials, and pick a course topic that is important." If you are follow each of the recommendations highlighted, you are well on your way for a very successful MOOC. More math MOOCs are planned for UW-La Crosse with the support of UW System.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-53963735955290723892013-03-20T17:38:00.000-05:002013-03-23T17:54:19.819-05:00IT: Be the Change and Culture You Want “IT” To Be<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BaYf4I5WSw/UUo0AQDnU5I/AAAAAAAABGM/WlWaZD3aY0g/s1600/IMG_7711MOD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BaYf4I5WSw/UUo0AQDnU5I/AAAAAAAABGM/WlWaZD3aY0g/s320/IMG_7711MOD2.jpg" width="320" /></a>At the 2013 EDUCAUSE Midwest Regional Conference held in Chicago, CIO Mohamed Elhindi and Jim Jorstad, Director of Academic Technologies presented a session entitled, <a href="http://www.educause.edu/midwest-regional-conference/2013/it-be-change-and-culture-you-want-it-be" target="_blank">"IT:Be The Change and Culture You Want IT to Be"</a> on how institutions can navigate an external review and develop a new IT environment based on change and a new culture. An audience made up of CIOs, administrators, IT directors, technologists, and faculty attended the event to learn how they could positively change their own IT enterprises. The session illustrated the genesis of an external review, the stated charge, how it was integrated, and how a new dynamic and positive IT culture was conceived and implemented over a two-year period. There are eight core concepts integrated into the plan to change IT culture. They include:<br />
<br />
<b>Communication</b><br />
<b>Ownership</b><br />
<b>Empowerment</b><br />
<b>Leadership</b><br />
<b>Collaboration</b><br />
<b>Fear of Failure</b><br />
<b>Cross Pollination</b><br />
<b>Professional Development</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa9yZrh5ZF8/UUo0RNju21I/AAAAAAAABGk/xAv6ZtWXYuc/s1600/IMG_7682MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa9yZrh5ZF8/UUo0RNju21I/AAAAAAAABGk/xAv6ZtWXYuc/s320/IMG_7682MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a>The charge in the external review example was to investigate the <b>state of technology on campus</b>, to understand how <b>IT services are used,</b> to <b>develop recommendations for strategic investments</b>, that will <b>enhance information technology alignment.</b> A key prerequisite for the review was to “avoid undue blame or credit” and the report “should serve as a catalyst." What is important during an external review, is to look at it as an opportunity for positive change, rather than the chance to merely be critical.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Vyr1lScwk/UUo0Qn-c-BI/AAAAAAAABG8/van3xfv5yfc/s1600/IMG_7674MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0Vyr1lScwk/UUo0Qn-c-BI/AAAAAAAABG8/van3xfv5yfc/s320/IMG_7674MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a>Mohamed stressed the overall IT goal was for <b>“continuous improvement without dramatically changing current or past culture.”</b> This is a key observation since external reviews can create sometimes create the perception of moving too quickly for dramatic change. At the same time, it is important to recognize the history of an institution’s culture, but not to be constrained by it. Getting employees to move away from saying <b>“what is good for me" to “what is good for we”</b> is an important consideration.<br />
<br />
Another key component for IT change is to have your staff serve at the Help Desk at some time. This provides an important service component to the end user, but also provides an opportunity for each IT staff member to more fully understand important support issues that are trending on campus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfygiUdUb4AZ5Jwx_dF_ALR72vCLB0HK3ScVm5maTmVhqV2vA2065fuFMqiXFDw0P92KLgVpZg0E3WbIykTEwMX-JZaufXsRS4ubkP_S2aM7-rO6JHRlXAFVw5vfy5RRYtS4/s1600/IMG_7668MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfygiUdUb4AZ5Jwx_dF_ALR72vCLB0HK3ScVm5maTmVhqV2vA2065fuFMqiXFDw0P92KLgVpZg0E3WbIykTEwMX-JZaufXsRS4ubkP_S2aM7-rO6JHRlXAFVw5vfy5RRYtS4/s320/IMG_7668MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Empowering employees is important step in creating an environment of trust, and an atmosphere that promotes cross pollination of employees to share their expertise throughout the enterprise. Developing a culture which relies less on reporting lines and more on project success helps to diminish silos and promotes teamwork. Mohamed stressed the importance of creating an atmosphere of laughter and openness. Each of the directors and managers literally promote an <b>“open door policy.”</b> Each of manager's doors are open to promote open discussion. Providing consistent and constant access to the management team is essential. There is an important need to emphasize consistent and clear communication while promoting collaboration. At each project meeting, it is suggested that you ask the question, <b>“Who was not at the table last time, who should be invited next meeting?” </b>Asking this question at each meeting will help provide a sense of community and inclusion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29aizQJAVaYpN9Slzmt7kn9fL7d8Ueugv0yo70AQQR6i8Z_tsOqA-2k4dREAj0mQoV73I9oZ80AJYcPxBZ7dofj57wywAiNCQ50H1FWFtoWRSj7v47bhXaAnhhSbEkvvUIx8/s1600/3-20-2013+5-28-20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29aizQJAVaYpN9Slzmt7kn9fL7d8Ueugv0yo70AQQR6i8Z_tsOqA-2k4dREAj0mQoV73I9oZ80AJYcPxBZ7dofj57wywAiNCQ50H1FWFtoWRSj7v47bhXaAnhhSbEkvvUIx8/s320/3-20-2013+5-28-20+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There is a need to admit and celebrate our failures. The Honda Motor Company film, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF5465Dyaew" target="_blank">“Failure-The Secret to Success” </a>was discussed and connected the universal themes of failure in race car racing and being an IT professional. The film graphically illustrates the importance of admitting failure, learning from it, and being proactive in changing the atmosphere towards a more productive and effective organization.<br />
