Collaborative & Individual Learning Via Zoom

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Problem: Students often limit the definition of a construct (e.g., vocational identity) by a measure (e.g., My Vocational Situation), and by doing so, have a very myopic view of the construct.

Goal: To have students learn how to expand upon a construct beyond what one instrument’s definition.

Challenge: Create an activity that requires active involvement from every student, engage higher order/critical thinking, AND, do it all in 10 minutes.

My solution: I chose a construct from an article that we are reviewing in class, and pasted the components of the operational definition of that construct on one side of the table. Then I told them to use whichever research-based database they preferred, and to find another article that offered a different definition, and to paste that into the table using the annotate function in Zoom. Below is a picture of the activity as they were working.

Next steps: When they were done, I asked them to point out differences between the article’s definition and these others, and we discussed being too narrow and too wide in our definitions. The next thing I had them do was work on defining their own construct on a shared document. I chose a shared document because some of them have similar topics/constructs, and I wanted to teach them that it’s OK to collaborate and help peers/colleagues problem solve. This meant that before class, I had to create the shared document, and paste their names, research questions and a table for them to work on in the document.

They had to choose one construct from a study they’ve been working on conceptualizing, and find at least 2 different definitions of the construct, and also list at least 2 different instruments they’ve seen in their searching of the literature that might measure the construct or a portion of the construct. Here’s a picture of 2 students’ work:

I gave them about 15 minutes to work on that. For their final activity, I had them then take 2 of the measure they had listed and conduct an instrument comparison. This took about 20-25 minutes. Here’s an example of one student’s work:

Reflection: Overall, I thought this process worked well. I demonstrated the technique using a shared article, challenging them to find alternative definitions. They then applied this skill to their own work. I shared my screen but told them they didn’t have to follow me. I worked with them, if someone was stuck, finding a definition or an instrument or details (like cost), and asked them to help each other. I did have some other modeling prepared, but didn’t think we’d have enough time to work through that and for them to work on their own stuff, and that the latter was likely more useful for them. I did achieve the goal of a ten minute activity with the annotation, but altogether these three activities took up an hour of class time, so there’s that to consider.

Question: How might you have approached this problem and goal?

Current Career-Related Research Projects

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We do have some more research projects focused on technology that are brewing, but in the meantime, we’re asking your help to spread the news about career-related research projects in which we are involved. Would you consider participating if you’re eligible? Or perhaps spread the news if you know someone who is? Each are either approved by Florida State University’s IRB or have informed consent waived. If you have questions about any research on this page, please email Dr. Osborn. Click on the links to participate. Thanks for the consideration and help!

Virtual Card Sort

Who can participate: Open to all.

What is required: Sort 36 cards with occupational titles into “would choose, might choose, and would not choose” categories. 

What you can gain: Users receive a summary report and suggested next steps.

Examination of Childhood Trauma, Dysfunctional Career Thoughts, and Career Adaptability

Who can participate: Any adult age 21 or older to participate.

What is required: Complete a demographic form and three questionnaires on the topics above. What you can gain: Eligible for $30 Amazon gift card if provide email. 

College Career Courses and Vocational Identity Achievement: An Investigation of Mediators and Moderators

Who can participate: Undergraduates from any college or university

What is required: Complete two surveys, one now, and one later. 

What you can gain: Eligible for $50 Amazon gift card for every 50 participants, if provide email. 

Do you Kahoot?

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Maybe you’ve heard about Kahoot? Engaged in a game but always wondered about how to go about creating your own? Never heard of it but are curious? If you answered yes to any of these questions, stay tuned, as we dive into the fun world of Kahooting!

What is Kahoot? Kahoot is a “game-based learning platform.” meaning, that it facilitates teaching and learning through the use of an online, quick-paced game. Players log in to a game on their phone or computer, input a code to access the game assigned by their instructor, are shown questions and enter or choose a response. Speed adds points, which creates a competitive edge. The game can occur in real time during a class or presentation or can be accessed outside of class time for prep or review.

Why Kahoot? Kahoot is a very easy way to begin or break up a lecture or presentation, and get everyone involved with minimal risk of embarrassment. It also is a good gauge of what students know or believe, and can provide a way for me to correct misperceptions or clear up confusion.

What do I Kahoot? As an instructor, I create questions based on what my desired outcome is.

Is my goal simple engagement? Then I might ask some fun questions related to the topic or something relevant to what’s happening in our community, or a season, such as this question on Halloween (which also features a picture reveal):

If I want to see comprehension or content knowledge, my questions will reflect that:

As you can see, the “item stems” are not very long or complicated, which allows for quick play. Once the question is presented, students have 20 seconds (that can be adjusted) to choose their answer.

