To understand the opportunities, challenges, and values stakeholders perceive to be associated wi... more To understand the opportunities, challenges, and values stakeholders perceive to be associated with digital badges for learning, we analyzed discussions in an online community in which designers, educators, programmers, and others shared ideas guiding the creation of a set of standards for digital badges and badge systems. In this paper we present the themes expressed in these discussions as well as stakeholders’ values and their perceived opportunities and challenges of digital badge systems.
This article explores the efforts of one network of afterschool programs to leverage new media te... more This article explores the efforts of one network of afterschool programs to leverage new media technologies to promote out-of-school learning among high school students from nondominant backgrounds and connect this learning to their school contexts. The study entailed in-depth interviews and focus groups with 40 youth and adults involved in the afterschool programming, as well as 12 observations of afterschool sessions and school-based classes. A thematic analysis of the transcripts and field notes revealed a notable discrepancy in youth’s learning experiences in school and afterschool settings. Out-of-school learning experiences were more likely to be peer supported, interest powered, and production centered. They were also more likely to engage youth and adults around a shared purpose and to take advantage of openly networked infrastructures. Two theoretical frameworks from the field of information behavior are used to explore the distinct successes and challenges associated with promoting rich learning experiences in each setting.
This is a qualitative study about the information competencies that employers seek in university ... more This is a qualitative study about the information competencies that employers seek in university graduates and the skills which graduates demonstrate when they enter the workplace. Included are findings from interviews with 23 US employers and focus groups with a total of 33 recent graduates from four US colleges and universities. Employers said they recruited graduates for their online searching skills but once graduates joined the workplace they rarely used the traditional, low-tech research competencies that their employers also needed. Graduates said that they used skills from university for evaluating and managing published content; yet most graduates still needed to develop adaptive strategies to save time and work more efficiently. A preliminary model compares information problems in the university with those of the workplace. Opportunities are identified for preparing students to succeed beyond the academy in the workplaces of today and tomorrow.
To understand the opportunities, challenges, and values stakeholders perceive to be associated wi... more To understand the opportunities, challenges, and values stakeholders perceive to be associated with digital badges for learning, we analyzed discussions in an online community in which designers, educators, programmers, and others shared ideas guiding the creation of a set of standards for digital badges and badge systems. In this paper we present the themes expressed in these discussions as well as stakeholders’ values and their perceived opportunities and challenges of digital badge systems.
This article explores the efforts of one network of afterschool programs to leverage new media te... more This article explores the efforts of one network of afterschool programs to leverage new media technologies to promote out-of-school learning among high school students from nondominant backgrounds and connect this learning to their school contexts. The study entailed in-depth interviews and focus groups with 40 youth and adults involved in the afterschool programming, as well as 12 observations of afterschool sessions and school-based classes. A thematic analysis of the transcripts and field notes revealed a notable discrepancy in youth’s learning experiences in school and afterschool settings. Out-of-school learning experiences were more likely to be peer supported, interest powered, and production centered. They were also more likely to engage youth and adults around a shared purpose and to take advantage of openly networked infrastructures. Two theoretical frameworks from the field of information behavior are used to explore the distinct successes and challenges associated with promoting rich learning experiences in each setting.
This is a qualitative study about the information competencies that employers seek in university ... more This is a qualitative study about the information competencies that employers seek in university graduates and the skills which graduates demonstrate when they enter the workplace. Included are findings from interviews with 23 US employers and focus groups with a total of 33 recent graduates from four US colleges and universities. Employers said they recruited graduates for their online searching skills but once graduates joined the workplace they rarely used the traditional, low-tech research competencies that their employers also needed. Graduates said that they used skills from university for evaluating and managing published content; yet most graduates still needed to develop adaptive strategies to save time and work more efficiently. A preliminary model compares information problems in the university with those of the workplace. Opportunities are identified for preparing students to succeed beyond the academy in the workplaces of today and tomorrow.
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Papers by Sean Fullerton