1994-1995 Cedarville College Annual Report

\(_~, \ , •' '- .ii • . \ . I , ' ': "'~ Cfdaf Net ".' " . . I C edarville College continues to strengthen its reputation in higher education as a leader in the application of computer technology. In its fourth year of implementation, the campuswide computer network, CedarNet, continues to grow in size, power, and use . The application of network technology in all academic disciplines provides students with the tools and skills necessary to compete in a workplace where information and a working knowledge of computer technology are the keys to success. Computer network technology is transforming the classroom for both student and teacher. Whereas in the past the number of volumes in the library was the key to access of information, the key today is network technology. Through CedarNet and its connection to wide area networks, Cedarville students have access to libraries, research centers, and databases around the world-24 hours a day, seven days a week. Informat ion once available to a select few can now be obtained, analyzed, and summarized in profess ional-looking, multimedia presentations. Students analyze real life problems and offer solutions with the use of multimedia presentations produced using CedarNet. CedarNet has permanently changed the way communication takes place. Ninety-five percent of the faculty and 80 percent of the student body reportedly use the network daily. Cedarville Communication Arts Professor Wes Baker stated in an October 10, 1994 Associated Press article that students feel that "contact with professors h as risen, because they (students) can just zip off a question." CedarNet is also viewed as a vehicle for ministry. Cedarville students were the highlight of an April 3, 1995 Christianity Today article which investigated the opportunities for Christians in cyberspace. CedarNet, through its connection to the Internet and World Wide Web, allows students and faculty to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to computer users around the world with the click of a button. + CedarNet connects over 95 percent of the dormitory rooms on campus to the campuswide computer network through computer workstations in the rooms. Students also have access to the network through public labs on campus. In the residence halls, 553 rooms are equipped with 486SX or 486DX processors. Another 422 dormitory rooms are equipped with Pentium processor computers, one of the fastest ava ilab le today. + CedarNet links over 1,400 computers and features over 200 software packages, including multimed ia instructional tools, as well as access to the informat ion superhighway via Internet. + Cedarville and the Coalition fo r Christian Colleges and Universities cosponsored a computer networking seminar on campus for 125 representatives of 52 colleges and universit ies across the United States and Canada. + Cedarville opened its World Wide Web (WWW) pages on the Internet, providing users around the world with instant access to information abo ut admiss ions, student life, fac ulty, staff, students, alumni, and a variety of other aspects of the College. Cedarville's WWW address is http://www.cedarville.edu .