<br />
The audience was extremely engaged, and participants asked if this culture truly existed and was sustainable. We explained it is sustainable and scalable if you carefully follow the key 8-points of success highlighted in this blog posting. For the IT management team, it takes consistent commitment, cooperation, and communication to be successful. The key for positive change in your IT enterprise is to merely start the process and celebrate the small steps. If you make steady consistent progress, you will positively change your IT culture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpENmgjCyP4/UUo0Rf2GMMI/AAAAAAAABG0/6Bnhhyw6Cb8/s1600/IMG_7700MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpENmgjCyP4/UUo0Rf2GMMI/AAAAAAAABG0/6Bnhhyw6Cb8/s320/IMG_7700MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At the end of session, Gerry Bayne, Multimedia Producer at EDUCAUSE, recorded a podcast on the topic of IT Change and Culture. In the segment we emphasized the importance of be honest with employees and helping them to understand where the stand in the organization. Keeping communication clear, concise, and consistent is essential. After the recording we were stopped by a number of conference attendees commenting on the impact of the message. If you need more information, don't hesitate in contacting us. Session information and PowerPoint is available for download.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-53383252728564167142013-02-28T00:50:00.002-06:002013-02-28T00:54:30.787-06:00MOOCs: Transforming Education- In 10 Minutes<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpxCJuxUFGU/US78Ya3gNEI/AAAAAAAABFM/JUGhxKnkXKg/s1600/2-28-2013+12-41-02+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpxCJuxUFGU/US78Ya3gNEI/AAAAAAAABFM/JUGhxKnkXKg/s320/2-28-2013+12-41-02+AM.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a>Both academic and corporate institutions are rushing to find a way to create, explain, and deploy successful and well publicized MOOCs- Massive Open Online Courses. News outlets and marketing firms are attempting to explain their purpose and value. In the longer view, many are questioning if there is a profit at the end of the road. To be truly successful, a MOOC needs to be scalable in a sustainable framework, with a potential towards profitability. The key is to develop a proof-of-concept to illustrate how a MOOC can and should be created.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://mediastream.uwlax.edu/UWLMediasite6/Play/b0a4bb8ec7ce47928db1dca0862424711d" target="_blank">In a special 10 minute web streamed presentation</a>, </b>Jim Jorstad, Director of Academic Technologies and Dr. Bob Hoar, Math Professor and Founder of the IIURL, both from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, collaborated to shape the discussion on what a MOOC is, and how to create one and evaluate its effectiveness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcIQruhB1EQ/US78dyk3t-I/AAAAAAAABFc/KxMdjkU5UmI/s1600/2-28-2013+12-14-59+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcIQruhB1EQ/US78dyk3t-I/AAAAAAAABFc/KxMdjkU5UmI/s200/2-28-2013+12-14-59+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxYgfbI-NP8/US78fx4Fk8I/AAAAAAAABF0/KqFeUbCoaDE/s1600/2-28-2013+12-16-51+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxYgfbI-NP8/US78fx4Fk8I/AAAAAAAABF0/KqFeUbCoaDE/s200/2-28-2013+12-16-51+AM.jpg" width="200" /></a>Through support from the University of Wisconsin System and a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a College Readiness Math MOOC was created with over 1000 students enrolled worldwide. The idea was to test and develop effective teaching strategies and mobile learning technologies to help math students learn more effectively and in a shorter period of time, anywhere and at any time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTyCSXx9z20/US78dix8YRI/AAAAAAAABFU/7U77l911Ibs/s1600/2-28-2013+12-17-54+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTyCSXx9z20/US78dix8YRI/AAAAAAAABFU/7U77l911Ibs/s200/2-28-2013+12-17-54+AM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In the end, the concept is also testing the MOOCability of the curriculum. In other words, will a MOOC work as effectively in a traditional class as perhaps in a lab setting, or in other disciplines. What is learned in this project may lead to future MOOC designs and methods worldwide. It is the research gained from this project which will help determine if a MOOC can in fact be scalable, sustainable, and profitable.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-33651668253233765642013-02-09T21:00:00.002-06:002013-02-09T23:08:27.957-06:00Social Media- The Power, Speed, and Reach<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6V0JWNY3TDo/URcIMy94qcI/AAAAAAAABEA/bXY9_4CGVkA/s1600/IMG_7513MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6V0JWNY3TDo/URcIMy94qcI/AAAAAAAABEA/bXY9_4CGVkA/s320/IMG_7513MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Larry Lebiecki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the February 1st, 2013 Chancellor's Community Council at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, I spoke on the topic of social media, and illustrated its power, speed, and reach worldwide. The audience was made up of faculty, administrators, politicians, business people, students, and community members. The two-year long research study analyzed how social media can: motivate and engage, accelerate dissemination, distribute fact and fiction, affect attribution of the author, reinforce and influence opinion, and made messages more relevant and authentic.