All institute participants will be assigned a Workstations at Maryland (WAM) account for the duration of the institute. This will allow general access to the University Computing Network. With a WAM account, you will be able to access the network from from a residence space or one of the many computing labs maintained on campus.

Using Computers in the Residence Halls

We have arranged for the private data jacks within each residence space to be available for participants’ use. Each jack provides a fast ethernet connection to both on and off campus resources. Considering the institute participant will be building lesson plans throughout the institute, we do suggest that you consider bringing either a laptop or desktop system to campus.

In order to take advantage of the fast Ethernet connection provided in your room, your system (Windows-compatible or Macintosh) must be equipped with a networking card (10 Base-T Ethernet or faster). You must also bring a twisted-pair Ethernet cable (14-foot minimum is suggested). You may obtain specific instruction for configuring your system to access the campus network, including how to obtain an Internet Protocol (IP) address by accessing http://www.umd.edu/res/ResidentLifeInformation/InformationSystemsUnit

If you do not have an Ethernet card it is possible to use an internal or external modem to dial into the Campus Data Network by unplugging your phone and connecting to the campus computing facilities. If you are considering buying an Ethernet card for your system, the hardware is fairly standard and you should consult a retailer for advice on purchasing the most appropriate card. For Windows-compatible machines, the University suggest 3Com products because of their proven reliability with the campus computing system. The campus bookstore also carries an array of Ethernet cards ranging in various price steps from $29 to $139 depending on the your computer system.

Computer Labs On Campus
If you are unable to bring a computer system to campus, there are many labs available for your research and writing needs. The University maintains some 1,700+ computers in 37 separate computing labs. The Office of Information Technology maintains these labs, some of which are open 24-hours. A summer schedule for the larger labs can be accessesed at http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/faqs/wam/ The lab designated UGL (Undergraduate Library), located in the basement of Hornbake Library, may be the most accessible for your general use as many of our institute days will conclude at that location.

Computers As Part of Your Presentation
We have arranged for a Windows compatible and a Macintosh laptop computer to be available during the final presentation session on July 15. As we investigate how technology can assist your teaching during the first part of the institute, please consider how your team might incorporate technology. The AT&T lab will be available during many of the team working session for development of technological components.