Tag: social_media

Using tech in the classroom effectively

It doesn’t matter if we’re talking Twitter or robot arms: there’s a way to use technology appropriately, and way to really screw it up. You want to have engaging communication between professors and students, but no one want to get overloaded, or have communications turn into a Kardashian-esque spam/gossip/lulz fest.

Or even worse, accidentally make Skynet.

Today’s book discusses ways to use social media and emerging technologies effectively in the classroom, creating meaningful uses and relationships when sharing information and taking full advantage. The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology focuses on the technologies, the different learner groups (generational, etc.), and what technologies may develop in the future. It’s recommended for professors looking to incorporate emerging media into their classes. It is also useful for students who may be a little behind on the tech side, but might want to find out what may be coming soon to their classrooms.

The Internet melts your brain in today’s book

If you hear someone talk about being too connected on the web, you’re likely to expect a thesis on the dangers of Twitter or why Facebook is going to ruin us all. Not so, in today’s Book of the Day, OVERconnected: The Promise and Threat of the Internet by William H. Davidow. Instead of looking at oversharing personal information, Davidow points out larger issues like financial failings, natural disaster, and other events have become larger in how people feel their impact and how professionals react. Remember that Icelandic volcano that erupted last year? Would you have without the Internet constantly reminding you?

It’s an interesting look at how the connections we’re forced to have because of the Internet overload us into not only acting quick, but also perhaps has us sacrificing some caution. This book is good for those interested in social and interactive media, history, science, economics, and sociology.