Tech Tutors are Penn State students providing technology solutions to the University community

Tech Tutors are Penn State students providing technology solutions to the University community

Aug 28, 2019 | Home Page

There are many potential hurdles for Penn State faculty and students as they get into the rhythm of a new academic year. Many aspects of University life are reliant on technology, and there is a group of undergraduate students who can help make sure tech issues do not complicate the start of this year’s classes. 

Those students are Tech Tutors, and they are ready to help any Penn Stater find solutions to daily needs related to University software like Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canvas, and Sites. Part of Penn State IT Learning and Development (ITLD), Tech Tutors offer convenient ways to get assistance.  Walk-ins are taken at Pattee Library and Pollock Computer Lab, online consultations can happen wherever you are, and one-on-one appointments are available to faculty at University Park.  to get assistance.  Walk-ins are taken at Pattee Library and Pollock Computer Lab, online consultations can happen wherever you are, and one-on-one appointments are available to faculty at University Park.  

“Tech Tutors combines the value of helping fellow students, faculty, and staff with tooling up their skills and being an on-campus support team that people can rely on,” said Royce Dsouza, a second-year Tech Tutor and Penn State senior. “Some of my favorite experiences are when I teach a client how to use a tool that transforms the way they work with/think of technology.” 

While Tech Tutors offer support on much of the software students and faculty use to complete coursework, they do not cover everything. For help with software like MatLab and Mathematica, or coding languages like Python and SQL, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is the recommended resource. 

“[Our tutors’] goals are to help people solve short-term problems and encourage technical literacy by encouraging self-learning,” said Tech Tutor team lead Dhavani Toprani. “One of the things we emphasize during tutoring sessions is introducing clients to relevant resources to go back to. At a higher level, the goal is to empower the University community to benefit from the technologies available to them.” 

Positions with Tech Tutors may available for the spring 2020 semester. Undergraduate students from any year can apply by inquiring at itld@psu.edu. Applicants are required to have prior technical or tutoring experience. 

The Tech Tutors can be contacted online or via email at techtutors@psu.edu. 

Introducing Courseware, a new reference website for course instruction software

Introducing Courseware, a new reference website for course instruction software

Apr 19, 2019 | Home Page

Penn State’s commitment to be a leader in the transformation of education among institutions of higher education requires an evaluation regarding the means by which faculty are provided with the technology and tools that enhance learning experiences for students, including improving access to such tools.

Introducing Courseware, a new online resource that simplifies the process for faculty to navigate through the list of authorized software and digital applications for use in course instruction.

All authorized courseware has gone through the courseware review process to assist in meeting University security, privacy, and accessibility policies.

Courseware is defined as any digital, educational application or software used by students or instructors for a Penn State class.

Faculty can easily perform a search to determine what software or applications are authorized for University-wide use, which ones need additional authorization, what is not currently authorized for use, and submit a request for authorization for a desired courseware not on the reviewed list.

“We made it easier for Penn State faculty, staff, instructional designers, and students to access cutting-edge software and learning applications that complies with University policies to greatly enhance the classroom experience,” said Michael Kubit, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer.

“Courseware allows faculty to discover new learning tools that are continually being added for University-wide use,” said Nick Jones, executive vice present and provost.

For additional information or questions, refer to the Courseware FAQ or contact courseware@psu.edu.