THE Geek Festival 2009 Highlights
SPONSORS: Event Sponsors, Contributors, Partners
SESSIONS: Presentations, Break-Out Sessions, Roundtables, Discussions, etc
E-LEARNING: E-Learning, Distance Education, Instructional Technology, etc
ACTIVITIES: Labs, Demonstrations, Simulations, Hands-On Opportunities, etc
ATTRACTIONS: Other Festivities, Projects, Collaborations, Fun, Food and MORE!
 | Geospatial Technology Center The Geospatial Technology Center (GTC) at CPCC is a resource available to the public for the advancement of Geospatial Technology education and awareness. The Center provides geospatial curriculum education, corporate and continuing education, and other services for individuals, groups, and professional entities throughout North Carolina. |
 | National GeoTech Center The GeoTech Center is a collaborative effort between colleges, universities and industry to expand the geospatial workforce. The partners of the Center work together to provide professional development, teaching and curriculum resources, career pathways and model core competencies for geospatial technicians. |
 | National Science Foundation (NSF) The NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…" The NSF is tasked with keeping the United States at the leading edge of discovery in areas from astronomy to geology to zoology. |
 | 4G Carolina Get CLEAR™ 4G and get the fastest wireless internet in the nation. CLEAR turns entire cities into wireless hot spots, so you can access 4G internet speeds at home, on the move or both. The innovative CLEAR WiMAX network lets you download TV shows, watch live sports, stream movies and video chat on the go, as fast as you would at home. That’s the power of CLEAR, super fast mobile internet. |
 | Geomatics and Sustainability Division @ CPCC The Geomatics and Sustainability Division at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) is dedicated to providing leadership throughout the region in environmental modeling and sustainable development. The division offers a variety of educational opportunities as well as outreach efforts that will help our community live and work in a more sustainable manner and obtain employment within the burgeoning sustainability and geospatial technology fields. |
 | eLearning @ CPCC CPCC offers eLearning courses in a variety of convenient formats to meet the needs of our students: television and video-based telecourses, online Internet-based courses, non-credit training courses and more! A display and several sessions will be hosted by the eLearning area on online course development and management. Educators and college faculty are encouraged to attend. Professional Development credit will be awarded to employees. |
 | Student Life Student Life facilitates student learning and development by providing activities and services that enhance positive relationships among students, the College and the community. These relationships are created and nurtured through accessible programs and services, connections to campus and community resources, and co-curricular opportunities that focus on diversity, leadership, service, and personal well-being. |
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Presentations, Break-Out Sessions, Roundtables, Discussions, etc.
 | How to Make a Video Game in Under an Hour Are you interested in designing your own video games? Attend this session and we will show you how to create a simple point-and-click video game using a free development software application called Game Maker.
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 | Green Jobs and Green Careers If you want to match your passion for the environment, your skill set, and your experience, with a career where you can make a difference and prosper, then consider working in the new “green economy”. This session will provide information on what is a green collar job (career), how to get training, where the work is, and pay.
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 | Geeking With Google Apps In this session, attendees will be introduced to Google Apps services and tools as well as receive some exciting tips, tricks, and highlights for using Google resources for collaborating, publishing, and managing your digital lifestyle through "cloud" computing. |
 | 3D Animation with Endorphin In this session the participants will be learning how to create dynamic 3D animations using Natural Motion’s Endorphin. The program is fun and easy to use. Session participants will be working hands-on with Endorphin to create unique animations by applying force, manipulating gravity and interacting with simple objects in the environment.
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 | Catawba River: “The most endangered river in America” In April 2008, American Rivers named the Catawba River the most endangered river in America, citing lack of planning and effects of urbanization as major threats. Mecklenburg County (NC) is the largest urban area along the course of the Catawba River, and is characterized by streams that are “impaired” or only “partially supporting” their designated uses. Degradation of these urban streams impacts recreational opportunities, property values, and public health. This analysis uses ENVI software and Landsat data to examine land cover changes in the Catawba River Watershed (1992-2001) and in tributary sub-watersheds originating within Mecklenburg County (2001-2007). This analysis demonstrates how Remote Sensing, GPS, and GIS may be integrated into a single analysis of urban land cover change and potential impacts on stream water quality.
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 | Microsoft Windows 7 You told us what you loved about Windows XP and how to make it even better. We designed Windows 7 to simplify the things you do every day, work the way you want, and make some exciting new things possible. Want examples? Attend this session for tips, tricks, and good reasons to make the move to Windows 7.
