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. 92% of Otterbein's 36 classrooms contain computers, data projectors, video monitors, VHS and/or DVD players. In addition, there are six portable technology carts that contain computers and data projectors.

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

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

The computers in the student labs possess CD and/or DVD drives as well as very basic audio software. With these resources students can perform basic recording and editing. Otterbein will be installing two multimedia workstations during the summer of 2004. These workstations will include video and audio capturing, editing, DVD burning, etc. There are other computer resources that allow students in special courses to compose music and 3-D animation as well as video capture and editing.

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:

In addition, the Department of Information Technology offers approximately 85 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.

Otterbein's Cardinal Web 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 Otterbein network and firewall will not allow the passage of files using peer-to-peer software. All other services are allowed.

Servers and wireless networks outside of those established by the Department of Information Technology are not permitted.

Web pages are not filtered.

There are four public access computing labs open to all students: Library basement (also known as the MBA lab), Library 200, Roush 15A and Library 201. 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.

Internet Cafe

There is a cyber caféat the library entrance. Wireless access is available.

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

Otterbein is beginning to deploy wireless capability. Currently, wireless access is available in the Campus Center, the Library and parts of Roush Hall and Towers Hall. This coverage will expand over time.

At this time Residence halls do not have wireless coverage. For security reasons, students are not permitted to set up wireless networks anywhere on campus.

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.

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.

The student newspaper, The T&C, is available online.

Special Events and daily menu listings online through the Dining Services website.

A special email newsletter (The Weekly Commute) is sent to commuter students, highlighting services and activities on campus.

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 Career Plan" page provides guidelines for career-related activities and goals for the freshman through the senior year. The "Assessing Your Interests, Skills and Values" 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 job market research includes links to dozens of industry and career information sites.

Jobs and internships are listed at ecampusrecruiter.com/otterbein. 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. We currently share job information with Capital University, and students also have access to the national job board. The site also has a calendar/event function.

FOCUS is an online self-assessment tool that allows students to complete a series of self-assessment inventories that generate a list of compatible career options. Detailed information on each these careers can then be obtained. There are 1300 career profiles in FOCUS, which include information on duties, earnings, educational requirements, skill demands, work values satisfactions, outlook for job openings, opportunities for creativity, teamwork, etc. It is also possible to compare two occupations side by side on the monitor screen. This is a free service for students, but it can only be accessed with a login and password provided by the Career Center.

The Career Liftoff Interest Inventory is another online career assessment that is available only with a login and password provided by the Career Center. It is a standard career interest inventory based on the Holland Occupational Code. Inventory results are immediate and can be printed.

Career Leader is an online assessment specifically developed for MBA students. It contains the Business Career Interview Inventory, the Management and Professional Rewards Profile, and the Management and Professional Abilities Profile. The program recommends career options for students to discover and explore. Students must register at the Career Center in order to be authorized to gain entry into the system.

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; however, they will not be able to access the college's Windows network and resources. Macintoshes will be able to access email and the Otterbein Library resources.

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 823-1060 or by stopping by Roush 015A.

Each year the Department of Information Technology offers approximately 85 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 students' section of its web site.

Students are responsible for all aspects of maintaining their computers. The Department of Information Technology will not perform hardware or software maintenance on your computer if something goes wrong. The Department can provide general assessments and recommendations, however the ultimate responsibility for keeping computers running is the student's.

Yes.

The computers in the student labs are on a two year replacement cycle. The other computers on campus (faculty and staff) are on a four year replacement cycle.

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 one copy of any document for free. There are fees for excessive printing and color printing.

Otterbein is beginning to deploy wireless capability. Currently, wireless access is available in the Campus Center, the Library and parts of Roush Hall and Towers Hall. Click here for more information. This coverage will expand over time.

Otterbein supports the 802.11B and 802.11G wireless technologies.

At this time Residence halls do not have wireless coverage. For security reasons, students are not permitted to set up wireless networks anywhere on campus.