OSCR Services and Programs

Services

• Open Access Student Labs provide access to 125 general purpose and high-end workstations, dozens of applications, department courseware, central email and instructional tools, specialty peripherals, and more in six locations around campus. This year all open access locations will add Student Help Desk support to their service model.
• Electronic Classroom support under two models: 1) Labs may be reserved for University courses and technology training on a limited basis, e.g., 4 reservations per term for academic classes. 2) Dedicated support for "service courses" (classes cross-listed in multiple disciplines).
• Virtual Reality material creation is available in the QTVR Annex. VR gear is also transportable to campus and offsite locations.
• Workshops covering more than 100 topics train students, staff, and faculty in the use of multimedia and web applications, specialty gear, and peripherals. Customized workshops can be requested to meet specific course oriented learning outcomes. Some workshops are taught in Spanish and Chinese.
• Training Materials developed in conjunction with OSCR workshops are available online and are useful for self-paced and instructor-led activities. In addition to many UA departments, 16 colleges and universities world wide are using OSCR training resources.
• One-on-One Consulting for students, faculty, and staff developing multimedia skills is available in all multimedia locations. Faculty can also request that OSCR staff provide this kind of dedicated support on-site. OSCR websites provide help in finding our appropriate experts.
• Gear-to-Go (loanable multimedia equipment, e.g. digital cameras, lighting, wireless microphones, etc.) is offered to students, faculty, and staff creating media-rich materials.
• Mobile Classroom Support: 30 Windows laptops can be reserved for use around campus. Technical assistance is provided for special software/courseware installation, setup and takedown, etc.
• Specialized Infrastructures include a renderfarm, streaming media servers, and UA_MultimediaNet, for development and delivery of digital video/audio, multimedia, animations, simulations, virtual reality, etc.
• License Server and Software Metering permits efficient sharing of high-cost applications across central and department labs.

Programs

OSCR Help Desk - OSCR runs an IT Help Desk in the OSCR Underground (ILC 136). The technical staff in OSCR Underground will offer assistance with computing problems and help in finding the other campus IT resources.

Technology Refresh Bank - Since FY 2001, 30 department labs have received financial assistance to replace or add instructional technology. OSCR personnel administer this loan/grant program which has awarded more than $1 million dollars to date. Total central funds invested: $790K. Total savings to departments: $287K.

Student Technology Preceptors - OSCR personnel and facilities are critical elements of the STP program, which pairs students with faculty in need of technology assistance in the classroom or behind the scenes for course material development. Technology preceptors may also choose to work-for-credit in several technology centers on campus.

Student Employment - OSCR services rely on student workers. Job categories have been revamped to encourage student career progression. Seven categories, ranging from clerical support to web master and programmer, are available. Applications may be submitted anytime using the online application.