Professional Development Needs Assessment

Many educational technologists are asked to devise a plan to help faculy integrate technology into the classroom. But, where do they start, and what do they need training in?

Conduct a needs assessment to answer these two questions by starting with a survey. You can conduct surveys online with a free, web-based tool that emails collected data to the creator for analyzing data and results.

One such online survey tool is Survey Monkey. It offers great video tutorials about it features.

Second Life and businesses

Summary of Second Life used for Business

More than 10 years ago it was though that Instant Messaging would only be used to socialize with friends and family, however it is now commonly used in everyday work activities between coworkers and customers to quickly communicate.

Just like Instant Messaging, SL is gaining popularity in the business sector by offering real-time meetings without leaving the office, employee training sessions and simulations, recorded teamwork efforts and product feedback from clients.

Statistics show significant growth among SL monthly user hours, which grew from an average of less than 20 hours in early 2006 to more than 100 hours in summer 2008 (Second Life Economy Graphs).

SL can offer inexpensive business alternatives in a fun, engaging environment for company employees and customers.

To learn more about Second Life, visit its website at: http://www.secondlife.com