How do I create a Kahoot? It’s very easy to create a Kahoot game. Go to the site; https://create.kahoot.it and create an account. After that, you can start by clicking on the discover button and see popular games, but also search to see if there’s content already created for your topic that you can use. If you decide you want to create your own, click on the create button, and you’ll get this screen:

You can choose different options from all the drop down menus, and add as many questions as you like. Once you’re done, you’ll save it, and then it will be ready to play or invite others to play!

How long should my game be? It depends on the purpose. If it’s a stand-alone game, with the purpose of reviewing concepts, you can have more questions. I’ve found that the absolute max # of questions is 10. That gives newcomers time to learn how to play, and also allows for trends to develop and change-ups in the scoreboard to occur. Beyond that, and it loses its impact.

How do I invite users to my game? When you’re ready to play, you’ll click on “play,” and get the options on how you want the Kahoot to be played. In this case, I chose teach, which then opened another window with all sort of options. Once I’ve selected my options, I click on “play this Kahoot,” and the screen with the pin # emerges. You can either have students/participants open the game as an app, or go to the website (https://kahoot.it) and enter the pin #.

Any other tips?

Tip 1: I tend to use as many pictures as I can with my Kahoots, as can be seen with my group counseling theory Kahoot:

I find that it encourages more application/critical thinking that just plain regurgitation of content.

Tip 2: Also, I typically pause between questions to address the topic, learn what led to the different responses – even if there is just one wrong answer (a bar graph shows the distribution of answers).

Tip 3: Also, make sure they are prompted to only use “g-rated” nicknames.

Tip 4: Keep the sound on (it adds to the game-like feel) and don’t forget to stay for the end of the show so they can see who makes the podium – students get really frustrated when you exit out before that point!

Want to learn more? You can check it out at https://create.kahoot.it. And, here’s a quick overview:

Are You Engaging and Inspiring Your Online Learners?

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We were thrilled to present at the National Career Development Association conference this year! Our session? “Engage and Inspire! Tips and Tricks That Take Your Online Classes to the Next Level.”

#NCDA2021 was virtual again but did not disappoint. The program included a number of technology-related topics, as well as thought-provoking keynote sessions.

Feel free to browse our slides (below) and visit the companion Resource Guide for more information.

If you attended our session – Thank You for being there and for your participation in the conversation. 🙂

NCDA Tech-Related Presentations

/ dosborn2013 / 1 Comment

Getting excited for NCDA’s conference. There are several tech-related presentations for attendees to check out. Hope to see you there!!!

Distance Career Coaching and Training: The Asian Narrative
The cultural differences among countries from South Asia to East Asia are immense, yet all agree that career planning is vitally important. The pandemic requires that coaching and training be provided remotely and practitioners have been forced to develop new skills for addressing cultural differences. Learn from these practitioners to effectively deliver career services to culturally diverse Asians.
Presenters: Marilyn Maze, Asia Pacific Career Development Association; Hector Lin, Job Kred; Allan Gatenby, ACPi-Aus; Shujiro Mizuno, Japan Industrial Counseling Association

Grow Your Career Development Practice with Instagram
200+ million lnstagrammers visit at least one business profile a day. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a career services center or agency, Instagram is an effective marketing tool for building brand awareness.  Come learn the ins and outs of a business profile and strategies to leverage IG in your business.
Presenters: Mary Edwin, University of Missouri-St Louis

Counselor Educator Influencers: Social Media as a Mentorship Opportunity
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. continue to rise in popularity throughout the world. In this presentation, attendees will discuss various ways counselor educators can use social media to provide mentorship and professional development to counselors of all backgrounds.
Presenters: Autumn Cabell, DePaul University

Engage and Inspire! Tips and Tricks That Take Your Online Classes to the Next Level
Looking for new ways to interact with your students online? Join the Technology Twins for a demonstration of features and strategies you can use during live meetings. Whether you are teaching a class, presenting a webinar, or meeting with students one-on-one, this session will prepare you to connect at a distance.
Presenters: Melissa Venable, BestColleges.com; Debra Osborn, Florida State University

Delivering Distance Career Services
In the wake of COVID-19, delivering career services via technology is a rapidly growing practice. Practitioners may lack distance services knowledge, training, and confidence. Attendees will learn key elements from distance literature and ethical codes, and engage in a reflective exercise on their personal readiness to provide distance services.
Presenters: Heather Robertson, St. John’s University

Technology and Career Development: Integrating the Past, the Present Pandemic, and Future Possibilities
The pandemic provides career practitioners opportunities to review our use of technology. This session provides a historical review of technology in career development, positions the pandemic as a challenge to re-examine this relationship, and identifies key opportunities for practitioners and the NCDA to adapt and expand to serve our constituents.
Presenters: Dirk Matthews, Columbia College Chicago; Kathyy Batee-Freeman, University of Illinois Springfield; Richard Pyle; Janet Wall, Career Planning Academy; Marilyn Maze, Asia Pacific Career Development Association 

