Lethargy of computers inhibited set up more than we expected, as did a few problematic computers. We were glad to have a small margin (about 10%) of extra computers available for each class group.

Having James the Big Brainz tech was invaluable, as he was able to not only show us how to set up swiftly, but answered questions about level selection and programming student lists.

The Teacher account can set up a class list. The Student account just plays.

Net connection needed to track data remotely.

In others’ lab environments, ask if remote access or networked installation of software is available.

Students may benefit from a cheat sheet/quick ref card.

Because time to load from name selection can be as much as 3 min, Rob and I decided to enter student names ahead of time, then preload the game after selecting the student just prior to the evaluation.

Quick ref card could then include a tutorial.

Time spent to set up was approximately 2 hours (I had to leave after 1:15).

Anticipate that we will need 30 minutes to set up each class (start software, choose name, establish functionality) immediately prior to eval.

As I begin the pilot of our WordPress MU installation for Utah Valley University, questions naturally arise as to expected usage of the system. This led to the idea of running a short survey for students, faculty, and staff that asks if and how they would use such a community publishing platform. I then wondered if students or faculty who already had a blog would use the institutional system as a blog, whether in addition to or as a replacement for their own (even if only to meet a course requirement). This, of course, led me back to the idea of “creepy treehouses“ (A term I have consciously avoided over the past year), and set me to rethink the survey to ask the following primary question:

How do (students’ | faculty | staff) attitudes toward institutional learning and communication systems differ from attitudes toward informal learning and communication systems?

This isn’t nearly as relevant to the WPMU system as originally intended, but I do expect to be able to address the system through this survey without overwhelming participants. Some of the survey questions that pop into mind ask about personal use of social media, perceptions of institutional technology, relevance of both toward learning, perceived efficiency for learning, likelihood of using new institutional technology, etc.

I’m posting this here in case any readers (who I haven’t lost yet through neglect) have ideas on how to keep this useful while maintaining a sharp focus. Suggested questions are, of course, welcome.