Idea Center

Staff idea session

We are surrounded by ideas everyday. People dream about or generate ideas to reduce difficult tasks, to save time, to add comfort, and to solve problems. But how do we capture these abstract ideas, cultivate them and turn them into a tangible product, a useable system or an improved process? The Idea Center uses proven brainstorming techniques to address and generate fresh alternatives.

The Idea Center staff and students...

  • Are constantly in touch with faculty who are considered early adopters of technology at MSU
  • Can provide input on the minds and needs of students enrolled at MSU
  • Organize brainstorming sessions to develop new ideas
  • Approach problems with an open mind
  • Incorporate technology into traditional and hybrid courses

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Technology Tools

Student on his laptop near the Red Cedar River

Each semester faculty are learning about and discovering new tools for communicating with students. With so many available the first step is to pick the appropriate tools for your course. IVS staff can help advise you by reviewing your communication objectives. First consider a few questions - what do you want to communicate to your students, how often, and how much interaction are you seeking?

Take a moment to review the topic areas and tools listed below. This may help you to begin thinking about innovative ways to incorporate new tools into your course.

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What tools should you use for your course?

  1. Review the list of current technology tools below
  2. Meet with the Idea Center staff to explore ways to integrate these tools into your course

Social Networking Tools

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Myspace
  • LinkedIn
  • Bebo
  • Tumblr
  • Flickr
  • Del.icio.us

Cell Phones

  • Calls vs. Texting vs. Email
  • iPhone/Smart Phones
  • Applications
  • Blackberry
  • Update Online Services Like Twitter/Facebook
  • Skype

Computers

  • Desktop
  • Laptop
  • Netbook
  • iTouch
  • Blackberry/Palm

Media Players

  • iTouch
  • iPod
  • PSP
  • Video and Audio Players
  • last.fm
  • Pandora

Web Skill Set

  • Web Design
  • Wordpress
  • Application Development
  • CSS/Java/JavaScript/Flash/HTML/PHP
  • Adobe Air

Collaboration Tools

  • Wikis
  • Group Blogs
  • Geotagging

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