EDU+653+FINAL+EXAM

A blog is a term used to refer to a weblog or a type of journal that is posted online for either public or private viewing. Blogs typically involve the author's reactions or opinions about the topic being covered. A blog is typically viewable by the general public. Interested persons have the ability to "join" the blog and recieve updates when new information is added. Source: Definition taken from []
 * __ Blog __**

media type="custom" key="11642844" We have already had this discussion and agree that blogging can be a useful tool for our trainees. We would love to have the ability to post ideas, concepts, policy and other items and give trainees the ability to comment. This type of information sharing and two-way conversation would enhance the overall training experience.
 * Pros: **

The agency has yet to approve a blog source that we can use. In curriculum development meetings we are constantly told that this is a great idea, but that there is not currently a blogging tool that we are allowed to post on agency sites.
 * Cons: **

Wiki is a form of collaborative editing. It was created for the intent of being "an open, collaborative community Website where anyone can contribute." Source: Definitation taken from []
 * __ Wiki/Collaborative Editing __**

Wiki Example: media type="custom" key="11642848" Collaborative Editing Example:

media type="custom" key="11642852"

This is a tool that we are actually already using. We have found it to be incredibly helpful when we are either developing or revising curriculum. All writers have access to the file, we don’t have to wonder what the latest update might be because the wiki tracks that information as well as who posted it. It’s as if there is a single document that we finally all have access to and can edit simultaneously. No longer are we emailing draft copies and trying to keep up with the changes.
 * Pros: **

There would need to be an appropriate chain of command for which edited items are approved and who approves them. Additionally, there will need to be someone appointed to oversee the changes and serve as a kind of Admin. Typically, with our overextended workloads, this is a difficult position to fill.
 * Cons: **

Social bookmarking is the practice of adding bookmarks or tags to pages of the internet and storing them in one website. The purpose of storing them in a single website is for easy retrieval from any computer. "Web sites dedicated to social bookmarking, such as Flickr and del.icio.us, provide users with a place to store, categorize, annotate and share favorite Web pages and files." Source: Definition taken from []
 * __ Social Bookmarking __**

media type="custom" key="11642864" This is a tool that I am now able to use on my own. I plan to offer it to my colleagues as well as a unique way to compile articles, audio, video, slides, etc. of the topics we train most. Having this type of list always readily at your fingertips is a phenomenal tool.
 * Pros: **

Some of the stacks involved are cumbersome and include information that is not usable. Sorting through the barrage of information to get to the items you are looking for can be quite a task at times – but incredibly rewarding when you find the exact media needed.
 * Cons: **

Video blogging or Vlogging (as it is commonly referred) is creating blog or online journal entries to a website using videos typically made from a video camcorder. Source: Definition taken from []
 * __ Video Blogs __**

media type="custom" key="11642868" Using video blogs, in my personal opinion, could open up a window for us to really reach our trainees in a new way. Through video blogging, they could possible see the stories of real staff members who have dealt with the same typical scenarios they will encounter. Hearing those stories and putting a live face with them would increase comprehension and probably engagement too.
 * Pros: **

Once again, the agency has very limited permissions for use of this type of technology. We currently are not allow access to many of the providers that would host this type of platform.
 * Cons: **

"**Twitter** is an online [|social networking] and [|microblogging] service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 [|characters], known as 'tweets'". Twitter is typically used to provide comments about where you are and what you are doing. Other uses include "following" or receiving updates about what family, friends, colleagues or even celebrities are saying and doing. This technology also allows for the uploading of photos, videos and more. Source: Definition taken from []
 * __ Twitter __**

media type="custom" key="11642870" Twitter is being used more and more by agencies to help staff and constituents to keep abreast of the latest news. Our parent organization has created a twitter account and is using it on an ongoing basis.
 * Pros: **

My actual branch of the agency has at it’s helm, leadership that has not yet embraced the idea of using twitter in a professional setting. Ideas submitted to use this type of software to further training purposes have been rejected.
 * Cons: **

"A screencast is a digital movie in which the setting is partly or wholly a computer screen, and in which audio narration describes the on-screen action." Screencasting software makes it possible to record what is happening on the computer screen, add voiceover audio and make a movie explaining what you are doing. Source: Definitation taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642876" I have found this option a really useful one for my current work. Creating screencasts for courses I deliver in camtasia have been awesome. I am working on getting them implemented as an ongoing portion of the curriculum for upcoming training sessions.
 * __ Screencasting __**
 * Pros: **

