As I am no longer in the classroom, Web 2.0 are still very useful in the workplace. I still work in education but at the Central Office level. Using the RAT model which stands for Replacement, Amplification and Transformation there are many Web 2.0 tools you can use in the workplace to enhance what we do and how we do it. Many of this tools help to increase efficiency and productivity.
Replacement
The first Web 2.0 tool I would use is Jing. Jing is a tool that allows you to do quick and easy screen captures. In my current position, we handle a lot of different responsibilities which include marketing for over 90 schools. This normally includes a large use of Adobe Creative Cloud in my department to create or make quick changes to artwork. Although everyone has access to the software, many do not have experience using it. So the results are usually 1-2 people doing all the needed work or having the experience people dropping whatever they are working on to hold someone's hand and showing them how to do certain things. Using Jinx to pre-record short video lessons will help other teammates do things on their own.
Amplification
Using Google Docs is also helpful as it allows realtime collaboration. This is an important tool I would use multiple times to do things more efficiently in my workplace. For instance, while working on many of our marketing campaigns under extreme deadline, it is very helpful for each member of the team to proof and give their opinions about marketing information used in each project. Using Google Docs while each member updates the same files in realtime can be very efficient as opposed to taking one document and emailing it back and forth, which is very time consuming.
Transformation
Using GoToMeeting, which is a webinar tool allows collaboration and instruction over distances, and in the workplace this can be a powerful tool in changing how things are done. Instead of spending time trying to match everyone schedule so everyone can attend meetings, GoToMeeting can be used to provide flexible options for people to participate. This is important in my workplace as we have countless meeting throughout the week which include people from outside my school district. Using GoToMeeting changes how meetings are held. Now it is no longer necessary for participants to even be in the same state or country in order to take part in meetings. This changes how things are communicated.
I understand completely when you say most employees are not trained with the technology and that mostly of the responsibilities fall on the employees who know how to use it. I also like the idea of using jing to create modules. My question was that do you have an instructional designer in your team or someone who can put together the entire training with applications, based on your needs? If not, how do you plan to use the jing videos and make sure everyone is trained?
ReplyDeleteWe do not have an official position for an instructional designer... but that work would pretty much fall to me. Since I am incredibly busy the solution was to build fast, simple screen captures with a voice over to help other team members complete simple tasks. In short since I work in a fast paced department the training will be "training on demand".
ReplyDeleteGoToMeeting sounds similar to Skype or Google Hangouts. Are there any additional features that make this a better tool to use for work-related meetings?
ReplyDeleteMarcia, it is very similar but what we like about GoToMeeting is that you can host up to 100 people at the same time (paid version) and you can record sessions. Most of our sessions need to include lots of people from all over the district. I am not sure what the maximum participation is for Skype/Hangout... but I believe it is much lower.
ReplyDeleteUsually around 10 for Skype/Hangout. GTM is used mostly in business, particularly because of privacy and security concerns, as well as spaces.
DeleteThis is good to know. I'm working on another project to take one of our instructional programs online and I am looking for free options for video chatting services that can accommodate as many students as possible.
DeleteGotomeeting sounds like a good tool to use in the classroom as well as outside the classroom. Additionally, the idea that so many people can be hosted (paid version, of course) is good too.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a great feature. So, I guess if you wanted to be able to connect with a large audience (classroom) this may be the tool you need to use. Let me know if anyone knows any free tools that allows you to do the same things and reach a large audience.
ReplyDelete