rapid development & deployment of a ubiquitous computing computing environment:the ursinus...

RAPID DEVELOPMENT & DEPLOYMENT OF A UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING COMPUTING

ENVIRONMENT:THE URSINUS COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

John P. King, Ph.D.Chief Information Officer

Ursinus CollegeCopyright John King, 2001. This work is the intellectual property

of the author Permission is granted for this material to be shared for non-commercial, educational purposes, provided that this copyright appears on the reproduced materials

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URSINUS COLLEGEComputing Initiative

For Student Achievement

ABOUT URSINUS COLLEGE•Character: Independent liberal arts• Founded: 1869• Location: Collegeville, Pa., 28 miles northwest of Philadelphia• Enrollment: 1,334 students (1259 FTE)• Student Demography: 47 percent men, 53 percent women; students from morethan 26 states and 20 foreign countries.• Average SAT Scores: 1202• Faculty: 137 faculty, 94 percent of (104) full-time faculty hold terminal degree• Student/Faculty Ratio: 12:1• Campus: 168 acres, 59 buildings.• Endowment: $100.3 million• Annual Operating Budget: $34 million (E&G, $28 million)•Information Technology Budget (excludes voice): $2.25 million (6.6% of total budget. 8.0% of E&G)• Residential character: 95% of students live on campus•Academic environment: 14 prestigious honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa• After Ursinus: Within five years of graduation, 75 percent of Ursinus graduates enter graduate and professional schools.

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URSINUS COLLEGE



URSINUS COLLEGE:2001

RICH, ROBUST UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

INNOVATIVE USES OF TECHNOLOGY INTEACHING & LEARNING




MODEST INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

TRADITIONAL/LOW LEVEL USES OF TECHNOLOGYIN TEACHING & LEARNING



URSINUS COLLEGE:2001COMMITMENT TO TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Operating and Capital BudgetIT Operating Budget 8% of E&G Budget Capital Budget Support for Infrastructure Improvements

Staffing16 FTE

3 Dedicated Instructional Technology Support Staff for Humanities, Social Sciences & Sciences

Strong Student Assistant ProgramResidence Technology Consultants, Project Tech. Consult., Comp. Technicians, Help Desk Consult.



URSINUS COLLEGE:1998NO ESTABLISHED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM/PLAN

Operating and Capital BudgetIT Operating Budget 2.3% of E&G BudgetNominal Capital Budget Support for Infrastructure

Staffing5.5 FTE Limited Student Assistants Program

Primarily for “Monitoring” Computing Labs



URSINUS COLLEGE:2001STAFFING

S r. S ys tem s E n g in eer

S ys tem s A d m in is tra to r

W eb & D a tab aseS u p p ort S p ec ia lis t

N e tw ork & Tech n ica lS u p p ort S p ec ia lis t

M ic rocom p u terS u p p ort S p ec ia lis t

N e tw ork & Tech n ica lS ervices Team

A d m in . In fo . S ys tem sM an ag er

P rog ram m er A n a lys t& D B A d m in is tra to r

P rog ram m er A n a lys t

P rog ram m er A n a lys t

U s er S u p p ort S p ec ia lis t

A d m in . In fo . S ys tem sTeam

In s tru c tion a l Tech n o log is tH u m an it ies

In s tru c tion a l Tech n o log is tS oca l S c ien ces

In s tru c tion a l Tech n o log is tS c ien ces

In s tru c tion a l Tech n o log yTeam

H elp D esk C oord in a to r

H e lp D esk Tec h n ic ian

H e lp D esk Team

C h ie fIn fo rm ation O ffice r



URSINUS COLLEGE:1998STAFFING

P /T A d m inS ys . M n g r.

