Located in the atrium of the Mary Idema Pew Library at Grand Valley State University, the Technology Showcase is a drop-in space where students and faculty alike can learn about state-of-the-art or experimental technologies for free, or rent them for use in school projects.

“There’s a lot of engaging, interesting technology in here,” said Eric Kunnen, associate director of eLearning and emerging technologies. “We’re trying to invent the future of teaching and learning by accelerating the topic of educational technology on campus.”

The showcase began in August 2013 with a 3-D printer and the Double Robot, a two-wheeled robot used for video calling. Since then, the showcase has grown to encompass nearly 40 different technologies.

Technologies inside the showcase consists of the virtual and augmented reality glasses, the Amazon Echo, laser keyboards, a hands-free mouse, a mobile app-controlled paper airplane and several other unique pieces of equipment. The most popular of these are Makerspaces and 3-D printers.

“Makerspace is like a do-it-yourself place where you can build something, create something,” Kunnen said. “We’ve got a couple of 3-D printers here, open and available to all students and you can design an object, print an object for free.”

3-D printing at the showcase has given rise to numerous different projects including laptop holders, Poké Balls, miniature wind turbine blades and more.

“Somebody is printing a functional violin,” said Nick Dillard, emerging technology specialist and GVSU junior. “They wanted a violin, and they couldn’t afford it, so they decided to print one instead.”

The kinds of technology the showcase has on display has attracted people not only from GVSU, but from around the world.

Aside from allowing GVSU students and staff to experiment with new technologies, the Technology Showcase offers tours and services to outside entities. In the past, the showcase has hosted schools including the University of Michigan, Kettering University, Montana State University, East Grand Rapids Public High School and Notre Dame.

This influx of outside universities and schools is apparent in the showcase’s attendance data.

“Since September 2015, we’ve had 18,854 people (visit the showcase) and the highest traffic in one day was 586,” said Paul Wilson, emerging technology specialist team leader and GVSU senior.

The showcase continues to expand and is always looking for suggestions on what it could be doing better to help staff and students learn.

“We’re always willing to hear feedback from students and faculty,” Kunnen said. “What can we do to come alongside you and help you, your teaching, help you in your learning? What’s something in here that you’ve seen that we could maybe purchase that would be something that you might be able to use for a project?”