Page 45 - Campus Technology, March/April 2019

Marci Powell
graphic production tools), plus WordPress (for simple but robust content creation), GoDaddy (for web hosting at a reasonable cost), MailChimp (a free tool for campaign market- ing and management) and Seer Interactive (to optimize Virtually Inspired in line with the DUO website).
As the name suggests, Virtually Inspired offers anything but the dry, unapproachable ideas that may have been impeding institu- tions’ progress in the first place. Video inter- views and guest blogs allow pioneers, trend- setters and visionaries to share their ideas and passions, thought-provoking concepts and useful tips that can help institutions get on the right track.
It’s important to note that, very surprisingly, there was no previously existing education resource attempting to serve as a “go to” repository of information on connected learn- ing. Of course, numerous individually pub- lished works exist, along with conference pro- ceedings, but there has never been an open hub for continuously updated information — based on academic research — on tools, strat- egies, case examples and best practices in
this realm.
Besides the challenge of updating the site
with the latest research information, DUO is engaging in partnerships (such as with the Online Learning Consortium, the International Council for Open and Distance Education and the University Professional Continuing Educa- tion Association) that will not only increase dissemination of this valuable resource, but also build up the participation of experts in the site and widen the range and rigor of the academic research that is so crucial to Virtu- ally Inspired.
Meg Lloyd is a freelance writer based in Northern California.
Susan C. Aldridge
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