The UCF Technology Commons will celebrate its first anniversary on campus Jan. 14-18 with programs scheduled each day for visitors. Technology-focused programming has been created by UCF staff and partners such as Apple, Dell, HP, Microsoft and Adobe.
The opening of UCF’s newest computer lab has provided the UCF community with a greater degree of technology resources than that of a traditional computer lab and is being examined for replication in universities nationwide.
Students have been provided access to “smart” collaborative study rooms that include smart technology and internet access for group work, 14 iMacs with the Adobe Production Suite, more than 80 Dell PCs with Microsoft Office and SPSS, a video recording lab that allows students to create and edit HD video projects, a student support desk that provides face‐to‐face diagnostics, Wi-Fi setup, and student PC/smartphone repair check‐in. Also, a fully operational Apple and Dell certified technology repair center, technology charging lockers, plenty of seating and charging stations, UCF’s Technology Product Center that provides student pricing or below on hardware, software and accessories, and a variety of free classes and seminars.
Apple will be on campus Monday, Jan. 14, to provide two seminars to students and staff on using iBooks Author and iTunes U for self‐publication and study materials. The staff and faculty seminar will be 10 a.m. in Tech Commons 1, Room 102B. The student seminar will be at 2 p.m. in the same location. Seats are limited to 30 participants per session and will be filled through online registration.
During this event, the Technology Product Center will introduce “below education” pricing on in-store Apple MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Minis for the back‐to‐school season. Students, staff, and faculty can save an additional 2 percent on all MacBook, iMac, and Mac Minis with all personal, nonpayroll-deduction purchases. All departmental purchases are excluded from this sale.
Microsoft will sponsor a dance party in the Bring‐Your‐Own‐Device Lounge on Jan. 15 from 6 to 8:45 p.m. This event is focused on Knights meeting Knights, and participants are encouraged to socialize and dance with Dance Central 3.
Dell will be hosted at the center on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Those interested in the latest Dell computing devices such as the XPS 13 Ultrabook, XPS 12 touchscreen laptop, and the XPS 10 tablet can get a hands-on experience with the technology.
The Tech Commons will kick off its three-part intermediate Adobe Photoshop series on Thursday, Jan. 17. Starting with photo restoration, this series is free and open to all current UCF student, staff, and faculty.
Classes are created with the hobbyist in mind, focusing on quick projects that explore the various features of Adobe Photoshop. The class is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Tech Commons 1, Room 102B. A beginner’s class will also be introduced into the program in the middle of the semester.
The Technology Product Center will offer a 10 percent discount on all Adobe products Jan. 17.
At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, Sony Pictures will screen its new movie Total Recall in the Bring-Your-Own-Device Lounge. A representative from Sony will be on hand to hand out goodies. Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks.
The Technology Commons also has new donation drop-off location for Knights Helping Knights Pantry to help strengthen ties between the Technology Commons and the UCF community.
Technology Commons is between the John C. Hitt Library and the theatre building on UCF’s main campus.
More information about the center can be found at the Technology Commons website