Technology plays an important part in almost everyone’s life — particularly with students. Whether it’s checking on emails, typing up reports or going to Blackboard.com to see what the latest assignments are, the need for technology is something upon which most of us depend.

However, the very nature of technology focuses on its constant evolution, and with that evolution, people should learn and understand what new innovations are available to them.

To help students learn what is available, Director of Learning Services, Brian Duggan is hosting California State University, Stanislaus’s 11th Annual Technology Fair. The event will take place on the Stanislaus campus in the Mary Stuart Rogers (MSR) administration building on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We started this way back when as a way to showcase technology that can be used in teaching and learning to faculty, staff and students,” Duggan said when asked why he felt the fair was important. “Not everyone gets to travel and go to big, fancy trade shows.”

Vendors set up booths to show off new hardware such as laptops or software available to students that can be used to increase the ease of learning or productivity with their class work and studying. By filling out fliers at the door, attendees can also be entered into a drawing for prizes during the fair.

Duggan looks forward to having as much success this year as CSU Stanislaus has had in previous Technology Fairs. An example of popular technology put on display in the past include devices like a portable planetarium that projects an interactive image of the universe on a spherical screen.

Another popular exhibit came from the nursing faculty who brought a simulated patient, which is a mannequin used to simulate a real-life patient with realistic responses. Artificial pulse, respiration and other bodily functions allow nursing students to learn how the body reacts to certain treatments.

The scheduling of the Technology Fair allows for faculty and students alike to stop by, if only for a little bit to see what new and innovative gadgets and software are available to help make life easier. Regardless of whether you’re learning, teaching or both, the CSU Stanislaus Technology Fair has something for everyone who’s looking forward to seeing what the next great innovation is.

“As long as we use technology, it’s going to constantly evolve and change, which means the nature of the tech fair is going to constantly evolve and change,” Duggan said. “How many years should this continue? I think as long as the university is standing and teaching and learning is happening here.”

For more information on the fair, contact Brian Duggan via email at [email protected] or by phone at 209-667-3347.