Thursday, January 23, 2014

Design Thinking for Educators

In December, I was inspired by the video "How Design Thinking Can Empower Young People" created by People Serving People and discussed on Edutopia.



Today, I discovered another online resource that covers Design Thinking for Educators that includes a toolkit and interesting examples in application and practice.  It reminds us that design in this way is used for problem-solving approaches that centre on cognitive or "thinking" processes related to design. (As an aside, I wish there was a better wikipedia definition of design thinking available! Maybe that's our next collective task...).

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

What are "Emerging Educational Technologies"?

I'm currently writing a book chapter on problems of evidence-based decision-making regarding emerging educational technologies, with Mount Royal University's Digital Initiatives Librarian, Richard Hayman, for publication in 2014.

We've found a few definitions and discussions of Emerging Technologies in higher education, including Edna F. Einsiedel's (2009) book on Emerging Technologies: From Hindsight to Foresight. We've also explored George Veletsianos' book, Emerging Technologies in Distance Education. And, of course, there is the well-known Horizon Report's discussion of emerging ed tech and trend forecasting. We're interested in finding recent (esp. academic) discussions of emerging technologies and convergence in higher education settings, specifically.

How do you define emerging educational technologies? Any recommended (academic) sources discussing emerging educational technologies? And, what problems of evidence do you encounter with emerging educational technologies?

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Trends in Social Media Resources

I'm excited to be teaching another Trends in Social Media Writing course for the University of Alberta's Faculty of Extension this weekend! Using blogs as a focus example, below I've compiled what I think are great resources on the topic, including some additional links on writing tips -- if you have any suggested resources to add to this list, I'd love to hear them!

Introduction to Social Media
Basic Web 2.0 Features and Functions

Effectively Using Social Media Technologies

Promotional Writing and Ad Strategies

Technology How-To

Evaluating Your Strategies

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Interview with Social Media Guru Andrew Symes (Part I)

I'm looking forward to teaching my Trends in Social Media Writing (for Business and Non-Profits) course again this January at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Extension.

A few months ago, I had a chance to connect with Ottawa-based Marketing Communications Consultant, Andrew Symes, about his exciting experience inside a NASA tweet-up. Andrew shares interesting insights into social media in this part 1 excerpt of the interview. Enjoy!
Interview with Andrew Symes Part I from E Smith on Vimeo.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Old materials, new digital tech spark evolution of "open source"

I love how this short video shows the evolution of "open source" to involve old antique materials (with unique physical/material qualities) and new digital technologies. Also: I want one!

Monday, January 30, 2012

"Slow" Jams on Social Media

I like this post about "Slow Social Media" -- I've been meaning to try This Is My Jam, and perhaps now I have good motivation. I won't give away the ending, but the three lessons are interesting.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Social Media Writing

After a great course this past weekend, I'm really excited to be teaching another class on Social Media Writing for the Faculty of Extension tomorrow. Again, here are a few great resources I've found on the topic, including some additional links on writing tips -- if you have any suggested resources to add to this list, please let me know!

Introduction to Social Media

Basic Web 2.0 Features & Functions

Effectively Using Social Media Technologies  

Promotional Writing and Ad Strategies
Technology How-To
    Evaluating Your Strategies