WTCS Tech Expo 2008

DEAN PAPE is Assistant Professor of Communication and Coordinator of First-Year Studies at Ripon College. He also serves as Director of Communicating Plus, an interdisciplinary program designed to enhance teaching and learning across all divisions and academic programs of the college in the areas of problem solving, critical thinking, and oral and written communication. Pape presents to faculty and administrators from wide-ranging disciplines at conferences and workshops around the state, region, and nation. He brings passion and a commitment to student learning to his workshops.  

Keynote Presentation - CHS Auditorium - 9:00 a.m.

WIKIS, BLOGS, IMS, FACEBOOKS, AND GROUP FUSION: Tools of Engagement to Enhance Teaching and Learning

It is an amazing sight to behold when a student manages to carry on 5 IM conversations while typing up a paper, checking Facebook, and listening to an iPod-- all at the same time. This keynote will address how students interact with multiple technologies and how we can invade their world and use these technologies for academic purposes. Wikipedia as an academic instrument to enhance critical thinking is just one example-- imagine the possibilities!

Breakout Sessions with Dean Pape

Session 1: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Blogs, Wikis, & YouTube - CHS Auditorium
Participants will consider blogs and wikis as tools for collaboration, group work, and improving the writing ability of our students. In addition, blogs and wikis provide opportunities for analysis and critical thinking. Participants will discuss Wikipedia's influence and application. Finally, participants will consider instruction with video via YouTube.

Session 2: 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. Academic Applications of Social Technologies - CHS Auditorium
Participants will consider Facebook, MySpace, and Instant Messenger programs as tools for engaging student learning. Social, legal, and career implications of using the technologies will be explored. Advantages and disadvantages of the technologies as a means to connect with students will be discussed.

Session 3: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Get a Second Life - CHS Auditorium
Participants will examine emerging technologies that can advance teaching and learning, in particular Second Life. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the creation of avatars and how to interact in the Second Life world. In addition, participants will discuss various emerging technologies and how they will change the face of education in the future.