Using ICT effectively is a valuable skill that supports learning at Queen's and enhances opportunities for future employment.
Queen's is committed to providing a range of opportunities and resources to support students use of ICT:
- Over 2200 PCs accross campus
- Free high speed access to the Internet
- Email account & personal file store
- Off-Campus access to files & email
- Course resources available online
- Up-to-date equipment for lectures
- ICT training and workbooks
- Wireless access
During the first week of Semester 1 most new students attend an IT induction session to learn about these facilities and to check that they have the IT skills needed for their studies. A range of IT training courses and workbooks will be available to help you build on your IT skills. Students can choose to build on these core skills by studying for the European Computer Driving License, an internationally recognised ICT qualification.
Students are provided with the most up-to-date software packages and personal learning space to store their work, while enjoying free access to the Internet and online resources available through the Library and School web pages. Queen's students are also provided with a personal email address and will have access to e-learning, through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, called Queen's Online.
Over 2200 PCs are available across the campus. Computer Assistants are on hand in the Student Computer Centres to help if you have a problem with the equipment or need help in using the PCs.
There is also a growing number of social and group work areas across the campus, which are enhancing the learning experience. These new social and group work areas provide comfortable seating and are 'wireless ready', ecouraging students to interact and engage in group activities, as well as catch up with friends online or face to face. Express Terminals are also available in these areas for quick and convenient access to email and web based research.
To support flexible computing, students also have the opportunity to purchase high quality laptop computers at discount prices, from the University's computer suppliers. A choice of models at different price points is available. Most, if not all, of these laptop computers will have the added bonus of a 3 year warranty service included in the price.
More and more lectures are being recorded and streamed over the Internet. The lecture presentation can also be made available for download to a PDA, iPod or mobile phone.
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Students can use their own laptops or laptops available on loan from the Main and Science Libraries, to access Internet services via wireless hotspot areas.
The vast majority of Lecture Rooms have ICT presentation systems that can be used to bring e-learning into the classroom. Also, many Lecture Rooms have become interactive through the use of Electronic Voting Systems (as seen on some popular television game shows)!
Flexible Teaching Space is also available in the Peter Froggatt Centre (PFC) to support different modes of teaching and learning. The large open space accommodates large (up to 60 students) and small group work. It provides flexible lighting, folding chairs, tables, whiteboards, etc - as well as a wide range of technology including:
- 20 charged, wireless tablet PCs
- 7 plasma screens
- 40 Personal Response System handsets (voting technology)
- DVD/VCR
- Solid state digital video camera
- USB flat bed scanner
- Colour laser jet printer