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpPUjSY3HL8/URcIT2VFZZI/AAAAAAAABEI/2n8n3ZawLpc/s1600/IMG_7521MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpPUjSY3HL8/URcIT2VFZZI/AAAAAAAABEI/2n8n3ZawLpc/s400/IMG_7521MOD.jpg" width="400" /></a>Key statistics were discussed about Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. According to current data, one in 13 people worldwide are daily active Facebook users. There are 1 million Twitter accounts every day. More than 35 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute. All of these statistics are dazzling, however to effectively utilize these social media tools, we must develop a strategic method to form a cohesive, relevant, and sustainable message.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifot4Umw1oM/URcLI6MKm2I/AAAAAAAABEY/0wwJ6yDWPdU/s1600/2-9-2013+8-49-59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifot4Umw1oM/URcLI6MKm2I/AAAAAAAABEY/0wwJ6yDWPdU/s320/2-9-2013+8-49-59+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A wide variety of examples of citizen journalism on <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/" target="_blank">CNN iReports</a> were highlighted and discussed. "When I started writing for iReports I was hoping for approximately 10,000 views. Already in 2013, that number has jumped to over 875,000. The current goal is 1 million."<br />
<br />
One of the key strategies in obtaining such impressive numbers of readers is to tell digital stories that focus on some human element so that the viewer can more personally relate to the story. A wide of variety of stories were highlighted including the <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-823736" target="_blank">Drought of 2012</a>, <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-851606" target="_blank">A Professor with Two Hearts</a>, <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-853020" target="_blank">a Presidential Visit</a>, and a special on <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-917812" target="_blank">Homeless in America</a>. In each of these examples, the key to success was to a uncover a great story, adding excellent supporting images, and be willing to write the story even if it is difficult to capture it because of the time, location, or weather. "There are stories all around us. We just need to be passionate to capture them." As I tell my audiences, the stories many times are right in our hands but they frequently fall right through our fingers. As we use social media to disseminate these stories, as one blogger wrote, "Jim is documenting history in real time."<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-28590435664261680212013-02-04T12:26:00.004-06:002013-02-11T18:29:30.573-06:00Webstream Explains MOOCs and How To Develop OneAs part of the 7th Passport to Technology held at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a keynote address entitled,<b> "MOOCs,Math and Beyond: Transforming How We [All] Learn"</b> was introduced by Jim Jorstad, Director of Academic Technologies, and presented by Dr. Bob Hoar, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Professor of Mathematics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm7KEkh_9XWzjF6VxqdPZWSJKMP2audaw5MvQYgEwleEKKHIMUK2cOghGl-4j4Ax6hvQuPpigVHw6uUh-DwnWsJbjZEWtdsBRbcnn9o7l-APZsfvWj_sNEK42vg5VkwpHf8E/s1600/MOOC-Jim-Jorstad+2013-02-01_2MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm7KEkh_9XWzjF6VxqdPZWSJKMP2audaw5MvQYgEwleEKKHIMUK2cOghGl-4j4Ax6hvQuPpigVHw6uUh-DwnWsJbjZEWtdsBRbcnn9o7l-APZsfvWj_sNEK42vg5VkwpHf8E/s320/MOOC-Jim-Jorstad+2013-02-01_2MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A MOOC is simply a type of on-line course offered to a large population through the web which may provide certification or potentially credit in some situations. Many MOOCs are free and open to the public, but academia and corporate representatives are looking for a reasonable value/cost model for potential profitability of the course in the future.<br />
<br />
At UW-La Crosse, the Math MOOC began out of the creation of a series of math vodcast learning objects as part of the <a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/iiurl/" target="_blank">Institute for Innovation in Undergraduate Research and Learning- IIURL </a>in 2007. In 2012 a FastTrack program was developed to help students take a refresher course in math to eliminate the need to take remedial math courses in the future, saving students time and money. The success of the program could be seen in when 97% of the student cohort was successfully placed in a college level math course without having to take a remedial math class.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gwBbqnGHU4/UQ_4ZrhkuNI/AAAAAAAABDc/xFg6oevtnOA/s1600/MOOC-Bob-Hoar+2013-02-01MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gwBbqnGHU4/UQ_4ZrhkuNI/AAAAAAAABDc/xFg6oevtnOA/s320/MOOC-Bob-Hoar+2013-02-01MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In late 2012, the FastTrack concept was successful awarded a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant fro $50,000 to test if the MOOC concept was sustainable, scalable and potentially profitable. According to Dr. Hoar, as enrollment begin to take shape, over 1400 students from ages 11 to 83 enrolled in the class. Entire elementary education classes have enrolled as well. Over 40 countries are participating in this Math MOOC. The project is being hosted on a Desire2Learn learning management system.