Beginning this semester, new student technology training sessions are available in the Gregg Technology Center, along with new video production services.

Kim Ervin, the student technology training specialist, said student technology training sessions have been implemented since the Fall 2009 semester, but more sessions have been added based on observed student need for training.

“The purpose of tech training is to help students understand the technology that they need to use to complete assignments, projects or research,” Ervin said. “If the students understand the technology, then the technology does not become a barrier to them completing their assignments, projects or research.”

Specifically, three additional training sessions with Photoshop, InDesign and Dreamweaver have been added this semester.

Ervin teaches the majority of the sessions, and three student workers were designated as student technology training assistants to teach other sessions.

Ervin said the three-student technology-training assistants were chosen out of the eight or nine student workers for the technology center during their interview process in the Fall 2010 semester.

“We knew that there were some other different software that we were seeing a lot of use here in the (Gregg Technology Center) so the student workers that are student technology training assistants decided among themselves, out of the software that needed training, which software they would take,” Ervin said.

Ervin said the sessions are hands-on because she will demonstrate how to do something, and the students will then replicate it on the computer.

Sessions are divided into either 75-minute time slots or 50-minute time slots.

Ervin said the focus of the student technology training sessions is on software relating to video production.

Other sessions include software training of MindView, Adobe Acrobat Professional, GarageBand, Final Cut Express, iPhoto, iWeb, iMovie and iMovie Advanced.

“We decide what sessions to offer based on the biggest needs that we see here at the Gregg Technology Center,” Ervin said. “We take a look at what students are working on when they come in here and what questions they are asking.”

“The instructors of those classes know that the Gregg Technology Center is here and we support video production so we do see repeat students from those few classes, but we also receive walk-ins, students who are working on video projects for a service club or an athletic club, and we help them as well,” Ervin said.

Sessions are provided from Monday to Thursday and students can register for a session up to the day before it occurs at the center’s website.

“Students gain a better understanding of the technology that then gives them a higher level of confidence in using the technology and they are able to focus on the project that they are trying to complete, not the technology,” Ervin said.

The technology center also contains other expanded services available to students to help with video production.

Joe Daugherty, the area network support specialist level two in the technology center, said he thinks the additions give students more variety to use for video production.

The film studio includes lights and backdrops. There is also a green screen option for the backdrop.

Daugherty said students can reserve the sound-proof booth or film studio by going to the technology center or emailing him. He said he hopes to add a link to the website to make reservations within the next few weeks.

Rachel Rodgers can be reached at 581-2812 or rjrpdgers@eiu.edu.