With the fast moving and increasing techincal methods of learning, students as well as instructors need to keep up with all of the new and improved Web 2.0 tools that are available for their use. The University of Phoenix is one of the fastest growing, online educational instutions offering educational instruction to students all over the United States and all around the world.
"Students enrolled in the University of Phoenix, can tap into leading educational technologies with a variety of software that they have available" (University of Phoenix, 2013). With techonolgy rapidly growing, the school has intergrated several upgrades for students as well as instructors. The following are examples of some of the upgrades the university has or will put in place for students and instructors.
Upgrades and Changes:
1. "Every year the courses at the university are reviewed, fine-tuned, or rewritten, based on extensive data from faculty and student surverys, and because of the constant changes in information techonlogy, courses in the techonlogy programs are reviewed twice a year" (Olsen, F. 2002)
2. The university requires all instructors to take an online training refresher course yearly, and new staff must take a four-week online course about the university and their programs, and must work for two weeks under an experienced instructor on how to develop a syllabus and course outline. All staff needs to be familar with all of the new Web 2.0 tools and programs, and how to operate them.
3.."Simulations are a new teaching tool at the university to teach students how to handle difficult situations when they don't have all the information they require to make a decision, where the information they acquire is changing or where they constantly face new circumstances that is out of their control" (Olsen, F. 2002). "simulations are multimedia software program that helps students learn the more diffcult and complex concepts that are part of the curriculm" (Olsen, F. 2002).
4. Another program was added to the university, The Apollo Group (APOL) awared a patent to assist develop the University' Academic Activity Stream, the program willconsolidate student activities, engagement, and interaction into one unified learning space (PR Newswire, 2013). "The Academic Activity Stream is one of the many ways the University is improving our online platform, and providing a digital classroom catered to the specific needs of working adult learners" (Cappelli, G. 2013). This tool allows students to sort data by upcoming tasks, activities, and assignments, and develop events that effect them personlly. This feature enables the learning environment to adapt to the changing technology space where more students can work from their phones and tablets as opposed to a computer. The Academic Activity Stream will be implemented in phases over the coming months (University of Phoenix, 2013)
5. The university has introduced the Phoenix Mobile 3.0, in which students can access and communicate with their instructors and obtain assignments and othermaterials through their smart phone, and Iphines, The Phoenix Mobile 3.0 can be accessed offline. The university needs to offer training sessions on all of the new Web 2.0 tools in order for students under their function.
6. Lectures on the live site by using Webcasts and video presentations on the internet.
References
Apollo Group, Inc. (2004) Anual Report: 1-43.
Cappelli, G., Chief executive officer of Apollo Group Inc.( Jan., 25, 2013).
Olsen, F. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 49, pp. A29-A31, (2002.)
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/docview/214697323
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.appololibrary.com/docview/1273813828
http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us_university_of_phoenix/technology_in_the_classroom.html
Saturday, July 13, 2013
What upgrades or changes are necessary to provide better technology integration for adult learning opportunities?
While University of Phoenix has a wealth of technology resources at their disposal and available for all students to utilize there are areas that could always be improved and make the experience that much better. For instance, U o P offers a phone app for iPad, iPhone, and Android users so students are able to stay abreast with what is going on in the classroom (University of Phoenix, 2013). These applications allow students to do several things including:
Another upgrade or change that the University of Phoenix could make to provide better technology integration is the use of webcasts or podcasts within the classroom forum. For instance, AET 531 is a class all about technology for the adult learner. It requires that we learn about a variety of Web 2.0 tools that assist with enhancing the learning experience for adults, however most of the tools require students to post items outside of the school's forum. University of Phoenix should allow for students to post blogs, podcasts, webcasts, etc. to the main classroom forum so all students within the class have the opportunity to become familiar with what is available to them.
Lastly, University of Phoenix should incorporate other tools into their learning such as Twitter and Facebook. While they do have a Facebook page it is used to promote the school not to engage in learning activities for existing students. If a student could share or tweet interesting comments or articles from the website it could not only engage students to utilize other tools it would be a means of promotion for the university as well.
Reference
University of Phoenix. (2013). University of Phoenix Mobile App. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-
works/innovative_education_technology/university-of-phoenix-mobile-app.html
- Access and respond to messages
- Participate in classroom discussion and flag comments or questions to be able to follow up at a later time
- View, edit, and save drafts of responses within the LT forum and classroom discussion forum
- Create a customer signature (University of Phoenix, 2013).
Another upgrade or change that the University of Phoenix could make to provide better technology integration is the use of webcasts or podcasts within the classroom forum. For instance, AET 531 is a class all about technology for the adult learner. It requires that we learn about a variety of Web 2.0 tools that assist with enhancing the learning experience for adults, however most of the tools require students to post items outside of the school's forum. University of Phoenix should allow for students to post blogs, podcasts, webcasts, etc. to the main classroom forum so all students within the class have the opportunity to become familiar with what is available to them.
Lastly, University of Phoenix should incorporate other tools into their learning such as Twitter and Facebook. While they do have a Facebook page it is used to promote the school not to engage in learning activities for existing students. If a student could share or tweet interesting comments or articles from the website it could not only engage students to utilize other tools it would be a means of promotion for the university as well.
Reference
University of Phoenix. (2013). University of Phoenix Mobile App. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-
works/innovative_education_technology/university-of-phoenix-mobile-app.html
Managing vast numbers
The Department of Education (2012), reported that the University of Phoenix was the post-secondary institution with the highest enrollment in the nation at over 308,000 students. Serving this amount of students requires an extensive, dedicated team, behind the lines to maintain a reliable network. The University of Phoenix has surpassed the traditional standards of network systems and IT support as demonstrated by the numbers of students it serves.
The University of Phoenix uses a network that was built internally in order to serve its volume numbers (Pirani, 2003).
The school relies on trend analysis to predict future network and server capacity requirements (Pirani, 2003), Upgrades are routine.
The University maintains a bank of inbox servers to support over a quarter-million inboxes (Pirani, 2003).
The two ways in which students access information for their courses (web-based access & Microsoft Outlook express) back up each others information in case one fails.
References
University of Phoenix, Inc. (2012). Technology in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/about_university_of_phoenix/technology_in_the_classroom.html
U.S. Department of Education. (2012). Fast Facts. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=74
Jenni Fletcher
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix uses a network that was built internally in order to serve its volume numbers (Pirani, 2003).
The school relies on trend analysis to predict future network and server capacity requirements (Pirani, 2003), Upgrades are routine.
The University maintains a bank of inbox servers to support over a quarter-million inboxes (Pirani, 2003).
The two ways in which students access information for their courses (web-based access & Microsoft Outlook express) back up each others information in case one fails.
References
University of Phoenix, Inc. (2012). Technology in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/about_university_of_phoenix/technology_in_the_classroom.html
U.S. Department of Education. (2012). Fast Facts. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=74
Jenni Fletcher
University of Phoenix
Additional Features to UoP
As University of Phoenix continues to enhance technology and the capabilities, there are still a few areas in which technology may be enhanced. As far as Web 2.0 tools are concerned, the mobile app of Jott.com could serve quite beneficial. The university primarily serves adults who are on the go and continue to have busy lifestyles. This mobile app allows for individuals to use voice commands in order to set reminders and organize their deadlines with alerts via text or email. As a University that allows flexibility to its students, many obligations may create stress and many times deadlines are forgotten. By incorporating a web 2.0 tool such as this, within Phoenix University, students may find a calmer approach to their continuing education.
How does the University of Phoenix manage technologies?
With the numerous technology policies that University of Phoenix utilizes, the ever growing realm of this online university places great emphasis on enhancing those capabilities. They utilize a variety of Web 2.0 tools such as video conferencing, discussion forums, and video. University of Phoenix has been able to manage these technologies by creating a web based system that enables all students to remotely access their online portals. E-books are the student's primary means of accessing their educational resources for each class they attend. University of Phoenix incorporates E-books by uploading most text material online and providing access to students via their personal login site. As an institution with the highest enrollment rate, University of Phoenix creates a technical support system available to students. Technical support consists of highly trained individuals that work 24/7 for the convenience of employees and students. “The University of Phoenix compensates for the lack of direct face to face contact with its faculty members and students by designing support resources that blend technology and the personal touch. Both serve important functions: the former enhances efficiency, the latter creates a bond with the person” (Pirani, 2003). As mentioned, University of Phoenix does not release bandwidth information, but understanding the limitations the university is able to conduct the necessary means of relaying information via online classes and servers are based on specific necessities for particular areas.
Pirani, J, A. (2003). Supporting E-Learning at the University of Phoenix. Educause Center for Applied Research. Retrieved from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ers0303/cs/ecs0304.pdf
What technologies are currently in use?
University of Phoenix has a host of
different technologies they utilize to engage students and promote
learning. Technology plays a
critical role in learning at University of Phoenix (University of Phoenix, 2013). While they do offer a traditional
classroom environment for students to attend, a majority of the students who
come to the university do so because of their online class options. Students utilize a computer to complete
assignments, download course materials, and work on other tasks (University of
Phoenix, 2013). They have very
specific requirements that students must meet in order to be able to
participate in their online classes.
Below are charts adapted from the University of Phoenix’s website that outlines
their expectations (University of Phoenix, 2013).
