AHE 503: Learning with Technology in Higher Education
As an EdD in Higher Education student, I elected to take AHE 503 to stay current on best technological practices in the classroom! This course provides students with an overview of the main issues surrounding the use of technology for the advancement of teaching in higher education settings. I naturally take an interest in technology as a member of Gen-Z. This class was enjoyable because I got to combine my passion for technology and marketing with educational content. This class led me to contemplate various dissertation ideas and pushed me to grow as a lifelong learner! Below you will find atypical class assignment that utilize social media and online digital tools! If you have a few additional minutes, download my research paper to further understand TikTok’s influence on academic outcomes and mental health.
Module 1: Introduction to AHE 503 - Learning with Technology in Higher Education
Growing up in a family of K-12 educators, I knew the field was for me, I just was not sure how.
I am an Alabama native and was drawn to the University by the Million Dollar Band. I was a
Crimsonette and my favorite memories are cheering on the Tide wherever they go! I earned a
B.S. in marketing and M.A. in communications, both from UA. I currently work in the Culverhouse
College of Business as a digital content manager. There, I utilize social media, website content,
and digital ads to promote higher education offerings and opportunities within the college.
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Learning to use technology in higher education will broaden my horizons and equip me to appeal to prospective and current students. I will also better understand how students rely on social media for information dissemination while studying online behaviors to enhance instructional material. Garnering students’ attention is a difficult task, as short form video has taken over the entertainment industry. I’m interested to see how media consumption translates to the classroom through students’ academic performance, communication skills, and mental health… I am thinking heavily on this topic for future research. My intent of graduating with an EdD in Higher Education Administration is to pursue a leadership position within the field, to reach my larger goal of clearly communicating the benefits of pursuing continuing education while also developing academic rigor and prestige for those present.
Module 2: Learning and Learning Theory
A successful technological learning experience I encountered was graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic – I graduated in May 2020 with a B.S. in Marketing, online at UA. During this time I was taking a class that dictated if I graduated or not (GBA 490), so transitioning to online learning was a daunting task. While initially intimidated by deadlines and email communication, professors opened up to using Zoom for classes and meetings. These experiences prepared me to take online classes while obtaining my master's and now doctorate. I learned that I enjoy the structure of an in-person classroom. Not only do I compartmentalize what I'm working on, but I also have more in-depth conversations with peers and mentors. Although I miss the accountability and banter with colleagues, there are things about online courses I do enjoy. I love having course material upfront so I can better pace my work and not procrastinate... Also, online classes allow more technological development. There are new tools being developed everyday to aid in distance education and communication. I do believe that online courses are a wonderful option for graduate students – they allow for more flexibility in work and family, while also providing educational experiences one might not receive in their approximate geographical location. During this semester I anticipate the challenge of creating meaningful connections among the class. While discussion boards allow us to communicate, it is harder to continue a discussion beyond the response post. This is where I believe synchronous courses are of value as they encourage pedagogical dialogue.
Module 3: Learning at a Distance
As a "zillennial," my readiness scores found themselves in the 95+ range! I believe my early introduction to technology and best practices for Internet usage prepared me to be successful in online classes. While I did spend time outdoors and had in-person socialization as a kid, I had daily interaction with my iPod, Facebook, and school learning sites from the time I was in kindergarten (2003). Learning these tools through an educational lens taught me how to balance their uses and still pursue real life experiences. In order to reach the 100% score, I plan to continue learning new skills and software to stay up to date with technological advancements. While I do use the Internet for basic searches and functions, I could utilize online research platforms and libraries more frequently. I believe the missing points also stem from my proximity to campus – as I work on-site.
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Module 4: LMSs and MOOCs
As a regular LMS and MOOC user, I found the differences between the two platforms interesting. I never realized the key differences in offerings and functionalities before this module's readings.
While learning about the interfaces, I also utilized graphic design skills in Canva to create an infographic depicting the differences among LMSs and MOOCs.
Module 5: Learning and Open Online Content
Using online resources is relatively easy for me. Not only were digital sources pushed to me through grade school, but also in higher education courses by professors. Since I did grow up in the digital era, I am confident in my ability to use and figure out online platforms. Fun fact, when I was a kid, my aunt was a K-12 librarian. As an elementary school student, I worked in her library databases where learned how to read and organize information. I would look up books through online software, code them, and shelf them. Learning these skills during prime brain development years instilled digital navigation in me. I believe this system in particular helped me connect processes because there was a tangible/physical component along with digital. While I grew up technologically savvy, it was not until graduate school where I learned how in depth online resources were, especially through the University. As a student, you have access to many databases and people that help throughout research projects. One challenge that will remain, and probably become more problematic in the online space is reliability. Much information online is not credible and it can be difficult to discern what is fact versus opinion. As more people take to the Internet for publishing information, the more saturated search engines become with irrelevant information. It is important to always use academically grounded search engines and use filters that ensure your sources are peer reviewed. Keeping these tips in mind helps me navigate online resources.
Module 6: Learning and Library Search Tools
The class was given the opportunity to create memes to convey our experiences with library tools. While I was working on my master's in journalism degree, I had to check out film equipment from the library. The staff is very helpful, but some of the processes are difficult to manage and remember...
Module 7: Learning Through Original Online Research
While searching for literature about social media and higher education, I found several topics that struck my interest: social media habits in correlation with academic performance and mental health, and how social media influencers impact college decision making among high school students. I ended up researching mental health and academic performance, but influencing is a topic I hope to be a leader in as I work on my degree and in higher education marketing.
Preliminary Research
Research Paper
Module 8: Learning with Social Media
Utilizing Twitter and/or X has become increasingly difficult for professionals due to controversy in regulating free speech and new practices instated with new ownership. Nonetheless, the platform is still a tool where students and faculty can share research to inform others of industry happenings. I am not personally active on Twitter, so I was surprised when I received a Retweet notification from the international journal, Social Behavior and Personality.
As a social media manager in higher education, the reinvention of Twitter to X was a surprising event. Professors often shared research and interacted with educational communities via Twitter. Now the platform is losing users and becoming increasingly difficult to use as certain features are behind pay walls. Although the platform is still a good tool for sharing information, not all audiences have remained – most have moved over to TikTok for short form educational content.
Module 9: Presenting Learning via the Internet
"How to Create a LinkedIn Profile" - Not only is it important for students to learn, but as professionals we should exemplify how to utilize the platform for career success!
Module 10: The Future of Learning with Technology
Like with any evolving technology, society must learn how to adapt and form best practices. Large language models (LLM) like ChatGPT can be a helpful tool to faculty/staff and students when used ethically. Social media influencer and Louisiana State University gymnast, Olivia Dunne, shed light on how she's using artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. “Caktus AI will provide real resources for you to cite at the end of your essays and paragraphs;)” said Dunne on her TikTok post. The influencer pushed this content to her seven million followers to advertise an essay writing tool she uses to make essay writing easier. After the TikTok went viral, LSU issued a statement declaring how certain uses of AI would lead to academic misconduct and also pointed to best practice resources. Although they were a bit behind their students, LSU responded well by providing resources and information for institution stakeholders and has continued to foster conversations around AI.
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This is a prime example of how the two sides of education, students and faculty/staff, respond to technological advancements. In order to maintain academic integrity and human nature, I believe the use of AI should be limited for writing and primarily used as an administrative assistant or summarizer to better understand topics. While AI is not always correct, it can pull facts and organize information put into the system. Well AI can assist with certain tasks, it should not replace human to human interaction. It is also important to stay on top of technology to not become increasingly behind on the next new thing. I think an avenue of future higher education research should focus on how recent grads use AI in the workforce so students can be better equipped upon graduation.
Module 11: The Future of Learning with Technology
I created a personal learning environment (PLE). This is a mind map of tools and resources I plan to use going forward to learn as an EdD in Higher Education Administration student. I was happy to find some new materials regarding social media in higher education! My "to read" list just grew!
