How Mixed Reality Can Enhance Learning at OSU

Mixed reality is the latest way that people can utilize the virtual world. Mixed reality, or MR, allows users to enhance their actual surroundings with virtual elements, apps and interactive illustrations. Microsoft has recently unveiled the Microsoft HoloLens, its version of MR technology. 

The Library is always seeking new resources and innovations to further students' education. According to Rikiyah Fletcher, the Library emerging technologies intern, MR could be the next resource to be added to the Library's vast collection of technology.

"I think of it as an investment in our education more that just a feature offered in the Library," Rikiyah said

Mixed reality offers more than just entertainment. By supplying the user with an interactive 3D visual in their own environment, MR can be used to take education to the next level. Engineering, architecture, graphic design, art, computer science, interior design and medical-related majors can all benefit from mixed reality in the classroom. By wearing the MR headsets, students can interact with lifelike diagrams of the human body, visualize what a future building may look like and so much more.

All of this being said, is MR worth the cost, especially if the Edmon Low Creative Studios already offers virtual reality? One Microsoft HoloLens headset with the necessary hardware and warranty comes to about $5,000, but with added cost comes added use. 

"MR offers much more than VR, such as simple things like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Skype, SketchUp and many more," Rikiyah said. "MR and HoloLens capabilities will continue to grow and due to this, many more opportunities to learn, explore and create will be offered that VR will not be able to do."

In alignment with the Library's mission to expand the learning potential of students, MR can help enhance how students learn, interact and understand class curriculum in a more immersive way.

What is one way that you imagine using mixed reality at OSU? Comment your thoughts below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Library Internships Spotlight

The Library's primary goal is to act as a resource to expand the learning potential of students at Oklahoma State University. This mission is apparent in all aspects of the Library and the resources it offers students, including internships. The multitude of Library internships provide opportunities for students to expand their resume and gain real-world experience in their field of choice.With many internship positions opening up at the end of this semester, it is time to shed a bit more light on the variety of paid internship opportunities at the Library.

The graphic design intern works with Library Communication Services to design collateral for various Library events and projects. Students majoring in graphic design, strategic communications and marketing are considered for this position. The graphic design intern is responsible for various designs including promotional event pieces, fundraiser materials, and print and web advertisements. All of the projects completed during the internship can be added to the student's portfolio.

The event communications intern promotes Library events. This intern supports each and every event by leading social media efforts, maintaining multiple event calendars and organizing venue details. The events communication intern also writes press releases and other Library website copy. Strategic communications, agricultural communications, marketing and HRAD are all majors that may be particularly interested in this position.

The emerging technologies intern collaborates with various Library departments to stay up to date on the latest technology. In doing so, this intern serves as a brand ambassador for the various technology available at the Library. The student promotes Library tech in many ways, including roving guidance, pop-up demonstrations and participating in events such as Tech Tuesday @ 2. Many different majors are considered for this position, including marketing, engineering and education technology.

The podcasting intern works with the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program to brainstorm, draft and execute engaging podcasts related to OOHRP content. As the podcasting intern, the student has the opportunity to research Oklahoma state history and gain experience with recording technology required to produce a podcast. Students with experience using SoundCloud and other social media platforms are encouraged to apply for this exciting and creative position.

The 3D printing intern helps develop the Edmon Low Creative Studios and its resources. In this position, the student maintains the 3D printers, assists fellow students with creative projects and manages tech equipment. Working with 3D printing and related technology allows the student to gain applicable skills and understand how advanced technology can be utilized in an educational environment. Any student that has experience with creative technology, particularly 3D printers, are welcomed to apply.

The archives social media intern is responsible for promoting the Oklahoma State University Archives through its social media accounts. Compiling press kits, producing feature videos and leading Facebook Live videos are just a few things that the archives social media intern handles from start to finish. Students in the School of Media & Strategic Communications are encouraged for this position, as it requires proficient AP style writing and social media management skills. Agricultural communications, marketing, history and MLIS majors are also encouraged to apply. This position is a way for students to practice handling legitimate business social media accounts in full.

The botanical illustration intern is an example of the Library creating a student opportunity from a special project. This intern's primary job was to identify and organize botanical drawings in the Bellamy Parks Jansen Collection. Students majoring in Botany and Horticulture were considered for this position. The project has been completed and the internship is no longer available, but be sure to look out for more Library internships as new projects always arise.

