Back See this section in context: Criterion 3 Core Component 3C

3C.6: Technologies Enhance Effective Learning Environments

Sauk boasts an enviable level of technology directed toward enhancing student learning, which is managed by the Information Services/Instructional Technology (IS/IT) Department (3D.2):

• Access to computers: There are approximately 325 computers designated for student use throughout classrooms, labs and other locations. All students have access to the wireless network for laptops and personal devices when they are on campus.
• Technology-enhanced classrooms: In 38 of the 44 general use classrooms, instructors have access to a multi-media projection system (up from 16 classrooms so equipped in 2006). The equipment in these rooms includes a ceiling-mounted projector, wall-mounted speakers, and an instructor console that contains a computer, document presenter, and DVD/VCR player. In those few classrooms that do not have enhanced technology, portable technology carts can be requested for use by faculty.
• Composition classrooms: Sauk students learn composition and research skills in a specially designated and equipped set of classrooms known as the Write Place, which has been in place at the college for nearly 20 years. Here students learn to use Microsoft Word™ to create finished essays which conform to the published standards of MLA. Instructors can use the computer application Insight™ which may be used to project lecture notes and writing samples or to interact with individual students as they compose. The Internet is available to allow use of the online databases and textbook supplements or may be blocked when necessary.
• Online course management: In addition to its use for online courses, any full-time or adjunct faculty member may use course management software (currently Moodle) as a supplement to on-campus courses.
• Program-specific technologies: Sauk’s instructional programs utilize a variety of specialized technologies, including the following examples:
  • The Biology area has portable, high-resolution monitors attached to computers with wireless internet connections, and a microscope with a digital camera. This allows classes to search for images online and the project them on the screen, and to find and display images in the microscope and save the images for later use.
  • The Chemistry area uses a gas chromatograph to separate components of a mixture, as well as infrared and atomic absorption spectrometers to identify a substance’s components.
  • The Electronics program uses the PSpice simulation software to design and test an electronic circuit prior to building it.
  • The Nursing labs are configured to look like patient hospital rooms and contain much of the same equipment. Among the technologies are laptop computers with patient records software that are transported on carts among patient rooms.