By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Students who would like to expand their technology knowledge beyond the basic functions of the computer now have an on-campus educational resource. The Student Technology Center, which opens Aug. 31, will provide free, hands-on training that students can use in the classroom and their careers.

Located in 40 Oakland Center, across the hall from the Center for Student Activities, the Student Technology Center (STC) provides group technology classes and personal mentors to help students learn about hardware, software and incorporating technology into their lives.

“The Student Technology Center goes beyond e-mail and word processing and allows students to take technology further, yet learn in a comfortable environment at a pace that works for them,” said Brandon Bernier, systems specialist for Student Affairs. “What they learn at the Student Technology Center will not only enrich their academic experience, but prepare them to use the technology in their careers.”

The STC has 11 PCs and four Macintosh computers available for students to explore at large workstations, and lounge chairs and tables for those who would like to learn on their own laptops.

“If they have the software on their laptops, we will train them on their own equipment,” said Bernier.

Students can take advantage of the student mentors and group classes that teach them about Windows XP, OS X, the ILife series, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Premier Elements, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Flash at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The classes and mentor services are free and available by appointment or on a walk-in basis.

While courses on the technology could stretch beyond a semester, the courses at STC are designed to be brief but informative, providing students with completed projects that they can take away and use for future reference.

The STC also teaches students about integrating interactive media into course-related works by allowing students to borrow digital video cameras or still cameras at no charge from the STC for 48 hours to capture media that can be used to enhance projects.

Scanners, CD and DVD burners, fee-based color printers and technology reference books are also available to students in the STC.

“The STC is an instructional education lab—a one-stop shop for technology education on campus,” said Bernier. “Student can bring in assignments and we’ll help them figure out the technology aspect.”

The official grand opening of the STC will be Sept. 13 and festivities will run through much of the day. The grand opening coincides with the opening of the Student Resource Center and the Gender and Sexuality Center. Up until Sept. 12, students can register to win an Ipod Shuffle in the STC’s raffle. The drawing for the Shuffle will occur during the grand opening on Sept. 13.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 1-2 p.m. at the STC, 40 Oakland Center. Desert will be served.

For more information, visit the Student Technology Center Web site or e-mail stc@oakland.edu.