Creative Uses of Technology in your Role

Hello all

As you know, I'm trying to find ways to connect with both staff and students in new and innovative ways. I've been researching some of the more popular technologies available, and thought that you all might be able to find some interesting ways to use them in your jobs as RAs/GHDs. Happy reading! :)

Two caveats to using technology: First, make sure you get people's permission before posting pictures or information about them. Second, please be appropriate. While I don't go looking for issues on facebook or anywhere else, if it is brought to my attention, I cannot ignore it. Rule of thumb: If you don't want your mom/grandma to see it/read it, don't post it.

FACEBOOK.
What is it: Social networking site that allows you to connect with people all over the world....most people by now are aware of facebook. ;)
Ways to use it in your job: Create a floor group, create events and invite people to programs, post G-rated pictures of your programs for the floor to see
Cons: Easy to post inappropriate things, not always very private, students may be over-saturated by facebook.

YOUTUBE.
What is it: Website where people can post or watch video clips. Website is seachable and you can leave comments.
Ways to use it in your job: Film a lecture or a speaker and then post for residents, have a video contest about a particular topic (make sure to set some ground rules).
Cons: Easy to get in trouble by posting copyrighted material, not private at all.

GOOGLE APPLICATIONS.
What is it: A family of applications created by Google. Includes Google Calendar, Google Books, Google Scholar, Google Documents, and Google Groups.
Ways to use it in your job: Create a calendar of floor events and share with your residents, advertise via a google group, do a program about interesting ways to find sources for homework, put presentations/information on google documents to share with your residents.
Cons: Not all residents are familiar with these applications.

BLOGS.
What is it: Well, you're reading one, so hopefully you get the idea....
Ways to use it in your job: Floor blog highlighting a new resident every week (make sure to get permission), UF events blog, important academic dates blog.
Cons: Can require quite a time commitment for upkeep

FLICKR/PHOTOBUCKET/ETC.
What is it: Online photo storage and sharing applications.
Ways to use it in your job: Floor pictures, create a floor yearbook or album, door tags, photos for your blog, etc.
Cons: Easy to end up posting things that are not always appropriate.

TWITTER.
What is it: Send out 140-character updates to anyone who follows you; kind of like updating your facebook status. Can use via phone or internet.
Ways to use it in your job: Remind people about programs or important dates, let people know when you're in your room if they have questions.
Cons: Anyone can sign up to follow you (including people you have never met).


If you have any other creative ideas, leave some comments here!