TECHNOLOGY FOUND IN THE CANYONS SHOWCASE AT COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE REGION.

Byline: CONNIE LLANOS  Staff Writer

VALENCIA -- The inner workings of science from human cells to corporate jets will highlight College of the Canyons' presentation Thursday evening for Los Angeles County's Technology Week.

In its fourth year, the week-long event is organized to showcase the technological accomplishments of the region.

``When people think of technology they think of places like Silicone Valley, but there is a lot of technology development and innovation from technology entrepreneurs in L.A. County,'' said Dena Maloney, dean of economic development at College of the Canyons.

``The purpose of technology week is to bring awareness to that.''

The three-hour briefing on three-dimensional simulation and virtual reality, hosted by the college's Center for Applied Competitive Technologies, sponsor of the weeklong event, will include a reception, demonstration and question-and-answer period.

Center director Pete Bellas said the event will provide an opportunity for members of the business and educational communities to learn about incorporating technological advancements into their everyday work.

``The whole presentation is going to address how you can increase understanding and learning through virtual simulation,'' Bellas said.

Several classrooms on campus have begun to incorporate three-dimensional visual aides into their lesson plans, Bellas said.

``If you are trying to show the structure of a molecule, there is a number of ways you can help students understand by using flat pictures,'' he said. ``But if you can actually project it in three dimensions, students can actually see the structure. They don't have to imagine it.''

Jobseekers in particular can benefit by learning what technology is developing because of the new realm of related career possibilities.

EON Reality, a leading interactive software provider, will use high-tech screens and provide spectators with special glasses to highlight how various industries, including health care and aerospace, use virtual reality to increase their productivity, said Marlee Bergerud, director of education development for EON.

``We want to show how three-dimensional technology is changing how people think and work,'' Bergerud said.

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IF YOU GO

A free technology showcase will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday at College of the Canyons. Information and registration: [phone] or www.latechweek.com

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(1) College of the Canyons Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies Director Peter Bellas holds a rook chess piece created as a project in one of the courses offered to students. Several classrooms on campus have begun to incorporate three-dimensional visual aides, Bellas said.

(2) A 3-D computerized working scale model of an oil pump allows the user to view it in working mode for design adjustment in one of the classes offered by College of the Canyons' Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer

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IF YOU GO (see text)