In this episode of PRobecast, Justin Martell and Caitlin Smith join me in talking about the non-technology friendly Waldorf schools, emoticons and if they are appropriate and the man whose smartphone fits into his prosthetic arm.

Waldorf Schools and How They Teach – While many schools are getting budgets for more and more technology, one school is doing the opposite. The Waldorf schools – which have 160 across the country – teach with physical activity and learning though hands on tasks. What might be even more surprising is that many of the students’ parents’ work in big Silicon Valley tech companies. Are they hindering their children’s education?

Are Emoticons OK in normal conversations? – An article in the NY Times discusses the use of emoticons. Many of those interviewed admit to using them, even in conversations with colleagues, while others are appalled by people who use them. With more and more communication being from emails and text messages, are emoticons appropriate?

A Smartphone Dock in a Prosthetic Arm – A man who was born without his left arm has found a way to still easily and safely use his smartphone. Trevor Prideaux from Somerset, England asked experts to build a prosthetic arm that he could attach his Nokia smartphone into. This is a genius idea in my opinion and I think more companies and people working to help anyone disabled should start thinking about how technology can be incorporated into the designs of their products.

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week the story about the man with the prosthetic arm wins. Not only is his smartphone dock a cool use of technology, it is paving the way that technology can enable those with physical disabilities.

Who do you think should have won?

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