English Department Technology Expectations, 2007-2008

 

 

The department has few explicit technology requirements, other than an outdated technology resolution, and instructors are almost entirely at their own discretion regarding the degree to which they incorporate technology in their courses. Nonetheless, it's worth identifying what have become de facto competencies needed to function effectively in our university environment in the early 21st century.

 

virus prevention: anti-virus software, system updates, safe-computing practices;

 

basic word processing, including formatting and conversion issues;

 

email: using TitanMail (or a suitable alternative), working with attachments, setting up mail forwarding, if needed;

 

the department web site: some familiarity with its contents, with the address listed on all syllabi. Pertinent sections of the site should be reviewed with students in the relevant courses (e.g., WBIS, core courses, graduate courses, etc.).

 

library technology resources: the catalog, online databases, course reserves, library support options;

 

the university network: logging in; understanding the different directories/drives (personal, student, shared); backing up your work;

 

Desire2Learn: at least a basic familiarity with the program. Since each course on campus has a D2L site, and almost all students on campus use D2L for some or all of their courses, instructors should be aware of its basic features, even if they choose not to use the technology in their courses.

 

TitanWeb: checking the schedule of classes and accessing class rosters.

 

 

Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance in redressing shortcomings in any of these areas: