Showcase to feature NIU's technology innovations

by Lesli Groth

NIU faculty and staff are using leading-edge technology to teach today's students, and their latest integrative efforts will be displayed at Showcase 2002: Technology for Learning.

The showcase will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Holmes Student Center.

"Showcase 2002 is one of the major events on campus that brings everyone together for a common purpose, and that purpose is the celebration of teaching with technology," said Laura Miller, showcase coordinator and informational technology coordinator for the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center (FDIDC).

The showcase also will feature a Vendor Fair, where more then 20 vendors will display their latest computer and technology-related products and services. Some of the vendors include Apple Computer, Blackboard Inc., Gateway Business, Syntax Media, Verizon Wireless and CDW Government Inc.

Many prizes will be given away throughout the day, including software t-shirts and gift certificates to local restaurants. Department chairs in attendance will be eligible to win an office chair, donated by K.I. Furniture, and secretaries in attendance will be eligible to win a DYMO LabelWriter. The grand prize will be a reserved parking pass for a full-time faculty or Supportive Professional Staff member.

The 2002 Web Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. in the Capitol Room. Awards will be given in the following categories: Best Educational Web Site, Best Use of Graphics or Multimedia in a Web Site, Best Navigational Architecture, Best Interactive Web Site and Most Fun.

"The showcase is being organized collaboratively by FDIDC, Information Technology Services, the Office of Public Affairs, University Libraries, Document Services and several academic and support units at NIU," said Murali Krishnamurthi, FDIDC director. "This event is a good example of the collaboration needed among campus units to promote technologies and use them effectively in teaching, research and service."

For more information, contact Miller at 753-3239 or visit the Web site http://www.niu.edu/showcase. The showcase is open to the public and admission is free. The event is sponsored in part by Pepsi Cola General Bottlers, Inc.