Active Learning with technology: bringing students, faculty, and staff together Coursework—in and out of class

1. How does the campus use technology to enhance teaching and learning?
Professors use a variety of educational technology tools including course Web sites, online grade books, or PowerPoint presentations made available to you outside of class. The campus also offers a Web portal called SmartSite; features of SmartSite include online syllabi, message boards, chat room, online tests and quizzes, course Web sites, and more. Explore SmartSite’s features at smartsite.ucdavis.edu.

2. Are classrooms technology-enhanced?
Access to a media cabinet is available in every general assignment classroom. Media cabinets include a projector, CD player, DVD player, VCR, built in microphone, and laptop hookup.

“Clickers,” or personal response systems, are common in many large classes. They allow you to give feedback and take tests in class using a small wireless keypad.

Podcasting allows professors to digitally record their lectures for you to download for review.

3. What opportunities are there for you to collaborate with other students using technology in a project environment?
SmartSite allows you to collaboratively edit projects and papers, study with classmates, and form research groups. Visit SmartSite at smartsite.ucdavis.edu.

You can also collaborate on group projects using software that allows users to share work via laptops and a big screen simultaneously. TeamSpot is available in the Meyer Media Lab. Learn more at teamspot.ucdavis.edu/.

4. Does the school give credit for courses taken electronically (online/at a distance) from other institutions and sources of instruction?
Yes, however, the only regularly offered distance learning courses are based at the UC Davis Extension. The campus will, on occasion, offer distance learning courses to undergraduates in conjunction with other universities.

Support services

1. Does the campus provide access to multimedia equipment?
Video, audio, and graphic design software, as well as printers, scanners, and other hardware are available for use at the Meyer Media Lab. For more information, visit meyermedialab.ucdavis.edu/.

You can also visit the Hart Hall Multimedia Distribution Lab to access video and audio databases. This room houses a catalogue of videos, DVDs, and audio frequently used in UC Davis classes. Learn about Hart Lab at hartmedialab.ucdavis.edu/.

2. What technology resources and help are available for students with special needs?
For a full list of services available including assistive technologies and classroom services, visit the Student Disabilities Center at sdc.ucdavis.edu/app-q_a.html.

3. Are library collections and resources—such as research databases, course reserves, electronic journals, books, and streaming media—available online and accessible off-campus?
The university library offers over 350 searchable electronic databases. Access is free to all computers connected to the campus network. You can connect to the library databases from off-campus using the new high powered Virtual Private Network at lib.ucdavis.edu/ul/services/connect/.

4. Can the library deliver documents to you electronically, either via email or through Web posting? Does the library charge a fee when information resources that you need are not available in its collections?
Documents from various libraries can be delivered electronically for a small fee. For information on availability and costs, visit Document Delivery services at lib.ucdavis.edu/dept/access/circ/ill/dds.php.

5. What types of research assistance does the library provide?
The library provides a variety of research assistance tools. They include phone, email, and personal appointments with library specialists, classes and workshops, and online tutorials. To view the list of available resources and schedules, visit http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/ul/help/.

Looking towards graduation and a career

1. Does the campus offer general or profession-specific training programs that will ensure you are fluent in current information technologies when you graduate?
Many majors have courses that provide you with the technology skills needed in your their related field of study. Visit an advisor for more information on technology related coursework.