Transformational Media Dr. Terrance K. Harrington Instructional Technology UAB

What information used to be

What information is becoming

Evolving Media The days of flat text are swiftly ending. Modern media is virtual and often interactive. Modern media is democratic and participatory. Modern media is social. All of these aspects are transformational.

Modern media is virtual and interactive Modern media allows us to create.

Modern media is democratic and participatory Modern media allows us to share.

Modern media is social Modern media allows us to connect.

Modern media is transformational Modern media allows us to be.

Emerging Technologies

Using technology shouldn't be a nightmare We want to use emerging technology, but we often don't know how. The sheer numbers of types of technologies can be overwhelming. What we need is a plan. The plan begins with learning about technologies, then forming a “usage map”.

Where do I learn about Web 2.0 technologies? http://www.go2web20.net/ http://www.techsoup.org/toolkits/web2/ http://oreilly.com/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html Take time to develop a “tool box” of technologies.

What is a “usage map”? A usage map is a tool that allows an individual to organize objectives, then match assignments, assessments, media and rubrics to those objectives. http://www.uab.edu/it/instech/docs/course_ map.xls

Matching technology with needs Objective ==> How to reach it ==> which technology works best? Need collaboration? Consider a discussion board. Wimba has a Voice Board, for those who disdain text. Want participants to do a presentation? Consider Slide Share. Want participants to interact on a project? Consider Google Docs.

The matching process Once your goals and objectives are completed and you've considered how to approach each objective, take time to consider the strengths and weaknesses of a technology. You may have more than one option, but not all options are equally good. For example, Twitter is a great tool for stream-of- consciousness brain storming. But it's 140 character per post limit makes it a poor candidate for a substantial discussion.

Search the web for ideas Spending some time searching topics on matching technologies with objectives can be fruitful. Microsoft Article on Matching Technology Carnegie Mellon: Design and Teach

Why use multiple tools for one topic or objective? Multiple learning styles may be covered for each topic or objective. Multiple approaches may stimulate more discussion and brain storming. Developing familiarity with the technologies for both the instructor and students.

Tips for multiple tools Practice pairing technologies to counter the perceived weakness of one with a strength of another. Practice pairing technologies that use short, frequent bursts of activity with those that require more time and consideration. Practice pairing technologies that combine learning styles.

Evaluating effectiveness Kirkpatrick's model (Kirkpartrick, 1979): measure of student reaction, measure of learning, measure of transfer (application) and measure of results. Florida Center for Instructional Technology's Technology Integration Matrix (http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/) Chickering and Gamson's Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (1987).

References Kirkpatrick, D. (1979). Techniques for evaluating training programs. Training and Development Journal, 33(6), 78 – 92. Chickering, A. W. & Gamson, Z. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE Bulletin, 39(7), 3 – 7.