This summer, the CIT Training Program, recently renamed Technology Training Services (TTS), will begin to implement major changes in its course offerings.
As technology continues to evolve and bring more power to the desktop, participants in CIT workshops have asked for affordable courses that focus on new technologies and how best to use them in Cornell's networked computing environment. With those concerns in mind, TTS is changing its focus from application support to providing classes about using advanced technologies and services that are available through Bear Access and the World Wide Web.
Offered will be courses on navigating the Web, creating Web pages, using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) versus Adobe Acrobat for Web publishing, setting up Web servers and digitizing images, video and sound and incorporating them in a Web page. There also will be assistance available for departments that are interested in providing training to their constituents.
These new courses will be offered at no charge, with the exception of classes taught by specialized trainers brought in from outside Cornell.
Workshops on word processing, spreadsheets, database programs and desktop publishing will no longer be offered. CIT plans to work with other technology trainers in the Ithaca area to be able to recommend satisfactory alternatives. Through the spring and summer, the TTS Web page at http://cit-training.cit.cornell.edu/CIT_Training.html will provide updated information on technology training opportunities at Cornell.
Because of this restructuring, no classes will be offered this summer. However, TTS will provide drop-in consulting sessions. The schedule for drop-in sessions will be sent to faculty and staff in a flyer, instead of the Summer Computing Course Catalog. If you would like further information or to provide feedback on these changes, send e-mail to cit_training@cornell.edu.
Big Red Machines
Feeling overwhelmed with all the choices facing you when buying a new computer? Because the consumer is constantly bombarded by technology vendors who claim their brand of computer is the one that will change your life, Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) attempts to cut through the hype by selecting "Big Red Machines."
First, CIT identifies and tests computers that work well in the Cornell computing environment. These machines are then packaged with the Bear Access set of network services (e-mail software, Web browser software, and more) as well as an enhanced warranty. These features are intended to increase the value of the purchase when made through Cornell's Technology Connection at the Campus Store.
Big Red Machines allow faculty, staff, and students to select from a smaller set of computers based on criteria specific to the Cornell community. Because Big Red Machines are tested by CIT before being recommended, the CIT Service HelpDesk staff can more effectively support the applications on the machines selected.
Any computer you buy will have its own idiosyncrasies. In evaluating Big RedMachines for their ability to function in the Cornell computing environment, CIT hopes to reduce the number of problems consumers may encounter, and at the same time enhance CIT's ability to provide support.
For more information, check out the Big Red Machine Web site at http://www.cit.cornell.edu/brm.
This column was compiled and edited by Daisy Dailey of CIT. Send questions or comments to citnews@cornell.edu.