Every week in the pages of Time and Newsweek, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and daily in newspapers and on television we are reminded how fast Information Technology is changing ... and how it is impacting our professional and personal lives.

This week's breakthrough discovery is next week's new wireless communications tool. Today we just talk on our cell phones ... tomorrow we probably will be able to use them to read and send e-mail, maintain our schedule of events and personal telephone directory, send instant messages, give a quiz, participate in an Internet chat session, or even watch a video clip ... just using just our cell telephone!

Here at K-State, the professionals in our various Information Technology units are working daily to bring the best of these new Information Technology tools to the University's faculty and students.

K-State Information Technology Showcase

Tuesday, April 16, in the K-State Union Courtyard, you can see what's new at KSU this Spring...

The "Information In Motion" (IIM) team -- which is comprised of K-State "educator/technologists" -- will present their view that once information enters the digital domain, it transforms ... and is transformed by ... its new digital environment.

The IIM team likes to use the bicycle as a metaphor for the digital data phenomena, pointing out that a bicycle at rest doesn't manifest its "bicycle-ness" ... it's not until a rider mounts a bicycle, pushes off, and begins to pedal and steer that a bicycle becomes, well, really useful. Similarly, data, narration, diagrams, stories, paintings, charts, music, concepts, explanations, pictures and other forms of information become transformed into something new when they are "set in motion" by moving into the digital environment.

The IIM team will present a series of concepts, educational strategies, and multimedia techniques that demonstrate how information in the digital domain -- "Information In Motion" -- can facilitate developing new learning strategies that help learners.

The IIM team also will demonstrate how new software and personal computer hardware, multimedia technologies (including CD-ROM and DVD), and the Internet can be combined to help educators create useful educational resources that optimize the "Information In Motion" characteristics of digital data.

The IDEA Center provides services related to the assessment and improvement of faculty and administrator performance, including systems to evaluate teaching, department chairs, deans, and other higher education administrators. The IDEA-Student Ratings of Instruction system can also be used for program assessment purposes. All rating instruments can now be administered online. They will have information on their services as well as a display of some of the evaluation systems that they have developed, especially their online evaluation of teaching, and the administrative evaluation tools.

Data and Information Administration will have information on the continued development of the Information Integration Initiative. Much progress has been made in bringing K-State's data management into an ever increasing, user-friendly and secure 21st Century work and education age. DIA will display a working real-time "Person's" database, a working prototype of some of the things possible with a more integrated data environment. Information on current operations and future developments will be available.

The CNS Technology Service Center will present information on their custom built computer systems. Whether you need high quality audio or video cards, DVD, multiple hard drives, high-end processor capability, etc. the Technology Service Center is willing to put together a system that suits your needs. They also service computer systems for a competitive rate.

Also, the CNS Technology Service Center will display a Pentium 4 computer built in-house for examination. Also showing, a CD-ROM burner, TV tuner, and dual video displays, one a CRT and the other a flat panel LCD screen. A new ELMO 7000 visual presenter (just like the ones in K-State's Technology Classrooms) will be featured.

The Web Accessibility booth features consultation and assistance with making your web site accessible for individuals with disabilities. You will be able to learn more about "tags" and other tools for making images, abbreviations, and tables accessible for all visitors to your web site(s). Experienced Web Developers will be on hand from 10-6 to handle your questions and offer their expertise.

TELENET 2 and the Division of Continuing Education will have staff on hand to discuss distance education program development. Information will be available on what is currently offered through distance education and the services that can be provided to faculty and staff in the development and delivery of courses, degree programs and professional development opportunities.

K-State Online is a course management system designed to deliver an interactive web-based classroom to students. K-State Online extends and enhances K-State course instruction enabling students with time and geographic restrictions to take advantage of the flexibility of learning over the Internet.

The Survey System is an easy to use, flexible web based survey creation tool, which is designed to poll, assess, report and analyze the participant's thoughts, feelings and opinions. With the flexibility of this system the possibilities are endless.

Both K-State Online and the Survey System are collaborative efforts across Kansas State University, and are made up of a dedicated professional staff of programmers, developers, and student assistants, who are knowledgeable experts in the development of eLearning.

The Telecommunications booth will feature K-State's cable TV service, a video streaming server that can replay lectures, class reviews, sports programs, etc. Useful office applications on display will include a demonstration of voice mail message manager, video conferencing (connected to the K-State Salina campus), and wireless headsets that can be connected to analog or digital phones for people to try out.

CNS Network Technologies will display the latest in wireless internet access at K-State. From one of the "Most Wired" campuses un the nation, CNS Network Technologies is leading the way for K-State to become one of the most UN-wired (wireless) campuses. Learn about other improvements to LAN and WAN services at K-State, and explore the mobility wireless systems provide.

At the K-State Technology Showcase will be a Gateway Wireless Lab. The wireless lab features a 16, 24, or 30 bay configuration with a wireless access point, room for a networked printer, and space for the laptop options suitable for a variety of performance needs. It is a virtual portable classroom using the latest in wireless technology making uniform delivery of digital instruction convenient and flexible. Stop by and see the display (and maybe a cow or two.)

The iTAC will feature information and on a Media Development Center for faculty, staff and students at K-State. Free Norton Anti-virus software will be available. Also featured will be a digitally captured display of video editing equipment available for use by faculty and staff (and soon to be available for students) in the iTAC. Information on computer recycling, scanning facilities and much more will be available in the iTAC booth. A 3.5 pound LCD projector and an IBM Think Pad will be on display.

Libraries have always been places where people go to obtain information. The information age has not changed that. Stop by and see what a versatile tool the Library still is in the 21st Century. KSU Libraries Virtual Reference Pilot Project will feature a live chat reference help session from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

This exhibit will demonstrate the "Live Chat Reference Service" currently offered as a trial service by Hale Library. Students, faculty and staff can log in to this service during operating hours and receive reference help in "real time" via the Internet from the librarian on duty. This service is available during limited hours this semester and uses LiveAssistance software

Academic Systems, a provider of Active Content modules in math, writing skills, biology economics, business and chemistry will be on hand to display all the services and innovative content they provide. Academic Services serves several institutions of higher learning in Kansas with the delivery and creation of digital learning opportunities in a variety of media.

Smarthinking provides real-time online tutoring services for distance learners. Smarthinking provides tutoring services in a variety of subjects and provides access to helpful online resources. Smarthinking serves students across the State of Kansas.

As always, this Spring's Technology Showcase is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Services and Technology (VPAST) ... and all of K-State's Information Technology units, centers, and offices.

Thousands of people a day stop by the K-State Student Union ... be one of those thousands to drop by the Courtyard sometime during the day this coming Tuesday.