Question #3 - What is the newest “techie” gadget that you have/would like to have, and how do/would you use it to improve the work relationship that you have with your primary clientele?
Hal Kirkwood - – SLA Candidate for Director, 2011
While the IPads, IPhones, Androids, Xooms, and similar smartphones and tablet computers are all the rage, I fail to see how they improve my relationship with my primary clientele beyond what I am already doing. They are a means of communication. Often I'm still using the same application I was using on my workstation or laptop, namely Facebook, Meebo, email, maybe even Skype. So maybe it's more touch-friendly, and lighter, but I'm still doing the same thing.
A game-changing 'techie' gadget I 'have' is the Prezi presentation tool (prezi.com). It has noticably and significantly changed how I present information within my information literacy classes. It allows for a much deeper opportunity to create more conceptually interesting presentations. Students pay attention more...they are more focused on the material...they want to try it. Information literacy becomes more engaging using Prezi.
And that is where my relationship with my clientele changes at an even greater level. Students are not trapped in yet another 'death by Powerpoint' course. They are excited about what is coming next. They are excited to try it in their own presentations. They talk about using it other classes. They come back to me and brag about how they have used it in other settings.
This is a tool that allows for the effective presentation of information especially in more varied ways than what these students have been presented with in the past. Increasing their interest in the content, and making them more willing to try it themselves is a huge win. It helps me create a impactful teaching moments, it helps me create stronger relationships with my students.
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