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How Hands-On Technology Is Enhancing the Classroom Experience

The latest issue of EdTech focuses on how universities are using technology to bring the real world into classroom.

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Ryan Petersen has worked in publishing for more than two decades, most of it spent
creating award-winning content and strategy for CDW’s family of tech magazine brands. As
editor-in-chief, he works with his team to develop compelling and useful industry-focused
stories to share with the technology world. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with
his children, traveling, online gaming, and following Iowa Hawkeye sports and Cubs
baseball.

Technology can bring the real world into the higher ed classroom and better prepare students for the workforce through hands-on technical training.

EdTech: Focus on Higher Ed 2015 Q3 Read the latest issue of EdTech: Focus on Higher Education

New learning tools at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences — highlighted in “Take Aim” — include software that lets students turn 2D MRI and CT scans into 3D images to better understand everything they see during a dissection or other laboratory session. Such technology can replicate real-world medical experience and enhance career prospects for graduating students, as well as a university’s reputation among prospective students along the way.

Successful deployment of such technology involves more than simply licensing state-of-the-art software: Colleges are rethinking their complete technology ecosystems from the ground up, pulling together the latest tools in computing, networking, connectivity and security.

Outside the Classroom

As universities improve in-classroom technology, many also work hard to improve student life. “Rethink Living and Learning Spaces” explores the many features common in today’s modern residence halls and how collaboration technology such as HDTV screens, video conferencing tools and high-speed wireless connectivity enhance student life — both on and off campus.

Connectivity is growing even at collegiate sporting events. “The Whole Nine Yards” shares how the University of Nebraska transformed its storied Memorial Stadium into a fully connected Wi-Fi zone, complete with Cisco Stadium Vision, which distributes exclusive gameday HD video and digital content to TVs and digital signage throughout the stadium.

All in all, higher education continues to enhance technology and connectivity both in and out of the classroom, ultimately creating smart er — and happier — students in the process. We’re here to help institutions further that mission through the new CDW Digital app, which features the full CDW family of technology magazines, Technology Insights guides, solutions publications, white papers and more. Download CDW Digital today from iTunes, Google Play or the Windows Store.