Computing at F&M
At Franklin & Marshall College, we believe that the computer is an indispensable tool for scholarship and we are committed to the integration of computing in the curriculum. Using their computers, professors can make assignments and develop digital content. Students can submit their work writing assignments, experimental results, quantitative analyses, and graphics over the campus computer network and collaborate with professors and classmates.
The College incorporates every building on campus into the campus network. Additionally a wireless network extends across the campus. Franklin & Marshall uses the World Wide Web as the vehicle for its Information Portal (myDiplomat). From their computers students can freely access:
- the World Wide Web
- the library catalog and databases at Franklin & Marshall and throughout the world
- campus file servers and networked printers
- electronic mail networks
- network space for file sharing and web hosting
The use of personal computers is now either required or recommended in virtually every course taught at the College. Many courses make use of campus networked file servers where students find assignments and submit their work electronically to their professors. About 80% of current students have followed the College's recommendation to have personal access to an Apple Macintosh.
The College has acquired cross-platform site licenses for Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), virus protection, and other essential tools including statistical analysis and mathematical modeling. Printing is available in the public computer workroom and the Shadek-Fackenthal Library for a small fee per page.
Through a customized web site, www.fandm.edu/fummerfirst, first-year students can easily install all of the programs necessary to utilize the campus information infrastructure and to be productive in the classroom or laboratory. Utilizing digital video and electronic documentation, we have included information on the Library Catalog, the Franklin & Marshall Computer Store, the campus network, electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and more.
Franklin & Marshall has adopted Blackboard, a course/instructional management system. Blackboard is a web-based solution for online delivery of course-based instructional materials offering an easy-to-use interface and instructional management tools.
The information portal, myDiplomat, includes Franklin & Marshall news and events, web-based email, access to academic transcripts, and other essential details of campus life. Future additions to the College information environment will be accessible through myDiplomat.
The College also provides file space for electronic document storage and information exchange that is available from any Internet-connected computer. The server supports both file and web-sharing and provides private and public access and can be used to store assignments, to move files from computer to computer at school and at home, to publish digital portfolios, or create web sites.
