Student Technology Center builds collection, teaches techniques

By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant

Oakland University’s Student Technology Center (STC) recently enhanced its equipment collection with new Flip Ultra HD video cameras and several laptops to help students meet their academic and personal goals. The cameras were acquired last April and tested by students over the summer, according to Brandon Bernier, director of the STC.

“We are always striving to get more technology into the hands of students,” said Bernier. “We want to make technology easier to use and these cameras seemed like a natural fit.”

Bernier touts the cameras for their simplicity, noting that the user-friendly devices, roughly the size of an iPod, can record directly to a hard drive without using a tape. Built-in software allows users to publish high-definition videos on YouTube and easily integrate them into PowerPoint presentations.

Students can utilize this technology for a wide range of endeavors, including class projects, marketing videos and promotions for student organizations, according to Bernier. He noted that faculty members have already held workshops to help students incorporate the technology into class presentations.

The STC also recently added five Dell Latitude E5500 laptop computers featuring Microsoft Vista, Microsoft Office and a series of other Web-based applications.

Additionally, the STC will host Apple Day from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15. The event will kick off with a half-hour tutorial on how to use a Mac computer. Attendees may bring their own computer or use one provided by the STC. Another workshop planned for November will teach participants how to use various Mac-based applications, including iLife, iPhoto, iVideo, as well as DVD and audio editing programs. Both workshops are free and open to all OU students, faculty and staff on a walk-in basis.

“We are finding that more and more students are buying Apple computers and Apple products,” Bernier said. These workshops are a great opportunity for the campus community to learn more about these technologies.”

The STC offers students the opportunity to sit down for a one-on-one mentoring session with a staff member who will guide them in learning how to use various software applications, including Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, Photoshop Elements and multiple versions of Microsoft Office Suite. Students can schedule an appointment with an STC mentor or stop by during operating hours to meet with an available staff member.

Located on the lower level of the Oakland Center in Room 44, the STC provides onsite access to PC computers, Mac computers, color laser-printing, CD and DVD-burning and photo scanners. In addition, students can check out equipment, including Tablet PCs, digital cameras, digital camcorders and tripods for varying time periods.

For more information, visit the STC Web site at oakland.edu/stc, call (248) 370-4832 or contact stc@oakland.edu.