information technology at wells progress report, summer, 1999: highlighting work since report to...
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Information Technology at WellsProgress Report, Summer, 1999:
Highlighting Work since Report to Board of Trustees in January, 1998
Prepared by Kenneth E. LarsonManager: Computer & Network Operations
Goal:
• To support the mission of the College by enhancing teaching and learning
• Vision: described in Connections: Enhancing the Wells Experience through Information Technology
• “Computers no longer merely compute….they help communicate.”
Vision:
• Enhancing Campus-wide Communication and Collaborative Learning
• Enhancing Wells’ Access to the World and the World’s Access to Wells
• Enhancing Access to the Library’s Resources
• Enhancing Learning in the Classroom and Beyond
Means:
Expand information technology resources in four areas:
• I. Network services
• II. Network infrastructure (fiber optic backbone and interior wiring)
• III. Computers and other equipment for students, faculty, and staff
• IV. Support and training
I. Network Services (1)
Accomplished by 1998:
• Leased-line access to the Internet
• Email server (c. 500 accounts)
• Web servers
• Dial-in server for faculty and staff
I. Network Services (2)
Accomplished 1998-99:
• Revised Web site (www.wells.edu) to reflect look of College print publications; award-winning site
• Upgraded Internet connection from 56k to 256k
• Installed new Web & email server to assure reliability and performance
• Installed firewall & other security measures
• Built Windows NT network for part of Administration
I. Network Services (3)
Underway:
• Interactive Web services, such as online application (Summer/Fall 1999)
• More internal uses of Web technology (intranet), including in classes
• Library online catalog (part of Library integrated library automation system), ready May, 2000. (Server already installed and wiring complete.)
II. Network Infrastructure: Campus Backbone (1)
Accomplished by 1998:
• Central hub in Main Building Server Room
• Fiber optic connections to four campus buildings
• Conduit for fiber to other buildings
II. Network Infrastructure: Campus Backbone (2)
Accomplished 1998-99:
• Extended fiber optic backbone to Morgan, Smith, Bellinzoni, Maintenance, Weld, Leach, Glen Park, and Dodge; fiber to the Library (previously coax)
• Increased backbone speed of Academic network from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps
II. Network Infrastructure: Campus Backbone (3)
To do:
• Add fiber optic connections to Barler, Campbell, Student Union (music, visual arts, dance)
II. Network Infrastructure: Interior Wiring (1)
Accomplished by 1998:
• Wired Library (partial), Macmillan, Pettibone, Cleveland, Zabriskie
II. Network Infrastructure: Interior Wiring (2)
Accomplished 1998-99:
• Wired Morgan, Smith, Bellinzoni, Maintenance, Weld, Main, Leach, Glen Park, Dodge; expanded wiring in the Library including for laptops
• To do:
• Barler, Campbell, Student Union
III. Computers and Other Equipment for Students, Faculty, Staff (1)
OVERALL:
Accomplished by 1998:
• c. 300 computers, most on the campus network and the Internet
• Two labs in Macmillan completely refurbished
• New labs in Main (two) and Cleveland
III. Computers and Other Equipment for Students, Faculty, Staff (2)
FOR STUDENTS:
Accomplished 1998-99 (1):
• 73 computers in general computer labs; all on the Internet (64 new since January, 1999: 450 MHz Pentium IIs/IIIs; translucent Mac G3s)
• Two new labs in Weld (summer, 1998)
• Zabriskie lab completely rebuilt and refurbished (summer, 1999)
III. Computers and Other Equipment for Students, Faculty, Staff (3)
FOR STUDENTS:
Accomplished 1998-99 (2):
• Two labs in Main completely upgraded
• New specialized labs in Morgan and Macmillan (digital imaging and digital video)
• Installed high-speed laser printers in all labs
III. Computers and Other Equipment for Students, Faculty, Staff (4)
FOR FACULTY:
Accomplished 1998-99:
• Provided high-end computers to all faculty
• Created computer projection systems for fourteen classrooms (most are portable for flexible use: carts with computers, projection, and sound)
III. Computers and Other Equipment for Students, Faculty, Staff (5)
FOR FACULTY:
Underway:
• Installing high-end computer and video projection capability in Cleveland Auditorium (summer, 1999)
III. Computers and Other Equipment for Students, Faculty, Staff (6)
VIDEO AND SATELLITE
Accomplished:
• Installed VCR & large monitor in every classroom in Cleveland and a number of classrooms in Macmillan & other buildings
• Began to use satellite dish on Cleveland for videoconferences (downlink)
III. Computers and Other Equipment for Students, Faculty, Staff (7)
STAFF
Accomplished:
• Provided a computer for every staff member who needs one
IV. Support and Training (1)
Accomplished:
• Two full-time Microcomputer Support Technicians (since December, 1997)
• Training workshops and workshop series
IV. Support and Training (2)
To do:
• Increased training opportunities for both faculty and staff
• Support for faculty members wishing to experiment with new technologies to enhance teaching and learning