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Excellence in Learning with Technology

Technology plays an integral role in the way members of the "net generation" study, communicate, and entertain themselves. Though most entering students are experienced computer users, the university learning environment presents both changes and challenges to the way students use technology.

The first challenge for new students is to go beyond the way they have been using email, word processing, and the Web, and to think of and use these applications as academic tools. For example:

  • What is the appropriate tone to use in email messages to your instructors?
  • How can you use your word processor as a tool for composing and editing essays?
  • How do you conduct an effective search on the Web and ensure that the information you've found is reliable? (See Excellence in University Library Research for more.)
  • What's the best way to read and take notes from academic documents on the Web?
  • What strategies can you use to stay focused on academic work when fun is just a click away?
  • How can you keep your computer and your personal information safe while conducting Internet research?

The second challenge for new students is to learn new software programs and to determine the best way to use emerging technologies as they develop. The Microsoft Office suite of programs, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, are used to some extent by almost every course in almost every degree program. Other programs, such as WebAdvisor and the Library catalogue, are part of the general trend towards the use of technology in the university system.

As they acquire new skills with technology, students face a third challenge — learning how to learn with, from, and about technology. The ability to learn new skills independently; solve problems; appreciate and understand the growing role of technology in daily life; and discover innovative applications for technology are increasingly important aspects of the university learning experience.

Computing and Communications Services (CCS), in partnership with the Learning Commons, offers students a range of computing support services as they confront these and other technology challenges in first year and beyond. CCS Help Services include the IT Help Desk on the 1st floor of the library (part of the Learning Commons), the Help Centre for telephone support (ext. 58888), ResNet (Internet connectivity for residence students), software sales online, and a variety of training workshops in addition to a wide range of other computing services.

The McLaughlin Library and OVC Learning Commons houses 300 public workstations along with 100 wireless laptops for students to borrow. Public printers are provided on a number of floors throughout the buildings. These can be accessed from all of the Librarys workstations and laptops. There are also two computers with optical scanners and programs specifically for scanning images or texts available at no charge, located behind the IT Help desk.

We recognize that entering students bring a broad range of computing skills and experience to campus, and we provide services to meet the needs of both computer novices and advanced users. We invite you to learn more about the services available and to invest in one of the most important skills you'll need to succeed at university and beyond — computer technology.