Stories

Stories Every good presentation requires a healthy dose of storytelling. Here are a few stories that will connect with the presentation.

Chris Avenir - A Ryerson University student who created a facebook group to complete an assignment in chemistry. the professor asked that the assignment be completed individually. When the prof discovered the group, the university threatened to expel Avenir. The university eventually backed down after the school community expressed outrage towards the university and support for Chris. The incident demonstrates the old-model of learning`s incompatibility with new technology and new social habits.

Mark Zuckerberg - In 2004, a student at Harvard University was panicking because he hadn`t studied for an upcoming exam. Not alone had he not studied, he didn`t even attend class. Instead of attending the art history course, he was busy creating a computer program. To study, Mark decided to create a website where he posted pictures of the course paintings and a bit of information about them. Within 24 hours, the brief description turned into a fully-developed, intelligent discussion about the paintings and their significance. All the classmates that helped, including Mark, passed with flying colours. The professor`s response - which I might add is a very important part of this story - was positive; he was "very pleased". (Tapscott, Don //Grown Up Digital)//

Slinky - Story of the slinky as failed spring turned very successful toy. Story parallels web 2.0 technology as uses are being discovered.