N e tw o rkA d m in is tra to r

U se r S u p p o rtS p e c ia list

U se r S u p p o rtS p e c ia list

M ic ro m p u te rS u p po rt S p e cia list

O pen

A ca d em ic V PF in a nce V P




NETWORKED CAMPUSGigabit Ethernet Backbone10/100 Switched to ALL Locations

Offices, Classrooms, Study Areas, Etc.Lounges, “Port per Pillow,” Etc.

WirelessAthletic Fields & Facilities

6 MB Internet Connection (4 bonded T-1s)




BASIC NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE100 MB BackboneShared10 MB to Stations

Offices & Residence Halls Wired T-1/Frame Relay Internet Connection




LAPTOP PROGRAM: STUDENTSProvided to all Entering Students as Part of TuitionCustom Ursinus Software LoadTwo-Year “Refresh” Model

FreshmenRising Juniors Return Old & Receive NewTransfers On Schedule Based Upon Classification

Ink-Jet Printer Provided with Laptop




LAPTOP PROGRAM: FACULTYProvided to all Full-Time FacultyCustom Ursinus Software LoadTwo-Year “Refresh” ModelInk-Jet Printer Provided with LaptopPhasing In Distribution to Part-Time Faculty as Well

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URSINUS COLLEGE:2001 LAPTOP PROGRAM

Model: Dell Latitude C500Celeron 700 Mhz14.1inch XGA Active Matrix Display 128 MB RAMIntegrated 10/100 Ethernet, 56K ModemTwo Spindle10 GB HD & Swappable/Modular CD, FloppyTouch Pad & Track Stick

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URSINUS COLLEGE:2001 LAPTOP PROGRAM

Custom Software LoadMicrosoft Campus Agreement

Windows 2000,Office 2000, Publisher, Front Page, Etc.Exchange/Outlook Mail Client

Internet Tools (Adobe. Real Player, Etc.)Specialized Software (Derive, Etc.)




Distributed Instructional Computing Labs486, Pentium I

Variety of Faculty/Staff Workstations386, 486, P I

Vax Mail, File Share Services, Etc.Established Web Presence




FACILITIES“Smart Classrooms”Electric & Network Connections Per Seat In Most Fixed Seating Classrooms and on Science Lab BenchesFaculty Multimedia Development Resource CenterStudent Multimedia Development CenterEvolving from Traditional Computing Labs to Specialized Work Station Clusters




FACILITIESTwo “Smart” ClassroomsNo Network Access in Other Classrooms, Study Spaces, Etc.Network Access in Library from Public Terminals & Labs

1 Functioning PC Lab in Library & 1 Declining Mac Lab




INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTBudget, Staff, FacilitiesMultimedia Development Hardware & SoftwareBlackboard Course Management & Portal SystemWorkshops

“Technology Explorations”Showcasing Faculty Use of Technology at Board MeetingsJoint Faculty-Staff Projects and Presentations




MINIMAL ACADEMIC COMPUTING SUPPORTBasic PC & Mac Technical SupportWord Processing, Spreadsheet, Etc. Training




ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMSClient-ServerEvolving Web InterfaceStreamlining Student ServicesStreamlining Student/Faculty Academic Support Services




ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMSAging Batch Systems




HELP DESKProfessional & Student StaffTracking SystemPhysical Location Staffed 8:00 AM – MidnightE-Mail & Web Requests for Service Provide 24 X 7 SupportResidence Technology Consultants Provide 24 X 7 SupportOn-Call for 24 X 7 SupportAutomated Alerts/Pages to Staff for Network Problems




HELP DESKTelephone Number to Leave Voice Mail Messages



URSINUS COLLEGE 1998 – 2001

COMPUTING INITIATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT



COMPUTING INITIATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT WHY TECHNOLOGY?

