Emma Kent, Library Services
Prof. Wm Jackson, Educational Technology and
Social Media

What TIGER TALKS Experience Tries to Teach Students of HBCU’s
The motto, “every tiger has a story that needs to be told,”
is shared by Professor William Jackson, instructor and
Emma Kent of Library Services at Edward Waters College.
The Tiger Talks Experience is designed to encourage EWC
students to speak at an informal venue about their passions
as students, share their dreams of future success in their career
choices, speak on life experiences that can help others overcome
challenges and what their talents, skills, and abilities are.

The importance of diversity and engagement to prepare for their future professions and travels.  Modeled after the TEDTALKS and
TEDx that have been ongoing for several years, the TIGER TALKS
Experience is a platform for HBCU students –
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Started in Professor Jackson’s Educational Technology and
Social Media class in the Education and Urban Studies Department.
Professor Jackson wanted a way to expose EWC students to the
dynamic discussions taking place on TEDx and TEDTALKS. The
result is TIGER TALKS Experiences.
There is the hope that this will expand through a collaboration with
other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across
the country and it grows into a national model to teach presentation
skills, the importance of articulation when speaking, research and
writing, blogging, content creation, how to establish a Brand and
even increase the opportunities for HBCU students to network for
jobs, internships and starting careers.

Participants in the first Tiger Talks Experience
Mr. D. Smith Mr. P. Braynen, Mr. W. Heckstall
Mr. J. Gregory  and Prof. Jackson

Blogging is important in the Educational Technology course, students
are required to establish a blog on #WordPress and connect their
Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. This is not for entertainment, but to
teach how influential Social Media and content creation are, to build
a positive dynamic digital presence and manage it like a professional.

The skills of writing, presentation, and articulation are what is lacking
in graduating students across the nation as industry leaders claim.
Writing is vital as a major communication tool in the majority
of business, medicine, commerce and educational careers.
Inside Higher Education
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/01/20/
study-finds-big-gaps-between-student-and-employer-perceptions
In too many cases, students do not have the opportunity to learn how
to speak to large groups, how to present a PowerPoint in a formal
setting and understand the need to be published as they build their
Brands.

Mr. Heckstall aspiring pilot

HBCU institutions must be diligent in making sure that their students
are able to compete in global markets that may take them to foreign
nations where the opportunities may become professionally and financially stable. HBCU institutions must make sure their students
are proficient in writing, presentation skills, blogging online is an
option to teach writing, critical thinking, and higher order thinking
skills. Students of color and culture needs to be prepared because
competition for jobs is fierce.

Mr. D. Smith

NPR Reporting
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/09/133310978/
in-college-a-lack-of-rigor-leaves-students-adrift

This semester’s event has several students and a host of interested
students and faculty in attendance who look forward to speaking in the spring semester. The students were congratulated by provided
door prizes and educational resources directed to scholarships and
internships.

Jon Gregory, WordCamp veteran, EdCamp NASBE
and speaker at TEDxFSCJ Salon

Photos from TTE
http://s1211.photobucket.com/user/williamdjackson/slideshow/
Tiger%20Talks%20Experience

More information can be found by contacting
Prof. William Jackson
william.jackson@ewc.edu @wmjackson Twitter
Emma Kent, Library Services
emma.kent@ewc.edu  Twitter @librariantiger
Edward Waters College
The oldest HBCU in the state of
Florida http://www.ewc.edu/ Twitter @ewctigers