Comprehensive Standard: The institution’s use of technology enhances student learning, is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs, and ensures that students have access to and training in the use of technology.
X Compliance
Partial Compliance
Non-compliance
Narrative:
Georgia State University is committed to the use of technology to enhance student learning in a manner that meets or exceeds the goals and objectives of the University’s strategic plan and its academic programs. Technology encompasses all aspects of student learning and serves to provide students with opportunities for developing competencies that not only serve them during their academic career but in the workplace and throughout life. Georgia State provides a wealth of resources in support of faculty and students in the use of technologies and to meet program and course objectives.
Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems form the foundation for online learning at Georgia State. Three enterprise learning management tools are available: a course management system, WebCT (now known as uLearn) [1], a virtual classroom technology known as vClass using Elluminate [2], and an online training program using Element K [3]. These technologies are widely used to foster community, provide convenient and instant access to content and grades, and enhance the student experience.
WebCT has been the institution’s course management system since 1998 and is widely used for posting course content, collaborative learning, grades and assessment and is easily accessible by students on campus, at home or in the dorms. In spring 2007, there were 1820 active WebCT sections (the great majority of these were courses, although administrative projects and orientation courses are included in the total). There was a total of 25,476 active users in spring 2007 (about 24,000 of whom are estimated to be students).
GSU’s virtual classroom (vClass) technology via Elluminate is a dynamic synchronous delivery system using VOIP. vClass is an intuitive, graphical interface that provides a powerful and easy-to use collaborative environment enabling students and instructors to talk in real-time, and share whiteboards and applications with other participants. Element K provides online learning with four libraries and 400+ titles, and is free to students, faculty and staff. Content may be accessed either online or downloaded to laptops.
Libraries
Georgia State houses two major libraries, University [4] and Law [5]. The libraries offer a variety of research tools and services which are accessible on campus and off. Research tools include the databases available in GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online (GALILEO) [6], nearly 200 additional databases available for the GSU community, Georgia Interconnected Libraries, the library catalog called GIL [7], electronic library reserves (ERes) [8], and an Electronic Theses and Dissertations Database (ETD) [9].
As described in Section 2.9, GALILEO is a web-based virtual library sponsored by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. GALILEO provides access to multiple information resources, including secured access to licensed products, over 100 databases and 2000 full-text journal titles. GIL allows students to search either the GSU local OPAC or the USG Universal Catalog that contains the holdings of all 36 University System of Georgia (USG) libraries.
ERes is a reserves system that features course pages to help students find reserve material easily and quickly, plus digitized course material for round-the-clock remote access. E-reserves can be viewed simultaneously by an unlimited number of students.
Theses and dissertations can now be offered in digital (.pdf) format using ETD, thus alleviating the need for paper copies to certify completion of degree programs. Publication and archiving are provided by the University Library, eliminating the need for paying outside vendors.
D-Space, an institutional digital repository system captures, stores, indexes and preserves digital research materials. It will be available in the Fall of 2007 for faculty and student support.
The Law Library also has numerous electronic databases and more than 22,000 electronic books. The Law Library’s electronic resources include the full BNA library of publications, Jurist’s Arbitration Law Online, Thomson-Gale products Making of Modern Law and Supreme Court Records and Briefs, CCH Tax Research Network, and LexisNexis Congressional Serial Set Digital Collection.
Classrooms and Labs
Student learning is enhanced by the availability of technology in the classrooms and labs to meet course and program objectives and develop technology competencies [10]. Of the 257 classrooms at Georgia State, 167 are technology-enhanced [11] with 18 additional classrooms moving to technology in 2007. Georgia State has six open access labs [12], two of which are off-campus [13] [14], providing students access to 398 PCs and Macintosh’s. Open access labs and classrooms have access to over 200+ software applications some of which are specific to majors. The Digital Aquarium [15], a high-end digital media lab, offers access to multimedia production tools, training and experience in the use of such technologies. A number of departments also maintain their own discipline-specific computer labs. The Instructional Technology Center [16] with the College of Education provides technology training and support to faculty and students.
