Standard Number 3.4.14: 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.

Full Compliance

Georgia Southern University is committed to using technology to enhance student learning as articulated in its Mission Statement : “The University offers a student-centered environment enhanced by technology, …” Indeed, the University requires students to utilize technology in their academic studies through the application of the core curriculum ( 2004-2005 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog , p. 52, “Area D Science, Mathematics, and Technology”). Furthermore, the ability to use computers for basic information processing is one of the general education outcomes identified by the University for its core curriculum (see general education outcomes , #2). In this manner, technology is integrated into virtually every undergraduate degree program at Georgia Southern. Note the Board of Regents also mandates use of technology in the core curriculum (see the discussion on core curriculum principles—principle #5: “Include an informed use of information technology”—found in the Board of Regents Academic Affairs Handbook , § 2.04).

Perhaps one of the best examples of the University's reliance on technology to enhance student learning is WebCT —a course management system that allows teaching and learning to occur online. First introduced at Georgia Southern in 1998, WebCT now forms the foundation of all online courses. Additionally, it is used in GSAMS (Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical Systems) videoconferencing courses to reinforce course materials and supplement in-class instruction. Non-credit courses such as the Georgia history exam study course and math placement exam practice test also employ this technology. As of the Fall 2004 semester, there are 1,388 courses on the WebCT dedicated server with approximately 300 faculty accounts and almost 16,000 users (student accounts) [source: Distance Learning Center]. As an Internet based application, any student or faculty member with access to the Internet can login and use WebCT. WebCT is a secure system that relies on username/password authorization for entry. This protects student records, grades, and general class work. WebCT is administered through the Distance Learning Center and includes a variety of support services for both students and faculty. Faculty services include course consultation, video/audio streaming, student orientation, course development, and instructional design tips which are provided through a new technology lab at the Center. There is also an online tutorial. Students likewise have access to an online tutorial.

The Distance Learning Center also administers GSAMS . The purpose behind these videoconferencing courses is to offer credit classes to students who are separated from campus either by distance or time. GSAMS provides live two-way interactive video that transmits a course throughout the state to regional centers, high schools, and other universities. As mentioned above, GSAMS uses WebCT as the delivery vehicle, but the Center provides administrative, hardware and software support in additional to training and faculty consultation for migrating to each format. Georgia Southern has nine classrooms connected to the GSAMS. The Distance Learning Center also employs Internet Protocol (IP) Videoconferencing which uses the same equipment as GSAMS, but transmits via the Internet rather than the GSAMS network. The benefit of this technology includes easy access from sites around the world that can be achieved using a webcam and a computer. A third technology utilized by the Center is Satellite downlink —a non-interactive videoconferencing technology. Satellite is a one-way feed in which participants view the transmission but have no live interaction.

Another prime example of Georgia Southern's use of technology to enhance student learning outcomes is the University's participation in GALILEO (GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online). GALILEO, an initiative of the Board of Regents of the University of Georgia , is essentially an Internet-based virtual library, providing access to a plethora of information resources including secured access to licensed products. Participating institutions have access to over 100 databases indexing thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals—over 5,000 of which appear in full-text. Other resources include encyclopedias, business directories, government documents, and an online tutorial providing instruction in using the system. Currently, over 2,000 educational institutions in Georgia participate in GALILEO, including University System of Georgia institutions, K-12 schools, public libraries, adult technical institutes and colleges, and a group of private academic colleges and universities. No matter where a student lives, a library nearby provides access to GALILEO, affording Georgia Southern students extensive access to library and learning resources without having to visit campus. This technology, in addition to those previously mentioned, heighten Georgia Southern's ability to extend its educational programs to reach prospective students in the southeast region of Georgia through online degree programs, distance learning, external degree programs, as well as consortial programs. Moreover, the technology enhances student learning outcomes by providing students with ready access to the resources and training necessary to effectively utilize these resources to supplement their in-class learning and to promote life-long learning habits.

To ensure that faculty and students have ready access to needed technology, Georgia Southern maintains several general and special purpose computer labs that house approximately 1,400 computers. The largest general purpose labs are located in the Henderson Library, the Newton Building , the College of Business Administration , and the College of Information Technology . These labs are staffed and maintained by Information Technology Services . A number of departments also maintain their own computer labs. To develop, maintain, and support the student computer laboratories, Georgia Southern University assesses each student a $38 per semester Technology Fee . A Technology Fee Advisory Board, with student representation, makes decisions regarding the use of this fee.

Georgia Southern students are conditioned to use technology from the very beginning of their campus experience. The First Year Experience program and the required University orientation course (GSU 1210—University Orientation I) both promote the technology resources available to new students as well as utilize them. The First Year Experience program maintains a web server that is dedicated to supporting solely these students. During the Spring 2004 term, 29% of GSU 1210 instructors provided syllabus materials online, 60% used email, 47% assigned an online library activity, 24% assigned a WINGS (Web Interactive Network for Georgia Southern—student information system) activity, 41% assigned activities that used computer facilities, and 47% assigned activities that required the use of computerized assessments.

Likewise, faculty are introduced to and trained in innovative learning technologies through the Center for Excellence in Teaching . Here faculty meet and discuss, in a variety of formats, the craft of teaching. The Center is a place where faculty at all levels and from all disciplines can find others who are willing to share their experiences about what works and what does not work in helping students learn. The Center houses the Faculty Technology Development Lab, a modern computing facility designed to provide ongoing training for faculty who wish to integrate new instructional methodologies and emerging technologies into their teaching. Additionally, the Center sponsors a variety of workshops that offer hands-on instruction in and short demonstration sessions of instructional tools. In conjunction with Information Technology Services, the Center provides training on accessing the BANNER data warehouse for student advisement and for accessing student and course records. Similarly, the Center also offers training in WebCT.