Student Guide To Evaluating Information Technology On Campus
EDUCAUSE is an international, nonprofit association dedicated to transforming education through information technologies. The student guide was developed by EDUCAUSE in cooperation with the American Assocation of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and the National Association of College Admission Coulseling (NACAC).
This document examines Information Technology at The Ohio State University according to the questions outlined in the EDUCAUSE student guide. Included below is a look at information technology in the following areas:
The Academic Experience
The Administrative Experience
Student Life
Services and Fees
The Academic Experience
Coursework - in and out of class
1.1 How does the campus use technology to enhance teaching, learning, and access to information in your areas of interest? Examples include online syllabi, Web-based discussion groups and project teams, and electronic portfolios.
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The Ohio State University's Academic Plan clearly defines the role of instructional technology in advancing Ohio State as a national leader and world-class institution. To meet this goal, Ohio State's use of technology to enhance teaching and learning is broad and diverse. While the majority of eLearning supplements face-to-face, traditional courses, there are also examples of blended and fully online use. The university supports a course management system (CMS) that provides a suite of tools for faculty to easily build and manage online learning experiences and for students to personalize their learning experience, conveniently and dynamically access course materials and communicate with each other and the instructor. Over 77% of all students at Ohio State and its regional campuses have an account on the CMS server. In addition, many faculty members have developed customized websites to support their courses and use presentation software and multimedia to supplement class lectures and discussions.
1.2 Are classrooms technology-enhanced?
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By the end of summer quarter there will be 104 technology equipped classrooms from a total pool of 338 at Ohio State. All classrooms do have connectivity as well as overhead projectors. Additionally, portable equipment can be delivered to any room that is not permanently equipped.
1.3 In both introductory and specialized courses, what opportunities are there for you to collaborate with other students using technology on project teams?
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Many Ohio State faculty assign team projects. The university's course management system supports collaborative learning and communities of practice by providing chat and discussion forums tools and team workspaces. Video conferencing over IP is used to collaborate with colleagues and students at a distance (e.g., seminar students working with students from other universities; projects that involve follow-up on-site visits start with video conferencing introductions from industry).
1.4 Does the school give credit for courses taken electronically (online/at a distance) from other institutions and sources of instruction?
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There is no blanket policy about transferring credit based on whether a course is electronically delivered or delivered face-face. Transfer credit is granted based on application of previous inter-institutional agreements reflected in the Course Applicability System (CAS). The CAS web site at osu.transfer.org/ allows students to determine how courses transfer and which courses may meet degree program requirements at Ohio State.
Support services
1.5 How does the campus provide access for students to work with multimedia (audio and video)?
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Ohio State provides access to equipment and software to students whose curriculum assignments require audio and video multimedia production through its Digital Union facility, a collaboration of the Office of the CIO and the University Libraries. Fulltime staff and trained student staff assist students in developing the needed skills to complete multimedia projects. Workshops are offered, as well, to familiarize students with new media technologies. An internship in learning technologies, in which students earn course credit while they work with faculty on course-related multimedia projects, is available for students who wish to develop their skills more fully (telr.osu.edu/eLearning/interns.html). Additionally, there are departmental facilities are available to students whose majors relate to audio and video production.
1.6 Are library collections and resources-such as catalogs, research databases, special collections, course reserves, full-text electronic journals, books, and streaming media-available online and accessible off-campus?
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Yes, there is a wide variety of material online, and the Library provides a web-proxy which students (and faculty/staff) can log into using their OSU Internet Username and password, allowing them to access those services from a non-OSU Internet connection.
The Ohio State Libraries in partnership with OhioLINK, the statewide consortium of Ohio's college and university libraries, provide students and faculty with an array of on-line resources and print document delivery services. From the Ohio State Libraries' web page, students and faculty have a gateway to a universe of reference databases, full-text journal articles, and art and architectural images. Each library provides access to the Library's online catalog/circulation system (OSCAR), as well as to indexes, abstracts, and bibliographies pertinent to their subject areas.
1.7 Can the library deliver documents to you electronically, either via e-mail or through Web posting? Does the library charge a fee when information resources that you need are not available in its collections?
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Many Journal articles licensed by Ohio State and OhioLink are available in electronic form. Access is through the Library's web page.
1.8 Does the library provide research assistance in a variety of ways, such as in person, by phone, by e-mail, and through web services? When are these forms of assistance available?
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Yes, reference desks handle phone and in-person, live web chat is available with OSU and OhioLink school librarians, Ask-a-Librarian e-mail and How do I type responses are available. For hours and details, go to the Library's web page.
Looking toward graduation and a career
1.9 Does the campus offer general or profession-specific training programs that will ensure you are fluent in current information technologies when you graduate?
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Technology training is available both within the disciplines and through the central information technology office. While discipline-based training is more specific to students' professional needs, centrally-sponsored training provides many of the foundational skills required for basic information literacy. A listing of general short courses is available at: oit.osu.edu/shortcourse/compcourses.html .
