Technologies in use at University of Phoenix

Innovative Educational Technology

University of Phoenix selects technology pertinent to meeting the academic needs of the student, faculty, and staff. University of Phoenix uses the latest innovative education technology to remain the educational leader in online learning (University of Phoenix, 2012). This Internet-based technology connects students all over the world to instructors, classmates, and online e-learning resources. University of Phoenix tools and applications available to students include mobile applications, PhoenixConnect®, Center for Math Excellence, Center for Writing Excellence, and an online library (University of Phoenix, 2012). These technology tools and software enhance the students learning experience.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Technology that elevates your learning experience. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology.html

Computer Requirements

University of Phoenix requires students have adequate Internet access and bandwidth to complete assignments, download classroom materials, and collaborate with classmates (University of Phoenix, 2012). Each student is responsible for meeting proper computer requirements for hardware and peripherals like using a 2 GHz or faster processer, and software applications like Windows XP or Mac OS (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students will use Microsoft Office 2007 to prepare and submit their assignments. University of Phoenix supplies students free downloads for software needed for specific courses like Microsoft Visual Studio.NET and Adobe Photoshop via their virtual desktop (University of Phoenix, 2012). University of Phoenix provides students with a complimentary student email address so they can receive technology upgrade updates (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Computer requirements. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it works/innovative_education_technology/computer_requirements.html

 Mobile App

University of Phoenix offers students using an iPhone, iPad, or Android Smartphone a complimentary mobile app so they can attend class from virtually any location (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students can access messages and post responses, post comments to discussion questions, view, edit, and save classroom drafts, and receive weekly feedback and grades (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). University of Phoenix mobile app. Retrieved from    http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/university-of-phoenix-mobile-app.html

Center for Writing Excellence

Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) assists students in creating, organizing, and editing college-level academic written papers. CWE provides students with computer-generated or visually reviewed feedback on submitted papers (University of Phoenix, 2012). Technology tools as River Point Writer provides students with an APA formatted writing template (University of Phoenix, 2012).

WritePoint reviews papers on grammar and style and provides students with a computer-generated report (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students use Plagiarism Checker to ensure they have not omitted citing published work from others (University of Phoenix, 2012). The Reference Citation Generator assists students in submitting APA properly formatted references and in-text citations (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Center for writing excellence. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/center-for-writing-excellence.html

Center for Mathematics Excellence

The Center for Mathematics Excellence (CME) assists students increase their math skills by offering math and statistics online tutorials so students can reduce anxiety associated with solving mathematical problems (University of Phoenix, 2012). These tutorials receive support through ALEKS Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces proprietary software and range in difficulty from basic college-level math to finite math (University of Phoenix, 2012). Some classes in math and statistics use a Worldwide Whiteboard Web conferencing for synchronous online tutoring (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Center for mathematics excellence. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/center-for-mathematics-excellence.html

University Library

The Online University Library offers students the ability to research via their virtual desktop-catalogued up-to-date documents continuously (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students receive search results from inputting keywords and indexing phrases.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Online university library. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/online-university-library.html

PhoenixConnect®

PhoenixConnect® is a private educationally focused social network that allows students the opportunity to collaborate real-time with faculty, staff, and alumni on classroom topics (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students create a user profile and have access to videos, podcasts, tutorials, blogs, and instant chat messaging (University of Phoenix, 2012). PhoenixConnect® enhances the student online learning experience beyond the traditional academic classroom life experience.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). PhoenixConnect Academic Social Network. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/phoenix-connect.html

Campus and Online Learning Formats

 University of Phoenix online students attend class via the Online Learning System (OLS). The innovative propriety software design recognizes the evolution of technology in the workplace and the requirements of the working adult attending school (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students have access to classroom materials, books, financial aid applications, workshops, tutoring sessions, and graduation teams (University of Phoenix, 2012). The specific web-based technology tools vary among the degree programs offered. The College of Information Systems and Technology students use numerous third-party software products like Cisco, LiveLab, and Toolwire to enhance their learning experience whereas The College of Education students use the Technology Resource Library, virtual organizations, and TaskStream (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Campus and online learning formats. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/learning_formats.html

Virtual Organizations

University of Phoenix offers students customized learning tools to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on application with virtual organizations (University of Phoenix, 2012). Virtual organizations teach students critical thinking skills to respond to real-life organizational scenarios.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Virtual organizations. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/virtual-organizations.html