#DigPINS uses a variety of digital tools to support exploration across different environments, build your digital fluency and understand the affordances and limitations across these tools. Here we outline the tools we will be using throughout #DigPINS.
Email and Calendar
In the beginning of #DigPINS, you’ll receive emails from your facilitator to get things started. You’ll also receive emails as part of your account set-up for the below list of digital tools. However, Google calendar invites will be emailed for scheduling synchronous meetings.
colgate.digpins.org
This very site is an important digital tool for #DigPINS. New information will be posted on the site each for each week’s topic. Links to readings, activities, videos and even interactive games/content will be shared on each week’s page. Each partner school has their own #DigPINS site, but there may be small differences between the content on each site. Some of the hub sites look very similar, but refer to the site URL and the icon in the upper left hand corner to double check you are on Colgate’s site.
Blogging
As part of developing a digital identity, participants are asked to publicly blog usually on a weekly basis. You will receive information via email about how to add your blog posts to this site. If you already have your own blog or personal website, you can crosspost your weekly posts from this site to your personal site.
Blogging is about more than just writing posts; it is also about connecting with other #DigPINS participants who are posting about similar experiences. Our partner schools will be blogging on their own hub sites. All of the posts published to each hub site will automatically be published to a “mother blog” at discuss.digpins.org. You can use discuss.digpins.org as a way to explore what those at other institutions are thinking in response to the readings, activities, and other parts of #DigPINS.
Slack
Slack, a text based chat program, is the main communication tool for #DigPINS. Think of it as a space for dropping in questions and making comments about our shared experiences in #DigPINS. Participants from all schools will have access to the same Slack workspace.
Conversations are broken up by “channels” to keep communications topically organized, but you can also communicate in private groups and chat privately with individuals. You should not expect immediate responses from other participants, but the chance of immediate responses does exist. In this way, Slack can add a bit of spontaneity to the group.
You will receive an email invitation to setup and account and join the #DigPINS Slack space in Week 0. You are encouraged to download the Slack app and turn on notifications. Alternatively, you can log-in to the web-based Slack space at least once a day to read what is going on and/or leave a comment.
Hypothes.is
Hypothes.is is a collaborative annotation tool that enables multiple readers to have a conversation in the margins of webpages and documents hosted online. The tool will allow us to collectively mark up our readings so that we can see each other’s thoughts, ideas and questions as they unfold throughout the article. You will be prompted to create a Hypothes.is account during the week that we will introduce the tool.
Video Calls
Typically each week facilitators organize a synchronous video call with the participants and often invite special guests. You will need a camera and microphone to be able to participate; this could be a webcam on your computer or a smartphone/tablet. Some sync video platforms are Google Hangouts, Appear.in, Skype, and others.
Over the course of #DigPINS we will have a few synchronous meetings via video call. You will need a camera and microphone to be able to participate; this could be a webcam on your computer or a smartphone/tablet. You will also need a strong internet signal to connect, though many video conferencing platforms allow for a phone call to connect (audio only). The platform will be announced when the call is announced.
Throughout the course participants are encouraged to join in on live Twitter chats with some established online communities, as well as the ongoing asynchronous conversation using the hashtag #DigPINS. You may want to wait to establish your Twitter until after Week 1 if you are still considering aspects of “digital identity.”
