SCHOLARSHIP, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP IN MOTION

University of PhoenixSchool of Advanced Studies

Critical and Creative ThinkingPHL/700R

Dr. Robert Thomas

Team CLisa Alexander, Mavis Carr, Antonio Jenkins, and

Russ Maze

INTRODUCTION

As learners of the University of Phoenix Doctoral community, we consistently seek new communication technologies to improve our virtual educational experience. We are determined to remain the leader in online learning technology.

THE PROBLEM Currently, the University of Phoenix offers limited opportunities for students to communicate in real-time. Although there are tools to facilitate communication between students, faculty, administration, and staff, none of them provide solutions to our current challenges which include:

• Costs and time related to travel to doctoral residencies

• Absence of real-time interaction

• Limited participation capabilities within virtual teams

• Lack of opportunities for face-to-face interactions

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS AND INSERTION OPPORTUNITIES

• Address the human senses:• Visual (User friendly HDMI interface)• Voice (Bluetooth technology)• Text for SmartBoard (Keyboard)• Sensor Controller for human movement

(Wii)• Virtual student hologram

• Leverage existing high-speed Internet resources supporting two-way communications in real time

• Utilize wireless flat-panel displays, Android, iPhone, and Windows or Mac-based hardware

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS,CONT.

• 256-bit encryption for security• Tools include Skype and Web cam• Second Life (“Bring your vision to life”)• Second Life supports both Windows and

Mac• Pilot demonstration for .NET framework• Pilot demonstration for OS 10.5.x Apple

script• Operating systems use UDP protocol versus

http• Technology refresh every 5 years

THE INTERVENTIONPROVIDING A SOLUTION

ADVANTAGES OF SECOND LIFE• FREE! No cost to user

• Eliminates the need for travel

• Facilitates networking in real-time

• Fosters social interaction and creative expression

• Increases accessibility for people with disabilities

• Operates in a “green” environment

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX IN SECOND LIFE

DOCTORAL LEARNER ADVANTAGES

• Cost- and time-effective

• Reduces the need for travel

• Facilitates collaborative learning and networking in real-time

• Enables accessibility for people with disabilities

• Enhances existing educational programs

FACULTY ADVANTAGES

• Eliminates the need for travel

• Facilitates collaborative learning and networking in real-time

• Enables accessibility for people with disabilities

• Enhances existing educational programs

• Increases attendance and retention rates

TECHNOLOGY MAINTENANCE

• Hardware refresh every 10 years• Software refresh every 5 years• Software costs include:• License• Annual maintenance• Security update patches

• Functionality requirements drive software costs• Customized software will not be utilized

TEAM DYNAMICS

• Team members established ground rules and guidelines for time management.

• Team members brainstormed the problem.

• Team members researched the problem and each member assigned tasks components for the problem.

• Team members utilized effective collaboration to complete project.

• Lisa Alexander is the team leader no voices were silent.

CONCLUSION

•

Second Life allows specific resolution in gaining enhance communication for our cohort community at the University of Phoenix

Doctoral students will exercise the opportunity of functioning with the latest technology