Meet Shane Klein
Earlier this year, the Office of the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (Information Services & Technology) received a record-breaking number of nominations for the 2020 IT Awards. We are excited to recognize the individuals who were nominated and the important contributions they make everyday at the University of Alberta.
Shane Klein works as a coordinator and media technician at Technologies in Education (TechinEd), helping faculty with a variety of media related technical requests.
We spoke with Shane to learn more about his role and what motivates him.
What does a day-in-the-life look like in your position?
I work with many faculty members. It could be filming their lecture, or helping them build content in their e-Class courses. We help faculty with all Media related technical needs, but it could be as simple as loading an app onto 30 ipads for their class, or helping them get their computer fixed. I could be filming Earthworms, a Paint class, or live streaming a Dean's event to 200 people. I just never really know what might happen in a day. I enjoy all of it and especially if it is going to enrich learning in the classroom.
What’s one thing you’re working on now, and why is it important?
Getting courses online for delivery, supporting virtual classrooms/live sessions. The importance of this is self evident. I believe we are a first class institution, and students deserve first class content and delivery. Gone is the day where we can stand in front of a classroom and talk for 2 hours. Courses need interactive content, and other strong resources to support the class especially if the course is to be blended or asynchronous. To be bold: my department makes this happen, and I get to be a big part of it.
What have you worked on since joining the university that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the staff I work with. We program, build websites, teach the teachers, hold training sessions, film and build media resources, and are the main source of equipment rentals and purchases for the Faculty of Ed. Without this service the quality of teaching and learning would suffer.
Why did you pursue a career in IT?
It was all by chance. I started teaching Business Applications with Bow Valley College while taking my Media and Comms training. My family then moved to Red Deer where I worked with the Centre for Teaching and Learning. I have always enjoyed technology with the ability to translate it into simple terms.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
I wish I knew more about programming.
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
Adobe Lightroom, Weather Can, and Adobe Capture.
Anything else you'd like to share?
It is easy to do your job when you like it. I like waking up in the morning excited about the day and who I will help. When I get overwhelmed with projects and don't know which way to turn, I just begin. It is the best way to get something done.
Shane Klein was nominated for an IT Award earlier this year for support provided to the Faculty of Education and his work supporting media technology for the Physical Education curriculum, running red chair sessions and workshops for students on differing technologies, and professionalism in his work.