Online Class Period Tech Tips

During unprecedented circumstances like these, the necessary skills for a student can change dramatically. With the transition to online courses, students are required more than ever to have high computer literacy. This can be challenging for students whose majors do not have a normal requirement of computers. This can also be extremely challenging for students who do not have immediate access to computers regularly. This blog will go over some basic computer tips and resources for students or anyone working with computers.

The first thing to understand with your computer is it is only as powerful as the software on it. The most common software students use is Microsoft Office. Luckily this suite of applications is available through Oklahoma State University’s software distribution site. This suite gives students access to Word, Powerpoint, Excel and other Microsoft software. It also provides tools like Matlab, jmp and Mathematica. Another important thing students can download is Windows operating systems up to Windows 10.

All of these tools are available to help students be successful in their academic careers. These tools are proving to be even more helpful with the current suspension of on-campus learning. But these more advanced tools are not helpful without basic computer knowledge. For more information on that check out our tech tips videos. These will go over things like shortcuts, snipping tools and finding a word in a page. If you haven’t had to use learning tools such as Canvas in your previous classes, check out their help page to get answers to your questions.

Some simple tips to make effective use of your computer involve simple things like keeping your active applications to a minimum. Generally speaking, if you have an application open that you are finished using, close it! This will help your computer run faster, and help you stay focused on the task you are currently doing. This means if you are using a video editing platform like Premiere, and you are finished making your video, you should close that application.

Organization is also key when you are trying to work effectively on your computer. Keeping windows organized can be as easy as keeping things that you are not using minimized. Assigning windows to different desktops on your computer can help to separate different projects you may be working on. You can also fix an object to a certain section of the screen so you can conveniently and have quick access between windows.

Are you having issues with any software for your class or general computer questions in general? Try checking the Oklahoma State University website to see if they offer any help with your questions. If they do not, remember that Google if your friend. Most technology questions any person has will have an answer online. Remember to be specific with your question! For example, if you want to find out how to separate your word document into two separate columns, enter something like “Microsoft Word document into separate columns.” This helps the search engine find a solution relevant to both your software and specific issue. After finding your topic, you should be able to read detailed text guides, or often even better, demonstration videos.

Edmon Low Library has also been working to keep as many of its services available to students as possible during online learning. All of the 54 databased are still available to students and faculty for research. The library is also accepting requests for interlibrary loans for articles and book chapters. Librarians are even available online for research questions or general library-related chat.

If any student is having issues getting internet access or computer access, they are encouraged to contact the university for a potential solution. Are there any questions you have concerning the efficiency or functionality of a computer? Let us know in the comments and it may be the next subject of a video or blog post!

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Tech Intern

Trending Tech in Modern Academic Libraries

Every business, home and organization is, and will continue to be, influenced by advancements in technology. University libraries are no exception. University libraries are often the earliest entities to adopt cutting-edge technology. Libraries have brought technology like 3D printing, 3D scanning, virtual reality and gesture control to their respective universities. Libraries will continue to be at the front of university adoption of new technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence and automation as they become a more viable.

Augmented reality has been a popular topic for a number of years now but is just now beginning to come into its full technical potential. Examples of this can be with the baseball parks, car models and Super Bowl stadium models to help people decide the seats they want. These are all great examples that show AR is becoming a widely used technology. Libraries could use AR in a few different ways.

One of the points that comes up in most talks about augmented reality is whether it is a real tool or just a short term fad. While many of the examples we have already looked at prove AR has a legitimate use, there is still some skepticism. This belief is not held by most people engaging with university libraries. A study at Purdue surveying students and faculty on whether it would be effective in a library found that about 94% of them believe AR resources are something the library should implement on a large scale.

Another hot item that is being thrown around a lot in the tech world is the use of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are often considered to be the future of technology. Many libraries have begun taking note. A study conducted on libraries currently using these technologies found that five of the 27 university libraries they looked at have taken up some type of service utilizing AI. These are mostly through classes that introduce students to AI with tools like code and robotics. Some universities such as Stanford have begun to use AI to help students find books they’re looking for and to better use the information they have available.

Academic libraries have been considering the idea of implementing AI for a while. Some are still not convinced that it would even have a large effect on libraries, and others think it we still have 30 years until it is a real possibility anyway. This is likely an unrealistic way to look at things considering the advancements that have been made by often-mentioned companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook. The way their AI is able to read and understand unbelievably large amounts of data is something every university library could use to help students and better understand what they are using the library for.

