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