Instructional Technology
Aquinas Institute of Theology utilizes technology to enhance the learning experience through BlackBoard instructional systems, classroom audio/video displays, the internet and World Wide Web, and a variety of software programs. If you would like assistance with the technological resources available, contact Michael Porterfield, Director of Instructional Technology, at tech@ai.edu or 314.256.8878.
Questions about your SLU email account or other resources available at SLU should be directed to SLU's Instructional Technology Services at 314.977.4000 or helpdesk@slu.edu.
Aquinas Institute Wireless Access
Students with a wireless-capable laptop may access the internet while in the building via our wireless network. To receive the wireless network password, contact Michael Porterfield at tech@ai.edu.
Saint Louis University Email Accounts
Aquinas Institute students enrolled in one or more courses for academic credit are eligible for a Saint Louis University email account. New students will be notified within the first two weeks of classes when their accounts have been set up. After you receive your user name and password you will need to log into your account and reset your password.
Web mail access is available at mail.slu.edu. SLU email accounts must be checked at least once per month or they will be suspended. If you believe your account has been suspended, or if you have forgotten your account information, contact SLU's ITS department at 314.977.4000 or helpdesk@slu.edu for assistance.
Aquinas Institute of Theology's Web page
The Aquinas Institute of Theology web page can be a great starting point for getting to know more about life at Aquinas Institute and theological research.
Accessing Aquinas Institute's Web site
Connect to the internet; open your computer's web browser (e.g., Firefox or Internet Explorer) and in the location/address field type www.ai.edu. This will bring up Aquinas Institute of Theology's web page.
Getting Connected to Community Life at Aquinas Institute
Once you have connected to Aquinas Institute's web page you will have access to a wealth of information:
Beginning Theological Research on the Web
Going to the Reference Tools page on this site will take you to a list of web sites that faculty have found useful in theological research. Links are grouped by categories; just click on a category at the top of the page to be taken to a list of links. Aquinas Institute can make no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information on these sites, so use good prudential judgment when looking for information. If in doubt about a web site's reliability, ask your professor. Some professors may also provide a list of useful links in their syllabi.
Marking frequently used sites
Once you find a useful site, you might want to place it in your "bookmarks" or "favorites" list:
- Go to the desired site.
- If using Internet Explorer, click on "Favorites" on your menu bar and then click on "Add" in the box that appears to the left of your screen.
- If using Firefox or Mozilla, click on "Bookmarks" on your menu bar and then click "Add Bookmark" in the drop down menu.
This gives you a fast way to get to sites you use often without having to go through the AI page. Let others know when you have found a useful site; it adds to the community's ability to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Accessing Pius XII Library at Saint Louis University
Go to the Pius XII Memorial Library page to access the Saint Louis University card catalog:
- If searching for books, click on "Search Library Catalog (MERLIN)" under the "Find a Book" section (the page that you arrive at will have the address http://laurel.lso.missouri.edu/search~S8. This is a good page to mark as a frequently used page, as outlined above).
- Click on the search criteria you wish to use.
- If you wish to search a periodical database, click on "Databases by Subject" on the Pius XII Library Page. You will need a SLU email account to access these resources from off-campus.
Accessing Fisher's Net/Blackboard -
Aquinas Institute's Online Learning Site
Some classes at Aquinas Institute will have an online learning component to them. Aquinas Institute uses the services of Fisher's Net for these classes. Elements that might be involved are: small group discussions outside of class, online assignments that can be shared with a few in a class or the whole class, the submission of papers online instead of by hardcopy, accessing video or audio clips, or access to documents or presentations posted by your professor.
- Your user name and password will be emailed to you at the time of your first Fisher'sNet course.
- Go to the Fisher's Net login page (this page is also accessible from the "Jump To" menu at www.ai.edu).
- Click the "Login" button.
- You can change your password anytime by logging on and following these steps:
- Click on the "Tools" button.
- Click on "Personal Information."
- Click on "Change Password."
- Type your new password in twice, as indicated.
- Click the "Submit" button.
Other information concerning the use of Fisher's Net/Blackboard will be passed along to you at the time you become involved with a class that uses this technology.
Institutional Technologies
A number of technologies are available for student use in and out of the classroom:
- CD-ROM Creation
- RealAudio and Adobe Acrobat File Creation
- VHS/VHS-C/MiniDV Video Recording
- Portable Media Presentation Devices
- Picture/Document Scanning
Contact the Instructional Technology Office at tech@ai.edu for availability.