There are only two of us in the entire department that are familiar with and know how to use this software. Because I expect this to be a real hit, I must develop a strategy for how we will address “everyone” wanting to have their curriculum updated in this way. I certainly will not want to be responsible for creating screencasts for all of our units and will need to come up with a feasible “Train the Trainer” on how to use this software.
 * Cons: **

"A digital story combines text and images with narration in the student’s own voice to form a short digital movie. Digital Storyteller is a web-based tool that offers teachers and students //frictionless// access to digital images and materials that enable them to construct compelling personal narratives." Source: Definition taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642884"
 * __ Digital Storytelling __**
 * Pros: ** Digital Storytelling will serve as a great way to present an instructional guide or anything that requires giving step-by-step instruction. I found it helpful when adding my voice to demonstration of how to use particular software. This item will also be added to the list of things created in this course that will serve practical purpose in my daily work.

There are no barriers to implementation of this option in my daily work. It has already been submitted to my supervisor for use in upcoming training sessions.
 * Cons: **

Flickr is an online photo album that allows users to share their images publicly or privately. "Flickr even supports RSS feeds, with ability to add comments and notes to photos." Source: Definition taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642890" Flickr would allow us to be able to post photos of sample things to be mindful of when visiting the home of someone who is under care or custody. There are photos of abuse, neglect, etc. that are shown to those trainees who are fortunate enough to have classroom training. Flickr might allow us the to make those snapshots available online for additional or refresher study.
 * __ Flickr __**
 * Pros: **

There would have to be some thought given to the photos that could be presented in this format and whether or not there are any objections to presenting this kind of information in an online setting. Additionally, we’d have to deal with the topic of Creative Commons Licensing and carefully follow all rules to stay in compliance.
 * Cons: **

"YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email." Source: Definition taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642896" Utilizing YouTube to post audio and video files will be a tremendous support to training. It would essentially allow us to redirect students to a place where we could house “real-life” scenarios of has typical cases should be handled. Learning policy is one thing, but to be able to view an actual video of how to handle a case would dramatically increase our chances of ensuring trainee transfer of learning.
 * __ YouTube __**
 * Pros: **

My actual branch of the agency has at it’s helm, leadership that has not yet embraced the idea of using YouTube in a professional setting. The general thinking is that this platform is of a personal genre and typically used for derogatory means. Ideas submitted to use this type of software to further training purposes have been rejected.
 * Cons: **

The other con to using YouTube is the fact that files have to be under a certain size or will have to be spliced into several videos labeled in succession. This is a hassle in development and a hassle to those trying to see your larger video files in that they have to keep starting and stopping their viewing.

"With IM, you can keep a list of people you interact with. You can IM with anyone on your **buddy list** or **contact list** as long as that person is online. You type messages to each other into a small window that shows up on both of your screens." Source: Definition taken from []
 * __ IM (Instant Messaging) __**

media type="custom" key="11642900" During training that is offered by way of WebEx, we allow students the ability to send instant messages to both the instructor privately, to one another or to the entire virtual classroom. Often I use this tool to quiz students during the session to determine if they are understanding the material being presented.
 * Pros: **

The most piercing drawback is that when there are large classes, it become cumbersome to keep up with all of the messages that are coming across. I always fear that I have missed a pertinent message.
 * Cons: **

Podcasting allows for audio content to be saved and hosted online for others to listen to. "Podcasts can be displayed on websites with clickable links to audio files." Source: The definition is taken from []
 * __ Podcasting __**

media type="custom" key="11642906" Creating audio podcasts of material is incredibly helpful in a setting where we have lost a great number of face-to face classroom contact with trainees. There is something intrinsic about hearing someone use their voice to explain an idea or concept that helps it to resonate with the listener much more readily than if they were simply reading it for themselves. Offering trainees the ability to either read or listen to a body of policy, text or information would much more readily address the fact that different people have different learning styles and will allow them to choose which works best for them.
 * Pros: **

Generating a proper place where podcasts would be housed so that they could be linked to current training might serve as a challenge for us. Utilizing software such as DropBox might work, but may not get approved by the powers that be.
 * Cons: **

RSS or Rich Site Summary is the term given to "a format for delivering regularly changing web content. It allows you to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from the sites you are interested in. You save time by not needing to visit each site individually." Source: Deifinition taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642910" I believe that I will encourage trainees to create RSS Feeds to the agency policy manual. In this way, they will stay abreast of updates that frequently affect policy and practice. Currently all updates are sent out by email and are difficult to keep up with. Establishing this type of consistent monitoring is something all employees should engage in.
 * __ RSS __**
 * Pros: **

This item is a “win-win” for us and should be implemented without delay.
 * Cons: **

