Claire Hickey, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse

Claire Hickey, a sophomore at UW-La Crosse studying therapeutic recreation with a minor in psychology, wants to one day work with children or war veterans with disabilities. When she started school almost two years ago, Claire didn’t even realize that therapeutic recreation existed. She also didn’t realize the potential of educational technology in her classes.

"When I gave a final presentation on Mediasite, it was the first time I was recorded giving a speech, and also the first time I was introduced to that type of technology," she said. "I remember being a nervous wreck the day I had to give my presentation. I was so nervous when it was my turn to speak my friend sitting next to me had to give me a little nudge to get out of my seat."

The next semester she was in front of the camera once again during a speech class. This time she was more prepared for the technology. She took advantage of the ability to watch her recorded speeches, critique herself and make improvements for next time.

"I am grateful for the experience with Mediasite. I know I would never have been able to do this without the technology, and I guarantee I would have never gotten the grade I did in speech class without it," she said.