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.

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

WPI's electronic course management system, myWPI (powered by Blackboard), is available to 100% of the university's faculty. myWPI usage has grown exponentially (280%) since its implementation in 2000. In 2002, 422 courses used myWPI to either supplement or entirely house their course content, which accounted for approximately 60% of all courses offered by the university. myWPI enables students to access course materials online anytime and provides forums for online discussions.

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?

As a technological university, WPI prides itself on providing its students with a rich exposure to technology. As WPI students prepare for their professional careers, they will be well served by the university's commitment to provide top-rate technology resources. Approximately 60% of WPI's 45 classrooms are designated "e-classrooms" with a dedicated PC, VCR, DVD, laptop connection and screen projector. Additionally, WPI has several wireless access points across campus and throughout its buildings providing students with "any place" access to the university's network and the Internet. Finally, WPI's residences are 100% wired, with a network drop in each room.

What library resources are available online (catalog, databases, special collections)?

The majority of the WPI library's resources, finding aids and services are available online. Access to these is available on Gordon Library's Web site, from which students can

use the catalog to search the library's collection of 270,000+ books, 27,000+ e-books and 10,000 electronic journal subscriptions, as well as place holds and maintain their account;
verify facts using the library's subscription reference collection, totaling 150 titles;
search for journal article citations within the library's 130+ subscription databases;
read one of a growing number of electronic thesis and dissertations;
request materials electronically via interlibrary loan;
seek real-time help from reference librarians via online chat;
register for one of variety of information literacy short courses offered by the library.

What electronic reference materials are licensed and how accessible are they from outside the library (for example, in the residence halls or off campus)?

Gordon Library has licensed numerous periodical databases, electronic journals, electronic book and reference materials. All can be accessed on campus via IP address recognition. Students connecting from off campus can use the library's proxy server. For more information, see the Library's proxy server page.

How does the campus help students develop computer skills?

In addition to providing students with a technology-rich curriculum and access to more than 15 public computer labs across campus, WPI also offers students a variety of computer training opportunities. WPI's Computing & Communications Center (CCC) and Academic Technology Center (ATC) provide a wide variety of training opportunities in both multimedia program and standard Windows applications. Training sessions and workshops are scheduled regularly throughout the school year. In addition, WPI students have access to Element K's vast training library. Gordon Library offers sessions within and outside of student course work teaching students effective research techniques and introducing them to the library's various subscription databases and services. The library also offers sessions in Web page creation using HTML and JavaScript.

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

Online courses are treated the same as regular courses in terms of how the transfer credit is applied. Each course is reviewed by faculty on an individual basis. For more information, contact the WPI Office of Academic Advising.

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

No. While WPI provides training to help students develop computer skills, there is no degree requirement to this effect.

Are course reserves and other materials available online/via the Web site?

Yes. Many professors post course materials on course Web sites within the myWPI system. Additionally, the library is currently piloting its catalog system as a warehouse for electronic reserves.

What percentage of faculty have a networked computer available to them?

100%

What percentage of faculty use e-mail regularly?

While we don't have exact figures, we do know that faculty regularly use e-mail to interact with students and other colleagues.

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Last modified: Mar 02, 2005, 14:08 EST