PEDAGOGICAL CONSIDERATIONSEnhance TeachingEnhance Learning …through

Interaction & CollaborationActive InvolvementCommunicationPresentation& Demonstration



COMPUTING INITIATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT SUMMER 1998

Senior Information Technology Officer HiredCharge: Ursinus as a Liberal Arts College of Distinction

That makes Exemplary Uses of Information TechnologiesReports Directly to PresidentBoard Committee Adds Information Technology as FocusFaculty & Admin Advisory Committee Structures Established




OPPORTUNITIESHigh Expectations From College Community

Therefore Support to “Make Things Happen”16 Million Dollar Science Center RenovationMellon Grant For Technology Use in Modern Languages




OPPORTUNITY FOR IMMEDIATE ACTIONSEquipment in 3 Labs Replaced & Software UpgradedEquipment in Special Use Areas ReplacedFaculty & Staff Receive HW & SW UpgradesSupport Plan for Faculty, Staff & Students

Change in Focus from Reactive Fire Fighting toProactive, Positive Support

Procedure for Immediate Residence Hall Network ConnectionsNetwork Upgrades




OPPORTUNITY: SCIENCE CENTER RENOVATION

(Fully Completed 1999)

Computers for Lab, Resource Center & Special UsesAll “Smart Class Rooms” with Elect. & Network per SeatAll Lab Benches with Electric & Network PortsLounges, Study Areas, Etc. all WiredNetwork Backbone Upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet10/100 Switched to All Ports Model for Other Buildings




OPPORTUNITY: MELLON GRANTCore Faculty Group Developing & Using Instruc. Tech. Multimedia & Instructional Technology Devel. Resources

Traditional Mod. Lang. Lab EvolvingLab & “Lab Manager” Moved from Dean to IT Area




OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW INITIATIVESDialogue on Teaching & Learning with Technology

Required Resources? Required Support? Insure Availability of Resources for Students, Fac. & Staff

Laptops? Examination of Administrative Information Systems

Access to Info. & Improvement of Service Delivery



COMPUTING INITIATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 1998-1999: PLANNING

PLANNING TO DEVELOP & SUPPORT UBIQUITOUS & EFFECTIVE USES OF

INFOMATION & INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES




IDENTIFIED INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY GOALS:

Actively Involve Faculty and Students in Teaching and learning.

Provide Tools that Put the Powers Of Direct Inquiry, Exploration and Dialogue In the Hands Of Teachers and Learners at Virtually Any Time and In Any Place.

Improve Ongoing Collaboration and Communication and Enhance Opportunities For Interaction Among and Between Faculty and Students.



COMPUTING INITIATIVEFOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

COMMUNICATIONS: A Wired Campus where Communication is Possible virtually at any Time and in Any Place.COMMUNITY:An Ethical Environment Where Students Share Values, Challenge Ideas and Arrive at Collective Community Principles. COMPUTER COMPETENCE: A Functional Environment Where High-Level E-Skills are the Standard for All Faculty and Graduates. EQUAL ACCES TO COMPUTING FOR ALL: A College of Shared and Equal Means, where, Regardless of Financial Need, No One Is Left Behind.TEACHING & LEARNING INNOVATION: An Intellectually Charged Environment Where Cutting -Edge resources Excite Faculty and Students with the Newest and Best Educational Technologies.




IDENTIFIED LAPTOP PROGRAM AS A KEY ELEMENTFOR INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES




WHY LAPTOPS?Pedagogical Considerations

Enhance Teaching & Learning Through…Presentation & DemonstrationCommunicationActive InvolvementInteraction & CollaborationIndividualization (Re: Learning Styles)

Equity of AccessUbiquitous Access




WHY LAPTOPS?Institutional Considerations

Competitive AdvantageStudent Expectations & Admissions RecruitmentFaculty RecruitmentStudent Performance/ExperienceTech Resource Availability & Use vis-a-vis Others

Technical Support Focus & Infrastructure IssuesStandardizationReduce Number of LabsMinimize Obsolescence Risk




STUDENT EXPECTATIONS/PERCEPTIONS Fall 2000 Freshman Survey

48%: Laptop a Major Factor in Choosing Ursinus80%: Other Factors More Important

35% Concerned About Limited Computer ExperienceBut 85%: No problems Meeting Demands

