Vol. 18, No. 11Nov. 12, 1998

Information Technologies sets open house for Nov. 18

Take a break from virtual reality tours on the web and step into the real world of computing services: Information Technologies/ User Services will hold an open house from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, featuring the new facilities and services in Smith Hall.

Door prizes will be offered, and refreshments will be served during the open house. Reservations are not required.

Improved access

"Most of our services can be accessed online, and people can do a tremendous amount of work without coming to Smith Hall. But, there are many resources that are here in Smith that can enhance their work," Leila Lyons, User Services, said.

These services include the use of a new computer classroom and expert, one-on-one assistance by staff in the RDMS Data Center, the Technology Solutions Center and the PRESENT Faculty Technology Center.

"The improved facilities, combined with staff expertise, will be of great benefit to the University community," Lyons said.

New computer classroom

"The renovations gave us an opportunity to add a much needed resource," Lyons said. "Existing computer classrooms are being used to capacity, and we needed a new facility for the campus," Lyons added.

The classroom contains 25 computers for students and one computer for an instructor. The computers all run standard software and are equipped with

The classroom also is equipped with an overhead projector, which displays the instructor's computer screen to the entire classroom. The classroom can be reserved by faculty through central scheduling, and requests for nonstandard software can be accommodated as needed.

RDMS Data Center

Reorganization of the RDMS Data Center, located in 002C Smith, included merging the Data Center with the noncirculating holdings of the User Services reference library. The reorganization makes it more convenient for researchers to have data and computing documentation in the same area.

"The primary services of the RDMS are data acquisition, retrieval, manipulation, analysis and display across all disciplines," Dick Sacher, User Services, said.

"Our emphasis has turned toward network-based retrieval and use of data, and some of our efforts are concentrated on customizing that access for Delaware researchers," Sacher said.

Technology Solutions Center

The Technology Solutions Center (TSC), located in 002B Smith, has a new, more efficient computer drop-off facility. TSC staff will install software for direct Ethernet connections as well as modem connections using Point-to-Point Protocol software. Reservations to drop off a computer, although not required, are highly recommended.

"We have improved our facilities to help serve the University community better and have already received a very positive response," Ron Nichols, User Services, said.

Overall, TSC services have been streamlined and include pre-purchase consultation, access to noncirculating computer periodicals and information about Y2K issues.

TSC staff will demonstrate some of the new equipment in mobile computing, including

The PRESENT Faculty Technology Center

"Teaching with technology is one of the top goals of universities across the country," Janet de Vry, User Services, said. The goal of the PRESENT is to assist faculty to combine teaching and technology to enhance learning.

Staff in the PRESENT, located in 010 Smith, work with individual faculty members, as well as departments, to demonstrate how teaching and technology can be integrated successfully.

During the open house, a presentation about how technology can enhance learning will be shown, including