Academic Experience

• What percentage of campus courses use electronic information to enhance the course (for example, syllabi, reading lists, discussion groups, demonstrations)?

Over 75% of Hamilton faculty make some use of electronic information to enhance the teaching and learning experience. For example, in 80% of the courses, faculty use Blackboard to make class materials available over the Web, encourage discussion outside of the classroom, and provide access to electronic reserve materials. By the fall semester of 2005, 73 or approximately 80%, of Hamilton's labs and classrooms will be equipped with computers and data projectors to assist faculty and students with network-based multimedia presentations. Technology used in Hamilton courses supports the achievement of our institutional goals of being a leader in teaching, writing, speaking, and critical thinking, and providing a personalized education that integrates the academic and residential lives of our students.


• Are technology resources available, used effectively to enhance the learning experience, and designed to prepare graduates in your major for successful technology use in their careers?

Technology resources are used in a variety of ways depending upon the discipline of study. Faculty and students have access to a great variety of technology resources and use them in creative ways to enhance the teaching and learning process. Hamilton courses develop students' understanding of discipline-specific content and ways of thinking, and develop students' communications and critical thinking skills. Technology resources are a significant component of this development.

An example of how technology is used in courses can be found at Professor Patricia O?Neill?s Art of Cinema web site, with examples of student videos.

Instructional Technology Support and the ITS Training Coordinator collaborate with faculty, librarians, and Oral Communication on HILLGroup projects. We assist faculty in the design of course projects that integrate library and technical resources in a manner that will effectively enhance learning. Examples of courses that have been assisted in this way can be found at http://www.hamilton.edu/academics/hillgroup/practices.html


• How do I know what the Library owns or has access to?

The library catalog, called ALEX, allows you to search the library's holdings, link to Internet resources and make interlibrary loan requests.


• What electronic resources are available from the Library?

The Hamilton College Library subscribes to over 160 research databases and provides access to over 18,900 full text electronic publications, including scholarly journals, newspapers, periodicals, and books. Due to license agreements, access to these resources is restricted to enrolled students and other members of the campus community.


• Are the Library's electronic resources available from off campus?

Yes, the electronic resources available from the Library are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, both on and off campus.


• What is the MPC?

The MPC, or Multimedia Presentation Center, is a computing facility supported by both the Hamilton College Library and the Information Technology Services department, for authoring multimedia-enhanced presentations, using programs such as PowerPoint, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro.

Many of the technical resources are made available to students and faculty alike through the Multimedia Presentation Center (MPC). Library information and media, instruction sessions and workshops are tied to content dependent assignments and timed to reinforce both skill and knowledge. For the current academic year, 597 students spread among 33 different courses and 17 independent projects were supported in completing video assignments,web site assignments and large and medium format poster assignments.


• How does the campus help students develop computer skills?

Each week there are short workshops offered on a variety of technology-related topics. Web-based training software is also available. In addition, instruction is provided in connection with courses students are taking. There are student assistants available over 100 hours per week to assist with questions students have while using technology. Additional help for students is provided through a student-run Helpdesk and SOS (Support On Site) service that visits student rooms to provide help.


• Does the campus allow students to receive credit for courses taken electronically from other sources?

Decisions about course credit are made by the Committee on Academic Standing. Applications for credit are made to the Office of the Registrar.


• Does the campus have a specific computer/IT competency requirement for all undergraduates?

No. Developing students' excellence in communication and critical thinking are central strategic goals of a Hamilton education. To be excellent in an information-driven society Hamilton graduates have many opportunities in and outside of the classroom to develop their technology skills.


• What percentage of faculty has a networked computer available to them?

100%


• What percentage of faculty use e-mail regularly?

99%

Key Resources

Services (phone numbers)