76%: Able to Do Better Quality Work Because of Laptops72%: Prefer Doing Work With Computers76%: Greater Freedom in Doing Work Because of Laptop72%: Prefer Coursework with a Computer61%: Better Able to Pursue Goals with a Laptop88%: Will Benefit later Because of Laptop Program66.%; Look forward to Collaboration70%: Do NOT Feel that Laptop will Decrease Faculty Contact49%: Technology Makes Learning Easier62.%: Learning with Computers is More Interesting.




IDENTIFIED ADMINSTRATIVE INFORMATION NEEDS:

Streamline Processes To Improve Services And Access To Information




DETERMINED TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC & ADMINISTRATIVE

PROGRAMS AND COMMITTED FUNDS TO DEVELOP THOSE RESOURCES




DETERMINED STAFFING REQUIRED TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC & ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS AND

COMMITTED FUNDS FOR STAFFING PLAN




DEVELOPED FINANCIAL MODEL TO SUPPORT INITIATIVES

Funded Through Increase In Tuition & Additions from E&G Capital Funds for Catch-Up, Thereafter in Operational BudgetTuition vs. Fee Model




COMMITMENT TO MOVE FORWARD President and Cabinet Involved & Committed

INVOLVEMENT OF CAMPUS COMMUNITYCampus Planning & Priorities CommitteeFaculty Information Sessions




Basic InfrastructureCampus NetworkClassrooms

Instructional Technology ToolsLaptop Program ModelSupport/StaffingFunding/Financial ModelCommitment to Move ForwardCampus Involvement



COMPUTING INITIATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 1998-1999

Continue Organization & Staff DevelopmentProactive Service & Support OrientationNew Staff Hires

Instructional Technologist Network/Technical Services StaffAdministrative Systems TeamHelp Desk Staff

Continue HW, SW & Network Upgrades




Laptops Distributed to Full-time FacultyTraining/Orientation for Faculty

Continue Network UpgradesGigabit Ethernet ExtendedSwitched 10/100 to Station Extended

Building & Network WiringClassrooms, Administrative Building

Exchange/Outlook Implemented




Plan For Laptop Distribution to StudentsDiscussions with Current Students

Computer Lab Upgrades with Projection UnitsInstructional Technology Support Development

Complete Implementation of Staffing PlanIT Tools/Blackboard ImplementedMultimedia Development Resource Center

Extend Gigabit Ethernet & Switched 10/100 to ResidencesComplete Implementation of Student Assistant Plan

Residence Technology AssistantsProject Technology AssistantsHelp Desk & Technician Consultants

No More Lab Baby SittingAdmin System Upgrade Planning




Complete Network UpgradesUpgrade Internet Connection to 4MB

Complete Building WiringPortable Projection Units for Laptop Use PurchasedFreshmen Orientation & Laptop Distribution

Successful Roll Out In Spite of Procurement & Vendor Support Issues

Faculty ConferenceKeynote Address By David BrownFaculty Break-out Sessions

First C/S Admin. System Implemented




Revisit Laptop Vendor Selection Procurement & Support IssuesTransactional Vendor Relationship

New Model/Vendor EvaluationMultiple Vendors Including Initial VendorValue/Price-PerformancePartnership OpportunitiesStudent Involvement

New Partnership with DellSummer 2001 and forward




Network & Wiring Upgrades on “Normal” ScheduleWireless Pilot Continue Client Server Admin. System ImplementationsStudent Multimedia Development CenterAdditions to Faculty Multimedia Development CenterInstructional Technology Initiatives

Curricular ChangesFaculty-Instructional Technology Staff Projects

Initial Evaluations of Laptop & Instructional Tech. ProgramsIncreased Faculty Involvement in Advisory Committee




