Academic Experience

 

Coursework - in and out of class

Support Services Looking toward graduation and a career

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How does the campus use technology to enhance teaching and learning in your areas of interest?

The vast majority of professors use some kind of electronic resource to enhance the classroom experience for all courses. These resources range from the use of simple email discussion lists, online reserve reading materials, and course management system (CLEo), to simulations that students can access at their own convenience from any computer with Internet access.

Many academic departments support and teach the use of technologies and resources that are used in the real world within their disciplines. This is neccessary not only because it prepares the students for life after Whitman, but also because a large number of the faculty are involved in ongoing research. Ongoing research requires professional tools, and the professors pass on their skills and techniques to their students.

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Is there technology in the classrooms?

Yes. All classrooms have Internet "wired" Internet connection. All academic buildings are equipped with wireless network connectivity. More than half the classrooms are permanently equipped with data projector, computer, and/or sound system, and portable equipment are available for use in any classrooms.

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Will you use technology to collaborate with other students in both your introductory and advanced courses?

Collaboration is vital to learning at Whitman, and technology is infused in every aspect of learning.

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Does the school give credit for courses taken online from other institutions and sources of instruction?

Yes. Contact the Registrar's Office.

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Does the school have multimedia labs you can use to work on projects? Is there help available?

Yes, Multimedia Development Lab.

To quote the MDL web page:

The MDL has equipment for non-linear and linear video editing, DVD mastering, flatbed and slide scanning, web-site creation, PowerPoint production, audio format conversion (e.g. DAT to CD), video format conversion (e.g. Hi8 to miniDV), poster printing, slide printing, audio editing, and other multimedia development.

We are a facility were you can come to work on your multimedia project and get one-on-one help if necessary. We are not a production facility, and will not "do a project for you". Rather, we want to empower you to be able to do it yourself... it's not as hard as you might think!


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Are library collections and resources—such as catalogs, research databases, special collections, course reserves, full-text electronic journals, books, and streaming media—available online and accessible off campus?

Library collections and resources are accessible from on and off-campus via local area networks, the Internet and proxy services (EZproxy). Using the same login credential used to access the campus network, patrons are readily transported to all Library licensed resources.

For more information, please check the Penrose Library web page: http://www.whitman.edu/library/

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What technology resources and help are available to students with special needs?
Penrose Library provides an Adaptive Technology room with special equipment and software for students who have a visual or hearing impairment. Laptop PCs are available for check out at the Technology Services satellite office housed in Penrose which also provides student technical support. Wireless and Ethernet connectivity exists throughout the Library. Printing is available from three different stations and the cost of printing is underwritten by the College.
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Can the library deliver documents to you electronically, either via e-mail, file transfer, or through Web posting? Is there a cost associated with that service?

There is a wealth of electronic reference material that Whitman licenses for use by students and faculty. Some resources are available electronically, mostly through Web postings. Also, course reserves and other materials are available through either the library's e-reserve or a course management software called CLEo.

Whitman is a member of Summit (The Orbis Cascade Allinace union catalog-- a consortium of 33 academic libraries that combine information into a single unified database). Through Summit, at no cost to patrons, electronic inter-library document delivery is provided to students and faculty by library personnel.


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What kind of help does the library provide for research assistance, and when is the help available?

Research and reference assistance is available to library patrons by MLS-prepared librarians, 6 days per week, 12 hours per day.


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Does the campus offer general or profession-specific training programs that will ensure you are fluent in current information technologies when you graduate?

There are a number of ways Whitman helps its student develop their computer skills:

  • Orientation sessions by Technology Services staff at the start of the academic year so students are familiar with offerings--both in terms of available technology and the use.
  • Topical training sessions by Technology Services staff throughout the year covering a wide variety of topics, ranging from general usage of an application to accomplishing specific tasks.
  • Self-paced training, contracted through Element-K
  • One-on-one assistance throughout the year by our Help Desk or student technology assistants in the lab.
  • Assistance in the use of specialized equipment and software is provided on an as-needed basis. This is especially relevant for courses that use tools such as SPSS, SAS, or scientific equipment as a normal part of the daily coursework (ususally offered at the request of the professor).

We annually survey recent graduats to assess their technology readiness for post-graduate life and adjust our offerings accordingly.


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