The AET Program emphasizes computer usage by the student throughout the curriculum. This includes open lab hours, the latest industry-standard technology and a computer lab experience requirement for many courses. In addition, many of the open labs hours are supervised by another student who also serves as a tutor. As a result of the program's commitment to new technology and computer availability, the vast majority of our students gain practical skills, and are able to use the power of computers in all the subject areas and, eventually, at their place of employment.
The department recently purchased 15 new computers in addition to new and upgraded software. These new computers were placed in various lab locations. The cost of the upgrades (an estimated $182,000) was covered by a combination of industry grants and the AMET Department.
The Department maintains two network servers, one Unix, and one Windows 2000 operating systems. For many classes, students have server accounts and "contact boxes" for electronic storage of assignments, homework, and projects for evaluation.
In addition to the department lab and classroom computers, the Academic Computing Center in the Wissink Building, with over 500 general use computers, is available for all kinds of word processing and presentation preparations. This facility is open evenings and weekends.
The University maintains a web page, which provides on-line registration, grading and reviewing of class enrollment. Full on-line access is also available to the campus library system, including over 100 Minnesota libraries through the PALS library system.
