Knowledge Community Spotlight - Technology

Who Are We?

The Technology Knowledge Community (TKC) strives to provide a welcoming and supportive avenue where members can explore, discuss, and collaborate around technology in student affairs and higher education. From exploring technology’s impact on and relationship with student development to identifying and supporting technology’s role in how we serve students, the TKC works to inform the profession about new research and practices and to offer technical and creative assistance to our colleagues when exploring new technological resources. We hope to be a place for discussion, learning, and innovation for any professional interested in technology.

To drive our work we have developed four pillars for the Technology Knowledge Community. These pillars guide our work in exploring, supporting, informing, and assisting our colleagues.

• Advocacy- The TKC advocates for best practices in technology in the broader scope of higher education and brings that motivation to the table for its members. Additionally we advocate for our members in the work they do at their institutions and for their own professional development.
• Training and Education- The TKC supports and encourages training and education in technology by offering resources for and promoting opportunities. As a part of this education we host a #SAGrad twitter chat every Sunday at 8:00 pm EST. To get more information and for the weekly topic visit: https://twitter.com/SAGradMOD?lang=en
• Research and Scholarship- The TKC helps advance the research conducted by its members and other scholar-practitioners in the area of technology. The Knowledge Community is also drafting a research agenda to lead the creation and dissemination of scholarship in the field. 
• Engagement- The TKC connects with its members to advance technology in higher education. This pillar has a dual goal of engaging with our Knowledge Community members as well as ensuring the TKC is engaged in timely, relevant, and meaningful conversations related to technology in higher education.

Technology Competency Area

In July, 2015 a formal proposal was sent to both the ACPA and NASPA executive boards by the Professional Competencies Task Force to approve the addition of one competency area, to rename two competency areas, and to combine two competency areas into one. In that proposal was the addition of a Technology (TECH) competency area, a proposal originally presented by three members of the Technology Knowledge Community.  

The proposal passed and now Technology i included in the ten competency areas. The competency, “focuses on the use of digital tools, resources, and technologies for the advancement of student learning, development, and success as well as the improved performance of student affairs professionals.” Professional growth in this area shifts from understanding to application and then to facilitation and leadership.  

To find out more about the Technology competency area please visit: http://www.naspa.org{filedir_3}ACPA_NASPA_Professional_Competencies_FINAL.pdf 

#NASPA16 Update

At #NASPA16 the TKC awarded two outstanding recipients with its second annual technology awards. An Outstanding Graduate Student Award was presented to an individual who has showcased excellence in the promotion and the use of technology to benefit their campus. More about the winner can be found here: https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/posts/2016-tkc-outstanding-graduate-student-award

The emerging practices award was given to a group of professionals who are leveraging technology to make real differences at their institution. To find more about this year’s winner please visit: https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/posts/2016-naspa-tkc-emerging-practice-award. To find out more information about these awards and more please visit: https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/kcs/technology/awards-grants. Award nominations are usually due in October. Please stay tuned for more information if interested in nominating someone for next year.

In addition to the awards presentation and annual business meeting, the TKC was thrilled to sponsor several educational sessions throughout the annual conference. Sessions were presented on assessment and technology, social media, and the presence of YikYak on campus.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in joining the Technology Knowledge Community, please be sure to sign up through the NASPA website. You can add the TKC on the edit your profile page under the community and groups section by clicking on the +add additional sections button.  We also invite you to join the conversation on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/NASPATechKC/?fref=nf) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/NASPA_TKC?lang=en).

If you are passionate about technology or are looking for additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. I plan on being in St. Louis this November and would like to get a small group of colleagues together to talk more about technology!