Technology@Wooster

The College of Wooster recommends the Apple Macintosh and Dell lines of laptop and desktop computers for incoming students. Most retail chains like Best Buy or Circuit City offer back to school deals on computers. While these deals offer a lower sticker price, they don’t always include useful products like extended warranties, accidental damage protection, and productivity software. Extended warranties are a good idea. A logic board replacement can cost upwards of $900. A four year warranty will ensure that the computer will last throughout the student’s four years at Wooster. Both Apple and Dell offer extended warranty options. Apple provides Applecare protection on the Macbook, Macbook Pro, and iMac lines. Dell offers a four year warranty with onsite service. Should a hardware issue occur the student can call Dell and a technician will be dispatched to repair the system. Accidental damage protection through Dell also covers a laptop should liquid be spilled on the system, which happens often in dorm rooms. A normal warranty does not cover this damage.

Microsoft Office works on both Windows and Macintosh systems and is recommended by the Office of Information Technology. Dell bundles on the University page include a copy of Microsoft Office 2007 student edition. While the Apple bundle does not include a copy of Microsoft Office, it can be purchased at most retail stores, including the College’s Wilson Bookstore.

To simplify the computer purchase process, we have partnered with Dell and Apple to create recommended configurations for laptops and desktops. These recommendations can be reviewed on are partner websites which can be accessed via the computer sales page. This site also features information on Windows Vista and Office 2007. Questions about computer purchases can be directed to Mary Schantz, Manager of User Services, at mschantz@wooster.edu.

IT is pleased offer day-long intermediate courses on Microsoft Word and Excel 2003. Each course is conducted in an on-campus computer lab and meets from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Word course will meet between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. Topics to be covered include:

• Working with Graphics
• Using Advanced Formatting Options
• Working with Headers and Footers
• Working with Columns
• Using Styles
• Creating Tables
• Formatting Tables
• Using Basic Collaboration Features
• Protecting Data
• Using Charts, Diagrams and Organization Charts

The Excel course will meet between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. Topics to be covered include:

• Working with Multiple Worksheets
• Adjusting the Screen Display
• Working with Advanced Functions
• Using Advanced Formatting Features
• Using Advanced Print Options
• Filtering Data and Using Comments
• Naming Worksheet Ranges and Formulas
• Working with Charts
• Protecting Data
• Using Basic Integration and Web Features

All College employees are eligible to participate. Enrollment is limited. To register, contact Mary Schantz, Manager of User Services, at mschantz@wooster.edu.

The second (of two) finalists for the position of Director of Instructional Technology will visit the campus on Friday, May 9. He will make a public presentation in Severance 009 at 4:00 on that date. He will speak to the role of technology in teaching and learning in the liberal arts environment. All members of the campus community are encouraged to attend the public presentation and to provide feedback on this candidate for this important position. The candidate’s vitae, the position description and an evaluation form are available online.

The first finalist for the position of Director of Instructional Technology will visit the campus on Tuesday, May 6. He will make a public presentation in Severance 009 at 4:00 on that date. He will speak to the role of technology in teaching and learning in the liberal arts environment. All members of the campus community are encouraged to attend the public presentation and to provide feedback on this candidate for this important position. The candidate’s vitae, the position description and an evaluation form are available online.

Two finalists for the position of Director of Instructional Technology will visit the campus during the week of May 5.  The first will be on-campus throughout the day on Tuesday, May 6.  He will make a public presentation in Severance 009 at 4:00 on that date.  The second will be here on Friday, May 9.  He will make a public presentation in the same location at 4:00 on that date. All members of the campus community are encouraged to attend the public presentation and to provide their feedback on the candidates.  The vitae of the first candidate will be available for download beginning on Monday, May 5. An evaluation form that can be used to submit comments to the search committee will be available at the same location. Questions about the search and the Director of Instructional Technology position should be directed to David Waldron.