The Administrative Experience
Managing your personal information
What personal information can you view online-your contact information, grades, degree progress, financial status, or other information?
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Students are able to view:
- Address information
- Grades
- Degree progress (DAR - Degree Audit Report)
- Financial Aid status
- Waitlist position
- Statement of account (bill)
- Class schedule
2.2 Can you update any of this information online yourself?
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Students are able to:
- Update address information
- Drop a waitlisted course
- Register online (add or drop a course)
- Update fee options, including types of insurance
- Update insurance waiver information
Conducting business
2.3 Which of the following can you do online?
| Check admissions status | YES |
| Pay bills | YES |
| Apply for and view financial aid awards | YES |
| Register for, add, and drop courses | YES |
| Learn course grades (online or by phone) | YES, online |
| View and print unofficial transcripts | YES, called the Advising Report |
| Check progess toward completion of degree requirements | Yes, called the Degree Audit Report |
| Make campus bookstore purchases | YES, from ohiostate.bkstore.com |
| Other | Other online services include searching course descriptions and offerings, viewing course availabilities, viewing transfer credit reports, checking e-mail, changing meal plan options, and ordering official transcripts. |
2.4 What campus and community services are covered by debit-card, smart-card, or one-card systems?
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The university's debit card, Buck ID, can be used for meals, in vending machines, in washers and dryers in the residence halls, to make low-cost long distance calls, or to make purchases at bookstores and other locations. Service area vendors are being added all the time so see the Buck ID web site for the latest information. The following services are also accessed through the university ID card using an on-line, magnetic stripe technology:
- Access to meal plans
- Enrollment verification
- Student voting
- Door access
- Account management functions (account activity, inactivate account, etc.)
- Pay fees
- Make purchases with participating vendors
- Use the University Libraries' services
2.5 Are the school catalog-including course descriptions, degree requirements, and academic policies-and the semester/term schedule of classes available on the web?
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They are ONLY available on the web (with exceptions for some specific departments). For more information, go to buckeyelink.osu.edu/course_planning.html.
Privacy, security, and usage rules
2.6 What security and privacy policies are in place to protect student information?
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Information about security and privacy policies can be found at Buckeyelink, Ohio State's Online Academic Center and on the Registrar's web pages.
Information on general computer security and privacy issues can also be found at our Safe Computing web site.
2.7 How does the campus protect students from identity theft?
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The university does not give out personal or account information without the proper identification and credentials being verified. A valid university picture ID is required for many secure transactions on campus. Additionally, alternate unique identification numbers are provided to students to reduce reliance on social security number as a form of identification at the university.
2.8 How does the campus notify students of their rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?
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For Ohio State's policy concerning privacy and release of student records see information on the Registrar's web site or Buckeye Link.
2.9 Is network bandwidth limited for peer-to-peer software, gaming, Web cams, or other programs requiring high levels of network resources? Are web pages filtered?
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There are no general limits on bandwidth, however, there may be some for ResNet (OSU Residence Hall) connections, per the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy. ResNet staff will contact a particular student if their network connection is using excessive amounts of bandwidth. Web pages are NOT filtered.
2.10 Is there a campus code of behavior about using computer resources?
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Yes, refer to the Policy on Responsible Use of University Computing Resources as well as our Safe Computing web site.
2.11 Does the campus have policies addressing peer-to-peer file sharing, virus software, and copyright?
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Yes, refer to the Policy on Responsible Use of University Computing Resources and its FAQs, links at our Safe Computing web site, and the document Virtual Legality.
Also see the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy for additional information.
2.12 How does the campus manage e-mail spam?
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Currently all mail passing through the central mail system is scanned for viruses (infected messages are discared), and given a spam "score" which can be used in conjunction with filters in many e-mail programs to filter or discard mail likely to be considered as spam. Those who wish can opt-in to more full-featured server-side spam filtering using our Anti-Spam service at antispam.osu.edu. Information on the service, including an introduction and links to more details is available from our knowledge base. We also distribute site-licensed copies of Eudora 7, an e-mail client with a built-in junk mail filtering feature. The OIT Technology Support Center is also happy to assist OSU faculty, staff and students with other anti-spam options.
Student Life
Accessing computer services
3.1 What public access for computing is available to students? Examples include computing labs, cyber cafés, residence hall computers, and wireless access.
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There are 16 centrally operated student computer centers across campus, with over 680 PC's and Macintosh computers configured with current software and connected to the Internet. Students are welcome to use these computers to work on course assignments, perform web-related research, and familiarize themselves with new software packages. Additionally, many colleges, such as Business and Engineering, operate their own computer centers that are equipped with specialized hardware and software that directly relate to those chosen majors. In total, more than 3,400 computer seats are available across campus for student use. The University has also completed Phase I and is currently in Phase II of a campus-wide wireless network project. More information on wireless networking on campus is available at wireless.osu.edu .
3.2 Does the campus provide institutional e-mail accounts for all students and use e-mail as an official medium of communication?