From social media to history to engineering, students of all majors can find professional opportunities at the Library. Each internship is dedicated to furthering the education of the student in innovative and creative ways. In addition, all Library internships are paid and may be considered for needed class credit. If you are looking for a job with flexible scheduling and viable work experience, be sure to apply today!

Which internship were you most surprised the Library offered? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

DSLR Cameras: The Newest Edition to Edmon Low Creative Studios

Yes, you read that correctly.

Edmon Low Creative Studios has added three DSLR cameras to its collection of Tech to Go. The cameras are available for three-day checkout and come with a battery charger, a USB cable and an SD card. There is also additional tech gear that can be checked out on an "as needed" basis.

DSLR cameras are the perfect way to step up your photography game. But how?

Teryn Moorman, a junior at Oklahoma State University majoring in strategic communications, has a DSLR camera of her own. She received her Canon Rebel T6 in December 2016 and has gotten good use out of it since then.

"I definitely use it a lot in the summer when traveling. I took it to Barcelona this past summer and got to capture some wonderful memories," said Moorman. "I use my camera for things like trips, fundraisers and sorority events such as Bid Day."

DSLR cameras are ideal for capturing memories and milestones in a high-quality snapshot. The advanced technology of DSLR cameras makes an iPhone camera pale in comparison. DSLR cameras are not only great at capturing cherished moments, but also for taking class projects to the next level. Many major programs, such as strategic communications and multimedia journalism, consist of project-based classes. DSLR cameras are the perfect resource to guarantee the best results for assignments and even portfolio work.

"I had to create a brochure about OSU for my graphic design class, and the professor strongly encouraged us to take our own pictures," said Moorman. "My camera was perfect to use for that assignment."

If you're considering purchasing a DSLR camera, or if you're interested in learning more, be sure to head to the Edmon Low Creative Studios in Room 105 to use them for yourself.


Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

E-Comm Intern Reviews GoPro

I, the Electronic Communications intern for Edmon Low Library Communication Services, recently took it upon myself to follow our own advice and rent something from the Tech to Go desk. I rented a GoPro Hero4, which came in a protective case that also held a remote, a tripod, several cases, two batteries, a charger and numerous screws to attach the camera to a selfie stick. I was surprised by the amount of items I got and astonished they trusted me with it all. After all, I walked away with an armful of technology in exchange for my student ID information.

I chose the GoPro because I wasn’t aware the Edmon Low Library offered them until I became a member of the faculty; similarly, any student I asked also had no idea they were available. The GoPro has gained widespread popularity in recent years for its ability to capture images that larger digital cameras and smartphones simply cannot capture as well. GoPros have also become known for their versatility and adaptability in filming action shots.

The GoPro can film narrow, medium or wide shots, giving you the option of exactly how much you want to capture in a photo. You can see in this photo inside Edmon Low Library that the bookshelves look warped; that photo was taken on the medium setting. By switching the view, you can alter how the images look to fit what you are wanting.

The famous GoPro look is a fish-eye shot, which shows a wide landscape in a panoramic view. This product isn’t ideal for family pictures, but it gives images a neat, angular aspect that would normally require a special lens for an average digital camera.

On our journey through Edmon Low Library, we primarily used a selfie stick attachment to capture footage. Unfortunately, the remote control was inactive, but that was but a minor setback. GoPro has its own smartphone application that acts as a remote, library and settings hub. When the camera is on, you are able to see exactly what the camera is capturing on your phone, which is incredibly useful if you don’t have a GoPro screen. You can use the app to take your photos then view and edit them once they are in the library. It is also an alternative to using the buttons on the actual camera.

The GoPro camera itself has three main buttons. The top button is the shutter used to capture pictures and begin regular or time lapse videos; it also works to activate wifi. The button on the front is the on/off feature, and a smaller button on the side is for changing settings, such as wifi connectivity and view preference. One thing I had an issue with was the default shot setting, which placed the camera in video mode when turned on, so I often started videos when I meant to take one shot.

The only other problem I had during my three day ownership was the quality of the photos. It may have been due to the protective casing, but the majority of my photos came out a little blurry. I look forward to renting a GoPro again soon to determine whether it was user error or equipment malfunction.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the easy operation and unique photos. I would highly recommend a GoPro to anyone who wants to document any type of outing or event without hauling around a bulky (and potentially vulnerable) DSLR camera. With its various cases and attachments, GoPros go beyond normal cameras and provide unbeatable footage, whether that be strolling around a library or hiking through a rainforest.

