More than a dozen vendors, including Apple Computer Inc., Microsoft and Macromedia, will be on hand to demonstrate new technology to faculty, staff and students at TechFest Nov. 2.

TechFest, which is sponsored by University Computing Services, is free and open to the public. The event will feature iPods, digital cameras, laptops and electronic textbooks, and will be held in the Art and Journalism Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will also be streamed live on the Internet at www.bsu.edu/techfest.

Many presentations will take place throughout the day and will cover topics such as classroom videoconferencing. Live, two-way videoconferencing brings Ball State classrooms together with other classrooms from within the state and around the world.

"I want people to come to the event hoping to gain a greater understanding of how technology can be used as a teaching tool," said Fred Nay, director of University Computing Services. "The focus of the event is to show how technology enhances learning inside and outside of the classroom."

Technology is changing the way we teach and learn, so faculty members from Ball State who are using this new technology will be on hand to answer questions and share their experiences, Nay said. He hopes other faculty will begin thinking about how they can apply technology to their teaching.

Drawings will be held throughout the day for door prizes that include iPod Nanos, gift certificates and software.

Additional sponsors include the Office of Information Technology, University Libraries, Teleplex and Office of Teaching and Learning Advancement.

(Note to editors: For more information, contact Nay at fnay@bsu.edu or (765) 748-1934.)