The Tech Savvy Professor
The Tech Savvy Professor, hosted by Dr. Marty Jencius (Kent State University) and Dr. Eric Perry (Keiser University), are two professors' love for all things technology. TSP will be brief weekly conversations regarding what technology they are currently enjoying. You'll get helpful ideas of great software, apps, and hardware as they can be used in your academic and non-academic life.
Episodes
We’ve all been the “go-to tech person” in our department. Colleagues often ask for help with software or hardware, and while it can feel rewarding, it can also be frustrating. This episode explores how to balance being supportive with keeping your sanity intact.
The 7 Rules for Teaching Colleagues about tech
1. Start with purpose, not features. Ask: “What do you want this to help you do this week?”
2. One task per session. Succe...
Marty and Eric provide ideas and resources for your consideration is using project management software
Why move past email?
Email buries decisions/files in long threads.
Slack (real-time chat + threads) + a project manager (kanban/tasks/timelines) make work visible, searchable, and faster.
Slack is already common in higher ed for communication and collaborative learning; pairing it with a project manager levels up coordination.
...
Just in time for the start of the semester, Marty and Eric talk about ways you can organize and manage your document backups
The Simple Backup Plan (3-2-1)
Rule: 3 copies, 2 types of storage, 1 off-site.
Step-by-step (7 steps)
Make a home base: Create folders: Teaching, Research, Service, Admin.
Turn on encryption: FileVault (Mac) / BitLocker (Win).
Cloud copy (off-site): Save active work inside OneDrive/Google Drive/Box (edu acc...
Eric and Marty talk about how to make virtual meetings effective with students and colleagues
The New Normal – Virtual Office Hours
How virtual office hours are becoming more common post-pandemic.
Benefits: Accessibility for online/hybrid students, schedule flexibility for faculty.
Tech tools that support flexible scheduling (Calendly, Bookings, Google Appointment Slots).
Best practices:
- Set clear boundaries (availability, response...
Marty and Eric speak about the state of AR and VR in education and speculate on the future.
A new computer uses AR glasses to create a 100- inch virtual workspace
https://qz.com/spacetop-g1-first-look-hands-on-ar-vr-1851509236
Project Aura
Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: In-Depth Comparison and Review 2025
https://ts2.tech/en/apple-vision-pro-vs-meta-quest-3-in-depth-comparison-and-review-2025/
<...
Eric and Marty review tips for using reference managers for scholarship and some of the experiences they have had using them.
Getting Started
Pick One & Stick With It
Both tools are excellent—Zotero is known for openness and simplicity, Mendeley integrates tightly with PDFs and is Elsevier-backed. Try both, but avoid switching mid-project.
Install the Browser Connector
The Zotero and Mendeley browser plugins let you grab cit...
Eric and Marty talk about monitors and their office and travel setups for monitors
Eric
Home: https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/monitors/gaming/49-odyssey-oled-g95sc-dqhd-neo-quantum-processor-pro-0-03ms-240hz-curved-smart-gaming-monitor-ls49cg954snxza/
Travel - fits my 17” screen: https://www.amazon.com/siaviala-Portable-Ultra-Slim-Extension-Compatible/dp/B0D3646F12
Marty
Home Office:
Dell 3218HN
https://us.amazon.com/Dell-L...
Marty and Eric talk about their approaches to testing coursework online.
Fun Stuff? - Kahoot!
ProProfs
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/browse
Rubrics
https://www.quickrubric.com/r#/create-a-rubric
Rubrics with ChatGPT
https://blog.tcea.org/how-to-create-a-rubric-with-chatgpt/
ChatGPT
https://chatgpt.com/g/g-KAxQZe7ON-rubric-generator
Quizlet
Classmarker
ClassMarker.com ...
Marty and Eric each speak about how they manage their communications with students and colleagues along with what we wished we could do.
Macstock
Macstockconferenceandexpo.com
ThePodTalk.Net
Eric and Marty speak about devices they use for capturing audio and video when working with clients of sampling their teaching.
Client options for recording
Plaud AI
Samson Portable Mic
https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Mic-Portable-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001R76D42?th=1
DJI Mic Mini
https://www.amazon.com/DJI-Microphone-Ultralight-Detail-Rich-Cancelling/dp/B0DDL8WGH5
RODE wireless GO Gen 3
https://www.amazon...
Eric and Marty talk about the reasons and ways to use VPNs to protect your access to internet.
Topic for this episode : VPNs
Security and Privacy
Look for a strict no-logs policy and strong AES-256 encryption.
Choose VPNs that support secure protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
Essential features: kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Server Network
A large number of servers across many countries ensures better access and speed.
M...
Eric and Marty Join forces again to start up the Tech Savvy Professor once more. This episode features discussion of tech and services we have been relying on since we last braodcast, and Marty talks about wireless mics and upcoming show ideas.
DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case), Wireless Microphone for iPhone/Camera/Android, Ultralight, Detail-Rich Audio, 48h Use, Noise Cancelling, Automatic Limiting, Vlog, Streaming
Marty and Eric reflect on the tech that surprised and inspired them this year with a look toward the future.
YouTube.com/@TechSavvyProfessor
Marty and Eric have suggestions for the requests from family and work requests for help.
See Mac Power Users episode for December 8th 2024
Marty and Eric talk about how to make effective PowerPoint presentations.
5 golden rules of PowerPoint design
10 Tips to Make Your PowerPoint Presentation Effective
17 Tips On How To Write A Professional PowerPoint Presentation
60 Effective PowerPoint Presentation Tips & Tricks
Marty lets Eric in on his mistakes with live-streaming and how he settled on OBS software.
Marty brings up a tech problem for Eric to solve: setting up live streaming for academic projects. This episode addresses the software involved.
Eric and Marty describe two currently hot apps in academic circles, NotebookLM and Slidespeak.
Marty and Eric speak about their use of the Canva app for making designs and artwork
Marty and Eric discuss their methods for dealing with meeting appointments.
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