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 | ECObox: Building a Portable Sustaining Livable Habitat The EcoBox is a self-contained environmentally sustainable workshop built from a standard shipping container. The workshop comfortably accommodates two people for extended periods, and include all energy needs and waste disposal without connections to outside systems, excepting sunshine and rain. This project is a leap towards a truly sustainable design. For more information, click here.
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 | Social Media to Advance your Career Social media isn’t just for socializing – learn how you can put social media to good use in your career and in your job search. In this panel discussion, we will review: trends in social media, socialnomics, building personal brand and online presence, and building career opportunities through networking.
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 | Massively Multiplayer Online Game Design and Concepts In this discussion we will be taking a look at MMO's over the years, with a focus on Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG). Over the past twelve years there have been many such games, some dismal failures and others stellar successes. What concepts did these games utilize that attributed to how the gaming community received them? Were there standards that the successful games set that all other MMORPGs created around their time had to follow or fail? Are there design aspects must you consider for an MMORPG game that you would not have to think about in a normal game design? All these questions will be answered as we travel from the past to the present examining these fascinating games.
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 | Making 3D Models with Blender In this session, attendees will learn the basics of using Blender, the leading free 3D modeling application. This open source software is incredibly popular among game modding communities, as well as indie game developers, and is gaining an increasing foothold in the professional industry.
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 | If you're unable to attend THE Geek Festival in-person, don't miss out on our outstanding sessions! This year you will be able to enjoy parts of TGF from your home, office, Internet cafe, or anywhere else that you choose for FREE. Tune in to LIVE TGF2009 broadcasts via UStream online. Click here for more information! Also, check-out the LIVE video crowd feed from the eLearning @CPCC display! |
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E-Learning, Distance Education, Instructional Technology, etc.
 | The 2nd Annual CPCC eLearning Conference: e-Learning, Instructional Design, and Instructional Technologies Training You can attend great FREE sessions on e-learning, learning systems, online teaching, and emerging instructional technologies at the 2nd annual "CPCC eLearning Conference" series during THE Geek Festival hosted by CPCC Instructional Development / eLearning. We encourage educators, faculty, and those interested in distance learning to participate. The "CPCC eLearning Conference" is an annual outreach and training initiative that is timed to coordinate with the National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) which is sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). This event's sessions will also be live webcasted! |
| Google For Instruction and E-Learning In this session, attendees and educators will be introduced to Google Apps services and tools as well as receive some exciting tips, tricks, and highlights for using Google resources for collaborating, publishing, and enhancing the teaching and learning environment through "cloud" computing!
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 | How to Create Video Games for Instruction Are you interested in incorporating video games into your class? Would you like to know how to develop your own games? Attend this session and we will show you how to create a simple point-and-click video game using a free development software application called Game Maker. Additionally, we will show you how to take the concepts demonstrated and apply them toward creating an educational learning game.
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 | Free Cool Tools, Tips, Tricks, and Innovations for Teachers There are amazing tools, web sites, and digital resources available to enhance your online courses and trainings. Attend this session and you will be introduced to best practices, tips, tricks, and some fun geeky stuff that can help deliver innovative and engaging learning environments.
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 | Lecture Capture Technology A pilot of lecture capture software is currently underway at CPCC. This technology could allow for multiple components of lectures to be recorded live in class or from any computer on campus or off. The end result is a ‘rich-media’ output that students can use to listen to their instructors, watch PowerPoint presentations, and see in real-time everything that has taken place on the computer. Come and see how this technology could affect your teaching and learning.
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| If you're unable to attend the eLearning Conference in-person, don't miss out on our outstanding sessions! This year you will be able to enjoy parts of the event from your home, office, Internet cafe, school, or anywhere else that you choose for FREE. Tune in to LIVE broadcasts via UStream online. Click here for more information! Also, check-out the LIVE video crowd feed from the eLearning @CPCC display! |
| [ ONLINE SURVEY ] |
Labs, Demonstrations, Simulations, Hands-On Opportunities, etc.
| If you're unable to attend THE Geek Festival in-person, don't miss out on our outstanding sessions! This year you will be able to enjoy parts of TGF from your home, office, Internet cafe, or anywhere else that you choose for FREE. Tune in to LIVE TGF2009 broadcasts via UStream online. Click here for more information. Also, check-out a LIVE video crowd feed from the eLearning @CPCC display! |
| Wireless Broadband Demo and Trial Get CLEAR™ 4G and get the fastest wireless internet in the nation. CLEAR turns entire cities into wireless hot spots, so you can access 4G internet speeds at home, on the move or both. The innovative CLEAR WiMAX network lets you download TV shows, watch live sports, stream movies and video chat on the go, as fast as you would at home. That’s the power of CLEAR, super fast mobile internet. Come by the 4G Carolina display for a hands-on demonstration and a free trial!
