Digital Convergence Labat Northern Illinois University

Presentation by: Aline Click, Drew Vandecreek, Mike Taylor, Eric Russell Ros Adulseranee, Jason Underwood,

and Scott Fleming

Digital Convergence LabInterdisciplinary Partnership• University Libraries

• Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Information Technology Services

The Digital Convergence Lab brings exciting new opportunities to students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. We are dedicated to exploration and innovation of converging technologies. Within a supportive environment, students can experiment with technology to discover solutions to real world issues.

Primary Goals

• Community Outreach

• Experiential Learning

• Shared Research and Development

DCL Staff Background

Educational Technology Media Specialists 2D and 3D Artist Software Engineers Faculty Coaches/Fellowships Graduate Assistants Undergrad student workers

Community Outreach

Attract members from the surrounding community to the Digital Convergence Lab and the NIU campus by hosting community workshops, and special interest camps.

Video Games Camp

Provide an environment that engages middle and high school kids of all backgrounds and skill levels to the concepts and practice of media design and development, fundamental concepts of logic and programming, and provide an outlet for creativity.

Games

Experiential Learning Projects

Create a media and technology-focused experiential learning program that expands opportunities for NIU students to participate in multi-disciplinary team that involves exploration and use of digital technologies to design and develop real projects with real clients.

Client: Barbara Peters

Experiential Learning Project

Clients:

Students Needed!Teen Read - Student team will build a 3D game-simulation based on the book Ashfall by Mike Mullin for a virtual book club aimed at high school students.

Environmental Safety - We need a student team to help build interactive learning modules based on safety in the science lab. These modules need to be interactive and fun.

Student Services Mobile App - This student team will develop a mobile app to help NIU students find answers about NIU.

Shared Research and Development

The Digital Convergence Lab will research and produce innovative applications and products, using new media, converging technologies, and through collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.