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"Today everyone on campus has access to the
Internet and computers. We
have a wireless network on the main campus. All incoming Arts &
Sciences and Nursing students receive laptop computers when they
register. The College is utilizing the Internet to provide employees
with the programs they need to provide service to students."
Deryx Scott
Academic Web Developer
The College of New Rochelle
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How has technology at CNR changed in the 14 years that you have been
here at the College?
Tremendously! When I started,
no one really used the Internet, mainly because the College didn't have
access. Most employees didn't have computers on their desks, and no one
that I know of communicated via e-mail. Barely any students owned a
computer. We didn't have an Internet presence. Basically, everything
was paper based. The only area that was innovative in its use of
computers was Financial Aid. They were using a program they created to
process financial aid. All the financial aid computers were connected
using a token ring network, which caused problems when one computer in
the network went down. If a computer on the network did not work, none
of the computers worked!
Today everyone on campus has access to the Internet and
computers. We have a wireless network on the main campus. All incoming
Arts & Sciences and Nursing freshman students receive laptop
computers when they register. The College is utilizing the Internet to
provide employees with the programs they need to provide services to
students. Soon, students will be able to register for classes and check
grades online.
What are the various roles
that you fill here at the College, all your responsibilities?
I am the Academic Web
Developer: I develop and update most of the web pages/sites at the
College, except for the main home page on the Internet. I create both
static and dynamic/interactive (pages that take in information from
online forms) web pages. Also, I am an Adjunct Professor: I teach
computer classes for the Business Department in Arts & Sciences.
Additionally, I am the General Applications Developer: I develop
applications in Word, Excel, databases and other computer programs for
various departments at the College, and at various times, at the behest
of Academic Computing and Information Systems, I train employees in the
use of Excel.
And you also teach?
That’s right. I teach
Computer Applications, Introduction to Web Design, and Advanced Topics
in Computers and Computing.
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As for the College, the implementation of the course management system,
Angel, has meant
there is an “on-line” meeting place for students and professors that
permits professors to provide course material that is available
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
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With regard to “new
technology” what has influenced teaching (and learning) the most in the
last few years?
The Internet. The Internet is available all the time and
has a wealth of information that is available to everyone at home, in
the library, and even on the cell phone! As for the College, the
implementation of the course management system, Angel, has meant there
is an “on-line” meeting place for students and professors that permits
professors to provide course material that is available twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week.
What is the next step in
technology that the College will take (or one that you see on the
horizon for all colleges and universities)?
Distance learning, utilizing
the Internet to reach more students, and cut down on the costs of
providing an education.
In terms of Distance
Learning and CNR, where so much importance is placed on the personal
contact with students and faculty, how would Distance Learning still
allow for this close supportive academic relationship?
Well, if you are using a
content management system as we are here, students will be able to
communicate with the professor and students online, which may foster
more student participation since some students do not want to speak up
in front of other students. Course material will be available at all
times. Students will be able to ask questions at any time by just
e-mailing. Plus, students that are unable to physically attend college
will have an opportunity to do so. With Distance Learning we are able
to reach anyone that normally would not be able to attend a college.
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Because of our advanced technology on campus, on the day they graduate
from The College of New Rochelle, students will also know and have
mastered an essential tool for the 21st century, thanks to their
foresight in having selected CNR for their degrees.
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How knowledgeable are
today’s students when it comes to computers and technology? Has there
been a recent explosion of knowledge with regard to technology?
The younger students coming
directly from high school are very computer savvy. Many already know
the Microsoft Office suite, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
programs; many know how to surf the web for a variety of material; some
have downloaded entertainment material – music and movies – from the
Internet; and some may have experimented with creating web pages. They
are fearless regarding the computer. Most of the older students, on the
other hand, are quite afraid of using the computer. The older students,
which are normally the nursing students, do not have an awful lot of
computer skills or experience. It seems, at times, that they think they
will blow up the computer if they push the wrong button.
What technology skills will all graduates of The College of New
Rochelle have when they leave campus?
All students will be able to
effectively use word processing programs to create papers that are
properly formatted without spelling and/or grammatical errors and with
appropriate references. They will also be able to use the Internet to
research any subject. Because of our advanced technology on campus, on
the day they graduate from The College of New Rochelle, students will
also know and have mastered an essential tool for the 21st century,
thanks to their foresight in having selected CNR for their degrees.