Hardware and
Peripherals
|
Software/Applications
|
Computer
Accessibility
|
Accessibility
for Operating Systems
|
Additional
Software Requirements
|
- 2
GHz processor or faster
- 1
GB RAM or greater
- 80
GB hard drive or larger
- Cable/DSL
broadband connection or better
- 1024x768
resolution monitor or greater and supporting video card
- Sound
card with speakers
- CD-ROM
drive
- Inkjet
or laser printer
- Computer
microphone
- A
web camera capable of video web conferencing and editing
|
Operating System
-Windows XP or later or
-MAC OS 10.4 or later, with Windows XP or later Boot Camp
partition (for selected courses)
Microsoft Office 2007 or later, Office 2008 (MAC)
-Office suite must include Microsoft Access
- Recommended is Microsoft Office Professional Academic
2010 (PC) or 2011 (MAC)
Microsoft Project (for selected courses)
One of the following Internet browsers
-Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 or later
-Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or later
-Google Chrome 7.0 or later
-Apple Safari 5.0 or later
Adobe Reader 9.0 or later
Adobe Flash plug-in 10.0 or later
System configured to allow installation of browser
plug-ins as required
Local administrative privileges (for required software
installations)
Anti-virus program
E-mail account
Broadband Internet access
|
All students need access to a computer for success in
their coursework.
|
Both Microsoft
and Apple provide additional accessibility guides, tutorials, and tips for use
on your computer. Windows Vista® includes built-in accessibility settings and
programs that make it easier for computer users to see, hear and use their
computers. Visit the Microsoft or Apple website for information beyond the
documents provided here.
|
UOPX supplied software:
- (via
virtual student desktop for specific courses)
- Microsoft®
Visio® (for selected courses)
- Microsoft
Visual Studio .NET
- Microsoft
SQL server
- Red
Hat Linux
- Adobe
Flash Professional
- Adobe
Dreamweaver
- Adobe
Photoshop
- Adobe
Acrobat Standard
- LabSim
from TestOut
- Oracle
Database XE
Student Access:
- ALICE (for selected courses;
free download)
- Citrix Online plug-in (latest
version)
- Java JRE,JDK (for selected
courses)
- Visual Logic (for selected
courses; free download)
|
University of Phoenix is constantly
reviewing these tools and technology in order to ensure that they are up to
date on the latest trends in the technology space.
Reference
University of Phoenix. (2013). Computer Requirements. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it- works/innovative_education_technology/computer_requirements.html
University of Phoenix. (2013). Computer Requirements. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it- works/innovative_education_technology/computer_requirements.html
Friday, July 12, 2013
Overview
Team C will be evaluating the technology used by The University of Phoenix. Our team will discuss the following topics:
- Technology currently in use by the institute
- How the University manages these technologies
- How concerns are addressed such as bandwidth and capability of implementing Web 2.0 tools
- The upgrades or changes necessary for The University of Phoenix to improve its adult education opportunities with new technology integration
Our team chose University of Phoenix because it is one of the most attended Universities in the nation (Department of Education, 2012).
Additionally, the team sees it an important component to any campus that the school incorporates technology into every aspect of their degree programs, which is a fundamental attribute of UoPX, according to The University of Phoenix website (2012).
Finally, Team C chose The University of Phoenix because we are all pursuing a Masters degree through this incredibly technologically savvy institution!
We look forward to an in depth look at the technology used by The University of Phoenix.
Look for great BLOGS to come!
References
University of Phoenix. (2013). Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved from
http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/about_university_of_phoenix/technology_in_the_classroom.html
U.S. Department of Education. (2012). Fast Facts. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=74
Jenni Fletcher
M.A. candidate and student at University of Phoenix
- Technology currently in use by the institute
- How the University manages these technologies
- How concerns are addressed such as bandwidth and capability of implementing Web 2.0 tools
- The upgrades or changes necessary for The University of Phoenix to improve its adult education opportunities with new technology integration
Our team chose University of Phoenix because it is one of the most attended Universities in the nation (Department of Education, 2012).
Additionally, the team sees it an important component to any campus that the school incorporates technology into every aspect of their degree programs, which is a fundamental attribute of UoPX, according to The University of Phoenix website (2012).
Finally, Team C chose The University of Phoenix because we are all pursuing a Masters degree through this incredibly technologically savvy institution!
We look forward to an in depth look at the technology used by The University of Phoenix.
Look for great BLOGS to come!
References
University of Phoenix. (2013). Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved from
http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/about_university_of_phoenix/technology_in_the_classroom.html
U.S. Department of Education. (2012). Fast Facts. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=74
Jenni Fletcher
M.A. candidate and student at University of Phoenix
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