Available Services

WCER Technical Services helps WCER projects select, purchase, and use computers and emerging technologies. We also offer a variety of technical and creative services to WCER researchers, such as research-focused programming, Web site design, video, multimedia, graphics, server space, training and access to multimedia equipment, and consultations with staff on Web design, video data collection, application and database programming.

Computer Hardware and Software Services

As part of our normal package we provide projects with a wide array of services such as:

Hardware and Software Consultation, Purchasing, and Installation Technical Services offers advice for project administrators about their hardware and software needs. We can purchase hardware and software (PC or Macintosh) for your project, and set it up for you. We maintain a library of software resources that we share with the School of Education; this allows you to try software before you commit to it. In addition, we can provide access to shared hardware so that your project doesn’t have to buy an expensive piece of equipment that won’t get a lot of use.

Network Services Technical Services assigns each staff member an account with access to our network, including project and personal network space. Our network has both virus and firewall protection.

Data Security and Integrity Technical Services helps project leaders and staff interpret and meet data security guidelines. Most funding agencies require that projects maintain a minimum baseline of security for all project data. We can also accommodate projects that require the higher security levels required by many funding sources.

Training Technical Services can provide training for project personnel on both hardware and software. We also offer brownbags to the entire WCER as new software and technologies emerge.

Technical Support/Repair We provide on-going technical support for you and your staff. We can troubleshoot problems, and make repairs in-house. This keeps your down time to a minimum. Mobile computing needs are included in this; if your laptop or home computer goes down we can help you. In addition, if your office needs to move, we can move the computers. This includes dealing with all network connections.

Public Workstations Technical Services maintains workstations with the latest in software and hardware, to allow users to “try before they buy” or to accommodate special short-term tasks. High speed scanners, and workstations with video editing software are also available.

Equipment Checkout We have a collection of notebook computers and LCD projectors available for checkout by project staff and students. Our technicians can provide setup if necessary.

Legacy Equipment Technical Services maintains an inventory of used equipment and legacy hardware. Useful hardware from closed projects is often refurbished for use by smaller projects or by School of Education.

Large-Format Printer The 4-color large-format printer can print on paper that is up to 42 inches wide. It provides photo-quality imaging, and up to 1200 x 600 dpi. This printer is located in Technical Services, but is available for anyone to use (with assistance).

Printer Support Technical Services maintains all the laser printers throughout WCER. All brands of frequently used toner cartridges are kept in stock. We provide routine maintenance and coordinate service with outside vendors.

Multimedia Room/Video Conferencing We provide video conferencing services and maintain several multimedia rooms for staff and conference use.

Consulting and Design Services

Web Site Design We can provide each project with a professional-quality basic 3-5 page Web site designed for an audience of funders, partners, colleagues, clientele, and the press.

Web Site Hosting We host all the WCER Web sites on a fast, modern, and reliable Web server that is backed up nightly and is powered by an uninterruptible power supply.

Database Design We can provide consulting and design to create a database for your project. You can use this database to store information or research data.

Web/Desktop Application Programming Technical Services can provide consulting and programming to create a Web or desktop application. This application might perform any number of possible tasks such as data collection, processing, analysis or reporting, online instruction or testing, or some other kind of experimental design.

Online Survey Production We can create surveys for a project or help you create your own. We can install the software and provide the training necessary to allow you to create as many surveys as you wish with an easy-to-use application.

Online Survey Hosting You can host your surveys on our Web server, with the results automatically stored on our database server for easy retrieval and reporting.

Graphic Design In concert with Web site design, we can also design a graphic logo and "look and feel" for a project. Graphics can be used on the Web site, letterhead, publications, and associated documents.

Business Card/Brochure Production We provide projects with business cards based on their logo, and can design a professional tri-fold brochure promoting your project.

Technical/Personnel Consulting We provide consulting on technical issues involving the full range of hardware and software a project might consider using. In addition, we will assist projects who wish to hire their own technical personnel by writing technical job descriptions, evaluating resumes, and participating in interviews.

Multimedia Services

Video/Digital Photography Technical Services can provide professional videography or digital photography to capture research, scripted, or promotional video and imagery.

Video Editing We can also provide professional video and image editing to turn your materials into a finished product.

Streaming Video Hosting Once you've finished producing your video material (or if you have existing video), we can deliver it to your audience with space and bandwidth on our streaming video server.

CD-ROM/DVD Production We provide training and use of our CD-ROM/DVD production and duplication equipment to projects, and we can provide multimedia design to aid in the production of these items.

Video Analysis We provide consulting on the qualitative analysis of video and will lead video data analysis sessions for projects in our multimedia conferencing room.

Multimedia Equipment Training/Check-Out We make available a variety of camcorders, digital cameras, audio recorders, and associated accessories for projects to check out and use. In addition, we can train all project personnel in the use of this equipment.

Network Security Services

Server Security Providing security solutions for WCER and SOE servers.

Backup Operating a highly redundant and robust backup solution that is available for ensuring the reliability/integrity of user data.

Hardware Managing and deploying network infrastructure equipment for SOE buildings on campus.

Consistency and Ease of Access Users are able to access all SOE resources with a single network logon.

Innovation Designing and implementing a new network environment which enhances peoples’ abilities to share resources across the SOE campus.

Collaboration In order to accomplish this mission and provide WCER with cutting edge solutions, it is critical that Techncial Services work in conjunction with many SOE and university network administrators.