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNbFol2s5HY/UQ_5Oahix9I/AAAAAAAABDk/eeCAZuA8kjg/s1600/MOOC-Team+2013-02-01MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNbFol2s5HY/UQ_5Oahix9I/AAAAAAAABDk/eeCAZuA8kjg/s320/MOOC-Team+2013-02-01MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XMhApFMHEs/UQ_56b0pMZI/AAAAAAAABDs/B-ym90zR0d4/s1600/2-4-2013+11-36-17+AM+MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XMhApFMHEs/UQ_56b0pMZI/AAAAAAAABDs/B-ym90zR0d4/s320/2-4-2013+11-36-17+AM+MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a>The instructional team for this MOOC includes Associate Professor Jen Kosiak, 2012 recipient of the Teacher Educator of the Year from the Student Wisconsin Education Association [left], Associate Lecturer Maggie McHugh, content expert [middle], and Dr. Bob Hoar, who is overall director of the project [right].<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The team is working with a team of instructional technologists to ensure the learning objectives are stable and instructionally sound. The MOOC is going through various modifications as feedback is obtained through students.<br />
<br />
On-line office hours are offered to help the students feel they have the necessary support to get through the course. A twenty-nine question pretest was given to gauge the student's initial math abilities to help gauge the progress they will make. It is hoped that what is learned from this pilot will help in the design of other MOOC in math, as well as in other disciplines.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the development and operation of this MOOC, you are welcome to view a special Mediasite web stream of the presentation. Click on the <a href="https://mediastream.uwlax.edu/UWLMediasite6/Play/4ddcb4dc44e74103b90b49f0b62223c31d?catalog=aa965016-eb88-4155-961d-03236ee9f06f" target="_blank"><b>Math MOOC webstream</b></a> to learn more about this innovative project.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-16342057821429422672013-01-25T16:08:00.000-06:002013-01-27T23:54:27.604-06:00MOOC’s and the Global Transformation of Education- What is the Reality? <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://uwlax.edu/iiurl/tmp/ModIntro/mod2start.html?ID=mod2Minute" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzfPKQe7nanLWv0arEB4AVIaok1JpsxKKhe7Se8E1JrGn_zhek2dPUlITiaE27Incrzm6kWwZF2ADBc7uKCCvXZsI-_SEJr3bnMlggwcogOxkTMpm_AW9My4l4BYKZJCLkHA/s400/1-24-2013+9-10-39+PMMOD.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://uwlax.edu/iiurl/tmp/ModIntro/mod2start.html?ID=mod2Minute" target="_blank">A MOOC math learning object.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Transforming education through technology is nothing new to
academics, or for business. In the 1960’s educational television was hailed as the
technology that would dramatically change how we teach. At the time, Marshall McLuhan predicted
education would be transformed as our society embraced communication
technologies. Over the next fifty years
the world would see the combined effects of computer technology, the Internet,
on-line learning, and the proliferation of mobile devices.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today educators and administrators are wrestling with the concept
of Massively Open Online Classes, or MOOC’s as they are called. In a sense MOOC’s represent the culmination
of many of the technological advances over the past 50 years. Just as the public hype began with each subsequent
introduction of “latest greatest technology” over the years, today many people
are attempting to sort out what the reality and the potential of MOOC’s truly
is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Basically a MOOC is a type of on-line course offered
to a large population through the web. While most MOOC’s today don’t offer
traditional college credit, many provide some form of assessment and certification
to the student. The goal and hope of a MOOC is
to make on-line learning scalable, sustainable, and for some, profitable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The genesis of a MOOC began in 2007 at the University of
Wisconsin-La Crosse when math Professor Dr. Bob Hoar, created the <a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/iiurl/" target="_blank">IIURL</a>, the
Institute for Innovation in Undergraduate Research and Learning. It is here Professor Hoar, his math
colleagues, and technologists began creating a large collection of on-line learning
objects or vodcasts (video podcasts) to help students enhance their math skills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNFgM2hW4hY/UQL9xiD9K-I/AAAAAAAABCs/OWEECNw3lfQ/s1600/UW-LaCrosse_FastTrack_Math+MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNFgM2hW4hY/UQL9xiD9K-I/AAAAAAAABCs/OWEECNw3lfQ/s320/UW-LaCrosse_FastTrack_Math+MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The concept was taken a step further in 2012 with the
creation of <a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/mathematics/dept/fasttrack/" target="_blank">FastTrack</a>, a program to help students take a refresher in math
skills, rather than having to take a remedial math class. Dr. Hoar says, “The FastTrack math program,
from the student’s perspective means they are going to get out faster, which makes
education cheaper.” Adding another year to college whatever class you are
