Both classroom and online technology connect people in ways that improve the probability of learning success, but it still takes people to make it work. There is a human at the other end of each web page, discussion thread, chat entry, blog, or wiki contribution! Now more than ever, online learning environments provide opportunities for interaction and collaboration. The sonic boom of social networking echoes around the world, as more and more people enter MySpace, Facebook, ELGG, and other social networking sites. What does this tell us? For one thing, it tells us that people want technological ways to communicate their ideas and opinions to a small community of friends, to the entire world, or any sized group in between. Despite the medium (or media), people are seeking human interaction. The bigger questions for educators are "How do we tap into students' energy around social networking and channel it into meaningful, networked learning?" and "How do we create a culture of expression that encourages students to consider what they say, how they say it, and who might see or hear it?" Together, we will answer these questions.
Last, but not least, the academic horse drives the technology cart, not the other way around. Academic Technology employs several instructional designers to support online teaching and learning. We help you as faculty, students and staff to make choices about which technology solutions will help you meet your goals, whatever they may be. Then we will help you reach them, support you as you surpass them, and maybe even ask you to help your peers down the road. Welcome to Online Teaching and Learning at San Francisco State University!
