EDUCAUSE’s “7 Things …” Series
In making my selection of which report to critique in the Emerging Market Projection Library, I felt a little like Goldilocks as I found some of the reports too short and others too long. The report that I found to be ‘just right’ was the “7 Things You Should Know About …” series from the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI).
The abstract of each article in the series promises readers a concise, jargon-free overview of emerging learning technologies in which the authors describe “what it is, where it is going, and why it matters to teaching and learning.” (Educause) I believe the series delivers on this promise. While the reports are a brief 2 pages in length, they focus on one topic at a time and give a much more comprehensive overview of each technology than the one to two paragraphs offered by Gartner, Learning Coach or ZDnet.
The format of each article in the series is the same. The articles begin with a scenario in which the educational use of the technology is illustrated by either a student or a teacher. While the scenarios do provide a concrete example of how the technology can be used in an educational context, the scenarios are more idealized than authentic. They represent a ‘best case scenario’ where the protagonist has access to all the necessary tools and knowledge to make best use of the emerging technology highlighted.
The scenario is followed by 7 questions/subheadings:
1. What is it?
2. How does it work?
3. Who’s doing it?
4. Why is it significant?
5. What are the downsides?
6. Where is it going?
7. What are the implications for teaching and learning?
The selection of ‘7 things’ does provide the basics for anyone looking for an overview, a place from which to start further investigation, or to determine whether or not the technology is worth investigating further. The text is jargon-free as promised and the reviews generally highlight two or more companies that offer the new technology as concrete examples for readers. In the first four subsections, the technology and its significance is explained followed by a more critical focus in the last three subsections as the content discusses potential problems, viability and relevance to teaching and learning. In many of the reviews, the text of key sentences within each subsection is bolded allowing readers to get the gist with a quick scan.
Overall, EDUCAUSE’s “7 Things” series is a valuable resource for educators, technology specialists and venturers alike. The absence of tech speak makes the series accessible to a wider audience and offers a great starting point to start researching a product and its potential for the educational market. The consistency of the formatting enables direct comparisons of emerging technologies and the inclusion of companies already offering the technology provides readers with the opportunity to research the market’s current offerings and competition.
I expect that I will look to this series again and would recommend it to others. Its potential as a quick comprehensive starting point for future research appeals to me, but I also appreciate its accessible language and can see myself returning to this series for personal interest.
References:
(n.d.). Retrieved from 7 Things You Should Know About … website: http://www.educause.edu/ELI7Things
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mackenzie 3:37 pm on May 18, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Gillian,
Great Review! I love your assessment/critique of Educause Learning Initiative’s “7 Things”. In particular, I liked your critique of the scenarios as being idealized and therefore lacking authenticity. I agree that this is a flaw; luckily they provide links to resources that include discussions and videos of real people utilizing these technologies for more authenticity. One of the seminar videos I watched on cloud computing was very comprehensive and didn’t hold back on the criticism of different issues effecting students, faculty and admin. Definitely a great resource for our group projects.
Cheers, Steve
gillian 9:57 am on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks Steve.
I agree that Educause overall is a great resource. Starting with the 7 Things Initiative can easily lead you to other links within the website – more comprehensive reviews, strategies for implementation and the seminar videos you mentioned. I think many will look to Educause for their projects.
gillian
Danielle 1:18 am on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Gillian,
A very comprehensive review! And I like your Goldilocks metaphor! Funny and true! 😀
The series is a great starting point and will be appreciated by many just starting out with teaching/learning technologies. And for those with expertise, these make a great “this is what I mean” reference point when working with novices. I thought “The Implications for Teaching and Learning” sections were a little too promo heavy, at least in the few articles I read. But perhaps this is what potential “customers” want.
Danielle
gillian 10:01 am on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Danielle,
You make a good point that this series would be ideal for tech specialists trying to ‘nutshell’ new technologies for those less savvy – especially for those who control the purse strings. I also agree that much of the reviews are overly optimistic in regards to the potential of each new venture.
gillian