taking gets more expensive. The program helps students refresh their math
skills, helps save money, and helps the students get through school at a faster
pace. <br />
For some students, struggling with
math sometimes “causes students to walk away from the university,” added Hoar.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The positive aspects the FastTrack go well beyond math. Dr. Hoar points out, “Studies in chemistry
and the sciences on student performance show students who are struggling in
math are less likely to perform well in their classes.” The FastTrack math
program highlights just one discipline which can help students perform better
in science classes. Hoar points out, “As
far as remedial college readiness I think you can walk around any campus and ask
every faculty member if you wish students should do a few things before they
show up on campus. They would all have a list.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the first year, the assessments from the FastTrack program
were impressive. Of the first cohort, 37 out of 38 students moved from a requirement
to take remedial math to placement in a traditional level math class. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enter the MOOC idea. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2012, with a solid concept and assessment data in hand,
Dr. Hoar in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin System applied for
and received a <b><a href="http://www.gatesfoundation.org/postsecondaryeducation/Pages/massive-open-online-courses.aspx" target="_blank">Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation</a> </b>for $50,000 to develop at MOOC
at the developmental math level, and provide it free on-line to anyone. Dr. Hoar reflected that what would take a 20 month
process was compressed to just 20 days. It was the FastTrack concept that
helped him apply for the grant quicker. Once the grant award was announced,
officials began offering supportive data on why the MOOC concept could provide multiple
benefits to students.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the UW System, approximately 21% of all new
freshmen need some remedial math education when entering college. This mirrors
national statistics showing the percentage of high school graduates who don’t have
the required skills to succeed in college-level mathematics courses. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mark Nook, UW System Senior Vice President for Academic and
Student Affairs commented, “One of our main strategic goals is to help Wisconsin
create a stronger workforce. Math skills are a key ingredient to success in
college, and in work. Many students who have the drive to earn their UW degree
are just missing that one piece of math confidence, and this can help.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujAyYggyyT8/UQL7j_bT5oI/AAAAAAAABCQ/x0pWCsNamHU/s1600/IMG_7206MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujAyYggyyT8/UQL7j_bT5oI/AAAAAAAABCQ/x0pWCsNamHU/s400/IMG_7206MOD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MOOC video production team (left to right) Jim Jorstad, Jeff Kerkman,<br />
Bob Hoar, Jen Kosiak, and Maggie McHugh </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For Dr. Hoar, the Gates Foundation provided the opportunity
to bring the traditional classroom experience into an on line course on a much
larger scale. He commented, “The MOOC made us think beyond our campus, and
beyond UW System. The Gates Foundation grant allows us to open our eyes even
wider.” As of January 2013, over 1000 students have registered for
his College Readiness math MOOC. For Dr. Hoar, that already is a success. “I
probably should be nervous with the increasing numbers, but everybody sees the
value of this program. People are now seeing enough value to invest into it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZcBat-9_Jo/UQL7j3S-oaI/AAAAAAAABCU/xWO8DehcUuQ/s1600/IMG_7215MODSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZcBat-9_Jo/UQL7j3S-oaI/AAAAAAAABCU/xWO8DehcUuQ/s320/IMG_7215MODSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Hoar (right) checks the digital image for the MOOC<br />
learning object.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The concepts proven in the FastTrack math program are being
put to practice. Interactive video segments are being created by Associate
Lecturer Maggie McHugh, and content expert Associate Professor Jen Kosiak, who
also is the 2012 recipient of the Teacher Educator of the Year from the Student
Wisconsin Education Association. The videos
are being shot and edited and eventually will be placed on YouTube as well as
web streamed on Mediasite. Some classroom activities are being planned to be streamed
lived worldwide to help make the experience more interactive and immediate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The students enrolled in the <a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/mathmooc/" target="_blank"><b>College Readiness Math MOOC</b></a> are diverse in location
and in background. Dr. Hoar points out, “Some
students are preparing for their first college math class. I’ve had entire high
school classes enroll, an eleven year old student, and an 83-year old
grandmother wanting to improve her math skills so she could teach her
grandkids, all for free.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKlvdZXLcWI/UQMBynIGoEI/AAAAAAAABDA/A0LGK8tvOAs/s1600/IMG_7480MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKlvdZXLcWI/UQMBynIGoEI/AAAAAAAABDA/A0LGK8tvOAs/s320/IMG_7480MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And what about the reality of the MOOC? Dr. Hoar points out that everybody wants a