The Office of Disability Services [17] maintains the “ACE (Adaptive Computing Environment) Assistive Technology and Computing Lab” for students with disabilities. This lab contains a variety of computer hardware and software adapted to fit the needs of its students. Other hardware, software and assistive devices are available. All open access labs have assistive technology.
Student and Faculty Support
The Student Computing Services website [18] focuses specifically on computing services for students. This site covers student email, GoSolar (Georgia State Online Access to Records), network accounts, computer access, eTraining, WebCT, etc.
Students have access to multiple help desks including the State Board of Regents “Online Support Center (OSC)” for WebCT assistance [19], Georgia State’s Help Center [20],a student help desk for support of wireless laptops, and student help in the computer labs. Students also receive technology support in the Libraries and the Instructional Technology Center.
University Educational Technology Services [21] provides support to faculty and students in the use of the learning management systems, WebCT, vClass and eTraining. Support for faculty includes instructional design and development, digital media services and training. Faculty may use the OSC for questions with regard to WebCT. Information Systems & Technology’s (IS&T) Help Center also provides technology support.
Training, as stated earlier, is provided to all students, faculty and staff through online training using Element K. Faculty may request one-on-one training on WebCT and vClass.
Other resources available to students are access to a student email system, anti-virus protection software from IS&T [22], and access to a variety of web-based career services systems through Career & Job Search Services [23].
Infrastructure & Policies
Network infrastructure for Georgia State University students continues to expand to meet the needs of high bandwidth computing and a student population that expects wired and wireless connections throughout the campus. All campus buildings are provided with wired network connections at 100Mbps (through a 2006 upgrade project) with classrooms having additional wired connections based on Classroom Facility Committee recommendations and student congregation areas having high density wireless coverage [24] (currently underway from a 2006 Student Technology Fee project). Due to the ubiquitous availability of high bandwidth on campus, access to the campus network through the Internet and Internet2 provides a robust environment for the exchange of course materials, research data and personal web browsing. To manage the appropriate use of technology, a set of policies have been developed for student use [25]. Wired and wireless access are provided 24 hours a day and have a demonstrated availability of over 99.8%.
Evidence of Improved Learning
Evidence for improved student learning through the use of technology is provided through reports from departments and individuals [26].
Supporting Documentation:
uLearn course management system – (formerly WebCT VISTA) contains getting started pages, tutorials and help pages
Virtual Classroom Technology (vClass) for students as well as faculty
eTraining – Web-based training with more than 450 titles from Element K for all enrolled students and faculty
Georgia State University Library includes Ask a Librarian, laptops and wireless, group study rooms, etc.
Georgia State University Law Library
GALILEO – GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online, provides access to licensed databases through a statewide consortium as well as those items purchased separately by Georgia State University
GIL – Galileo Interconnected Libraries is the Georgia State University ILS which provides access to the GSU collection as well as Georgia’s Virtual Library. This includes universal borrowing services with other USG Libraries.
ERes – provides electronic reserve services for the Georgia State University faculty and students.
ETD – Electronic Theses and Dissertations http://etd.gsu.edu/
Technology resources
Technology-enhanced classrooms
Open-access computer labs (includes one at the Alpharetta Center and one at the Brookhaven Center) with 200+ software programs (some specific to majors)
Alpharetta Center technology
Brookhaven Center technology
Digital Aquarium – high-end multimedia lab for students
Instructional Technology Center
Office of Disability Services – Assistive Technology and Computing Lab
Student Computing Services – a website focused specifically on computing services for students. This site covers student email, GoSOLAR accounts, network accounts, computer access, etc.
Online Support Center (State Board of Regents) for help with WebCT
Information Systems & Technology Help Center
University Educational Technology Services (UETS) – supports faculty and students with learning management systems
Antivirus protection for Windows and Macintosh workstations – free to students
Career & Job Search Services with access to web-based career services systems
Wireless networking
Policies on using technology – e-mail use, network publishing, etc.
Evidence of enhance learning through technology.