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 | Red Storm Gaming Lab Game development professionals from Red Storm Entertainment will be on-site at TGF and presenting on various gaming, development, and industry-related topics throughout the day. Topics discussed will include: working with game studios and day-to-day operations, in-game modeling best practices, a review of student portfolios, and much, much, much more! This is an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with industry leaders in gaming!
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 | Gaming Geeks @ Play Experience new video games and compete in gaming competitions throughout the day!
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 | The Career Launch Pad This 40-foot long, 12-foot high, and 11-foot wide educational lab travels across the state highlighting hands-on scientific demonstrations and activities as well as computer-simulated learning stations to introduce students to potential educational and career paths in science, technology, engineering and math-related industries. The Career Launch Pad emphasizes biotechnology, healthcare, aerospace, and green technologies.
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 | Live DJ Music Demos, Lessons, Mixing and Scratching "With These Hands Mix Academy" will be on-site demonstrating DJ and mixed music skills. Industry professionals will teach DJ'ing basics, scratching, mixing and how to use the turntable as an instrument.
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 | The Long Now Foundation Seminar Viewings TGF attendees will have an opportunity to view some outstanding seminars by The Long Now Foundation. The Long Now Foundation was established in 01996* to develop the Clock and Library projects, as well as to become the seed of a very long term cultural institution. The Long Now Foundation hopes to provide counterpoint to today's "faster/cheaper" mind set and promote "slower/better" thinking. We hope to creatively foster responsibility in the framework of the next 10,000 years. Visit their web site or join The Long Now community online.
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 | Speed Geeks - Hendrick Motorsports Race Cars See retired Hendrick Motorsports race cars featuring authentic chassis that have been fielded in NASCAR competition. The Chevrolets of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be on hand. (click here for pics)
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 | Engineering Design Lab WARNING! This is not your standard lab or presentation! This is a project based hands on engineering activity geared towards designing building and testing your innovated solutions to engineering challenges. You will be assisted not presented to by CPCC Engineering faculty and students to test your ability to come up with an innovative approach to different challenges. Again you will have fun designing building and testing your solutions. Click here for the types of activities.
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 | Speed Geeks: Tour The Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology Come see the latest in automotive technologies and motorsports! CPCC has great resources at the "Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology" and the North Campus Transport Technology Center. Tours of the "Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology" at Levine campus will be hosted throughout the day.
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 | 21st century Digital Forensics: Be a Cybercrime Fighter With all the new gadgets, tools, and toys now available to the public what will a Digital Forensic Examiner do? What devices have digital evidence? Can messages be taken off a phone by the police? Join us to actually discover hidden digital evidence.
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Other Displays, Attractions, Festivities, Organizations, Projects, Collaborations, Fun, Entertainment, Prizes, Food, Randomness and MORE!
| GTC: CPCC Geospatial Technology Center The Geospatial Technology Center (GTC) at CPCC is a resource available to the public for the advancement of Geospatial Technology education and awareness. The Center provides geospatial curriculum education, corporate and continuing education, and other services for individuals, groups, and professional entities throughout North Carolina. |
 | Geo Geeks: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) + Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Technology Check out our latest classes in Geographic Information Systems - Geospatial Technology - The Emerging Technology! Come and Geocache! Use one of our handheld GPS computers to find hidden treasure on the Levine Campus! Ask about participating in a geocache hunt (a computer-led treasure hunt). |
| eLearning and Online Courses @CPCC: Instructional Development / eLearning A display and several sessions will be hosted by CPCC's eLearning area on online course development and management. Educators and college faculty are encouraged to attend. Professional Development credit will be awarded to employees. CPCC offers eLearning courses in a variety of convenient formats to meet the needs of our students: television and video-based telecourses, online Internet-based courses, non-credit training courses and more! |
 | ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center At ImaginOn, young people learn in many ways, through all five senses and “from the page to the stage.” It is the launching pad for remarkable journeys and endless possibilities. ImaginOn brings stories to life through extraordinary experiences that challenge, inspire and excite young minds. At this year's TGF, ImaginOn will be demonstrating LEGO Mindstorms (programming LEGO robots), READYAnimator animation station, and video switch (plug cameras into the desktop switch to play around with images). |
| Got game? Simulation and Game Design: CPCC Simulation and Game Development Gaming competitions, student-made large screen digital image projectors, robots, programming, geeking, and much more. Stop by and learn about this popular program, compete in games, win prizes! The Simulation and Game Development (A25450) curriculum provides a broad background in simulation and game development with practical applications in creative arts, visual arts, audio/video technology, creative writing, modeling, design, programming and management. Students receive hands-on training in design, 3D modeling, software engineering, database administration and programming for the purpose of creating simulations and games. |
 | SMV: Simulation, Modeling and Visualization Center The mission of the Simulation, Modeling and Visualization Center is to advance the sciences of simulation, modeling and visualization through promotion, education, training, provision of services, collaboration and product creation, and to use these sciences as alternative learning technologies for the advancement of learning outcomes. The model for the Center follows. |
 | ACM: Association for Computing Machinery The Association for Computing Machinery will have pamphlets about the various computer and game events we sponsor on campus. For entertainment, we will have a rotating selection of videogames. ACM, the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession. ACM provides the computing field's premier Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources. |
 | Hot Jobs in IT: Information Technology Division Do you want to learn and work in the information technology industry? The IT Division will be on-site to answer questions and provide literature on CPCC's many different degree and certificate programs. Do you have questions? Do you want to know how to get started? What are the hot jobs in the IT field once you have your degree and / or certifications? Come by and find out for yourself! |
 | Computer Hardware and Security Systems: ATD Computer Solutions ATD will be showcasing some of the latest in PC hardware, accessories, and security systems. |
 | Film and Video: CPCC Videography Program Independent student films developed by CPCC's Videography program will be displayed throughout the event. They will be bringing films they've produced, great video technologies and equipment, just in time interviews, telecasts and more! Take a moment to come by the videography table for entertainment and program information. |
 | Media Resources: Cochran Enterprises We are a seasoned network of complete marketing, advertising and corporate media resources, which has worked directly in the product and service arenas from many Fortune 500 Corporations. See our display at THE Geek Fest and drop in at our short informational sessions and learn about how you can build a career around integrating elements from print, multimedia to film/video into a single, seamless voice. |
 | Computer Training: Corporate and Continuing Education CPCC’s Corporate and Continuing Education Computer Training courses are for individuals and businesses seeking to enhance technology skills. Trends in technology can develop and change rapidly, and our Computer Training mission is to be there for the technology training needs of our local community. Visit our display at TGF to find out about our courses, and receive some cool freebies. |
 | Biology: CPCC Science Department Come meet representatives from CPCC's Biology program. At this display we will be working with DNA and participants will be able to make DNA necklaces. Attendees can also participate in a demonstration of an interactive computer game, Pandemic 2, which models the influenza virus. Ask questions and learn the truth about influenza and the H1N1 virus. |
 | NDET Technology and Careers: Non-Destructive Examination Technology Program |
 | Hearing Aid Technologies: Mecklenburg Ear, Nose and Throat Visit Mecklenburg ENT's display for demonstrations of newer hearing aid technologies. You will be able to see how much hearing aid technology has changed. Not only are some hearing aids smaller and lightweight; but they are Bluetooth compatible. At our table, you will be able to demo a hearing aid that is synched to a cell phone, iPod, and computer. |
 | Chic Geek Accessories: Recycled, Rebooted and Enhanced Come by THE Geek Fest Accessories Store and browse through our selection of THE Geek Fest T-shirts and Sleek, Geek Jewelry. Chic Geek Accessories is technology junk that has been recycled, rebooted and enhanced with shiny peripheral components to make funky pendants, earrings, tie tacks, key chains, and more! These items make perfect gifts for the geek who has everything. Prices range from $10 - $35. |
