• Archway:  is an interactive tool that allows users to access selected academic and personal information from the administrative database used by McDaniel College. Faculty can use the Archway to view class rosters, find advisee information and planning templates, and is used for official class grading.
Log-in page

• Blackboard: allows faculty to distribute course content and organize out-of-class communication using the Internet. The system combines many online tools and resources, including e-mail, chat, and online discussions, and helps faculty organize tools for individual academic courses. Blackboard is designed to enhance student-centered learning and increase peer-to-peer connections. Classes for beginning and advanced use occur on a regular basis or on demand. Contact Chris Mathews for more information.

• Classroom technology: the majority of McDaniel’s classrooms are equipped with ceiling-mounted LCD projectors, speakers, and boxes that hold computers (Windows or mac), monitors, DVD players, and amplifiers. Reservations of these classrooms may be made through Diane Vaccaro, ext. 2263. Training can be obtained by calling the HelpDesk.

• Desktop/laptops Equipment: all full-time faculty are provided with either personal desk or laptops computers. Users may choose either a Windows or Mac platform, and the appropriate software.

• Email: the Zimbra Collaboration Suite is used for email, which is the official means of communication for students, faculty and staff. This package includes advanced searching capabilities, spam/message filtering, drag-drop capabilities, and a personal calendar. Contact Chris Palsgrove for more information.

• Grant support: For those faculty applying for grants, IT will be happy to work with you to select the appropriate technology equipment and support needs before submittal.

• Helpdesk: serves faculty and staff of McDaniel College during working hours. There are three ways to contact the help desk. Call x3390 (from off campus, that’s 410-871-3390), e-mail help@mcdaniel.edu or visit the Web Help Desk website at http://helpdesk.mcdaniel.edu/.  After logging in with your e-mail username and password, you may submit a help desk ticket online or look up your open help desk tickets to check on their status.

• Mid-semester emerging technology needs grants: During Oct and Feb/March, the FTC will solicit small grants to support the use of emerging technology needs for the classroom or for research.

• Qualtrics: is an online survey program available for all faculty, staff and student use. Faculty can use this program for class and research surveys, evaluations, and peer- review, advising signups, special sessions and more. For instructions, call Chris Mathews.

• Second life: InTech has developed and supports a McDaniel College Second Life Campus. Virtual class spaces are available for faculty and student use. Contact Steve Kerby for further information.

• Servers: use of departmental servers is negotiated with IT to ensure ongoing, secure support. Contact Benji Koger for more information.

• Shared file access: Late Fall 2009, IT will provide faculty with personal and departmental shared file services.

• Software: for class and research: each desk/laptop is provided with the full suite of Microsoft Office software and browsers. Additional software (SPSS, Adobe, PDFpen, etc.) can be obtained through either departmental funds, emerging grants, or requested through the annual budgeting process.

• Training: The Instructional Technology Office (InTech) initiates partnerships with members of the campus community to address today’s teaching and learning challenges and opportunities. Over 50+ classes as well as one-on-one support sessions are offered each semester. Currently classes in the use of blogs, wikis, Wimba, videoediting and more are available.

The Student Web and Technology Team (SWATT) team of tech-savvy yet approachable students will also assist faculty with common computer application-related problems on demand.
InTech has an online blog at: http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/InTech/blog/  that offers instructional technology news and links.

• Faculty web pages: Faculty, who develop their own web pages for either class or research use, may have them hosted on the www2.mcdaniel.edu site. Contact Benji Koger for support.

• Wimba: is a live, virtual classroom environment now available in all Blackboard classes.  The application includes audio, video, whiteboard, text chat, application sharing, and Mp4 capabilities. With Wimba, faculty can create online videos from PowerPoints, “capture lectures,” and meet students online in real time. Contact Steve Kerby for more information.

• Wireless access: currently all open spaces through the campus have wifi access. This Fall we will be fitting the residence halls with 802.11n AP units, followed by classroom starting late Spring. For connection problems, please contact the HelpDesk.

For all other information on technology services, contact Dr. Esther Iglich (x2405).