Another technology that has been developing for quite some time is automation, but it is now out of its infancy. One of the best examples of libraries using this is through bookBot. The bookBots are capable of getting books for students, faculty or patrons without anyone needing to interact with the stacks directly. It uses a system of cases and a moving retriever that grabs a bundle of books to take to the requester. The system also saves a lot of space for the library. NC State claims that their stacks would be nine times bigger if they weren’t using the bookBot. Temple University believes it has taken some stress off the students because they no longer have to navigate large stacks on their own to find the book they need. It also ensures the system is organized and quick.

Automation is affecting libraries in other ways. There are examples that seem common in many libraries at this point like self-checkout, automatic cataloging and immediate document delivery. In the future, library automation could expand to things like “Just Walk Out” book checkout and book return. Much in the way Amazon Go stores work, libraries could automatically detect what books you have with you while leaving the building and check them out to you. There are also thoughts of having a simple way of dropping off books where they are scanned to be returned and placed back in their spot in the automatic library system.

Libraries are evolving at speed we have never seen before. Even though many of these ideas may be far from being adopted by all libraries, they are still what most libraries will be looking to implement in the future. Undoubtedly, there are more trends in technology that libraries are working to make valuable resources for their patrons and staff to use. What are some of the trends you would like to see explored? Are there any other ways you think libraries can use the technology above?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Tech Intern

Reducing Stress with the Library

Feelings of high stress are constant for most college students. This can lead to multiple issues for students when it comes to making grades. The reasons for high stress are obvious: the number of assignments due, exams, projects, working, and finding time for friends and personal time is a lot for anyone to handle. The OSU Library works to help reduce the amount of stress students have to deal with throughout the semester.

The Edmon Low Creative Studios are one of the Library’s most popular academic resources. The space provides students the opportunity to use programs and equipment students may not otherwise have access to for classwork, research, personal learning and more. However, the space can also be used recreationally.  Some of the suites that are commonly used for students to reduce stress include the virtual reality, flight simulation, 3D printing and audio studios. All of these suites allow students to engage in their hobbies and interests in a fun environment. The Creative Studios also provide board games including Bananagrams, Sorry, chess, trivial pursuit and many more for students to use while taking a break from homework.

One of the major services that Creative Studios offers that can reduce stress is Presentation Coaching. Many people suffer from fear of public speaking. In the Recording and Presentation Studio, Presentation Coaching hours are available for students who have a speech coming up or just want to improve their presentation skills. This can keep students from dwelling on upcoming presentations by increasing their confidence in their ability and understanding of their presentation style.

The Creative Studios also provide students access to a large number of items to check out through the Tech to Go service. Want to get out and capture the beauty of nature or take pictures of your friends? Try the Canon Rebel EOS T6. Want to explore the night sky up close? Use one of five telescopes available. Even GoPros are available for capturing action shots. Other notable things Tech to Go provides are 360 cameras for full panoramic shots, multiple models of microphones for voice acting, interviewing, or podcasts and ring lights for photos or vlogging. All of these allow the student to get their head out of the books and engage in some recreational activities.

Services and items provided through the Circulation Desk can also help students relax. Study rooms allow students to ensure they are not being disturbed while working on homework by themselves or on group projects with classmates. Students can also check out white noise machines while in their study rooms to help them improve focus on their studies while helping them relax.

The Library also hosts therapy dogs to help students relax. The OSU Library teams up with Pete’s Pet Posse to host MuttDay Monday, Yappy Hour and Waggin’ Wednesdays. Every Monday from 12 to 1 p.m., Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., the dogs of Pete’s Pet Posse are available to help students relax in the South Lobby. Therapy dogs are known to reduce stress and anxiety for students.

The OSU Library also works to provide a study space for any type of worker. There are the study rooms mentioned earlier for people who like to work without outside distractions. More open options exist on the first, second and third floors along with the lower level. These floors are all group study floors. This means the volume levels can get somewhat loud, which is nice if you are working in a group and do not want to be concerned about your conversations bothering others. Having some noise is also a study environment many people enjoy, which is why there are individual study desks on these floors. The fourth floor is a completely silent study floor. It’s great for students who need absolute quiet to concentrate and get things finished. The fifth is considered a “whisper zone,” where conversations and other noise are allowed at a lower volume. Providing students all of these types of study areas along with dozens of types of seating ensures students will find somewhere they are comfortable in the Library to have a relaxing study session.

All of these resources are ways the Library ensures it is making the most inviting and stress-free study space on campus. What are some ways you use the Library to be productive without being stressed out?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

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