Achieve Career Readiness Programming for Students in the Era of 100% Virtual Services
Come learn how we turned traditionally face-to-face career readiness programs into virtual ones. Through this effort, we still maximized student engagement and access to meet the needs of our campus and virtual learning populations.
Presenters: Keyara Stevenson, North Carolina A&T State University

Innovative Tools and Techniques for Facilitating Virtual Career Workshops with Students
Remote service delivery isn’t going anywhere. In this interactive session, we will use a trauma-informed lens to examine benefits and challenges of engaging groups virtually and then share a variety of tips, tools, and techniques to facilitate engaging and impactful groups in a virtual space.
Presenters: Sarah Zakerski, Realizing Aptitudes; Ashley Flynn, Realizing Aptitudes

Targeting Tall Tales vs. Tangible Tools: Online Career Branding for Both our Clients and for Ourselves
We say: “Target your resume every time” and “Networking is key”.. Clients hear “Waste of time” and “Talk to strangers”. Avoid getting lost in translation with tangible resume and online branding strategies that work in reality, for our busy, complex lives.
Presenters: Ali Breen, Ali Breen Career Coaching and Digital Consulting; Lena Stewart, Modern Resume

Practical Career Development Resources: A Colorful Tour of the NEW NCDA Website
How easy is it to integrate practical resources into daily work? NCDA offers practical resources that can assist you in inspiring and empowering your clients/students. The only problem might be identifying these resources when you need them. Here is your expert guide to NCDA resources, specially the newly updated NCDA website.
Presenter: Melanie Reinersman, NCDA Website & Web Magazine Editor

Navigating Resource Creation and Digitization in the Time of Virtual Learning for International Students and Practitioners
The International Student Services Committee (ISSC) has fostered learning and growth for the international community and practitioners by adapting to the times of uncertainty and creating virtual spaces where learning can continue in non-traditional ways. Come learn innovative learning opportunities that ISCC has created through social media engagement, career resource digitization, and research dissemination.
Presenters: Ivette Mekdessi, Rice University: Center for Career Development; Arame Mbodj, Stanford University; Gaeun Seo, Princeton University, Center for Career Development

Undercover Bosses: A Competency-Based Recruitment Program and its Virtual Transformation
Have you imagined competency-driven recruitment programs where student-employer engagements are made based on skills employers value instead of companies’ names? Our “Undercover Bosses”event has brought diverse students and employers together based on skill matches instead of students’ educational credentials, and we transformed it successfully into an interactive virtual affair.
Presenters: Gaeun Seo, Princeton University; Xiaotang Huang, Princeton University

Embracing Sustainable Innovation from Within: Creating Virtual Practices with Multiple Benefits
We share how our student staff initiated the development of a homegrown online document review process and how it inadvertently allowed us to seamlessly transition our services to a virtual setting. We also examine how this experience provided student staff opportunities to build essential career development competencies.
Presenters: Emma Andruczyk, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Michael Valadez, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Using an Online Career Development Course to Prepare Life Science Students
This presentation will share results from a research study involving an online career course designed specifically for life science students.  The course was based on the cognitive information processing (CIP) theory. This presentation will show the effectiveness of a discipline-specific career development course, especially for schools.
Presenters: Serena Christianson, Arizona State University; Robert Reardon, Florida State University

Summer Career Academy: A Programmatic Approach to Career Development During a Global Pandemic
An extension of the article, “Summer Career Academy: A Programmatic Approach to Career Development During a Global Pandemic,”published in NCDA’s Career Developments Magazine, this presentation will investigate the development and implementation of the University of New Hampshire’s Summer Career Academy – a virtual, cost-free career intervention aimed at helping participants cultivate in-demand skills and prepare for the application process.
Presenters: Jonathan Constable, University of New Hampshire; Cayce Jones, University of New Hampshire; Lauren Rhodes, University of New Hampshire

A Plan of Action! Current Crisis-Driven Strategies to Effectively Transition Interactive Career Courses Online
This presentation will explore the challenges faced when transitioning a comprehensive, variable credit, college-level career development course to a virtual format in addition to resources, programs, and strategies for navigating those challenges. Specifically, this presentation will draw upon experiences from an empirically supported career course at Florida State University.
Presenters: Ivey Burbrink, Florida State University; Carley Peace, Florida State University

Can You Hear Me Now? The Practical and Persistent Influence of Technology in K-12 Career Interventions
In many ways, COVID-19 has upended the conventional mechanisms and tools on which career and workforce development practitioners rely. This presentation will explore the possibilities of using technology to create robust delivery systems of career interventions with a specific focus on the development of authentic work-based learning experiences for youth.
Presenters: Steven Myers, Fairfax County Public Schools; Andrew Knoblich, City of Charlotte, NC