Science & Technology

OSU Gets $7.5 Million NASA Technology Grant

Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 29 July 2010 21:28

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma State University says it has received a $7.5 million grant that will allow it to collaborate with NASA to improve the use and effectiveness of online learning technologies in common and higher education. Steve Marks, a professor in OSU's College of Education, will lead the university's efforts on the five-year national project, which will begin Aug. 1. Officials say the NASA Distance Learning Network will emphasize learning in science, technology, engineering and math. Marks says the project continues the partnership the federal agency and OSU have had for decades. He says the project will have the potential to spread NASA's science and engineering knowledge to "every American with access to the Internet."

Wireless Trends in the State

Written by Dick Pryor Monday, 19 July 2010 18:27

Oklahomans are following a national trend that has seen American households ditching their landline phones in favor in favor of cell phone service only. Nationwide, nearly 1 in 4 homes have made the switch to wireless, with a majority of those being in less-populated areas. A recent study shows Tulsa and Lawton are both at the national average, while portions of eastern Oklahoma are above the average.

OU develops iPad application; will go live in July

Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 24 June 2010 17:57

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - University of Oklahoma information technology officials say they've developed an iPad application that will go live in July. The iPad, a touch-screen tablet computer, launched on April 3 in the U.S. The OU IT store has sold about 350 iPads since then and store employees anticipate selling another 350 before school starts in August.

OU officials say the iPad application is designed to improve efficiencies through technology and will allow the university's regents to opt for mobile delivery of agendas and supporting materials, which often can be hundreds of pages long. OU's IT staff also plans this fall to make the university's course management system available to students in a mobile format. When that is done, students who own an iPad or iPhone will be able to use those devices to check assignments and grades, submit homework or participate in discussions.

Funding for broadband projects in Oklahoma announced

Written by Dick Pryor Tuesday, 23 March 2010 21:58

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Two projects to improve broadband services in western Oklahoma are among 12 that U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says will receive funding. Vilsack announced Tuesday that Pioneer Long Distance Inc. and Panhandle Telephone Cooperative Inc. are among those chose for the
funding. Pioneer's Western Oklahoma Wireless Project will get a $1.8 million loan and a $1.7 million federal grant to provide wireless broadband in unserved and underserved areas of western Oklahoma. Panhandle's Western Oklahoma Broadband Infrastructure Development Project will receive a $3.3 million loan, $10 million
grant and $23. 2 million in private investment. The money will be used to provide broadband infrastructure in the Panhandle area.