Wednesday, June 28, 2006
June 28: DOES NOT EXIST!
June 29:
The technological sophistication of the ship has impressed me. The library -- contrary to all rational expectations -- is good. While there are few actual books, there is an endless wealth of resources available either on the Internet or via the Intranet system on board. Faculty can have all materials scanned and put into files, which students can read on their own laptops, in the library itself, or in the computer lab. Interlibrary loan (electronic delivery) works perfectly, and there are dozens of free sites that the students can access (country websites, newspapers, etc.) as well as ALL of the databases through the UVa library system. So, no problem with student/faculty research.
All public spaces have wireless connections, and access to the Internet and e-mail is usually quick and effort-free (there is an IT consultant on board, to resolve the inevitable problems). The downside is that the number of "free" e-mail/Internet minutes is limited, and costly if/when one goes over that limit.
Most students use cybercafes from the ports they visit to get caught up.
Phone services are available, as well. A $20 phone card allows for 13 minutes of talk, which can be done from your room. People can buy satellite phones (prior to boarding) that work during the whole voyage (some students have purchased them; they are pricey, but they work).
When the ship was outfitted with the new technology (computers, servers, cables, etc.), it added one ton to the total weight.
All rooms have TVs, connected to the internal loop which enable the projection of announcements, films and educational videos, and language materials throughout the day.
The auditorium is fully equipped with sound, computer, laptop, music and other technologies, and staffed with a full-time person to facilitate powerpoint (or other) presentations.
Most classrooms are computer friendly: laptop, largescreen projection, sound; some have overhead projectors, maps, and the like.
June 29:
The technological sophistication of the ship has impressed me. The library -- contrary to all rational expectations -- is good. While there are few actual books, there is an endless wealth of resources available either on the Internet or via the Intranet system on board. Faculty can have all materials scanned and put into files, which students can read on their own laptops, in the library itself, or in the computer lab. Interlibrary loan (electronic delivery) works perfectly, and there are dozens of free sites that the students can access (country websites, newspapers, etc.) as well as ALL of the databases through the UVa library system. So, no problem with student/faculty research.
All public spaces have wireless connections, and access to the Internet and e-mail is usually quick and effort-free (there is an IT consultant on board, to resolve the inevitable problems). The downside is that the number of "free" e-mail/Internet minutes is limited, and costly if/when one goes over that limit.
Most students use cybercafes from the ports they visit to get caught up.
Phone services are available, as well. A $20 phone card allows for 13 minutes of talk, which can be done from your room. People can buy satellite phones (prior to boarding) that work during the whole voyage (some students have purchased them; they are pricey, but they work).
When the ship was outfitted with the new technology (computers, servers, cables, etc.), it added one ton to the total weight.
All rooms have TVs, connected to the internal loop which enable the projection of announcements, films and educational videos, and language materials throughout the day.
The auditorium is fully equipped with sound, computer, laptop, music and other technologies, and staffed with a full-time person to facilitate powerpoint (or other) presentations.
Most classrooms are computer friendly: laptop, largescreen projection, sound; some have overhead projectors, maps, and the like.
# posted by Admiral David @ 6:47 PM 