Skype's software allows users to make phone calls over a broadband interconnection to callers all over the world." Users also have the ability to see one another in real time using a web camera. Source: Definition taken from [|http://www.ehow.com/facts_4969104_what-is-skype.html#ixzz1XeADD8Eh]  media type="custom" key="11642914"  While I have grown accustomed to using Skype in my personal life, it wasn’t until I saw Oprah Winfrey use it on her show that it occurred to me that it might serve a purpose in a business setting. Using Skype would allow us to possibly hold full sessions with trainees in a simulation that will mirror an actual classroom, but in a virtual setting. We can feel as if we are in the same room even when we are not. This would be an excellent alternative to the dreaded conference calls where folks typically put you on speaker, press mute and don’t listen. When you know that you can be seen, the willingness to participate more fully kicks in.
 * __ Skype __**
 * Pros: **

There is very limited ability to present documents and other media as vividly as when using Blackboard or WebEx. What you gain in the ability to see one another you lose in the ability to present other media.
 * Cons: **

"Facebook users create a profile page that shows their friends and networks information about themselves. The choice to include a profile in a network means that everyone withing that network can view the profile. The profile typically includes the following: Information, Status, Friends, Friends in Other Networks, Photos, Notes, Groups, and The Wall." Source: Definition taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642920" Facebook is yet another technology that I currently reserved for my personal life. I never considered how effective it could be in helping to develop consortium-like groupings. I see that more and more businesses are using Facebook to tout their services. My agency could do the same by creating a page that would serve as a “one-stop-shop” to review the services we deliver as well as the requirements to access them. This could serve dually as review/refresher for staff and as inquiry resolution for potential clients.
 * __ Facebook __**
 * Pros: **

The agency has not yet embraced this technology as a force to be used for the kind of work that we do. It is largely viewed as a place where people conduct social rather than business behavior.
 * Cons: **

"Ning invites users to create their own social network by going through a series of steps that name the social network, select a color scheme, and allow for unique profile questions." Source: Definition taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642930" Ning would work a lot like what could happen in Facebook with the exception that it would allow us to very easily search for and find other entities much like ours to network and draw information from. I truly believe that the agency needs to give consideration to developing areas for staff to network, ask questions, research and plan events in a single setting.
 * __ Ning __**
 * Pros: **


 * Cons: ** While Ning does not have quite the reputation of Twitter and Facebook, it is still viewed primarily as an option for social use rather than business. This is changing in education and I hope that my agency gets on the bandwagon before we get left behind.

"Features several [|Web applications] with similar functionality to traditional [|office suites], including: [|Gmail], [|Google Groups], [|Google Calendar], [|Talk], [|Docs] and [|Sites]." Source: [] media type="custom" key="11642938" I am currently using Googe Apps to track the number of “hits” we have on our training website. A monthly report is generated and is automatically sent to me for distribution to leadership.
 * __ Google Apps __**
 * Pros: **

Problems with Google Apps are that there are so many of them and they closely resemble items that can be found as stand alones in other places. It’s as if Google wants to have a monopoly – or maybe it’s just the convenience of having it all in one place. My jury is still out on this one.
 * Cons **

This software aids with book publishing and printing. "Lulu's print on demand (POD) solutions make publishing your own book quick and easy. Create a book in minutes, publish with the click of a mouse, distribute, sell and print books to order." Source: Definition taken from [] media type="custom" key="11642944" I can see how this software would be helpful in a K-12 or Collegiate environment. I can also see implication for use in a scientific organization where there is the ability to author and publish bodies of work.
 * __ Lulu __**
 * Pros: **

The nature of the work that we do – helping families in need – would limit the need for this type of collaboration. Additionally, our bodies of work come from Federal mandates with no ability to have our own publishing rights related to them.
 * Cons: **

"Is a combination of the real scene viewed by the user and a virtual scene generated by the computer that augments the scene with additional information. . .The ultimate goal is to create a system such that the user can not tell the difference between the real world and the virtual augmentation of it." Source: Definition taken from []
 * __ Augmented Reality/ Virtual Worlds/ Second Life __**

Augmented Reality Example: media type="custom" key="11642954" Virtual Worlds Example: media type="custom" key="11642962"

Second Life Example: media type="custom" key="11642966" I recently discussed creating simulations of what eligibility specialists might see or need to be aware of when dealing with clients. I imagine that being able to work with an avatar to determine the best plan of acting with making a case determination might be a great way to instruct or refresh new and veteran workers on our mission.
 * Pros: **

It is my hope that implementing something like this would not cause employees to take the information presented lightly – to be in play mode when they should be taking the lessons learned very seriously. I would worry that someone in leadership might see this opportunity as a waste “valuable time and money”.
 * Cons: **