ICT Services
The university wide computer network is the basis for several services which will improve the university’s teaching and learning process. ICT services encompass but are not restricted to the following services provided by the University and third parties on its behalf, Network infrastructure and computing devices including the physical infrastructure both cable and wireless connections, together with servers, firewalls, switches, routers, wireless access points, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, phones, printers, scanners, photocopiers, LCD projectors, projection screens, smart boards, disc drives, digital signage (display screens), cameras, CCTV and other peripheral devices; and ICT services including web services (e-mail, e-learning, website), Internet access, FTP service, cloud service, storage, maintenance, ICT training, digital promotions, business automation.
E-mail services
Email is considered an official means of communication at Haramaya University. HU provides central email services to support the educational, research, and administrative activities of the University and to serve as a means of official University communication to members of the community. The university has its own mail server with domain name haramaya.edu.et. Currently, there are more than 2837 employees of the university who are using the e-mail service. The University web mail can be accessed through http://mail.haramaya.edu.et.
Website Services
Among several services that the Information Communication Technology Directorate runs and maintains, the Haramaya University website which is one of the most important ones. And thus, at the moment a serious of improvements are being made to the official website through important users’ comments. Website of Haramaya University could be accessed through http://www. haramaya.edu.et/
Wireless Network Services
The wireless network allows customers the freedom to make use of Wi-Fi® enabled devices to connect to the Internet without needing to plug in a cable. Almost all campuses have their hot spots a wireless network available. Most student dormitories have the wireless access that helps students get access to the network services. Staff apartments have also wireless network services at their living rooms.
Smart Classrooms Services
Smart class rooms enhance visually attractive methods of teaching becomes appealing to students who are already struggling with the traditional method of teaching in a classroom. In fact, smart classes are almost like watching movies as sometimes, animated visuals are used to teach a point. Smart boards have all this information in memory and can be presented during the time of class lectures and thus, the time saved can be used in more important things. Overall, incorporating smart boards to the classroom environment is likely to change the way teachers impart knowledge to students and at the same time simplify the learning process for students. Students will find it easy to engage with lessons and gain a better understanding of the overall lesson. It is an ideal tool for any classroom setting. The education field needs technology like this for students, learners, and educators to continue to grow in their field. A smart classroom is a classroom that is equipped with computer and audiovisual equipment, allowing the Instructors to teach using a wide variety of media, totally we have four (4) Advanced Smart Class Rooms and sixth six(66) Medium Level Smart Classrooms at three campuses.
Digital Signage Services
The digital signs at campuses will provide the campuses community with urgent messages and information about campuses events, activities and services. Public Affairs will provide other University entities the opportunity to request posting of information that benefits students and the campuses community on the campus digital signs at no cost. These are the LCD technologies that we use to display content such as digital images, video, streaming media, and information which are centrally managed at the Data center. Totally we have fourteen (14) indoor digital Signage and two (2) outdoor digital Signage’ in Main campus, technology campus, veterinary campus and Harar Health campus.
E-learning Services
E-learning is defined as a formal educational process in which instruction take place in it’s entirely or partially when the instructors and students are not in the same place at the same time. E-learning higher educational institution has a responsibility of align information technologies as a positive force for encouraging creative pedagogies for colleges and expanding instructional options for students. Totally we have 4141 E-learning users (students and Teachers) in three colleges namely, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Natural and Computational Science and College of Agriculture and Environmental Science(CAES).
Systems Developed by ICT
- Clinic Management System
This system automates the services that the Clinic provides. Although it is at its infant stage, it is expected to replace the manual system once fully implemented.
- Dormitory Management System
This is a distributed software system that handles students’ dormitory. The server, maintained by student service is connected to client machines that are scattered across the university through the university network.
- Request Tracking System(RTS)
The RTS due to the complexly of the service of the university tracking system is necessary for all services provided by ICT Help Desk Service.
- Balanced Score Card (BSC) System
The balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system that is used extensively in business and industry, government, and nonprofit organizations worldwide to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organization. In organizations like Haramaya University, where one level of reports relies on information collected and reported at a lower level, the use of individual reporters is problematic when compiled at higher level. Where these conditions apply, it is recommended to use balanced scorecard reporting software to automate the production and distribution of these reports.Balanced Score Card System (BSC): In Collaboration of the Ministry of Education our University selected from thirty-one (31) university’s as one of the seven (7) selected University’s to participate in the designing and development of the BSC software for 31 University’s, Minister offices and other organization and Our software team has accomplished its task.
- Staff Capacity building
Training for students, staff members and community on website content usage, accessing and use of internet, using social media, using email, smart interactive white board systems, E-Learning and display management and computer and basic office machine maintenance.
- ICT equipment purchase
ICT equipment purchase shall get approval from ICT Directorate before undergoing the purchase process. This will help to have appropriate specification for the item to be purchased and also to avoid resource wastage in case the same is already available in store.
- ICT equipment disposal
ICT equipment disposal shall follow the government procedures for property disposal. However, ICT equipment to be disposed shall be approved by ICT Directorate. IT asset disposal is a special case since the IT asset must have any sensitive data removed prior to disposal. The owner of the asset must determine the level of maximum sensitivity of data stored on the device