The document discusses the role of technology in user instruction, particularly in academic settings, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and utilizing various tools like blogs, wikis, and social networks for collaborative learning. It outlines the benefits of technology, such as enhancing information literacy and fostering communication, while also addressing challenges faced by instructors, including the digital divide and the need for effective integration of technology into teaching. The document highlights a case study from Emerson College, showcasing a project that encouraged students to engage with current events and utilize various information delivery modes.

1. Technology in User Instruction User Instruction April 1, 2008

2. Who are your users? (and how do they use technology?)

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

5. Goals for users Further student outcomes (academic setting) Better understanding of resources Improved information literacy “You can do it!”

6. Goals for users Further student outcomes (academic setting) Better understanding of resources Improved information literacy “ You can do it!”

7. What Technology is out there? Thank you Read/Write Web

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

9. But what technology is useful? Weblogs Wikis Twitter Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

10. But what technology is useful? Weblogs long-term interaction Wikis Twitter Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

11. But what technology is useful? Weblogs long-term interaction Wikis long-term interaction Twitter Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

12. But what technology is useful? Weblogs long-term interaction Wikis long-term interaction Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels Second Life Blackboard IM Social Networks

13. But what technology is useful? Weblogs long-term interaction Wikis long-term interaction Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels Second Life instantaneous interaction Blackboard IM Social Networks

14. But what technology is useful? Weblogs long-term interaction Wikis long-term interaction Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels Second Life instantaneous interaction Blackboard long-term & short-term interaction IM Social Networks

15. But what technology is useful? Weblogs long-term interaction Wikis long-term interaction Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels Second Life instantaneous interaction Blackboard long-term & short-term interaction IM instantaneous interaction/ back channels Social Networks

16. But what technology is useful? Weblogs long-term interaction Wikis long-term interaction Twitter instantaneous interaction/ back channels Second Life instantaneous interaction Blackboard long-term & short-term interaction IM instantaneous interaction/ back channels Social Networks long-term & short-term interaction

17. Why use technology? Collaboration Read/Write Web Creation Response Distance learning Ability to add continuity Learning outside classroom Increased awareness of material in real-world scenarios Metacognition Purposes of reference/ research Social bookmarks microblogging

18. Why use this stuff in the classroom? Technology shifts classroom power structure Moderator/ facilitator rather than professor/ teacher Collaboration Technology that exemplifies this change Twitter Second Life Social Networks

19. Technology for Single Meeting Instant reaction Technology for use @ point of contact Appropriate: Instant Messaging Twitter/ Pownce/Jaiku Second Life

20. Technology for Extended Meetings Development over time Allows exploration of more complex ideas Examples Blogs Social Bookmark Site Social Networks

21. Case Study Electronic Publishing, WP692, Emerson College Fall 2007

22. Class Assignment Students responsible for posting an article every week on personal del.icio.us and link it to the class site (WP692). At the beginning of each class, class would discuss 1 article per student. Students would also discuss article on class blog.

23. Goals Create a digital repository for students to use on research/ project. Provide new information not covered in textbooks. Example: Amazon Kindle. Have students focus on different modes of information delivery (social bookmarking, class discussion, blog)

25. 868 links!! 1 semester 12 students

26. 868 links tagged by subject and grouped by class

27. 1,043 links for Spring 2008 class

29. Outcomes Students more aware of current events Students forced to think & respond to topics Students had a ready resource for papers/ projects Future classes able to use and build upon resources

30. Problems & Concerns When technology goes bad it hurts us too.

31. Challenges for Instructors Facebook ≠Technology How do you teach to everyone? Personal setting vs. Group Setting Constant Tweaking Classroom not structured for this kind of interaction You’re an instructor all the time. IM, e-mails at 11 o’clock at night

32. Biggest Challenge for Instructors TIME to: Develop resources Develop big picture Explore new Technology Play with Technology Review and relearn

33. Problems with online technology First post!

34. Problems with online technology First post! You suck.

35. Problems with online technology First post! You suck. Check out my site.

36. Problems with online technology First post! You suck. Check out my site/ video. 10 Secrets to Love!

37. Digital Divide Access to technology available? Users able to use technology outside of class? What devices are needed? Twitter via cell-phone Youtube?

38. Technology for Technology’s sake Just because we can use it, should we? Some technology doesn’t translate into an academic setting. Technology should enhance learning outcomes not compete with them.

39. Questions? Ask me about Twitter Facebook Second Life Del.icio.us

40. Slides Available Online http://www.slideshare.net/rodzvilla/technology-user-instruction