Computing Services

The future of any relevant institution of higher learning rests in its ability to embrace the benefits of our increasingly technological society, whether in the workplace or in the classroom. Two of Hood College’s highest priorities are to prepare our students for the changing environment of our new century and to function productively in a “knowledge-based” society. With these goals in mind, we have advanced the role of technology at Hood College from purely administrative support to one of core importance, both academically and administratively.

Hood’s information technology is accessible throughout the campus from all classrooms and residence hall rooms, and from off-campus via the Internet. Residents can access the Internet from their rooms, send e-mail both on and off campus, consult course materials their professors have placed on BlackBoard and take advantage of the research resources available on the Internet as well as the subscription databases of our own Beneficial-Hodson Library.

Instructional Technology and Computer Labs

Hood continues an infusion of Instructional Technology into the lecture rooms and lecture halls. The College recently opened a new distance-learning classroom that allows for sharing courses with neighboring colleges, and has the highest quality video and audio available in an interactive classroom environment. The new Hodson Science and Technology Center offers some of the finest instructional technology in the nation with fully automated teaching technology classrooms and labs. These learning spaces are computer controlled with large screen LCD projectors, DVD/VCR playback capability, document cameras and Internet access. This enables both faculty and students to incorporate new technological modalities into their lectures and presentations.

Hood has a total of 17 computer labs, and has upgraded a number of other facilities to multimedia instructional technology classrooms and integrated them into our high- speed network. We have also embraced the concept of technology-enhanced Living Learning Centers and have placed at least one networked computer and printer in each residential hall. This locates technology immediately adjacent to student living spaces to offer the most convenient access to computational support. Students also have the ability to print to the laser printers from their room and store personal files on the network for easy access anywhere on campus. There is no separate charge for this service.

Juana Amelia Hernandez Language Technology Center

This language laboratory permits creative pedagogical development for faculty and a wealth of learning alternatives for students studying foreign languages.

Molecular Modeling Laboratory

The creation of the Molecular Modeling Laboratory, originally funded under a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, empowers students to dynamically manipulate, visualize and hypothesize molecular structures at the atomic level. With the move to the new Hodson Science and Technology Center, all computers in this lab were upgraded to the latest technology.

Journalism and Communications Arts Lab

This lab features Pentium III hardware and large 21" professional-grade monitors. With the installation of state-of-the-art imaging and desktop publishing software packages, students are now able to create professional, industry standard, publications.

Telecommunications

A new campus telephone system offers state-of-the-art student telephone services. Unlike many College dormitories that allow only one phone per residential room, each student at Hood has her/his own phone and voice mailbox. The system permits direct-dial long-distance services for students and offers a variety of useful phone features such as call waiting and call forwarding. There is no charge for unlimited local calling, full access 800/888 dialing, and Hood offers competitive (7 cents per minute evenings) long distance rates. NOTE: Residents cannot bring their own telephones, answering machines, modems or any other analog device, as they will not be compatible with Hood’s digital phone system.

High Speed Internet Access

The residence halls are connected to the campus fiber optic network. Students enjoy "Ethernet to the pillow." This full-time access allows residents to enjoy high-speed campus network services and Internet access directly from their room. There is no separate charge for this service.

Cable Television

All residential rooms are provided expanded TV cable service at no additional cost.

Wireless Network Access

The Whitaker Campus Center has wireless network access installed for any student with a wireless-capable laptop computer. It is particularly convenient for commuter students who can access the network while they are hanging out between classes.

Interactive Distance Education

The Maryland Interactive Distance Learning Network classroom is presently used to share courses with Mount Saint Mary’s College and can be connected to any college or university in Maryland.

Computer System Recommendations

Hood College does not require students to purchase a computer. Having a computer system definitely comes in handy but students can use any of the more than 275 Hood computers located in general and departmental computer lab spaces, the residence halls, the library and in other campus public locations. If you are considering buying a computer, think about this: Unless a student has specific needs or course requirements (particularly high-end graphics), there is no need to purchase the latest level of technology. On the other hand, saving a few dollars now by purchasing low-end technology can and most likely will limit future capabilities. Parents or students should invest in a reputable manufacturer, a good warranty and be able to get service if needed. The Hood IT department does not repair personally owned computer systems.

Recommended Computer Configuration

Intel Pentium IV or AMD Athlon CPU, or better
128MB of Random Access Memory (RAM) or more
30 GB (gigabyte) hard drive or larger
32x CD-ROM drive (or faster)
17” monitor (.28 dot pitch or smaller) (LCD flat panel monitors cost more, but save space in the dorms)
4 MB video card (or greater)
CD-RW (CD “burner”) which can be in place of the CD-ROM above or an Internal Zip drive (optional)
3Com, Intel (or equivalent) 10/100 Ethernet card (required to connect to the Hood network)
Windows 2000 or XP Professional (XP Home should not be purchased)
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – available from the Hood Bookstore – Academically priced; Web Browser (Netscape and Internet Explorer are standard on campus but feel free to choose your own)

Admission.