EXPLORING EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY WITH MARY BETH EUSTICE

ISAAC FLATER

Marketing Specialist

As time progresses, computers and other digital technologies become increasingly important to the way the world operates. For people with learning differences, these innovative technologies can be both overwhelming as well as exciting tools to help us be more effective. At the SALT Center, we recognize the pros and cons posed by the latest technological innovations and strive to help students navigate them in a way that works best for their individual needs.

Since 2013, Mary Beth Eustice has served as the SALT Center’s dedicated educational technology specialist, working to train students, tutors, and staff to become familiar with the best digital tools at our disposal.

At the start of each semester, Mary Beth hosts a series of “Gear Up” workshops to help new students hit the ground running. Mary Beth explains, “College students often find themselves ambushed by due dates and unread emails. Digital organization is critical to success. Our Gear Up workshops teach students how to transform their laptop into a productive workspace. Gear Ups show students how to set up course folders, transfer due dates to their Outlook calendars, bookmark campus sites, organize their university email, and navigate Brightspace (the U of A learning management system).”

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After those workshops, students are encouraged to schedule one-on-one appointments with Mary Beth to explore other tools which can help them with their classes and organization. These include things like:

• Note Taking & Reading Apps
• AI Tools
• Mind Mapping
• Digital Organization
• Installing useful software licensed through the university
• Navigating U of A online platforms such as Brightspace, TracCloud, & Zoom

Mary Beth can also train students on how to access and operate some of the technology that is integrated into our learning spaces at the SALT Center. These include things like our Collaboration Stations, Tech Bar with options for dual screens, and our 3D touchscreen.

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