It may take some practice to get your best shot with a GoPro, but it is much easier to master than a typical DSLR. After the initial process of discovering its uses, I found the GoPro to be a simple and useful gadget, and I hope you will too. When you are planning your next adventure, put the GoPro Hero4 at the top of your packing list, and don’t forget to check it out from the Tech to Go desk in Edmon Low Creative Studios. Watch this step-by-step tutorial for more detailed instructions on how to operate a GoPro.

Do you have any neat GoPro ideas or stories you’d like to share? Comment below!

Post by Jennifer Barnett, E-Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Virtual Reality in the Library

In our last post, we discussed augmented reality and its possible uses in OSU Libraries. We briefly mentioned its distinction from virtual reality, which is now our main focus of discussion.

Virtual reality is, by definition, a realistic and immersive simulation of a three-dimensional environment, created using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by movement of the body. Essentially, it places you directly in a virtual world; think think Star Trek holodeck but without all the walking. The extent of this experience can be simply watching on a screen or becoming fully immersed in a 360 degree virtual space.

Georgia State University offers art history students the ability to travel to places they could not otherwise visit. It is hopeful that such classes will soon be equipped with enough VR equipment to immerse each student in VR to allow visualization of the architectural styles and historical structures they are learning about. Additionally, a team of researchers at University of Maryland have created a program that could revolutionize the study of medicine by allowing students to view surgeries virtually to learn techniques.

This virtual spin on education could be in the not-so-distant future for Oklahoma State. If you haven’t noticed, the Edmon Low Library has recently added new equipment to the Joe and Jeanne Craig and John C. & Kathryn A. Williams study rooms. They contain monitors and tables for regular study sessions but also have less obvious components in the ceiling corners that act as sensors for VR. When a user is in a virtual environment, the sensors are able to pinpoint where the user is located to allow him or her to move throughout the space without bumping into unseen items.

To take a journey in one of the VR rooms, you will need the proper equipment. The VR goggles are attached to a headset with adjustable straps to fit your noggin nice and snug. This is how you view the environment and its virtual elements. The controllers come in the form of cylindrical joysticks that are held in either hand. These allow the sensors to find you within the room and give you the ability to walk around the VR world.

While price varies on VR equipment, it can be cost-prohibitive for many students, which is why the free access in Edmon Low is such a helpful resource.

The VR rooms can be reserved on the library website, and the necessary VR equipment for the room is available at the Tech to Go desk. If you don’t have time for the full VR experience, you can check out a pair of the VR goggles from Tech To Go. All that’s needed is a free download of the VR app on your cellphone, which is plugged into the goggles as a screen. Once the app is operating, you can put on the goggles and immerse yourself in a variety of locations including a roller coaster and the moon’s surface. Check out the new equipment and experience the fun of virtual reality today!

What environment or place would you like to experience virtually? Share your comments below.

Post by Jennifer Barnett, E-Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Expanding Tech with Telescopes at the OSU Library

In response to our recent “What If The Library...” feedback campaign, Edmon Low Creative Studios now boasts a new addition to its hardware lineup: telescopes. The Tech To Go desk now offers a range of equipment for audio, photo, video and nighttime sky viewing.

The decision to purchase telescopes was based on student votes. Other options included checkout for Google Glass, more rolling whiteboards and free faxing. Along with telescopes, the Library also added bean bag chairs and more study rooms on the first floor.

There are currently three types of telescopes available for checkout. The Meade ETC 90 features a removable optical tube, which provides versatility to the model. It has an Audiostar handbox controller with a built-in speaker that offers information about objects in the telescope's’ view. Ideal for learning while stargazing, this is also the best choice for adventures requiring easily portable equipment.

The Meade Infinity 102 is great for beginners. It has everything necessary for amateur sky searchers. Its slow motion option allows the user to track moving objects while capturing bright and clear images. It comes with three eyepieces for varying levels of magnification, and the red dot viewfinder makes locating planets and constellations a breeze.

The Celestron C6N provides incredibly refined images of wide views by using diffraction-limited parabolic primary mirrors. This telescope is high quality and performs as such. It is operated by computer control technology, giving it a vast database and extensive knowledge on a number of identifiable objects. This piece of exploration equipment is ideal for space education.

The Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars present a high quality experience. This device is intended for extended viewing of astronomical and terrestrial scenes, so it would be an ideal gadget for searching across vast landscapes or spotting objects from long distances. Easy to use and equipped with user-friendly capabilities, these binoculars could change the way you see the world.

In addition to the new telescopes, Tech To Go continues to offer GoPros, cameras, microphones and projectors, most of which are available for three day checkout.

Post by Jennifer Barnett, E-Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications