I am learning the day to day functions of an instructional designer are always in a state of flux. No one day, week or month is ever the same in any form or fashion and I like this! The constant change keeps life exciting and continues to create thinking and learning opportunities.
For this week’s challenge, I have been tasked with developing a collaborative training environment. Six regional offices need my assistance in developing a training plan to support a new automated staff information system. The challenge - the staff tasked in the development of the resources are located within six different regional offices in the country. As a part of the implementation, these teams will need:
- A solution for sharing resources which include screen captures and documents.
- A solution to assist with ongoing collaborative participation among team members.
With the current state of technology, I quickly send out a call for assistance - “Calling Web 2.0...calling Web 2.0.” Compared with the days of old, Web 2.0 is the current state of online technology characterized by greater user interactivity,collaboration, network connectivity and enhanced communication skills. (whatis.com, 2015) Several tools come to mind for the assigned tasks, each with its own set of features and functions.
Problem 1: Staff members need a collaborative space to house documents, share and collaborate on documents.
Potential solutions: Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive & The Box
Recommended Solution: Google Drive
Problem 1: Staff members need a collaborative space to house documents, share and collaborate on documents.
Potential solutions: Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive & The Box
Recommended Solution: Google Drive
“Part office suite and part file syncing service” (Duffy, 2014), Google Drive is the “cloud based” computer system designed to allow users to create, upload, collaborate in real-time and take documents offline for their use in and outside of the office. The ability to access documents from anywhere at anytime with an internet enabled device provides the best option for our team. As noted in the Quality Distribution Inc. implementation case study, Google could seamlessly connect all of our locations from anywhere without intensive IT support. (www.cloudsherpas.com, n.d.)
The cloud options along with the built-in productivity applications will provide users with the flexibility to manage their content from start to finish. “In Google Drive, you can share documents (any native Google file) with one or more other Google Apps users, giving them permission to view, comment only or edit the document.” (Moran, 2014) Author Pauline Cabrera also notes that Google Drive is “ideal for business purposes. With its file sharing capabilities, you can create a centralized database where every one of your teammates will be able to access. This can easily make business communication effective and make sure that your teammates are in the same page.” (Cabrera, 2013) Google Drive will help put the team’s needs in the best order.
Problem 2: Staff members need a collaborative tool to assist with on-going collaboration and participation among staff members.
Potential solutions: Google Hangouts, Goto Meeting,Join.Me, Blackboard Collaborate
Recommended Solution: Blackboard Collaborate
Problem 2: Staff members need a collaborative tool to assist with on-going collaboration and participation among staff members.
Potential solutions: Google Hangouts, Goto Meeting,Join.Me, Blackboard Collaborate
Recommended Solution: Blackboard Collaborate
“Better communication means better results.” (Pappas, 2014) One essential component in the development of this solution is insuring each participant communicates their thoughts and concerns about the expected project outcomes in real-time. Today’s technology will help each team maximize efforts while allowing for flexibility in the process. Blackboard Collaborate is a “high-quality, browser based web conferencing solution” (www.blackboard.com, n.d.) designed to improve team collaboration and performance. Designed for business and educational services, Collaborate offers several features essential for team collaboration and discussion. Several keys features include:
- Breakout Rooms - Interaction in small groups for specific topic discussions
- Built-in phone conferencing - Options for traveling team members who are not in front of a camera enabled device.
- Interactive Whiteboard - Ability to integrate presentations into active collaboration sessions.
- “Follow the Speaker” - Know who’s talking during a conference. Up to 5 HD videos available
- In-Session Chatting - Instant messaging options encourages conversations if needed
- Mobile Collaboration, instant file sharing & many other features are available.
(www.blackboard.com)
The web conferencing options offered from Blackboard Collaborate provide flexibility for its participants. Pace University uses the tool to aid in the building of more flexibility in coursework, hosting online office hours and engaging students. (www.pace.edu, n.d.) In addition, this tool helps provide participants with weather related concerns and scheduling flexibility.
As I noted, calling for assistance from the Web 2.0 tools has expanded our reach which in turn has expanded our ability to complete requested tasks. The advent of Web 2.0 tools will allow for continued development and continued success in the process.
MFABRAMS - IDArchiTech
References
What is Web 2.0 ? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Web-20-or-Web-2
Duffy, J. (2014, October 31). Google Drive. Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403546,00.asp
Quality Distribution Moves Faster With Google Chromebooks and Google Apps - Cloud Sherpas. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2015, from https://www.cloudsherpas.com/case-studies/quality-distribution-moves-faster-with-google-chromebooks-and-google-apps/
Moran, M. (2014, September 16). Google Drive for Team Collaboration. Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://www.cio.com/article/2683727/cloud-apps/google-drive-for-team-collaboration.html
Cabrera, P. (2013, March 24). Free File Sharing Storage - Google Drive: Top 10 Reasons You Should Use It! Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://www.twelveskip.com/tutorials/google/248/free-file-storage-google-drive-top-10-reasons-why-you-should-use-it
Pappas, C. (2014, October 1). Top 10 Free GoToMeeting Alternatives - eLearning Industry. Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://elearningindustry.com/top-10-free-gotomeeting-alternatives
Blackboard Collaborate | Collaborative Learning Showcase. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://www.blackboard.com/online-collaborative-learning/blackboard-collaborate-features.aspx
Web Conferencing | PACE UNIVERSITY. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://www.pace.edu/its/teaching-and-learning/digital-toolkit/web-conferencing#