Otterbein supports the use of technology to enhance the development, management, and evaluation of effective instruction. Otterbein recognizes the importance of technology for the communication and productivity that are integral to teaching and learning and strives to provide adequate resources to achieve those objectives.

The College makes many technologies available for faculty, students and staff to enhance learning:

Yes. Otterbein houses 74 rooms (this includes traditional classrooms, labs and conference rooms where classes are taught)that come equipped with data projectors, DVD/VCR combos, installed computers, amplified audio systems, document cameras and laptop connectivity. Two smaller conference style classrooms come equipped with LCD TVs, DVD players and laptop connectivity. In addition, there are 7 mobile projection carts which include DVD/VCR combos, installed computers, amplified audio systems, and laptop connectivity.

Otterbein uses the Blackboard and Moodle course management systems. If an instructor elects to use those system, they can be configured to include live chat, asynchronous discussion boards and group forums. Moreover, some courses use dedicated online folders, web pages and third party systems to facilitate online collaboration.

Many courses also make use of technologies such as video chat, web conferencing and wikis – all of which facilitate collaboration.

Yes. Otterbein offers several for-credit online/distance learning options:

The computers in the student labs are equipped with CD/DVD burners and software necessary to utilize Flip video cameras. The library basement also has firewire connectivity for high-end video.

The entire process of finding, requesting, and receiving journal articles from other non-OhioLINK libraries can be done electronically or by visiting the library. Should you require a journal article that is not available through the library web resources, you can request this item from us and we will send it to you via email (once we have received it from the other library). In addition, we can request books, videos and other materials from other libraries (including statewide, nationally and internationally).

There is no charge for most requests. However, if you need something from a library that charges other libraries a significant fee, we may ask that you assist us in paying a portion of the cost. We will always ask you, though, before requesting a high cost item, if you are willing and able to pay the fee.

Yes. The Math and Computer Science department offers a three-credit course titled Computing Concepts/Applications (CSC 100) with the following description: “An introduction to computers and computer software in a liberal arts context, including historical roots, ethical issues, and future directions. Hands-on laboratory experience and web-based training in software applications, including word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, and web authoring. Includes introduction to algorithm development and programming.”

In addition, the Department of Information Technology offers approximately 85 short, informal hands-on non-credit workshops for a wide variety of computing topics ranging from basic computing to MS Office systems to programming. These workshops are free and open to faculty, staff and students. View the Training Schedule.

Otterbein's Self Service Banner allows students to view and manage their own personal information. Students can only view their own information.

Another method of viewing personal information is Otternet - web pages tailored to each user. Otternet provides links for accessing web and Home folders, class rosters and more.

Otterbein's smart card system is called Cardinal Card. With it you can:

Otterbein's policy for privacy is contained in the Responsible Use Policy. In addition, Otterbein places strict controls on sensitive and personal information.

Otterbein no longer uses social security number as an identifier. Instead, it uses a uniquely generated Student ID.

Sensitive and private information is stored in databases; access to information is limited to the individual and college administrators. No sensitive or private information is made available to the public on the college's intranet or Internet.

The Internet bandwidth is balanced to provide equal access to all users. Peer-to-peer applications are not blocked, but illegal file downloading/sharing is not allowed on Otterbein’s network. Web pages are not filtered or blocked. Servers and wireless networks outside of those established by the Department of Information Technology are not permitted.

There are eight public access computing labs open to all students: See the Computer Lab web pages for more details. In addition, there are department specific computer labs (e.g., Computer Science) as well as small labs in each residence hall.

Residence hall students may connect their personal computers to the Otterbein network after agreeing to abide by the Responsible Use Policy.

Otterbein has wireless access in the Campus Center, the Library and all curriculum buildings.

At this time Residence halls are deploying wireless coverage. (Spring Quarter 2010) For security reasons, students are not permitted to set up wireless networks anywhere on campus. Residence halls will continue to offer wired connections for those students who do not have wireless capability for their computers or peripherals.

Otterbein provides all students with space on its public web server.

In addition, Otterbein provides a networked folder for the storage of documents. This folder (referred to as the Home Folder) allows students to access their work from any computer on the Internet. That includes off-campus access.