well prepared student. He continued saying, “MOOC might change colleges. We do
see that with on line classes as students transfer credits from larger number
of other institutions, particularly in the summer. We need to realize that we
need to transform a little. It’s not a bad thing. Content from many large
lectures might translate well for MOOC’s translating that to students in labs
may not work as well.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Hoar says we need to test the “MOOCability” of the teaching
before rushing to embrace the technology. Some teaching and learning may
translate very well to a MOOC, other activities may not. We need to test the concept before making wild
assumptions and claims, similar to what has happened with technology and
communications that McLuhan described, and the resulting technology hype
reported over the years. Education will surely be transformed once again. Our challenge will be to carefully embrace
the new technology through careful planning, implementation, and
assessment. This particular MOOC seems
to be following the correct path to scalability, sustainability and perhaps someday,
profitability.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-18405672681799633562013-01-03T22:57:00.001-06:002013-01-03T23:00:10.478-06:00Wordle 2012 View of The Learning Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKFoXVMzCcpbtbFCE012qFypnBoHJ_84Rb_Ajrd7aRgZsM-C5mCMxZCOLXzrD5troz24qLf3vvlhV-YJC2KEA5xQKICqPi1hXWM2H69dQehIEv9LxRBrN0CkAd8iHabnw6QY/s1600/1-3-2013+10-00-26+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKFoXVMzCcpbtbFCE012qFypnBoHJ_84Rb_Ajrd7aRgZsM-C5mCMxZCOLXzrD5troz24qLf3vvlhV-YJC2KEA5xQKICqPi1hXWM2H69dQehIEv9LxRBrN0CkAd8iHabnw6QY/s400/1-3-2013+10-00-26+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To commemorate the main themes of <b>The Learning Space</b> for 2012, and to look ahead for the developing trends of 2013, I made use of the innovative tool <a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank">Wordle</a> to create a word map. This is a great tool to create "word clouds" to illustrate a proportional listing of key words. In looking at some of the key blog posts for 2012, the words <i><b>social, media, faculty, and learning</b></i> were prominent. In addition, based upon my work with digital reporting, the words <b><i>CNN, relevant, authentic, stories, classroom, and teaching </i></b>were emphasized.<br />
<br />
These trending words are expected to continue throughout 2013, and new technology tools of mobile appliance and social media strategies will likely be prominent story lines both in academic and corporate environments.<br />
<br />
While many new technology tools will be developed, introduced, and disseminated this year , the key component in our effective use of social media is still our ability to write compelling and authentic stories, supplemented with dyanmic and engaging imagery and rich media.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-68784461238587113102012-12-05T18:02:00.000-06:002012-12-05T21:12:47.730-06:00Flipping the Classroom- Variations on a Theme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFXmDHZVJ8Y/UL_dzNW-bsI/AAAAAAAAA_I/gf-Tg_p1EHM/s1600/DSC00274MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFXmDHZVJ8Y/UL_dzNW-bsI/AAAAAAAAA_I/gf-Tg_p1EHM/s400/DSC00274MOD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There has been a great deal of discussion on the concept of "flipping the classroom." In some circles, a flipped classroom refers to the pedagogy of the class whereby the traditional teaching model and the time it takes place, is switched or reversed. What traditionally occurred in the lecture, may in fact occur outside of class perhaps through web streaming or accessing on-line resources for the course.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another definition of a flipped classroom could be the orientation of the classroom, where the location of the faculty member (or student) at the front of the class and been reserved or changed. In this case the traditional front-of-the-class lecture has been changed to the middle,back, or side of the classroom. Perhaps even a student or group could become presenters of the lecture.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5taddX3554/UL_d-Axlf4I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/oyoubKkxaLM/s1600/DSC00249MOD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5taddX3554/UL_d-Axlf4I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/oyoubKkxaLM/s400/DSC00249MOD2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Another variation of this flipped classroom theme, is a combination of both pedagogical methods and learning space orientation. One intriguing example is utilizing a collaborative furniture arrangement by Steelcase called the <a href="http://www.steelcase.com/en/products/category/educational/technology-visual/mediascape/pages/overview.aspx">media:scape</a>. This system promotes collaboration with two screen monitors that allow participants to share computer screens. In this example, this system was simultaneously connected to a <a href="http://smarttech.com/">SMARTboard</a> to share a Skype conversation with a Rhodesian national. By changing and combining a learning space, an entirely different set of options is presented to both the faculty member, and the student. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpFZ2YC0XSE/UL_fluhrlOI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/fAwZLjUgXus/s1600/DSC00255MOD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpFZ2YC0XSE/UL_fluhrlOI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/fAwZLjUgXus/s400/DSC00255MOD2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
