Presenting Resonating Research: Learning How to Use Digital Media and Applications for Influential Electronic Communications

Overview: Social workers need to present information that promotes change, facilitates understanding, and demonstrates knowledge. This workshop will provide social workers with instruction on presenting their research and other pertinent information using a variety of technology tools to create and deliver powerful messages to colleagues, students, and consumers.   Objectives:    1. Participants will be able to identify and locate appropriate digital media and applications relevant to their specific presentation and documentation needs. 2. Participants will be able to create presentations using at least one of the technology tools presented in this workshop to convey information to their desired audience. 3. Participants will demonstrate an understanding of how color, font, images, and video play an integral role in telling a story that engages their audiences.   Proposal: Social workers are often called upon to present research and other information to students, colleagues, policymakers, and society at large. It is easy for social workers to become overwhelmed with the vast array of technology available, as well the finding the time and means to navigate these resources. However, not accessing these tools is simply not an option in today's technologically advanced society. Social work has been slow to embrace and utilize technology, risking the profession's growth and ability to create meaningful interdisciplinary collaborations and impactful connections. 

This workshop seeks to address the Grand Challenge of harnessing technology for social good by 1) educating social workers on the technology tools that are available to them to create meaningful content, 2) providing basic instruction on using these tools, and 3) exploring the different aspects involved in creating powerful, meaningful, and relevant content.   Participants will have an opportunity to experience and practice using the technology tools as they are presented in the workshop while identifying next steps to utilize this technology after they leave this workshop.