Welcome to Penn State!
Numerous information technology (IT) resources and services are available to you. In fact, there is so much to learn that it might be a bit overwhelming to a new person. That's why we created this guide. We hope it will give you an idea of what is available and how it might be useful to you. Your supervisor or administrative office can inform you about departmental resources that you should be aware of. In addition to this page, new faculty might find it useful to review the guides for new students and staff information.
Access to services
For access to most information technology services at Penn State, you need to apply for a Penn State Access Account. See account services for information about services available through your account. In addition, specialized accounts, permissions, keys, cards, and access codes may be provided by your department.
ANGEL
Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, enables faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants to use the web to enhance their courses without any knowledge of HTML. ANGEL is designed to be used in any academic discipline without imposing a particular teaching methodology on instructors and students. Faculty use it to make course materials such as syllabi, schedules, announcements, lecture notes, quizzes, and multimedia resources available on the Web from one location; manage the administrative aspects of your courses more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks; and introduce exciting new learning opportunities to your students using its communication features. Faculty who would like short-term, one-on-one tutoring in their offices on basic ANGEL skills and the computer skills needed to use ANGEL may request an ANGEL tutor. Student tutors will meet with faculty one to four times. Select "Help" on the ANGEL home page for additional information.
Information about you
Penn State's and other phone directories are available on-line through the World Wide Web and other Internet services. Individuals who establish an affiliation with Penn State as a student or an employee are automatically entered into the directory database. See Directory Services for additional information such as what type of information is made public and how to request confidentiality.
Phone services
A variety of phone and paging services are available for your office and personal use.
Your computer
Your supervisor or the computer support staff in your department can advise you regarding computing resources you can use. You should be using a high-speed connection (rather than a modem) in your office. If you're interested in purchasing a computer for personal or departmental use, visit the Computer Store. You are eligible for a variety of software at no cost or at low educational prices. Before you connect to your local network and start using Internet services such as e-mail, make sure you have virus protection and the latest security updates installed on your computer. If you're not sure how to do this, check with your local computer support staff or contact the ITS Help Desk. Make sure you back up your important files; you can accomplish this conveniently and at a very reasonable cost with Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) or by purchasing an external drive at the Computer Store. It's critical that you practice safe computing, for your own protection and to prevent the loss of your system and files. Once your computer is set up and secure, check out all the computing resources available to you.
Internet access
Your Guide to Information Technology @ Penn State explains how to get started in your office or at home. A collection of free Internet software collection (PAC-ITS) is available for download or on CD at Help Desk locations. The collection includes software for e-mail, file transfer, Web browsing, virus protection, and other software.
eLion
The eLion information system enables students, faculty, advisers, and prospective students to access academic information. Faculty can use eLion to obtain class lists, submit grades, and other tasks related to instruction. The system also provides academic advisers with pertinent, confidential information on students' academic activities and achievements. Students can use eLion to register for courses, check grades, get online advising information, view student aid, pay semester bills, and more.
iStudy
A variety of iStudy modules provide an introduction to college-level learning, focusing on areas in which first-year students often need to build skills, such as study methods, time management, and communication. Instructors can incorporate as many or as few modules as desired into ANGEL courses. Students can also access the modules to incorporate them into an ANGEL group they have created for independent study and self-improvement.
Teaching support
Teaching resource units and programs can help faculty integrate technology into the classroom. You are invited to enhance your teaching by using instructional tools, technology classrooms, and other instructional services provided through Teaching and Learning with Technology. Faculty who would like short-term, one-on-one tutoring in their offices on basic ANGEL skills and the computer skills needed to use ANGEL may request an ANGEL tutor. Student tutors will meet with faculty one-to-four times.
Libraries
Penn State's libraries are your primary source not only for traditional materials such as books, periodicals, and journals, but also for an extensive collection of digital resources as well, including over 350 databases available through the Library Information Access System (LIAS). Many tools are provided to help you more effectively use library resources.
Computer labs
Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX computer labs are provided for general academic use, instruction, and research. A comprehensive suite of software is provided for a wide variety of tasks ranging from word processing to statistical analysis, with full access to Internet services. Help services are also provided in many labs.
Computer store
Faculty, staff, students, and departments can purchase computer systems, peripherals, and software from vendors such as Apple, IBM, Compaq, and Microsoft at an academic discount. Visit the Computer Store on the Web or at 12 Willard Building, University Park.
Help services
If you need assistance with using computer systems or services, contact the ITS Help Desk. A list of specific help sources is also available.
Learning opportunities
Services include hands-on training, lectures, Web-based training, and special events throughout the year.
Penn State Portal
The portal is your personalized view of University and Internet resources. Similar to My Netscape or My Yahoo!, the Penn State Portal lets you collect all of your favorite content in one place. An active Penn State Access Account and personal Web space is required.
Policies, guidelines, and laws
Individuals are expected to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using the University's computers, information, networks or resources, and are expected to abide by University policies and local, state, and federal laws. For a quick summary of problem areas, see Use Technology Wisely.
Publishing
Publishing services include support for theses, dissertations, and book publishing. In addition, numerous Web publishing services and tools are available.
Research
The primary location for information about research is available through the Penn State Research Web site. In addition, ITS provides specialized computing services, account services and support for research.
Software
Faculty, staff, and students are eligible for a variety of software at no cost or at low educational prices.
Student resources
Computer labs, computer help, a computer store, eLion, seminars, personal Web space, the Penn State Portal, and WebMail service are just a few of the benefits available to you and your students. See the student orientation for additional information.
Teaching Support
Visit Teaching and Learning with Technology to find resources and services that can help you enrich the educational experience of your students. Could you benefit from private, one-on-one tutoring with a technology-savvy student? Apply for a Technology Learning Assistant to be matched with a student who can tutor you on technology skills for five to ten sessions during a semester.
Web publishing
Many faculty publish their course syllabi and instructional materials on the Web. Numerous Web services and resources are available to help in this endeavor. As a first step, see the basic instructions for getting started. You are invited to apply for personal Web Space; a Penn State Access Account is required.