Page 26 - Campus Technology, October 2017

EDUCATION FUTURISTS
University of Oklahoma
Project: Innovation @ the Edge
With Innovation @ the Edge, the University of Oklahoma Libraries created an inclusive space that connects students to cutting-edge digital learning tools such as virtual reality, 3D printing, software carpentry and microcontrollers. The facility serves as a hub of innovation in the creation and expression of knowledge through the use of technology — available to the university community as well as the public.
Project lead: Matt Cook, emerging technologies coordinator
“The Innovation @ the Edge space is now a regular part of the coursework offered by many colleges across campus. In these cases, faculty are doing more than merely exposing students to emerging technologies — they are incorporating in-depth assignments and modules into teaching that relies upon virtual reality, 3D printing and microcontrollers. This is also Cook important because engagement with the library — along with its spaces, tools and expertise — has become central to the undergraduate experience as a result
of Edge’s success.” — Matt Cook, University of Oklahoma
 Tech lineup: Google Cardboard, Hatchbox, HTC Vive, Leap Motion, Lulzbot, MakerBot, Nvidia, Oculus Rift, Raspberry Pi, Sparkfun
Rochester Institute of Technology
Project: MAGIC Spell Studios
MAGIC Spell Studios is a public/private partnership between Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) and New York State that explores the intersection of digital media, film, games and entrepreneurship, providing advanced technology for education development. It breaks down silos between traditional fields such as arts, engineering and computing, and provides a commercial studio available to students, faculty and staff. By working with industry partners, the studio also aims to boost regional economic development and encourage entrepreneurs to keep their ventures in the state — serving as a connection between startup culture, commercial publishing and academic research.
Project lead: Christopher Egert, chief technology officer, MAGIC Spell Studios and associate professor, School of Interactive Games & Media
“The studio serves as a way to help students, faculty, industry partners and the community at large move ideas from prototype through commercial production, while at the same time working to support the educational goals, creativity and entrepreneurial potential of each student.” — Christopher Egert, Rochester Institute of Technology
 Tech lineup: Adobe, Autodesk, Cisco, Dell, Microsoft, Red Hat, Valve
Reporting by Meg Lloyd and David Raths.4
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CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY | October 2017
OU’s Innovation @ the EDGE space exposes students to virtual reality and other emerging technologies in a hands-on environment.
In 2018, MAGIC Spell Studios will expand into a new building, providing cross-disciplinary research and teaching facilities, a “hacker” space, a virtual reality lab and more.
Courtesy of Rochester Institute of Technology
Courtesy of University of Oklahoma