Tuesday, April 10, 2018

UNC Wilmington’s Information Technology Services has opened an interactive space to offer technology and training opportunities for students, faculty and staff.

The campus community will have an opportunity to see Tech Nest in action this week during its opening. The new tech space, located in the Fisher University Union in room 1002 (formerly B1NAR1ES), is designed to inspire and encourage creativity and collaboration through the combination of new technologies, said Sharyne Miller, the university’s chief information officer.

“ITS considers Tech Nest a showcase, enabling those utilizing the space to experience the art and science of learning supported by technology,” said Miller. “We believe Tech Nest will maximize learning and start conversations by providing an environment where students, faculty and staff can receive small-group training, collaborate with their peers both on- and off-campus and just give things a try.”

Users will have access to six Mac computers that can be dual-booted to accommodate all types of small group training, office hours, student group meetings, presentation rehearsals and more; an interactive smartboard and a huddle table. A virtual reality station and lecture capture will be available soon. Tech Nest will also offer special sessions including information security awareness, providing users with relevant and timely information on how to protect themselves, their devices and their data. The space was named by a group of communication studies students.

“Our goal is for Tech Nest to bring people together to experiment, collaborate and learn,” Miller said. “We will constantly review the technologies and our events within Tech Nest to ensure we are incorporating feedback to provide an environment that will raise technology awareness and drive change.”

-- Venita Jenkins

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