Technology is integrated throughout the Simmons community—and curriculum. Tools and services include wireless Internet access, Web-enhanced coursework, and online services, from course registration to job recruiting. Every student has a Simmons email account, as well as space on the web and file servers, which can be accessed from anywhere. Moreover, Simmons holds its own on the high-tech frontier with projects such as the Graduate School of Library and Information Science’s international study on image retrieval and management.
Technology in the Classroom
Simmons has created an environment where every teaching space is potentially a technology-enabled space. Almost all classrooms have built-in equipment, including a projector, DVD/VHS player, and an instructor's computer. Upon request, Media Services can deliver projectors, computers, cameras, assistive technology devices, and other equipment anywhere on campus. Five classrooms are outfitted with computers for every student, and several graduate schools and undergraduate departments operate their own computer labs for special work related to their disciplines. In addition, many Simmons courses use our e-learning system, WebCT, which you can use to download assignments and presentations, upload coursework, take quizzes or participate in discussions.
The Information Commons
Simmons has created an "Information Commons" within its brand new, state-of-the-art Library building, where students have convenient access to computers, study spaces, and the resources and staff expertise needed to be academically succesful. The Library and Technology jointly provide students with these services, accessible at the following locations:
- The Library Access Services Desk circulates books and reserve materials;
- The Library Reference Desk provides research assistance and help in finding and evaluating information; and,
- The Technology Desk provides technical assistance and help using hardware and software. At the Technology Desk, students may check out wireless laptops for use in the Library.
Highlights of the Information Commons include:
- Two study rooms with a projector, audio system, and DVD/VHS player where students can work together in a multimedia-rich environment;
- Access to eight iMacs with the full iLife suite to create multimedia projects;
- Students may borrow at no cost firewire drives, digitial voice recorders, and digitial still and video cameras from Media Services;
- Students can schedule production assistance in the Production Lab, located in the Palace Road building.
About the Library
In addition to more than 200,000 print books and 1,700 journal subscriptions, the Library also provide access to nearly 20,000 journals, 15,000 books, and 120 databases online. Together these provide billions of pages of reliable, high quality, scholarly information to support your educational endeavors. Using the online catalog, you can check your circulation records, and renew your books or access an online course reading (e-reserve). Librarians are available to help you in person, over the phone or by email, or through online live chat. For more information, please visit the Library website.
Build Your Skills
Through the Pottruck Technology Resource Center current students can enroll, free of charge, in workshops on such topics as:
- Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Flash
- Video Editing
- Operating Systems, i.e., Windows XP and Mac OS X
Sessions are offered regularly on campus in a modern, dedicated, cross-platform training lab. In addition, 24/7 web-based training is also available upon request. The Library offers one-on-one research appointments and class sessions on how to use the library databases, evaluate the information you find, and find resources in specific subjects.
Need Help?
The Help Desk is your technology support resource on campus. Student and faculty are also welcome to visit us in the Information Commons in the Library for technology assistance. In addition to software support, we offer self-help clinics where you can learn how to troubleshoot problems with your own computer. Visit Technology's website for more information.
Other Information
Audio Tours
Check out our podcasts on iTunes U for an introduction to technology at Simmons
Purchasing a Computer
MySimmons Portal
Visit the MySimmons Portal to get a sense for the array of online services and information available to current students, faculty and staff
Quick Facts
- High-speed, wireless Internet access on main campus
- E-learning (WebCT) with online course materials and chat rooms
- Multimedia support for all main campus teaching/ learning spaces
- 77 high-tech classrooms and event spaces
- 21 computer labs
- Online academic and administrative service allows students to register, view class schedules, and check grades
- Online recruiting and career information database
- 90% of all courses have online content
- Over 1,600 computers on campus, including 454 student-use computers
- 380 digital and video cameras available for use by faculty and students
