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Tech Fest 2014 (April 30) at Western Illinois University will feature breakout sessions that highlight how technology impacts education and business, as well as examine technological tools people use in both areas. The event, slated from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Horrabin Hall, will also feature a keynote address, "Why Mobility Matters," and a Technology Showcase.
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Tech Fest 2014 April 30 in Horrabin Hall

April 21, 2014


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MACOMB, IL – This year, Tech Fest at Western Illinois University will feature breakout sessions that highlight how technology impacts education and business, as well as examine technological tools people use in both areas. Sponsored by Citizens Bank (Macomb, IL) and the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) at WIU, the 2014 event is set from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 in Horrabin Hall, and offers individuals who attend a chance to win an iPad.

The theme for Tech Fest 2014 is "Back to the Beginning," and the format for the event, specifically the breakout sessions, will be similar to earlier iterations of Tech Fest.

"Our format for Tech Fest this year is similar to the format — with breakout sessions and a keynote address — of the event when it first began several years ago," said Dana Moon, director of development, marketing and community relations in COEHS. "A Technology Showcase will also run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. outside of Horrabin Hall, room 1. In addition, Wellness Wednesday tables and the registration table for individuals to pick up their tickets to enter for a chance to win an iPad will be outside the COEHS Dean's Office (Horrabin 117)."

The winner of the iPad will be announced at 1 p.m. in Horrabin Hall 78, and individuals must be present to win. The Tech Fest 2014 schedule/sessions, keynote address topic and Technology Showcase participants are listed below.

For more information, visit www.wiu.edu/coehs/tech_fest/ or contact Moon at (309) 298-1690 or via email at DM-Moon@wiu.edu.

COEHS Tech Fest 2014 Schedule

11 a.m.-noon Breakout Sessions

  • Using an iPad for Teaching and Learning, Apple, Inc., Horrabin Hall 59
  • Integrating Technology into the Classroom at WIU, Horrabin Hall 78
  • Global Education and Technology: Mentor and Novice Teachers Connecting with Classrooms Around the World in WIU Education Field Work, Horrabin Hall 104
  • The New iTunesU (by Chad Dennis from the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research), Horrabin Hall 83
  • Macomb Food Co-Op, Horrabin Hall 3
  • McDonough Telephone Cooperative, Horrabin Hall 60

Keynote Presentation
Noon-1 p.m. – "Why Mobility Matters," by an Apple, Inc., Representative

Mobile pedagogy represents a fundamental shift in content access and the role of the traditional classroom. This is not about technology fads or the latest gadgets. This is about facing the challenges and maximizing the possibilities of a connected classroom. In addition to exploring the dynamics of a mobility-based education paradigm, we will examine the practical implementation of strategies, hardware and support necessary to improve learning opportunities.

Technology Showcase Participants
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Wellness Wednesday — Featuring wellness apps, Horrabin Hall 117 (just outside COEHS Dean's Office)
  • uTech Computer Store — John Louden, displaying the latest in computer and tablet technology
  • COEHS Instructional Development Services — Allie Muur, graduate assistant recreation, park and tourism administration, will present "How Can Instructional Development Services Assist You?" Muur will share information about equipment checkout options, one-on-one and small-group technology training, multimedia workstations and ways COEHS ID Services can assist students with technology use at WIU.
  • uTech Support Center — Bev Baker, "Getting Help at WIU Featuring Western's KB and Chat with a Support Center Technician." Baker will share information about services provided to WIU students, faculty and staff through the uTech Support Center located in Stipes Hall 126. Baker will highlight Western's Knowledgebase, (www.wiu.edu/kb) and the "Chat with a Support Center Technician" services.
  • uTech Desktop and Hardware Services — Matthew Clark (uTech) will demonstrate some of the latest Dell Hardware systems, including the Latitude e7440 Ultrabook, Venue Pro 11 Tablet and the Optiplex 9010, all in one computer. He will also provide an iTALC classroom monitoring software demonstration.
  • uTech Classroom Support Services — Doug Menke and Nannette Lawrence (uTech) will demonstrate some of uTech's latest technology implementations including AdobeConnect web conferencing, Polycom Real Presence and an Epson Interactive Projector.
  • Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research (CITR) — Staff from CITR will be available to explain how they can assist you with your WesternOnline questions, as well as with faculty electronic resources provided by CITR.
  • Adobe — Ryan Dietz
  • Technology Lock Demo — Greg Patterson

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing