In my previous life, I worked at IBM as a Personal Computing Sales Representative. It was 1999 and the brink of Y2K. A student myself, I knew everything about personal computers (PCs) and I remember selling a majority to parents who needed to buy a laptop or computer for their kids entering University. At that time, using a computer in the classroom was a shift in the way students learned and completed their work. Since then, the need and use of technology in the classroom has only increased.
My IBM days… where John and I met!
I recently had an opportunity to meet with some very inspiring and hard-working students who are using their talents and knowledge to advance personally and professionally with the aid of technology as part of their tool box. From a group of students collaborating on an innovate sticker that provides children with medication directly through their skin (no needle involved) to a passionate performer who relies on technology to bring her creativity to life, these students are ready to help others do great things as they head back to school!
LIFE LESSONS
When I asked them to share with me what they would tell their younger selves, I received some amazing responses. Their advice included embracing technology at an early age, not being afraid to fail, focusing on both progression and end goals, finding the right balance and sticking to your passions. Such sage and wise advice, most of which I only figured out myself a few years ago.
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY
The one thing that unites all of these great students is that they have all integrated Microsoft technology in their day-to-day lives and in their studies to help them get ahead and achieve their goals.
Alyssa DiMarco, who is heading into her final year of the Vocal Performance masters program at University of Toronto, noted how technology has streamlined the way she practices singing through the use of Surface Pro 4 and StaffPad, a music notation application. Using this PC and technology makes it more efficient and effective to review her performance and enhance her skills. She’s able to share her performance with her coach for immediate feedback even if they may be physically apart.
Another great feature is Microsoft OneNote. Thomas Walton uses OneNote to multitask and share his ideas with his partner who is based in a different province. OneNote is like taking pen (or highlighter) to paper, but all on your laptop. It also makes it easier to collaborate with others who many not be physically present with you. Through OneNote, everyone can see the notes, pictures and highlights that you are making so they don’t need to guess what you’re talking about.
Most importantly for parents is Skype! Keep in touch with your kids while they’re away at school through video chats. I use this to keep in touch with my friends overseas.
Microsoft Discount Code for Students
Get your Back-to-school shopping done with some help from Microsoft. Purchase the Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, HP Spectre x360, ASUS Zenbook UX360 or Dell XPS 13 at 10% off at MicrosoftStore.ca/Education
Click on each of the students names to find out more about how they leverage technology to succeed! Ibby Abouelenein, Alyssa DiMarco, Tiffany Thompson, Zack Koa, Thomas Walton, Jay Douglas and AVRO Life Sciences.
Being able to highlight text on the screen would have been huge when I was in university.
I think my advice to myself would be to have confidence and to continue to allow myself to dream!
My advice would be to know that school isn’t the only place to learn. Seeing the world, experiencing new cultures and customs, making tracks on your own…these are all just as valuable and help make you a worldly, well-rounded individual.
Love this!
We’re big fans of the Surface over here- my husband LOVES it!! 🙂
I think my advice would be to not take life so seriously and enjoy the time you have with loved ones. I am very interested in the surface pro because of what you mentioned here regarding the vocal performance student. My daughter sings and acts. This could help her to rehearse and practice. That’s useful. Also – I would tell myself to save money earlier in life if at all possible and trust my instincts.
I would tell myself that anything thing is possible, it might take a few steps but you will eventually get there
I would tell my younger student self to work hard.
love that throwback pic! i would tell my younger self to keep taking chances and following my dreams, being young and free is the time to explore and discover!
I would tell my younger self to take more risks.
I’d tell her not to worry so much!
I would tell myself to study!
I would have got into my profession sooner and taken courses in school that would have helped me with it. Listen to my parents more too 😉
I would of told myself to not be afraid to follow my dreams and don’t worry about what others thought.
I only had a laptop to bring to class for the last year of school. It was a great help in taking notes.
I would tell my younger self to save some $$$$ for rrsp’s
i would say work hard and achieve your dreams..nothing is impossible!
I would tell my younger self to work harder and focus more on the end goal
I love OneNote a great way to keep me organized, So many great apps available now to keep you connected and organized. A must for students who are away from home.
Oh man, if OneNote was available back then, I’d have saved SO MUCH on not needing highlighters, lol.
I would have told my younger self to not worry about what others thought of my education plans and just go for what I thought was best; it’s my life to move forward. Would have saved a lot of headaches, sweat and tears from doing something that I didn’t love, just to keep my parents happy.
My advice to my younger self would be to do want you want, not what others expected of you.
I would have told my younger self to be more confident and don’t worry what others think!
My advice to my younger self would be to follow through with your dream and believe in yourself.
My advice would be to not spread yourself out too thinly. Instead of pulling three all-nighters, then being in rough shape for an exam on the fourth day, take a break. Get some rest…before you go insane from driving yourself too hard. The body – and mind – can only take so much before you burn out. It’s all about balance.
Technology has done such an amazing thing in my life in a short period of time. I am so excited to see how it will be used when my 4 year old starts school in a couple of weeks. 🙂
I love the way it works with a stylus. Being able to highlight on the screen is brilliant. It will be interesting to see what things look like in ten years, when my daughter will be at the right age to start University.