Students | Information Technology (2024)

You have access to an array of digital tools and resources that will help maximize your Penn State experience.

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Penn State Account

You are automatically assigned a Penn State user ID. You will use your Penn State Account to log in to all the University’s sites and services for as long as you’re affiliated with Penn State.

Multifactor Authentication

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of security that requires verifying your identity on a secondary device.

LionPATH

Schedule courses, view transcripts, access financial aid information, pay tuition bills, and more with Penn State’s student information system.

Penn State Go

Use Penn State’s official all-in-one mobile app to access Canvas, LionCash+, campus maps, campus dining, and more.

Get Connected

WiFi

Hit the ground running with Penn State’s campus WiFi by preparing your devices before you arrive. It only takes a few minutes. The University’s wireless setup page has step-by-step instructions, network information, and support services.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

GlobalProtect VPN creates a secure, private connection between your device and the University network. This extra layer of protection is required in order to access certain secured University services.

Roomgear

(to access roomgear.psu.edu, you must either be on the Penn State wireless network or GlobalProtect VPN)

Register your smart devices to use within residence halls. The Roomgear network allows you to connect gaming consoles, remote-controlled streaming devices, smart TVs, and smart speakers. In order to access roomgear.psu.edu to register your smart devices, you must first download and connect to the GlobalProtect VPN and then connect to the Penn State wireless network. For more info, visit the knowledge base at Roomgear Network Resources.

Data Science Applications

Off-Campus – A VPN connection is required when connecting from a non-university (off-campus) network. For more information on using the Penn State VPN service, please visit this knowledge base article.

Colaboratory

Colaboratory, or “Colab” for short, is a product from Google Research. Colab allows anybody to write and execute arbitrary python code through the browser, and is especially well suited to machine learning, data analysis and education. More technically, Colab is a hosted Jupyter notebook service that requires no setup to use, while providing free access to computing resources including GPUs. Colab supports Google Assignmentsintegration within Canvas. For more information, view the Colab FAQ.

RStudio Server

RStudio Server is a web version of the popular RStudio desktop application, which is an integrated development environment for the open-source R statistical programming language. It provides a variety of powerful coding and debugging tools as well as rich data visualization and publishing tools. Multiple versions of R are available as well as a number of popular packages and supporting libraries. Please use the support request below to request R packages.

Posit Connect

Posit Connect, formerly known as RStudio Connect, is a publishing platform for R. It allows for easy push-button publishing of R Markdown documents, Shiny applications, and static plots and graphs. Self-manage your published content by adding project collaborators and control access to who can view it. Advanced features include scheduled updates, report generation, email updates, REST APIs, and ODBC data connectors. For more information, view the Posit Connect User Guide.

Personal Laptop Recommendations

Different degree programs and fields of study across Penn State have specific hardware requirements. Academic advisors can help you reach IT support and ensure your computer meets minimum recommendations.

Students | Information Technology (1)

Learning Tools and Resources

Office 365

Access your Penn State email through Outlook and take advantage of other apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Explore all of Office 365’s offerings to unlock your creativity and increase your productivity.

Canvas

Penn State’s online learning management system where you can access your courses, take quizzes, submit assignments, monitor grades, and communicate with instructors and classmates.

Zoom

Join, host, and record meetings from your computer or mobile device.

Google Workspace

Apps such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Hangouts, and Jamboard are available to all Penn State students.

Kaltura

Incorporate digital content into classwork with this cloud-based tool. Kaltura works in tandem with both Zoom and Canvas for storing, publishing, and streaming videos and other media.

Paw Prints

Students at the Altoona, Dickinson Law, Harrisburg, Hershey Medical, Scranton, and University Park campuses have access to modern cloud-based, pay-as-you-go printing at conveniently located kiosks.

Sites at Penn State

All skill levels, from novice to expert, can build websites, blogs, and portfolios with this WordPress-based service.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Unlock the power of digital storytelling with your free Creative Cloud (CC) account. Programs like Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, and After Effects are available to every Penn State student.

Software Downloads

A catalogue of free and discounted University-approved software is available to students.

WebLabs

WebLabs is an extension service of Cooperative Lab Management (CLM) that provides remote access to classroom and lab resources via a web browser.

Locations

Computer Labs

Find a computer lab, view lab hours, and check which computers are available.

Media Commons

Create video and audio projects with the help of expert guidance and support.

Maker Commons

Enriching teaching and learning through 3D printing, rapid prototyping, design thinking, and more.

One Button Studio

Create a high-quality video in a simplified production area or do a trial run for an upcoming presentation.

Immersive Experiences Lab

Engage with course content using immersive technologies like 360-degree video, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

Protect Yourself

Phishing

Learn how to protect yourself from fake emails or calls designed to steal your personal information and where to report a phishing attempt.

Stay Legal

Become familiar with intellectual property laws and guidelines and better understand Penn State’s policies.

