May 12, 2004

CATs Opens New Windows in Computer Labs

Center for Academic Technologies Upgrades Facilities to Windows XP Operating System

By Thomas Kohout

Seven of the computing labs in the University’s academic technology system will close May 18 as the Center for Academic Technologies (CATs) prepares to update the operating systems of all of its academic computing facilities by the start of the 2004–05 academic year. The initiative, “Expanding Boundaries,” promises to enhance GW’s instructional technology capabilities by upgrading from Microsoft Windows ’98 operating system to the software giant’s newest offering — Windows XP.

Computer Lab Support Services (CLSS) will close the Rome 205, Phillips 306, Eckles 309, 1957 E St B12 and Gelman B04F1 computer classrooms, and Classroom Technology Services (CTS) will close the MPA B07 and Funger 108 multimedia classrooms in order to conduct full implementation testing. These labs are expected to reopen Aug. 31.

According to Kattrina Bravo, academic technology compliance specialist for CATs, in addition to updating the labs with XP, CATs will verify compatibility with the XP environment for all applications used in the labs, as well as ensure full software licensing compliance. The group has already pre-screened course software to confirm “preliminary compatibility” with Windows and Office XP, meaning the software vendor does not clearly mark the software as not being “XP compatible,” the software was successfully installed and opened on an XP-configured computer, and the application didn’t conflict with other installed software at the time of testing.

The move impacts instructors who teach in the CATs labs, general purpose computer classrooms and multimedia classrooms. Faculty members have until May 14 to submit software requests for the coming academic year to guarantee the applications they use in their classes are available by Sept. 1. According to Bravo, CATs will continue to take requests after the May deadline, but the office can’t guarantee the applications will be fully tested by the start of the fall semester.

Commonly requested software, such as Adobe Acrobat, the Microsoft Office suite and statistical software SPSS for Windows, already have undergone compatibility testing and are available in the Center for Instructional Design and Development’s Instructional Technology Lab (ITL). CATs is encouraging faculty to visit the ITL lab to load their applications, test the software on their own and report any problems to CATs staff.

“We expect Windows XP to noticeably improve the performance of general purpose classrooms and computer labs,” said P.B. Garrett, assistant vice president for academic technology.

The Windows XP operating system is reported to be Microsoft’s most powerful, secure and stable operating system to date, incorporating the best of its Windows 2000, Windows ME and Windows ’98 predecessors. In addition to more than 30 percent faster start-up times, the new system includes better multitasking functions and tools to help users recover work lost during computer crashes.

Before deciding to switch to Windows XP, GW surveyed nearly 20 universities including Boston University, Columbia, Georgetown and UCLA and determined that most had migrated to Windows XP already or were transitioning to the updated operating system. Due to the broad adoption of XP, as well as a recent announcement that Microsoft will stop supporting its older applications, CATs decided to move to update the facilities.

“While Microsoft extended its support of Windows ’98 through June or July, after that we’re not going to have support,” said Bravo. “And all of the software coming out now is XP compatible and it’s been difficult to make some applications work with Windows ’98 because they’re just not made for it anymore.”

CATs is responsible for upgrades to just the instructional technology facilities and Faculty Workstation Initiative (FWI) machines. However, the Expanding Boundaries Web site (www.gwu.edu/~cats/Expanding Boundaries/faq.htm) includes detailed information to assist faculty members with upgrading office, as well as personal, computers not included under the FWI.

Windows XP Migration Quick Tips
• Applications should be fully tested for XP compliance — according to the Course Compatibility Guide (www.gwu.edu/~cats/ExpandingBoundaries/Software/);
• Textbooks, Blackboard and other instructional slides/handouts should be updated to reflect the default Windows XP design and structure;
• Custom scripting, proprietary applications, small downloads and add-ons/plug-ins should be tested to verify operation;
• Foreign languages, printer capabilities, etc. should be reviewed.

For complete information about the Expanding Boundaries Project visit www.gwu.edu/~cats/ExpandingBoundaries/index.htm.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu