By SUNSHINE OSELLA
Features Editor
As the students of The College of Saint Rose prepare for a long summer break, many of the faculty and staff are just beginning to plan for the difficult work. The Saint Rose Information Technology Services (ITS) has been hard at work over the summer intercession to improve and update the campus technology.
ITS made a wide range of improvements including the updating of lab and classroom computers and equipment. Albertus Hall Smart Classrooms 211, 213, 216, 302 and 304 were upgraded with new equipment. New Smart Board Systems were installed in Albertus Hall classrooms 206 and 207.
New computers were installed in many labs across campus including the Lally Audiology Lab, Geology Lab, Curriculum Library, and Midi Lab. New computers were also installed in the St. Vincent’s classroom teacher stations. Most Macintosh computers were upgraded with additional RAM and new operating systems.
John Ellis, Executive Director Information Technology Services, said that the Camtasia Relay lecture capture pilot project was begun. This was initiated by faculty request at the Academic Technology Committee. Eleven faculty members are currently participating in this pilot project. They will be able to record lectures and then post them on Blackboard.
Also, as part of the Library renovation project, ITS will be installing at least ten additional computers in the Library. ITS is in the process of improving its new student technology support program housed in the Library.
The other major changes ITS has worked on includes 63 faculty members receiving new computers. New Smart Carts were purchased for Picotte Hall, Brubacher Hall and the Massry Center. All of the document cameras in the Lally classroom teacher stations were replaced
The wireless network is in the process of a major upgrade that should be completed by the end of the semester. Over one hundred wireless access points will be replaced.
Ellis said there are many ways that students can be involved in the improvement of technology across campus. “We use results of this [The Annual Student Technology Survey] to help us determine what technologies would best help students achieve their academic goals,” said Ellis. “The challenge is to balance what the students need and want with the realities of limited budget resources.” It is important that all students complete the survey because their input is considered and appreciated.
ITS also relies on student input at the Academic Technology Committee (formerly the Academic Computing Committee) to help decide what technologies will be implemented and supported. If anyone is interested, they can work with the Student Association to get appointed to the committee. Ellis said, “I am also always willing to attend Student Association and other student meetings to answer questions and listen to students.”
If students have suggestions, comments, or complaints about technology at Saint Rose, they can contact Ellis directly at 518-454-5166 or at ellisj@strose.edu.
