Academic Computing

Academic Computing works with other UAMS departments to provide services and facilities supporting the use of information technology for education and academic information management at UAMS.  Academic Computing provides technical assistance for computer-equipped classrooms for computer-based instruction and exams; assistance with production and administration of computer-based exams; technical support of web-based distance learning platforms; services for preparing and scoring paper-based exams; support for course and faculty evaluations; and development and support of academic information systems.

Academic Computing collaborates closely with the UAMS colleges and Graduate School, the UAMS Library, the Office of Academic Services, the Office of Educational Development, the UAMS IT Department and other units.  The Academic Computing Advisory Committee, comprising the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, associate deans of the colleges, and directors of the service units with which Academic Computing collaborates, serves to represent, at a high level, Academic Computing’s constituency.  The committee provides a forum for discussion of issues related to Academic Computing services and resources and development of recommendations on policies and priorities.

Academic Computing is located on the 8th floor of the Education II building in rooms 8/102 and 8/147.    Phone: 686-5477    Fax: 686-8341    UAMS mail slot: 620.

Teaching and Learning Resources

Blackboard Learning System(WebCT)

Academic Computing works closely with the Office of Educational Development, Library, and UAMS colleges to coordinate planning and support of resources for web-based courses.  Academic Computing manges the servers on which the Blackboard Learning System (formerly WebCT) is implemented, provides technical support of the system, and carries out administrative functions such as setting up new courses and assigning access to faculty and students.

OTS - exams using scanned forms

Academic computing is responsible for the operation and technical support of the Objective Test Scoring and Performance Rating (OTS/PR) system, commonly referred to as OTS.  The system provides capabilities for preparation, scanning, and scoring of "bubble" forms used for exams.  Some programs also used the system to record evaluations of students in clinical or practical coursework.  The OTS system also maintains a rudimentary gradebook of assessment scores.

Click here for more information...  OTS Documentation and Forms

Authorware  - computer-based exams

Academic Computing staff assist faculty with preparation of computer-based exams using Authorware, an on-line instructional resource and exam authoring tool used at UAMS.  Academic Computing staff develop and enhance Authorware templates for definition of question types and they assist with exam preparation and administration.  Authorware is used primarily for on-campus computer-based exams, particularly those conducted by the basic sciences courses in medicine.

Perception - web-based exams, surveys, evaluations

Perception is a system for defining and conducting web-based exams, surveys, and assessments.  Exams or other components developed with Perception can be provided as stand-alone web-based units or embedded within WebCT courses.  Academic Computing and the Library LRC collaborate to support Perception.  Academic Computing staff administer the Perception server and software and maintain interfaces to load and extract data.  Perception is also used to conduct on-line course and faculty evaluations outside the scope of the CAIRO system.

CAIRO - Course and Instructor Ratings On-line

Academic Computing and the Office of Educational Development (OED) have worked closely with the colleges to design and implement a standard system for course and faculty evaluations.  OED reviewed current practices with the colleges and worked with them to identify standardized evaluation items.  Based on that review and analysis of requirements a Windows and web-based system incorporating a standardized set of evaluation types and core evaluation items as well as capabilitities for use of optional (non-core) items was developed.  The CAIRO system is now being used by the UAMS colleges and additional features and enhancements continue to be implemented.

Computer labs and classrooms

Academic Computing and the Office of Academic Services work together to provide support and technical administration of the computer-equipped classrooms and labs on the 8th and 9th floors of the Ed 2 building.  These departments also work with the Library to manage the schedule of PC and educational equipment replacement through the Instructional Equipment Plan and to collaborate on administration of shared resources and joint activities including support of computer-based exams, access to on-line learning resources, and shared use of computer management and backup tools.

Administrative Information Systems

Academic information systems development and support

Academic Computing provides development and support for academic information management applications.  These include...

• the UAMS id badge production system;
• student application management systems used by the Colleges of Health Related Professions, Nursing, and Public Health;
• the OASIS and SIS student information systems;
• the information system supporting the grant-funded Women's Prodromal Study administered by the College of Nursing; and
• several information systems supporting the management of equipment in the Office of Academic Services.