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. 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.
Access to services
For access to most information technology services at Penn State, you need to apply for a Penn State Access 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.
Instructors use it to make course materials such as syllabi, schedules, announcements, lecture notes, quizzes, and multimedia resources available on the Web at one location; manage the administrative aspects of courses more efficiently; and encourage student participation and collaboration.
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 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
Learn how to get connected in your office or at home. Download free software for e-mail, file transfer, Web browsing, virus protection, and more.
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 and Learning with Technology can help faculty integrate technology into the classroom and enrich the classroom experience.
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. 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.
Help services in computer labs are also provided.
Faculty members at University Park can apply to be matched with a Technology Learning Assistant -- a student who can tutor technology skills for five to ten sessions during a semester.
Learning opportunities
Services include hands-on training, lectures, Web-based training, and special events throughout the year.
Each spring ITS sponsors a Symposium for Teaching and Learning with Technology, a Web Conference, and Forums on a variety of important issues, initiatives, and technologies.
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 high performance computing services for scholars in their education and research endeavors at Penn State. The Research Computing and Cyberinfrastructure group pursues cutting-edge advances in research computing technology in partnerships with faculty members and in strong technical collaborations with various technology companies and institutions.
Software
Faculty, staff, and students are eligible for a variety of software at no cost or at low educational prices.
Student services
The ITS student Web site is intended to serve as a one-stop Web site for the information technology needs of students at Penn State.
Teaching Support
Visit the Teaching and Learning with Technology Web site to find resources and services that can help you enrich the educational experience of your students.
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.