 | Environmentally Geek-Friendly Charlotte Energy Solutions Featuring environmentally friendly automotive and household products including a vegetable oil powered car, Segways, solar backpacks, corn-powered grill, solar tea kettle, power assisted toilet, and much more. |
 | Forensics for Everyone: American Academy of Applied Forensics (AAAF) General & Digital Forensics - The American Academy of Applied Forensics is located at the North Campus in Huntersville. The primary market for the forensic academy is comprised of professionals already working in law enforcement, civilian investigative fields and the medicolegal professionals. Many classes are open to the general public. The academy has over 70 general and digital forensic classes. |
| Engineering Ideas To Reality: Engineering Technology The Engineering Technology Programs at CPCC provide 12 different state of the art learning paths to modern work life in the technical field. All the programs provide a well rounded know-how for students to succeed in today’s competitive job market. We have most modern equipment to take advanced ideas into the reality. Come by their display for some great emerging technologies and advanced student projects. |
 | Architecture & Interior Design: CPCC Architectural Technology & Interior Design Departments |
 | Check-Out Your Inner Geek at the Library: Library Services The CPCC Library connects you with resources that speak to your geekiest interests. All you need is your personal computer. Want to unwind with a documentary? Watch streaming video from PBS. Need to fix your car? View repair diagrams online. Investing in the stock market? Research company and stock information. Have to take a standardized test? Take our online practice tests. Need to read up on a certain topic? Read thousands of eBooks. Best of all, help is never far away thanks to our 24/7 online chat reference service, NCknows. |
 | Learning Technology Services: Digital Media Services Digital Media Services, a division of LTS, serves as a supporting agent to the CPCC Learning Unit through research-based analyses of classroom technologies and through college-wide audio/visual and media services. For the 2009 Geek Fest, DMS will showcase some existing, some emerging tools for contemporary teaching and learning at CPCC. When innovation meets practicality… things happen. |
 | High Tech Metal: James Turner Institute of Welding Technology The CPCC welding program will be putting a newer "geeky" spin on a trade with deep roots and great history. The Welding Technology curriculum provides students with a sound understanding of the science, technology, and applications essential for successful employment in the welding and metal industry. |
 | Modern Blacksmithing and Metal Art: The Black and Tans Visit the "Black and Tans" organization outside for demonstrations of Thermoplastic Metal Manipulation (modern blacksmithing and metal art). The Black and Tans is an artisan based Student club that promotes an interdisciplinary approach to blacksmithing, jewelry making, metal sculpture, metal casting and other means of traditional metal working techniques. |
 | Dimension 3D Printer: Technical Training Aids TTA provides a wide array of products to satisfy practically all the technical training needs of educators, from middle school through the university level. TTA is committed to the concept of hands-on training, supported by the latest in educational technology. |
 | Robotically Sheek: Sheek Geek SheekGeek is an online source for educational kits. These kits range from robot kits to craft ideas for students, hobbyists, and teachers. Stop by their display for more information. |
 | Get Creative With The Right Software Tools: Adobe Adobe software and services revolutionize how the world engages with ideas and information — anytime, anywhere, and through any medium. Learn more. This year, attend TGF sessions for your opportunity to win some great door prizes and software from Adobe! Also, look for free goodies and demos available near the "Command Center" area. |
 | Discover a Great Career: Career Services Let Career Services help you plan your career and take your job search to new heights. Experienced Career Counselors assist students with developing effective resumes and savvy interviewing skills, harnessing the latest job search techniques, discovering satisfying career options, and much more. |
 | Great Resources and Learning Tools: CPCC Bookstores You can find outstanding learning resources and tools at the CPCC Bookstores including textbooks, e-books, software, clothing, technology and much more. This year, CPCC Bookstores are also providing attendees with bags and also some great door prizes that you can win by attending sessions! |
 | Learning Solutions: Cengage Learning Cengage Learning delivers highly-customized learning solutions for colleges, universities, instructors, students, libraries, government agencies, corporations and professionals around the world. These solutions are delivered through specialized content, applications and services that foster academic excellence and professional development, as well as provide measurable learning outcomes to its customers. This year, attend TGF sessions for your opportunity to win some great door prizes from Cengage! |
 | Metal-Morphosis: Welding Technology Welding Technology and both welding clubs, the American Welding Society and the Black and Tan Club, present a creative new way to post things on the web. Students from CPCC’s Welding Technology program have created an artistic metal and wire web-like structure on which information can be captured and displayed. Check out the world’s only spider web geek. |
 | Degree Programs @ DeVry: DeVry University DeVry degree programs are designed to meet the needs of today's fastest-growing industries and to prepare you for careers in business, engineering, healthcare, technology, media arts, and education. Come by the DeVry University table to see cool degrees in – Web Game Programming, Computer Forensics, Information Security and Game and Simulation and much more. |
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Please note that this information including times, locations, titles, and descriptions are subject to change. Check the site frequently for updates and also look for an up-to-date schedule at the event.