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All Ohio State University students receive an OSU Internet username for accessing the university's central e-mail services and secure web servers and for checking grades and conducting other university business. This unique identifier takes the form of lastname.#, for example, doe.999, and when you add @osu.edu, (e.g., doe.999@osu.edu), it becomes your consistent campus e-mail address.
3.3 Does the campus provide and support electronic space for personal student Web pages?
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No, though some departments may provide personal web space for their students.
Connecting with others
3.4 Is contact information for students, faculty, and staff readily accessible electronically?
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Yes, unless a student requests for it to be removed.
3.5 What social activities and services are available online?
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For an online guide to help students connect with resources available on and off campus go to studentaffairs.osu.edu/resourcesguide.asp or www.osu.edu/student/resources/index.html.
3.6 Are there web sites for student organizations and clubs?
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For information about student organizations and clubs, including links to those organizations which have established web sites, go to www.ohiounion.com/studentorgs/default.asp and studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_activities&orgs.asp.
3.7 Does the campus make available online discussion forums or bulletin boards for un-moderated use?
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Other than Newsgroups (which in general are not moderated), there are no web forums/boards that are sponsored by the campus.
3.8 What technology-supported career-planning services are available to students?
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Undergraduate Student Academic Services is an advising unit serving the students of the College of the Arts and Sciences and the Exploration Program. USAS offers academic advising, career preparation and connections to other support and enrichment programs across the entire university. Information is also provided for pre-professional programs. For more information, go to the USAS web site.
Services and Fees
Fees and expenses
4.1 What, if any, technology fee is charged by the campus? What does it cover?
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There is no central fee, though a portion of the tuition is earmarked for technology. The Colleges of Arts, Business, Engineering, and Nursing all have their own technology fees. While uses vary by college, the fees cover areas such as computers and servers for student labs, presentation equipment, the use of laptop computers, network connectivity, and other technology equipment for student use as well as special student consultation.
4.2 Will you be required to purchase your own computer?
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There is no university-wide requirement to purchase or own a computer. However, students will need access to a computer. As such, The Office of Information Technology manages many computer centers, conveniently located around campus. Students can do course work, access the Internet and check and send e-mail from these centers, where use is free of charge. Most centers are open on a first-come, first-served basis with day and evening hours. The centers are equipped the Windows and/or Macintosh computers and a variety of peripheral equipment. Software includes applications for word processing, desktop publishing, spread sheets, e-mail and web browsing.
For more information, go to our Student Computer Centers web site.
4.3 Does the campus make computing and network access financially accessible? Is special student pricing offered for computers and peripheral equipment?
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Computing and network access is available at NO extra charge for students. Ohio State has an agreement with IBM under which students can purchase selected IBM computers at deep discounted pricing.
For more information, go to our Services Index and click on the link for "Prime Supplier Agreement for Students."
4.4 Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in residence hall rooms or for off-campus access?
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There is no additional fee for network access in a residence hall or for standard off-campus dial-up, though there is a premium off campus dial-up service which is available for a small fee.
Technical support
4.5 What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?
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For information to assist in making a computer purchase, see the Office of Information Technology's Minimum and Recommended Computer Configurations. In general they are, Windows 98 SE at a minimum, Windows XP or higher recommended, and Mac OS 8.6 on a G3 processor at a minimum, OS X 10.2 or higher recommended.
4.6 What kinds of services (help desk, training, troubleshooting) are provided by the campus, and when are they available?
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The OIT Technology Support Center Help Desk handles questions, problem reports, service requests, and inquiries from faculty, staff, and students regarding computer hardware and software, Internet connectivity, and related topics. Help Desk hours of operation are posted at: 8help.osu.edu/1691.html.
4.7 Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current, and if so, what is the replacement cycle?
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Replacement cycles are determined at the college and administrative unit level. For the Student Computer Centers, we are averaging between four and five years. In the central classrooms, we have been averaging between three and four years.
4.8 If you bring your own computer to school, what kind of technical support can you expect from the campus?
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The OIT Technology Support Center Help Desk handles questions, problem reports, service requests, and inquiries from faculty, staff, and students regarding computer hardware and software, Internet connectivity, and related topics, including phone and e-mail support for almost any issue. For hours of operation, go to: 8help.osu.edu/1691.html.
Laptop help for connectivity is available by appointment and help with some ResNet (residence hall network) issues is available by appointment.
Other services
4.9 How does the campus support printing for students, and is there a charge for this service?
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In the public labs students are provided with 50 free sheets of printing with a cost of nine cents per sheet after that. Each lab is equipped with a black and white printer with color available in Hopkins Hall.
4.10 Does the campus provide wireless network coverage? If so, how much of the campus has wireless connectivity?
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The university is currently in Phase I of implementing a wireless network for the Columbus campus. When the first phase is complete, students will be able to secure connect to the Ohio State network from public spaces and most classrooms for no additional charge. More information is available at wireless.osu.edu .
Current Record: 2134
Create Date: 10-27-2004
Last Reviewed: 01-02-2007
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