Innovative uses of information technologies at UC Davis -- including their benefits and challenges -- will be explored during a three-day event beginning today, May 26. "Odyssey '98," free and open to the public, will feature tutorials, discussions and an exhibit of the technologies that faculty, staff and students are using. A highlight of the event will be the technology showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday in Freeborn Hall. More than 40 demonstrations and displays will offer information on topics ranging from the Year 2000 computer problem and digital video to free software for web design. Gardeners will be particularly interested in one of the showcase exhibits, an interactive compact disc on pest diagnosis and management. Created by the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management department, the disc includes thousands of color images and addresses problems on almost 100 plant species. As part of the technology showcase, there will be 10 brief tutorials on topics ranging from the basics of popular software and upgrading Macintosh memory to ergonomics. Over the three days, 10 presentations, to be made in the East Conference Room of the Memorial Union, will address issues such as Internet plagiarism and overcoming the isolation of distance education. The complete schedule is available on the event's web site: .