The class can watch an event on all the screens. Later students at the media:scape could collaborate in a small group setting, independent of the class utilizing the SMARTBoard technology. The key in using the concept of a flipped classroom is to prepare the teaching and learning curriculum and experience beforehand. <a href="http://www.educause.edu/" target="_blank">EDUCAUSE</a> states in its document, <a href="http://trc.virginia.edu/Flipping%20the%20Classroom.pdf">"Things You Should Know About "Flipped Classrooms," </a>the importance of understanding that the "model puts more of the responsibility for learning on the shoulders of students while giving them greater impetus to experiment." This is not only true for the students, but also for the faculty and teacher of the curriculum. While many rooms on universities and colleges have traditional classrooms equipped with educational technologies, there are a growing number of learning spaces which are experimenting with the concept of flipping the teaching and learning. It is important to understand that there variations in when we begin thinking about flipping classrooms, and that there are many factors and influences that need to be considered before innovating the teaching and learning process. Thinking outside the box can yield many innovating concepts originating from a main theme.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-19342844476649732062012-11-18T23:53:00.000-06:002012-11-19T09:34:37.715-06:00Engaging Students In Learning Through Social Media<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peyra-y2y5I/UKnG-j1JnmI/AAAAAAAAA-c/NXaJQFL2PdI/s1600/IMG_6171MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peyra-y2y5I/UKnG-j1JnmI/AAAAAAAAA-c/NXaJQFL2PdI/s320/IMG_6171MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[photo by Austen Keller]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is readily acknowledged that students are active users of social media. However, research has also shown the majority of students use social media for personal reasons, rather than for academic needs. In many academic circles, more discussion centers around the concern of faculty "friending" potential students or students attempting to "friend" faculty members. These issues seem to focus more on the policies of the potential impropriety of social media communication, rather than concentrating on how social media tools can be used to enrich and engage students and faculty in the teaching and learning process.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CX8b7U3vG_0/UKnHH_GmbGI/AAAAAAAAA-k/IO8SUFG6leg/s1600/IMG_6180MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CX8b7U3vG_0/UKnHH_GmbGI/AAAAAAAAA-k/IO8SUFG6leg/s320/IMG_6180MOD.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cristin Cesar learns how social media is used in politics<br />
and human interest stories. [photo by Matt Davis]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One method to create more awareness of the potential of social media tools, is to demonstrate their use in communicating "real world examples" in classroom lectures. This is exactly the strategy employed in a series of lectures for Communications Studies classes at UW-La Crosse. Faculty member, Pamela Morris, invited me into two of her classes to show how social media can: motivate the base, affect author attribution, disseminate information quickly, distribute fact and fiction, and how it can reinforce or change opinions.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1uxYZre4x4/UKnHZBRnoJI/AAAAAAAAA-0/d_Aevp6vmEw/s1600/IMG_6160MOD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1uxYZre4x4/UKnHZBRnoJI/AAAAAAAAA-0/d_Aevp6vmEw/s320/IMG_6160MOD2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breanna Levine listens on how social media was used in<br />
Wisconsin politics throughout 2011. [photo by Austen Keller]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By utilizing citizen reporting via CNN iReports, students could see how stories can be quickly disseminated and amplified through social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Results could be analyzed through analytical data. Students learned that iReporting can reach a wide variety of people worldwide in a matter of hours. While they understand that social media can transmit information quickly, students had no idea just how fast these tools could distribute messages, either as fact or fiction.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Iol5Cj8LO0/UKnHQikdX-I/AAAAAAAAA-s/9TFkt3VuvVw/s1600/IMG_6187MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Iol5Cj8LO0/UKnHQikdX-I/AAAAAAAAA-s/9TFkt3VuvVw/s400/IMG_6187MOD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[photo by Peiqing (Shine) Chen]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each class seemed extremely engaged in seeing and discussing actual stories and footage of current news events. Some students learned that the media can present the news in a biased manner. They also thought more deeply about the importance of watching viewpoints from both sides of an issue. Whether the story has a political story line, or is more of a human interest story, the key to engagement is to personalize the experience so that the audience can more readily connect.<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-34754330476486770022012-11-05T22:54:00.001-06:002012-11-05T23:00:53.412-06:00Social Media- Making Teaching and Learning Authentic<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlSZ_qqI2rY/UJiXcKQ_HaI/AAAAAAAAA94/MIJesTgv-9I/s1600/IMG_4457MOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlSZ_qqI2rY/UJiXcKQ_HaI/AAAAAAAAA94/MIJesTgv-9I/s200/IMG_4457MOD.