Insider’s Guide to Smartphones

On February 16, our Spring 2011 Technology on Your Own Terms workshops will begin with The Insider’s Guide to Smartphones, to be held from 12pm-1pm in WML305.

In this workshop, digital services librarian Kristen Yarmey and technology services analyst Diane Jachimowicz will discuss some of the technology behind smartphones like iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries.  We’ll talk about what terms like 3G, 4G, tethering, and jailbreaking mean in plain English, what sensors like accelerometers and compasses mean for average users, how operating systems like iOS and Android differ, and what phone features to look out for in 2011 and beyond.  A light lunch will be provided during the discussion.

All faculty and staff members are welcome, but seats are limited, so please register at www.scranton.edu/ctleregistration (under Technology On Your Own Terms).

Technology On Your Own Terms in Spring 2011

Each semester, the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence (CTLE) offer a faculty and staff advancement series called Technology on Your Own Terms. The series introduces University faculty and staff to emerging technologies in order to encourage innovation in the workplace and in the classroom. We’re continuing the series in Spring 2011 with three new workshops, all of which will be held in the Library.

The Insider’s Guide to Smartphones
Wednesday, February 16 from 12pm-1pm in WML305

In this session, librarian Kristen Yarmey and technology services analyst Diane Jachimowicz will discuss some of the technology behind smartphones like iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries.  We’ll talk about what terms like 3G, 4G, tethering, and jailbreaking mean in plain English, what sensors like accelerometers and compasses mean for average users, how operating systems like iOS and Android differ, and what phone features to look out for in 2011 and beyond.  A light lunch will be provided during the discussion. (Taught by Kristen Yarmey, Weinberg Memorial Library, and Diane Jachimowicz, IT Services)

The Changing Face of Facebook
Wednesday, March 9 from 1pm-2pm in WML305

If you are a Facebook user, you have probably asked yourself at least once, “Why does Facebook make so many changes to its site?” In this session, librarian Donna Mazziotti will present an overview of the latest wave of changes made to the Facebook user interface. She will also offer a rationale for why Facebook is an ever-evolving tool, as well as reasons why users should embrace Facebook’s mission to always improve its product. After this session, attendees will grow from passive to proactive Facebook users, able to educate themselves about changes made to Facebook as the changes occur. A light lunch will be provided during the discussion. (Taught by Donna Mazziotti, Weinberg Memorial Library)

E-Readers: The Hype and the Facts
Wednesday, April 6 from 11am-3pm in WML305

Nook, Sony, Kindle, iPad, etc.  There are so many e-readers and tablet computers available that it’s getting harder to know which product to choose to fill a certain need.  Want some answers?  Drop in any time during a four hour showcase of e-readers and tablet computers at the Weinberg Memorial Library. Best Buy will have many products on display and provide knowledgeable staff to answer your questions.  You will learn about the Weinberg Memorial Library e-books available for download as well as where you can find free ebooks and how to convert regular documents to ereader formats.  Light refreshments will be served. (With representatives from Best Buy, the Weinberg Memorial Library, and the CTLE)

All faculty and staff members are welcome, but seats are limited, so please register for sessions you plan to attend at www.scranton.edu/ctleregistration (under Technology On Your Own Terms).

Scranton Smartphone Survey

SmartphoneSurvey

Students, check your email – you might have a chance to win an iPad or $500!

A random sample of University of Scranton students have been selected to participate in the Scranton Smartphone Survey, part of a Weinberg Memorial Library research project examining how students use their mobile phones.  Students who complete the 10-15 minute survey will have the opportunity to enter a prize drawing — and one lucky student will win his or her choice of an iPad, a $500 Best Buy gift card, or a $500 Apple Store gift card.

So check your email today to see if you’ve received one of the invitations – you’ll have until October 15 to submit your response.

Questions? Send them to Digital Services Librarian Kristen Yarmey at yarmeyk2@scranton.edu.