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TWU Technology hosts Tech Talks

An upcoming argument for social media in the classroom

Amanda Hall, Reporter

As the first in the series of Tech Talks hosted by the Office of Technology, Dr. Daniel Krutka will be presenting his research on the use of social media in the classroom on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. in MCL 501.

In his 20-minute lecture, Krutka plans to challenge the status quo and cover ways that educators can start using social media in the classrooms based on his research.

According to Business System Analyst in the Office of Technology Heather Davis: “Technology is so vital to everything; even in the classrooms faculty are picking up the value of technology. That is what’s so cool about Dr. Krutka’s talk, is that he is emphasizing not only the use of technology in the classroom, but very specifically social media.”

Davis continued: “It’s something that I think people tend to disassociate with learning. So it will be interesting to hear [Krutka’s] argument on why not only it should, but it has to be used in the classroom.”

Originally, the Tech Talks, beginning in 2009, focused on entertainment systems and the next generation of technology. After a year and a half off, Davis brought back the Tech Talks with a new emphasis on the bigger questions associated with technology and how technology affects us as a society. One of the most well attended Tech Talks last year was a faculty-led panel on cyber bullying. Davis says she tries to provide a good balance of hot, new technology as well as providing an academic look at technology.

The Office of Technology also has two more Tech Talks planned on March 10 and April 13, according to the Office of Technology’s website. On March 10, several speakers chosen by the Office of Technology will talk about their experience with www.lynda.com, a free service offered to students, faculty and staff. On April 13, the Associate Professor of Visual Arts, Colby Parsons will be providing a live demonstration of 3D printing in the Fine Arts Building.

Davis hopes that the Tech Talks will help students become more interested in interdisciplinary subjects. Davis explained: “I always think that any opportunity to examine something that talks about crossing borders involving technology, learning new skills and thinking about something in a different way will open you up to new possibilities.”

After each Tech Talk, the audience can engage in question and answer sessions with the speakers. Davis says that the most rewarding part of the talk is when the audience really engages in the subject and asks questions that show how interested they are.

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