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On location with the President-November 3, 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since 2011, I have been covering and researching the effects of social media, particularly in the environment of politics. Throughout the 2012 political season, I have been focusing more intently on the Presidential campaign, and how social media is utilized to disseminate and distribute content and multimedia to the world. The speed of which social media can move can be blazingly fast. Not only fact can facts be quickly disseminated, but so can fictional content.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHjNQnLz7DA/UJiXwSf-z2I/AAAAAAAAA-I/i82VQEyhiyo/s1600/IMG_5209MODBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHjNQnLz7DA/UJiXwSf-z2I/AAAAAAAAA-I/i82VQEyhiyo/s320/IMG_5209MODBW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
To make teaching and learning more relevant or authentic, as educators we can utilize and better understand the uses of social media to present "real world digital stories" to further engage students in the learning process. To actively engage both students and faculty can create a more collaborative learning environment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O18zK5DFih0/UJiXm-4JJZI/AAAAAAAAA-A/6gYe-lgw0y0/s1600/IMG_5255MODBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O18zK5DFih0/UJiXm-4JJZI/AAAAAAAAA-A/6gYe-lgw0y0/s320/IMG_5255MODBW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In capturing fleeting historic moments and using social media to communicate them, can bring an entirely new and authentic learning experience to the classroom as well as to the public. As one blogger commented about my work, Jim is using social media to document "history in real time."<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19376008.post-9435438881240844352012-10-30T18:15:00.001-05:002012-10-30T18:46:34.398-05:00Global Influence of Social Media in Politics and in Our Lives<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgsmtxSYjOI__5-ixjY-lis3Ma6YCnkJXymn-mKQqQhv06ahDYeyDtMQ7w5eKBcnijgPez1ax_eRsb2veIMShP30E37q16hjAeGKafndmK7oev9bRpn-X9BAtbnLc6TfL0ng/s1600/Jorstad_social_media_20121029BWMOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo of Jim Jorstad and group after lecture" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgsmtxSYjOI__5-ixjY-lis3Ma6YCnkJXymn-mKQqQhv06ahDYeyDtMQ7w5eKBcnijgPez1ax_eRsb2veIMShP30E37q16hjAeGKafndmK7oev9bRpn-X9BAtbnLc6TfL0ng/s400/Jorstad_social_media_20121029BWMOD.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Jorstad [right] addresses a group after his lecture on social media.<br />
{photo courtesy-Larry Sleznikow}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A live streamed webcast was broadcast from the campus of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on the evening of October 29th. The lecture was entitled, "The Global Influence of Social Media in Politics and in Our Lives." The presentation explained how Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have dramatically changed the political landscape as well as our personal lives. Through an insightful documentation of politics in Wisconsin since 2011, through the national political scene of 2012, the interactive program showcased a long series of historical events through social media and citizen reporting. Using CNN iReports as the framework, the audience saw first hand photo-journalistic reports of the Wisconsin Recall, the presidential and senate races, and a variety of human interest stories. <br />
<br />
The lecture was streamed live on Mediasite and Live Polling was used to measure the political demographics of the audience, as well as gauging the audience's perceptions in regards to how specific media outlets may or may not be biased in their news reporting. The event was carried on Twitter at <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#GlobalSocMedia</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b>
You can view the presentation by clicking on the image.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mediastream.uwlax.edu/UWLMediasite6/Play/4b4e1334d65e416cb077347bdb18ffe61d"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fL3ehx0TcM/UJBmNzPZ2MI/AAAAAAAAA9o/FuQMTRoiubY/s320/10-30-2012+6-40-29+PMMOD.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Some key takeaways when effectively utilizing social media include:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">1) use relevant images and video to document authentic events.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">2) use analytics to track dissemination and distribution.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">3) use social media to tell personal and relevant stories</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">4) use social media to engage faculty and students</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">5) go global with your social media story</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">6) go local with your social media story </span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Live Polling was used in this presentation. You may be part of the poll, or view the responses by <a href="http://mediastream.uwlax.edu/UWLMediasite6/Manage/Polls/poll.aspx?playbackTicket=7259fc91b3104d0bb109595098368268" target="_blank">clicking here:</a><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/chickletchooser?id=925058#</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0