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Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
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March 21, 2012
Susan Banovetz | Director of External Affairs | 218 726-6141| banovetz@d.umn.edu
Christiana Kapsner | UMD Public Relations Assistant | 218 726-8830 | ckapsner@d.umn.edu


TechFest 2012

Innovative technology presented to the public by the UMD community

How do you include captions for videos? How did the Glensheen Historical Archives convert to digital media? How can social media improve student success? UMD students and faculty will answer these questions, and many more, at the annual UMD TechFest on Friday, March 23 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Kirby Student Center Ballroom. A variety of innovative ideas and solutions are organized into 25 booths with over 65 students and faculty who will present new computer applications, technical material, and class projects.

During TechFest, attendees will also be brought up to speed with new Google offerings, the latest iPad applications, and programs that illustrate how technology not only enriches the learning environment, but can also eliminate barriers to education.

"Inclusivity is important," said Joanne Coffin-Langdon, an instructor for the UMD Education Department. "Our booth will showcase how to incorporate captions for videos for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students as well as those with other learning differences. It's a wonderful function to include, even for YouTube and other social media outlets."

Many of the advancements in technology that will be showcased during the fair are initiated, created, and supported by students. The ideas and final products on display are created to improve and enhance the culture of academic success, increasing the outreach potential between students and faculty.

"This is a great opportunity and wonderful chance for people to see the extra research projects and interesting ideas that we're working on," said Jeni Eltink, Director of First Year Experience & Students in Transition. "The UMD on Facebook booth will display how social media can actually help improve student success. It's an excellent tool for all aspects of the campus experience."

The public is welcome to attend this free event, and to enter a number of drawings to win prizes including an Apple TV 1080p, an iPod Nano, and an iPod Shuffle.

For a complete list of the booths and presenters, see http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/etrg/techfest/Presenters.html

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