October Tech 2026
Explore. Experiment. Connect.
October Tech brings together students, faculty, staff, and the community to explore how emerging technologies are changing the way we learn, create, research, and interact. Through hands-on demonstrations, presentations, immersive experiences, and collaborative sessions, participants can engage with artificial intelligence, robotics, motion capture, spatial media, and new approaches to teaching and learning.
The event is designed as a space for cross-disciplinary experimentation, connecting technology with education, communication, the social sciences, research, and policy.
October Tech Week
Two days of AI, robotics, motion capture, immersive media, and hands-on exploration at CSUSB.
Day 1 — October 12, 2026 — AI Symposium
Location: SMSU South Event Center
Generative AI • Faculty Research • Student Research • Embodied AI • Humanoid Robotics
Day 2 — October 14, 2026 — Motion Capture
October 14 • Performing Arts Building 138
Motion Capture • Robotics • Spatial Media • Performance • Immersive Experiences
Tech Training Tuesdays
Build your technology skills this October with hands-on workshops and support sessions from ITS Training Services. Whether you want to use Microsoft Teams Phones more effectively, explore new ChatGPT capabilities, improve your prompting skills, streamline grading in Canvas, or get help with essential campus systems, October Tech has a session for you.
All sessions will be held at ITS Training Services, Pfau Library Wedge 1104.
Microsoft Teams Phones: Best Tips and Practices
Tuesday, October 13 | 10–11 a.m.
Learn helpful tips and recommended practices for using Microsoft Teams Phones effectively. This session will help faculty and staff become more comfortable with common calling features and everyday phone functions.
Gradescope Bubble Sheets
Choose from three available sessions:
- Thursday, October 8 | 12–12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 13 | 11–11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, October 21 | 4–4:30 p.m.
Gradescope is now available in Canvas for all instructors. Learn how to collect and grade assignments—including multiple-choice exams—using the built-in Bubble Sheets feature. This session is designed for instructors interested in simplifying grading and managing assessments more efficiently.
Customizing ChatGPT: Preparing for the Transition from Custom GPTs
Tuesday, October 13 | 11 a.m.
Learn how Custom GPTs differ from standard ChatGPT, explore available customization options, and prepare for upcoming changes. This session will help participants understand how to create more tailored ChatGPT experiences for their work and academic needs.
Student Tech 101: Campus Login Basics
Tuesday, October 13 | 2 p.m.
Students can get help accessing the essential systems and resources they use at CSUSB. Topics include:
- Coyote ID and campus credentials
- myCoyote and Canvas
- Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
- Campus Wi-Fi and Zoom
- Password reset assistance
- Account and login support
This session is a helpful starting point for students who are new to campus or need assistance connecting to university technology services.
Prompt Engineering: Leveraging ChatGPT to Increase Productivity
Tuesday, October 20 | 11 a.m.
Learn practical prompting techniques that can help you receive clearer, more useful results from ChatGPT. Participants will explore ways to write effective prompts, refine responses, and use generative AI to support productivity.
New ChatGPT Features
Tuesday, October 27 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Explore new and emerging ChatGPT capabilities. Topics will include:
- ChatGPT plug-ins
- ChatGPT Work
- New AI models and features
This session will introduce participants to recent changes and demonstrate how new tools can support teaching, learning, and workplace productivity.
Open to students • faculty • staff • community members
Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI, research, teaching,
intelligent systems, and human-centered applications
Robotics: Humanoid robots, embodied AI,
sensing, movement, and real-world interaction
Motion Capture & Immersive Media: Human movement,
performance, visualization, spatial media, and simulation
Teaching & Learning: New ways technology can support creativity,
collaboration, experimentation, and student learning
Technology is more powerful when people can experiment with it. October Tech creates opportunities to see emerging tools in action, ask questions, share ideas, and imagine how they can serve the campus and the broader community.