NERCOMP Presentation Proposal

Presentation Title: Tools for the Digital Nomad – the virtual officespace

Topic Area 1: Technology for Teaching and Learning

Topic Area 2: Technology Support

Topic Area 3: Poster Session

Lead Presenter:

John E. Martin

Coordinator of Learning Technologies

Lamson Learning Commons

Plymouth State University

17 High St, MSC#47-B

Plymouth, NH 03264 USA

(603)535-2926

jemartin@plymouth.edu

http://oz.plymouth.edu/~jemartin

http://edventures.whitemountaintech.net

Co-Presenter(s):

Presentation Abstract

The virtual office space is a growing suite of web applications which serve to facilitate the collaborative nature of the efforts of our digital nomads, those mobile teachers and learners who require any-time, anywhere access to their work.

Presentation Content

1. Statement of problem: The explosion and resultant adoption of so-called Web 2.0 technologies is heralding a new influx of challenges for educational institutions. As the "Google Office" continues to grow, a divergence from the model for centrally supported and controlled applications to one of a more dynamic and fluid nature is beginning to occur. This presentation is an overview of the technology, pedagogy and politics of the next generation of web apps, the virtual office space and its impact on our mobile teachers and learners, the digital nomads.

2. Description: The term Web 2.0 was only recently coined by Tim O'Reilly but the apps and attitudes that shape his definition have been maturing for the past few years. The net experience is no longer satisfied by personal home pages and uni-directional communications. The new net experience is defined by its social impact, its facilitation of what George Siemens calls "connectivism." Generic apps such as blogs, wikis, podcasts and other forms of social software such as del.icio.us and flickr, even mySpace and Facebook pose new challenges to be faced by not just IT departments but also the faculty and students we support.

3. Outcome: A clearer understanding of not only what Web 2.0 is, but also the impact that it has and will continue to have on educational institutions.

How do institutions balance the demand for and adoption of emerging technologies against their needs for accountability, security and support? Are our legacy systems capable of handling the needs of our next generation teachers and learners? Where does security fit into the mix?

4. Importance or relevance: Google, Microsoft and others are beginning to challenge the dominant paradigm of place-based resources and call into question their long-term viability. The adoption of web-based applications and tools is exploding but the fundamental question for us remains, why? Are we doing enough to support the collaborative and developmental needs of our campus constituents? How can institutions leverage the power of the web to meet these needs without incurring greater infrastructure burdens?

Suggested Audience

 Academic and educational technologists, faculty, technology integrators, technology evangelists