Virus/Spyware Detection Tools

Download free antivirus software and learn best practices for staying safe online.

Get Help

IT Service Desk

The IT Service Desk provides help with technical services, programs, and devices, and can be accessed at campus locations, by phone, email, or the IT Help Portal.

IT Walk-Ups

The IT Service Desk offers in-person tech support to students, faculty, and staff at three convenient locations on the University Park campus: Findlay Commons, Pollock Commons, and Knowledge Commons in the Pattee Library.

IT Alerts

Sign up to receive email notifications about the status of services important to you, including WiFi, Canvas, LionPATH, and more.

LinkedIn Learning

Visit LinkedIn Learning’s library of thousands of free, on-demand tutorials to enhance your coursework and build your resume.

Tech Tutors

Technology tool assistance is available for all students online via Zoom, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tech Tutors can help you use Canvas, Office 365, Kaltura, Zoom, and more.

Knowledge Base

The Knowledge Base contains step-by-step instructions, general information, and frequently asked questions about many Penn State IT services.

Students | Information Technology (2)

Joining the IT Service Desk Team

As a support specialist, you’ll gain valuable IT knowledge, and professional experience working within the larger IT team. As you assist users, you’ll have the unique opportunity to teach, train and help grow the PSU community’s understanding of technology.

Students | Information Technology (2024)

FAQs

What is information technology best answer? ›

Information technology (IT) is the use of computer systems or devices to access information. Information technology is responsible for such a large portion of our workforce, business operations and personal access to information that it comprises much of our daily activities.

How difficult is information technology? ›

An IT degree program can be difficult, as students must learn complicated coding languages, advanced technologies, and math. It also requires a significant time commitment for attending courses, studying, and completing assignments.

Why do students need to study information technology? ›

Real-World Applications of Information Technology

Information technology has permeated almost every aspect of our daily lives, making it crucial to understand its practical applications. IT is central to many technological advancements, ranging from smartphones to smart homes and autonomous vehicles to virtual reality.

Is information technology math heavy? ›

Math is a large component of computer and information technology, and courses in it will be required.

What is the main point of information technology? ›

Information technology is building communications networks for a company, safeguarding data and information, creating and administering databases, helping employees troubleshoot problems with their computers or mobile devices, or doing a range of other work to ensure the efficiency and security of business information ...

What is information technology one word answer? ›

01), Information Technology means the use of hardware, software, services, and supporting infrastructure to manage and deliver information using voice, data, and video.

What is the hardest IT field? ›

According to Foundry/CIO.com's 2024 State of the CIO Survey, accelerating interest in AI has pushed artificial intelligence atop the list of hardest IT hires for the first time, followed by 2023's No. 1 and No. 2 roles, cybersecurity and data science/analytics.

What is the most easy course in college? ›

Check out the easiest college majors below:
  • Humanities.
  • Liberal Arts.
  • Linguistics.
  • Music.
  • Psychology.
  • Religious Studies.
  • Social Work.
  • Sociology.

Is IT worth studying information technology? ›

So, is an information technology degree worth it? Ultimately, this depends on your interests, career goals, and other factors. But if you're interested in a career in information technology (or a related field), taking the time to earn a formal degree is almost always worth it.

Why is IT a good career? ›

Competitive Salaries: IT professionals have historically earned high salaries, and that trend is projected to continue. The BLS reported that the median annual wage for computer and information technology positions was $100,530 in May 2022, more than twice the median wage for all occupations at $46,310.

Why do people like information technology? ›

IT'S CREATIVE. They can use their creativity in many different jobs and roles; they will always find new challenges in their work. IT'S TEAM-ORIENTED. They will do much more than use a computer; they will work with others as part of a creative team.

Which is harder, IT or computer science? ›

You may find yourself comparing computer information systems vs computer science. While the two degrees do overlap, computer science programs generally give students a more thorough and complex knowledge of the design of computers and computational processes.

What is the hardest information technology degree? ›

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science may be the most difficult majors in terms of mathematics and the breadth of skills you're required to learn. Software and app development are challenging with respect to programming.

Is it hard to do information technology? ›

Rigorous Coursework: IT degree programs involve a substantial amount of challenging coursework. Subjects often include mathematics, science, and various computer science courses. Students must be prepared to dedicate significant time and effort to succeed.

What best defines information technology? ›

Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data.

What does an IT person do? ›

IT professionals work to create the computer, network, and communication systems that an organization needs, and then work to ensure that these systems are working correctly and efficiently. They must ensure that systems stay secure, technology support is available, and that updates are made as needed.

What is technology in very short answer? ›

Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes or applications, whether in industry or in our everyday lives. So, basically, whenever we use our scientific knowledge to achieve some specific purpose, we're using technology.

What are the basic concepts of IT? ›

What are four basic concepts of information technology? Information security, computer technical support, business software development and database and network management are four core IT concepts.

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