Brainify & WiziQ

The Learning Center of

Lamar State College-Orange

presents . . .

online learning networks for knowledge sharing and tutorials at a distance

What is an online

learning network?

network = community

a specialized “social” network

relationships based on common

academic interests

focus is LEARNING!

The value of learning networks :

“The skill of networking should . . . be valued in learning and is the essence of Internet-based social networking environments. That is, when students realize the value in connecting with others in the learning process, the better their learning will be. Networking with experts, with peers, with additional sources of information, and so on makes the learning more interesting and also more legitimate” (Reynard, 2008, p. 3).

Two learning networks to enhance education for post-secondary students

Brainifyhttp://www.brainify.com/About/

WiZiQ http://www.wiziq.com/about_us.aspx

academic and social bookmarking and networking for college and university students and their instructors

allows students and teachers to interact in real time within virtual classrooms , share content, and create/take practice tests

membership limited to college/university students faculty/staff, no fee

anyone can join, basic membership free, fee for premium membership

Summary of features

bookmark useful websites contribute to a user-created taxonomy of academic websites browse and search watch topics

post and answer questions

create and join groups Invite others to join

send and receive messages

How Brainify can enhance LSC-O Learning Center professional practice

create group for community college learning center issues

invite learning center staff from other institutions

collect materials for planning tutorials

encourage students to register and create/join groups of academic/career interest

serve as a research tool for students

provide wide access to peers and experts

staff development student assistance

Summary of features

search for and view free tutorials, tests, and resources connect with experts and peers interactive virtual classrooms

share documents (PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, video etc.) Video, audio, chat, interactive online whiteboard Tutorial for WiZiQ Virtual Classroom

create/share content and tests recording/download of tutorials

Premium vs. Free Features Comparison

How WiZiQ can enhance LSC-O Learning Center professional practice

attend live tutorials and view archived recordings relevant to post-secondary learners and educational issues.

connect with fellow educators and experts

offer online tutorials and quizzes created by LC staff & LSC-O faculty

Access free live tutorials, recordings, practice tests, and materials in a variety of subjects

staff development student assistance

Participation in learning networks enriches the teaching and learning experience for all . . .

“Now, educational networks are, bar none, the most likely Web platform for facilitating Contributing, Collaborating, and Connecting in the meaningful way that educators have always looked for” (Hargadon, n.d., p. 2).

“For educational institutions, cultivating learners’ capabilities in exploring and exploiting knowledge from the unlimited resource in a virtual learning community can help them not only learn more efficiently, but also learn “how to learn” in the digital age” (Chen et al., 2009, p. 144).

educators students

Networks expand learning opportunities beyond traditional institutions

NetworkLearning

Community

research and inquire

connect with peers and

experts

contribute and collaborate

learn without boundaries

Brainify & WiziQ: Connecting LSC-O’s Learning Center with the World !

Welcome to the Learning Center (n.d.)

building communities of practice for staff and students

producing online tutorials and compiling libraries of information tailored to student needs and interests

eliminating barriers to learning

ReferencesChen, I., Chen, N., & Kinshuk. (2009). Examining the Factors Influencing Participants' Knowledge

Sharing Behavior in Virtual Learning Communities. Educational Technology & Society, 12(1), 134-148. Retrieved from ERIC database.

Goldberg, M. (2008, July 20). The academic world in one site [Blog post]. Retrieved January 25, 2001, from http://brainify.blogspot.com/2008/07/academic-world-in-one-site.html

Hargadon, S. (n.d.). Educational networking: The important role Web 2.0 will play in education. Retrieved January 23, 2010, from http://audio.edtechlive.com/lc/EducationalSocialNetworkingWhitepaper.pdf

Reynard, R. (2008, May 21). Social networking: Learning theory in action. T.H.E. Journal. Retrieved January 23, 2010, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2008/05/21/Social-Networking-Learning-Theory-in-Action.aspx?Page=3

Welcome to the Learning Center [Photo]. (n.d.) . Retrieved January 23, 2010, from http://www.lamission.edu/learningcenter/

You, S. (2008, May 24). Tutorial for WiZiQ virtual classroom [Slide presentation]. Retrieved January 23, 2010, from http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/Stan-68312-tutorial-wiziq-virtual-classroom-education-online-learning-onlinelearning-tutoring-undefined-entertainment-ppt-powerpoint/