1997-1998 Academic Catalog

1 Computer Information Network Computer Information Network The College recognizes that students must live and work in a society where computers and computer networks are an essential part of everyday life. To equip stud~nts to function effectively in this environment, Cedarville has developed and launched CedarNet, the campus-wide computer information network. Utilizing hardware and initial technical support provided by IBM, this network promises to revolutionize the way the students receive, send, manipulate, and process information. Benefits Students using the network can: " take notes and write papers more efficiently • make written assignments look better and communicatemore effectively • communicate electronically with their professors, friends, and classmates, or others around the world • manage, display, and analyze data by using data base, statistical, and spreadsheet software 0 complete special assignments which make specific use of network features • search library holdings for personal and class research projects, papers, or presentations, even when the library is closed " enhance personal Bible study • create illustrations for class, personal, or ministry presentations • master course content or skills through individual, self-paced study • learn skills which will help them do better as a student and obtain a better job upon graduation Equipment The network features 486DX or Pentium microcomput– ers with a 3.5 floppy disk drive, 16 MB RAM, a hard disk drive, SVGA color monitor, and MIDI capable sound board. In addition, each networked residence hall room contains an inkjet printer or a 24-pin dot matrix near letter quality printer. All laboratories offer laser printers for high quality, final drafts. The library com_– puter laboratory features a flat-bed scanner for scannmg color images and a color printer for printing color documents, overheads, and 35mm slides. CedarNet provides direct ministry opportunities for student~. Brad J_'feiffe1: of Grand Rapids, Michigan, led someone to Christ and has smce d1sc1p/ed /11111 using the Internet. Access Access is the key to any effective information system. The network provides both the hardware and software that members of the college family need to obtain and use information. All students living in a residence hall benefit from 24- hour access to the network. To enable students to take further advantage of the network, public laboratories, with a total of l 00 stations, are conveniently open to the students. Off-campus students can utilize modem access for some projects. Training . Most students will be able to learn the network on their own via tutorials and help-screens which explain how to use the programs. Computer assistants in laboratories are available whenever the labs are open. Faculty using specialized software typically orient students in their respective classes. Students find that the ?est wa~ to . utilize the network is to learn how to use 1t early m their time at Cedarville. CedarNet is the 1997 winner of the prestigious CAUSE Award for Excellence in Campus Networking. The award is given annually to the country's best college/university campus computer network.