The Faculty Technology Center and Visualization Services Center, sharing a suite in Middleton Library, are assisting students and faculty with 3-D imaging for projects and help with Moodle and other classroom technology issues. Starting this semester, the University is using only Moodle for online classroom needs. The FTC, which held its grand opening in December, has assisted many faculty members with the transition, said Sheri Thompson, Information Technology Services Communication and Planning Officer.”Moodle is evolving, and we want faculty to know what is available to help them,” she said.The VSC offers walk-in help for students and faculty, creating visuals and imaging for projects, teaching and research, according to Imtiaz Hossain, VSC manager. “The whole mission is to enhance the visualization process for students and teachers,” he said. Hossain said the VSC also teaches 3-D imaging classes. Thompson said the center has a professional staff that meets with faculty individually, helping them with any technical problems.Before the FTC opened, Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching offered training sessions, Thompson said. She said the difference is the one-on-one help the FTC offers.”The Faculty Technology Center is the one-stop shop for faculty technical needs,” she said.The FTC and VSC are still in the early stages, but use of the facilities has increased with news of the centers spreading, said Greg Brignac, Information Technology Services manager. Since faculty returned from winter break, FTC receives about 10 to 15 walk-ins daily and 80 to 100 phone calls, Brignac said.  “I consider it to be fairly heavy utilization,” he said. “It fluctuates, and we’re currently in a peak.” Brignac said though Moodle is a popular subject right now, FTC helps with all forms of technology, which is why FTC is housed in the same suite as VSC. “We don’t want to send people across campus,” Brignac said. “We want it to all be right there. If faculty want technical help in any way, we want them to know they can get it. That’s our goal.” Thompson said the center is part of the Flagship IT Strategy, which ensures teachers have everything they need to teach.The FTC is funded by Information Technology Services and CELT, Thompson said.”There really is no definite ‘next step,’ but as teachers’ needs arise, the Center will grow to meet their needs,” Thompson said.- – – -Contact Steven Powell at [email protected]