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Harry Wines of ITS. |
During the 2002-2003 academic year, the College of Nursing offered more than 65 online tests. Undergraduate and graduate faculty in the College of Nursing Divisions (Omaha, Kearney, Scottbluff and Lincoln) began online testing for campus and distance education students. The only limitation in the growth of online testing was a self-imposed moratorium due to space limitations.
Faculty members wanted to implement the testing technology in their classes. The maximum capacity for online testing in the College of Nursing was 23 stations in the Learning Resource Center, which was insufficient for the number of undergraduate students in the largest classes. In addition, if the Learning Resource Center was used for testing, it had to be closed to other students, which had an adverse impact on the primary purposes of the Learning Resource Center. With appropriate facilities, the number of online tests administered this year (2003-2004) will continue to grow rapidly.
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Pat Carstens, left, and Stephen Smith, both from the College of Nursing. |
To facilitate the College of Nursing’s online testing needs, ITS helped develop an on-site testing facility capable of providing for current and future needs of this growing evaluation methodology. Room 5025 in the College of Nursing has been modified for this purpose. Laptop computers with wireless connections are being used to provide network access for 48 students (maximum occupancy). The laptops are stored in specially designed cabinets, which provide security and electric power to keep the units fully charged at all times. The cabinets are stored when not in use so the room is available as a classroom.
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The laptops are stored in specially designed cabinets, which provide security and electric power to keep the units fully charged at all times. |
ITS has developed an infrastructure to support an enterprise wide solution for wireless use on campus. This type of solution is significantly different than if an individual were to implementing wireless in their home. A wireless network, which connects with the current wired network is being developed. Cisco equipment is being utilized because Cisco integrates with the current network in addition to being the market leader. The enterprise wide wireless solution must meet the following design criteria:
- High availability and security of data in compliance with regulations;
- Redundant electrical power;
- Integration of the wireless security seamlessly with the current wired network;
- Use different types of access points due to the different types of construction on campus;
- Rapidly troubleshoot issues and monitor network performance of wireless network through remote management of the access point;
- Utilize multiple device types and standard wireless device cards; and
- Ability to upgrade the infrastructure in a cost efficient manner as new wireless standards are approved.
An enterprise wireless network must be “industrial strength.” It must be able to support the entire enterprise and be positioned to expand as the technology needs change.
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Server administrators from across campus recently met to learn more about the wireless classroom. |
With the installation of the wireless classroom and enhanced online testing capacity, the College of Nursing is able to move forward with the strategic goal of enhancing and expanding the educational environment.
Additionally, wireless Internet access is currently being tested in the McGoogan Library of Medicine. The wireless hub was installed on the seventh floor of the Library in an area near the interior staircase. The coverage area includes a good portion of the East (42nd Street) side of the seventh floor and seating area in and around the Circulation Desk on the sixth floor. A general rollout to all Library users who have wireless cards in their laptops will be later this fall once some authentication issues are resolved. Additional wireless hubs throughout the Library may be considered in the future as funding permits.
Anyone who wishes to move to a wireless environment should contact the ITS coordinators at 559-3000. ITS will work with staff members to design the technical infrastructure to implement wireless and determine the cost of installation.