We encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Burke Library - 3rd Floor
helpdesk@hamilton.edu

859-4181
859-4185 - fax

Guide to Information Technology

Academic Experience

A college campus is a learning community that is devoted to the creation, dissemination, and codification of information and knowledge. Teaching, learning, and accessing information are all critical functions that are potentially enhanced by digital technologies. It is important to understand how technology is used in classes generally, and especially in your areas of interest or major, and the extent to which faculty use these technologies in interactions with students.
 

How do campus courses use electronic information to enhance the course (for example, syllabi, reading lists, discussion groups, demonstrations)?

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. Approximately 85% of Hamilton's classrooms are 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. Instructional Technology Support and the ITS Training Coordinator collaborate with faculty, librarians, and Oral Communication on projects. We assist faculty in the design of course projects that integrate library and technical resources in a manner that will effectively enhance learning.


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

The library catalog, called , 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 subscribes to over 180 and provides access to over 24,000, 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 and the 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. In 2007/2008, 732 students spread among 40 different courses and 5 independent projects were supported in completing video assignments, website assignments and large and medium format poster assignments.


How does the campus help students develop computer skills?

Instruction is provided in connection with courses students are taking. There are lab consultants available for 126 hours per week to assist with questions students have while using technology. Web-based training software is also available. Additional help for students is provided through the Help Desk.


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%