Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

The college is committed to having a superior academic computing program. Substantialresources are devoted to building the college’s program in instructionaltechnology, developing new applications in the various academic disciplines, andintegrating new collaborative tools for teaching and learning. Many faculty membersuse computing extensively in teaching and research activities. A variety of ‘technologyclassrooms’ have been equipped with the latest technology and media devices toenhance the learning experience. Students are systematically trained in the use ofcomputers beginning with Communication/Inquiry and continuing with disciplinespecificapplications in other courses. Software applications specific to academicfunctions are available through the campus network and Internet. These applicationsinclude: software development tools for computer science, geographical informationsoftware for the sciences, mathematical/measurement for physics, music and digitalmovie production for communication arts, statistical for social sciences, and instructionaltools for the Education Department, to name just a few.The campus fiber optic network connects all buildings, providing connectivity andservices to every student residence hall room, faculty and staff office, classroom,and laboratory. As part of the Residential Networking Program, students can connectdirectly from their rooms to the campus network using a high-speed network portand access a wide range of electronic resources, including email, student transcriptand academic advising information, the Abell Library catalog and databases, academicsoftware, and the Internet. Wireless access is available in every residence hall, publicspaces, outdoor areas, and many academic buildings.Information Technology maintains state-of-the-art computing facilities for academicuse. The W.M. Keck High-Performance Computing Facility contains workstationsfor advanced scientific computing and 3-D graphics. The Abell Library Center computinglaboratories are equipped with a variety of general-purpose computers forstudent use. Academic departments have computer labs equipped with software orhardware specific to there area of instruction and institutional goals. Instructionalcomputer classrooms support computer-based education through the ‘hands on’use of computers and software applications.16 |CAMPUS LIFE