I remember a friend of mine from a while ago who had an annoying little saying that he kept in his back pocket at all times. "If it's free, it's for me!" While at the time I thought his over-the-top cheap attitude was quite "tacky" if you will, but when looking to discuss this month's January technology topic, it seems to be the thing in my head.

The truth is--my buddy's saying is quite true when it comes to technology applications that are the most effective. Especially those in student leadership organizations like MASC/MAHS and our members. This month, I'll discuss the web-based free application WallWisher--an app that doesn't just take on one use or identity, but really could be used in a number of different ways. There are two reasons why this is timely;
1.) January is the month that many people identify with organization, record-keeping, and resolutions. It seems as if students and advisers are always looking for new ways to keep track, garner feedback, and get things in motion while not officially in meeting or business.

2.) As an organization, you will be seeing some use of WallWisher within our own site. Why not look into it now? (Examples that are already in place are with the 2012 Adviser's Conference, and the 2012 High School Student State Conference).

As in past technology articles, you know that there is much to be said about a simple app that does not require a login and password (even if it is free). WallWisher is just that--free and without need to register for limited use. The premise: an online "sticky board" where people can post short thoughts (150 characters or less), comment on others, and use a common URL for online collaboration.

You may think "why would I possibly need something like this?" However, after a bit of thought, I'm sure that your mind can be filled possibilities.
An online ride sharing board.

. Below is a brief "how-to" on the use and creation of a WallWisher URL. Check it out, and as always feel free to send questions or suggestions of how others may implement this to todd@mascmahs.org. (Click the images to enlarge!)

Using WallWisher

The front page for the main WallWisher site (www.wallwisher.com), is remarkably simple. You can look at a sample of another wall, watch a demo video, or get right into building your own. To start, click "build a wall" in the third blue column.

Building Your Wall

Building your wall should take no more than 5 minutes, if you have your name and photo ready to go. The questions and data that WillWisher will ask for includes:

• A identifying picture or logo (.jpg, .png, or .gif with a maximum size of 512 KB). TIP: Have a Facebook profile picture for yourself, organization, or event? This should work fine! WallWisher also supplies a limited supply of stock images if you cannot find one that works.
• A theme, or color scheme selection from their options
• Your name and email, so that WallWisher may send you notifications about your wall.
• A title for your page (simply click the text at the top of the page to re-write).

A personal URL for your wall. For example; if this was Lansing Middle School leadership we may call it "lansingleadership" in the URL bar.

• Answers to the questions asked based on your preference. NOTE: Our experience with having "monitored" posts has not been good. Delays in sending the wall administrator notifications about the posts slows down the ability for people to use your wall

This page will not let you submit until ALL information is complete, accurate, and within the specifications.

Click on the green checkmark in the lower right hand side of the page when you are ready to submit. It's that simple!

Once your wall is built, you can post your URL anywhere! Put it on event websites, share it on social media, email it to your participants--ANYONE can participate in the conversation on WallWisher. Flash is required for the interactivity (i.e. to add new posts) so using certain tablets and phones may only allow the user to view the wall, rather than posting a sticky.

Double click anywhere to add your message, populate the fields, and then feel free to move your stickies around as needed. The wall administrator OR the original poster may remove their content anytime.

If you have suggestions or resources that are your favorite--that others may learn from in a future publication or presentation, we'd love to hear from you! Send your suggestions or feedback to todd@mascmahs.org. Have a great season in student activities!