The web and Home folders are password protected to limit access.

Students are responsible for creating and managing the content of their web folders. Students who are interested in learning how to create and manage web pages should consult the Department of Information Technology's schedule of free training workshops.

Click here for more information.

Contact information for faculty, staff and administrators is available on the public web site. Faculty and staff can limit what information is publicly available. Contact information for students is only available on the internal Intranet and is not publicly available.

The Department of Student Affairs posts information about social activities and services on its web site. Otterbein also maintains an online calendar of events for athletics, arts, alumni and social events.

The Department also posts an online edition of the Student Life Handbook - a complete listing of policies, services, and activities available on campus.

Otterbein 360 is available online and includes WOBN, WOCC, and Tan&Cardinal. (Otterbein radio, TV station and newspaper respectively)

Special events, news and services are all available in each student's OZone account under various customizable tabs.

Yes. Otterbein maintains web pages for numerous student organizations.

The Career Center web site includes a complete listing of our services and resources and comprehensive career planning information including links to many on-line resources.

For example, the "What Can I Do with a Major in...?" page lists dozens of career paths for each major, with links to career sites appropriate to each major. The "Four Year Timetable" page provides guidelines for career-related activities and goals for the freshman through the senior year. The "Self Assessment" page outlines the self-assessment process, describes the testing instruments available at the Career Center, and provides links to free on-line career assessments. The page on "Mastering the Art of Job Searching" includes links to dozens of industry and career information sites.

Jobs are listed at Cardinal Careers. Students can create and upload a resume that can be viewed by employers, and browse through job listings that have been submitted by employers as well as view company profiles. Positions on the Collegiate JobLine Central Consortium (CJCC) site are also shared with Capital University, Ohio Dominican, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wittenberg University and Urbana University.

FOCUS-2 is a self-paced, online career and education planning tool that will enable you to assess your values, skills and interests and explore career fields and major areas of study that are compatible with your assessment results.

The Career Liftoff Interest Inventory is another online career assessment. It is a standard career interest inventory based on the Holland Occupational Code. Inventory results are immediate and can be printed.

Otterbein maintains a set of recommendations for residence hall computers and distance learning computers.

Macintosh computers can connect to the Internet through the Otterbein network and access the same resources as Windows computers.

The Department of Information Technology staffs two help desks - one for faculty and staff and another specifically for students. The student help desk can be reached by calling 614-823-1060 or by stopping by the student help desk located in the Campus Center. General student help desk hours during academic term are Monday thru Thursday, 8:30am - 9:00pm, Fridays, 8:30am - 6:00pm, and Saturdays 8:00am -2:00pm.

Each year the Department of Information Technology offers short, informal hands-on workshops for a wide variety of computing topics ranging from basic computing to MS Office systems to programming. These workshops are free and open to faculty, staff ands students. View the Training Schedule.

In addition, the Department of Information Technology also offers detailed information in the New Students' section of its web site, has a studenthelpdesk@otterbein.edu email for assistance and live chat. Students can further get immediate information on Twitter and Facebook pages (Do Otterbein search)!

Students are responsible for all aspects of maintaining their computers. The Department of Information Technology will assist resident students with virus and spyware removal and installation of a free virus protection. We will not perform hardware maintenance on your computer if something goes wrong. The Department can provide general assessments and recommendations for commuting students, however the ultimate responsibility for keeping computers running is the student's.

Yes.

The computers in the student public labs including residence halls are on a four year replacement cycle. Faculty and staff computers are on a four year replacement cycle as well.

Otterbein maintains current licenses for the latest versions of MS Windows and Office and deploys that software based on need, hardware and software stability.

There are B&W laser printers in all of the student computer labs. Students may print for free up to a quota, then PaperCut Software tracks per copy payment.

Yes, All academic buildings and additionally the Campus Center, Library, Cowen Hall all have wireless capability. Click here for more information.

Otterbein supports the 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n wireless technologies.

Residence halls also have wireless coverage beginning Summer 2010. For security reasons, students are not permitted to set up wireless networks anywhere on campus.