Computing Facilities and
Services
Computers are fundamental tools for learning, instruction, and research
in every college and department at ASU. ASU’s Information
Technology (IT) department provides a variety of computing equipment
and services available for use by students, faculty, and staff.
IT also provides a wide variety of applications, including those
required for development, research, and other learning needs. University-wide
productivity software and knowledge-sharing resources are accessible
through a high-speed campus network and from off-campus via the
Internet.
IT provides several service centers, described below, for the
ASU academic community.
Computing Commons. The Computing Commons building (CPCOM)
provides a “technology hub” that draws together students,
faculty, and staff from all disciplines on campus in an environment
conducive to maximum creative interaction. The building and its
facilities have drawn national recognition and acclaim as a model
for the support of instruction and research in a technology-based
environment. The Computing Commons houses a 253-workstation computing
site, seven computer classrooms, two Classroom Support Centers,
the Customer Assistance Center, a computer store, and the Computing
Commons Gallery.
Classroom Support. Classroom Support assists instructors
in integrating technology into the educational process. To achieve
this goal Classroom Support personnel provide equipment, technical
support, maintenance, and instructor training for open-access classrooms,
mediated classrooms, computer classrooms, and special events. Classroom
Support Centers are located strategically around campus so that
staff can provide help to instructors who request assistance. For
more information, access the Web site at www.asu.edu/classroomsupport.
Computing Sites.
In addition to the Computing Commons Atrium, there are four additional
(IT or open access) computing sites located on the ASU Tempe campus,
available for ASU faculty, staff, and students with an ASURITE UserID.
Site configurations and hours of operation vary; current information
is available on the Web at
www.asu.edu/computingsites/.
ASU Downtown Center
Computer Lab. The ASU Downtown Center offers an alternative
to the computer labs at the Tempe campus. This facility features
20 Pentium III-800 Mhz computers--all loaded with Microsoft Windows
2000 and Office 2000, Internet Explorer, Netscape, and other software.
A high-speed laser printer and a color flatbed scanner are available,
and faculty may use the ceiling-mounted computer projection system.
The ASU Downtown Center is located in downtown Phoenix. It is a
unique educational, applied-research, and community-service facility
designed to address the multifaceted urban opportunities of the
central Phoenix community. For more information, call 480/965-3046,
or access the Web site at http://www.asu.edu/xed/computerlab/.
Geographic Information Systems Lab. The Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) Lab seeks to establish partnerships with faculty,
staff, and students to acquire, create, and enhance research and
creative endeavors through the effective use of GIS technologies.
The lab is located on the second floor of the Computing Commons
in room 235. Lab staff members assist researchers with hardware,
software, and data to facilitate the creation of geographic information
systems for spatial analysis, query, and display. The lab supports
research from various disciplines and provides additional resources
to students who are enrolled in classes for GIS instruction, serving
as a focal point for GIS users to meet and share information and
technical expertise. For more information, access the Web site at
www.asu.edu/gislab.
Help Desk/Consulting. The UTO Help Desk provides ASU students, faculty, and staff with centralized systems information and first-level assistance in resolving computing problems. The UTO Help Desk assists with computer accounts, AFS file space and permissions for Web sites; communication, e-mail, and virus protection software; and computing and equipment problem referral. Services are available by telephone at 480/965-6500. For more information, access the Web site at www.asu.edu/helpdesk.
Digital Media Instructional
Technologies. Digital Media Instructional
Technologies (DMIT) serves as a development
center for the effective use of technology in the design and
delivery of instruction. Staffed with faculty, researchers,
and students skilled in the areas of system design, graphics,
interactive software, Web-based instructional design and
delivery, and digital video production, this innovation-driven
group enables faculty to maximize the impact of their instruction
through the use of technology. From this perspective, DMIT
fosters technological innovation by serving as a research
and development unit, a production group, and a training
facility.
DMIT collaborates with faculty in the coordination of cross-disciplinary
research and production projects relating to the integration
of technology with education. Through partnerships with ASU
faculty and researchers, other educational institutions, as
well as public and private community entities, grant-writing
teams are assembled to leverage support not otherwise available
to a single academic unit or faculty member. Central to effective
support services is the establishment of a partnership among
the various support units within the university. DMIT coordinates
the efforts of these groups—which include the School of
Extended Education, University Libraries, Disability Resources
for Students, and the Office for Research and Sponsored Projects
Administration—to
provide faculty with a wide array of instruction support services.
DMIT offers consultation and workshops tailored toward enhancing
the instructional use of technology by the university teaching
community. Sessions range from an introduction to technology
in education through advanced and customized approaches for
instructors in specific programs.
More information: http://dmit.asu.edu/.
Instruction Support Lab. The Instruction Support (IS)
Lab provides an environment in which faculty may seek and receive
one-on-one, guided, or independent support for course development
and delivery. Expert staff work closely with faculty to refine
and develop their skills and confidence in the design and delivery
of instruction through a variety of technology-supported means,
both synchronous and asynchronous. Located in CPCOM 213, the
IS Lab provides faculty, university professionals, and graduate
students with a unique opportunity to integrate technology with
instruction. The IS Lab sponsors workshops and demonstrations
and serves as a dynamic clearinghouse of information and referrals
for effective integration of technology with education. For
more information about Instruction Lab resources, support, and
workshops, go to http://dmit.asu.edu/islab/islab.html.
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