Faculty-Staff Presentations“Technology Explorations” for FacultyStudent Summer Fellows“Normal” Schedule of Maintenance,Upgrades, New HW/SW purchases in Preparation for Academic YearPreparation for Laptop Orientation & Distribution

Dell Support & Execution FlawlessFaculty Laptops Replaced with New Dells



COMPUTING INITIATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT SUMMER 2001 LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION

Orientation/Distribution Sessions 5 Sessions of ~80 Students Each

Introduction & Program OverviewResponsibilities & Policies

Break-Out Into 4 Smaller groups of 20-25Laptops Labeled for Individual StudentsPrinter & Ursinus Resource CD

Hands-On With Laptops Feature OverviewsPlug In Cables, Swap Modular PeripheralsBoot Up, Log InDesktop, Navigation & Software OverviewOutlook & Blackboard Overview

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Upgrade Internet Connection to 6 MBPacketeer, QOS, Improved Network Mngt. ToolsRack-Mounted Servers, Exploration of NAS/SANAlden Grant for Additional “Smart Classrooms”Faculty Advisory Committee Intensifies Discussion of

Pedagogy, Program Evaluations Streaming Media & Network Video Implementations



COMPUTING INITIATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 2001-2002 EMERGING ISSUESEscalating Expectations: Faculty, Students, Admin, Staff

For Service, SupportFor Results

Escalating Expectations: IT StaffInstructional Technology Staff Frustrations With Faculty, AdminResources Are Not UnlimitedRoutine of Operational & Project Mode, Smaller Scale Initiatives

vs. Excitement of BIG New Initiatives




OUTCOMES?Instruction & Curriculum

Beginning Biology CurriculumIntro Chemistry LabEconomics & Bus. Admin. Teams, Case Work, DB AnalysisModern Language ClassesFreshmen Seminar/Experience“Science in Motion”NSF Website on BiomechanicsEtc.

Student WorkClass ProjectsCapstone ProjectsSummer Fellows ProjectsElectronic Portfolios




OUTCOMES?

Faculty Feedback On Teaching & LearningIn- and Out-of-Class Communication Improved w/Fac. & Stud.Active, Student-Directed Activities & ProjectsIncreased/Improved Collaboration & Group/Team ProjectsStudent Presentations ImprovedOut-of-Class ActivitiesEtc.

Faculty Feedback on Using Technology“Just do it!”“Start small, build as you go.”“Don’t get hung up on the technology.”“Make GOOD friends with your Instructional Technologist!”




OUTCOMES?

Student Feedback (from focus sessions)“We are good buddies.” (Referring to laptop.)“I don’t think it [my laptop] stays off for more than an hour,

…unless I’m sleeping!.”“I don’t think I could survive without it.”

Student Feedback: Spring Follow-Up69%: Laptop Provided Opportunity to Collaborate73%: Worked with Classmates on Projects with Laptops56%: Use Laptops for In-Class Projects59%: Because of Laptops had MORE Contact with Faculty54%: Blackboard Useful59%: Think Faculty Should Use Blackboard More



COMPUTING INITIATIVEFOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

DISCUSSION & PLANNING starts with:Teaching, Learning ,Pedagogy Information Access & Service ImprovementsNOT Technology

COMMITMENT & SUPPORT OF PRESIDENT & CABINETAnd, OF COURSE, Campus Community

RESOURCES, RESOURCES, RESOURCESBe Ready to Support at all Levels & Establish Plans to Do So

Basic Infrastructure, Tools, StaffBe Frank About Level of Needs & Ongoing Nature of Needs

Operational Budgets vs. CapitalBE FLEXIBLE & PERSERVERE

Recognize When Change Needed, Experiment, Borrow MANAGE EXPECTATIONSIDENTIFY & SIEZE OPPORTUNITIES

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rapid development & deployment of a ubiquitous computing computing environment:the ursinus...

Documents

ursinus college character

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student achievement

percent of ursinus graduates

information technology

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