The university has already completed installation of an optic fiber network system, which integrates the library’s automated system, office automation system, university administration management information system, research and instruction system, etc. This allows faculty, staff and students to borrow and return books with ease, search for and reserve books, as well as quickly search and apply for materials in cooperating domestic and overseas university and other research libraries. Additionally, through networking of individual personal computers in offices, documents, images, recordings and more can be retrieved, sent, saved, processed and analyzed. This elevates the efficiency of administration and increases the ease with which each unit can receive reliable information.

Using IEEE802.11g standards, a wireless network system platform has been established on the campuses of the university, allowing computers equipped with a wireless card access to the network, following certification by a wireless network protocol. At the same time, a wireless network user id verification protocol has been established, allowing all the university’s faculty and students on other campuses to verify their password and access the network there. Besides, second and third generation wireless technology (GSM, PHS, GPRS, CDMA) allows faculty, staff and students to access the wireless network off campus.

To match the Ministry of Education’s up-dated network backbone architecture, the Taipei campus is linked to National Taiwan University with a 1Gbps fiber optic line; while Taoyuan campus is linked to National Central University with a 1Gbps fiber optic line. The two campuses are linked with a 100Mbps fiber optic line to achieve resource sharing. T1 and ISDN lines serve as a back-up in case of any break down in the system.

In order to make effective use of the network bandwidth, bandwidth control protocols have been constructed on both campuses, to continually examine and management network flow volume, with special attention to faculty and student information networks and distance education, providing guaranteed bandwidth, reinforcing flow volume controls.

To prevent hackers from entering the university information system, a firewall has been established to guard against abnormal attempts to gain access to the network and subsequent damage. Using a protocol which focuses on covering weak spots in the system, continuously examining and repairing the server’s weak spots, to reduce damage caused by problems involving the weakness of the server itself.

Network phoning through TCP/IP can reduce the telephone fees for inter-campus calls as well as for communication between faculty and administrators among the five locations. Moreover, it allows for the use of a single extension number for a unit regardless of location. Web Call Telephone System is now available as well. To place a call to an on-campus extension via the Web Call telephone system, please go to http://webcall.mcu.edu.tw/ and make sure your headphone and microphone are plugged in. No fees will be charged.

To improve the information transfer between university units, so that data may be exchanged as quickly as possible, 1 Gbps fiber optics lines currently connect each university building to elevate the backbone speed to 10Gbps. Concurrently, computers in each office and all administrators’ desktop computers can achieve 1Gbps speed through Cat.6 coaxial cable.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is a state-of-the-art Internet platform. Introducing IPv6 to the university allows the university network to run in an IPv6 environment, which improves the information and service quality of a large number of web sites, as it satisfies the technological requirements for IP mobility; moreover, as the most ideal environment for developing new types of network applications such as programmable appliances, network phoning and smart transport systems.

The university has already completed installation of an optic fiber network system, which integrates the library’s automated system, office automation system, university administration management information system, research and instruction system, etc. This allows faculty, staff and students to borrow and return books with ease, search for and reserve books, as well as quickly search and apply for materials in cooperating domestic and overseas university and other research libraries. Additionally, through networking of individual personal computers in offices, documents, images, recordings and more can be retrieved, sent, saved, processed and analyzed. This elevates the efficiency of administration and increases the ease with which each unit can receive reliable information.

In 2001, the university re-configured its video production studios into professional 3D virtual studios, wherein 3D images can be combined into video productions, or one can design 3D sets. These can integrate on-site individuals for creative expressions and lead to incorporation of all types of pictures. This can effectively reduce the cost for creation of sets, artistic design and props. In addition, these studios allow for analog and digital in-line editing, off-line editing and addition of diverse special effects to allow even more variety to the performance in the studio. Moreover, this system also allows for incorporation of the newest technology, such as wireless communication and information control technology, for multiple video production methods.

The distance education system currently makes use of the newest high-speed network video technology (Internet, dedicated line and ISDN) to provide learners with an environment which doesn’t require face-to-face meeting with a teacher but still allows for interactive learning. Using the newest telecommunication and information technology, this system provides the interactive mode distance education has long been missing, also allowing for the incorporation of multimedia materials in these courses. From our foundational junior college resources, moving along the trend in university education, Ming Chuan is on the road to being a channel for lifelong education. Employing all the resources of our locations, we joined the 1997 higher education distance program as a course provider and recipient. In addition to building up inter-institutional exchange, this has also built up our practical experience in broadcasting and allowed us to offer more inter-campus courses, as well. Beyond regular classes, teachers and students appreciate using the system to connect people on the two campuses for discussions, shared special programs and activities. We also enjoy benefits from connecting with teachers and programs in the U.S., Japan, the U.K., mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc for distance learning activities. A new teaching platform was developed in 2004, using the network to provide instant communication, combining the strengths of asynchronous and synchronous distance education. Synchronous classes can be offered through the Internet, greatly reducing the equipment and facilities requirements for distance education. The simultaneous taping of the course and the included editing function allows teachers to offer the same course asynchronously to students with time constraints. The interactive function allows the teacher to identify each student’s status, improving mutual communication and learning effectiveness.

Ming Chuan has been a leader for multimedia language labs in Taiwan. Since 1998, many functions have been added into the digital multimedia language labs on campus, the most exceptional being the VOD system. This not only provides for traditional study in the classroom but also for self-study according to individual’s learning pace. Besides improving language lab functions, it is low cost, and offers many other advantages, attracting many schools to visit Ming Chuan to learn more. Ming Chuan has become an example for other schools installing similar programs on their campuses.

Showing students how to use a computer step by step is an important key in teaching computer applications. We used to teach computer class by turning off the lights and using an overhand projector. Consequently, students felt tired easily, and were unable to see clearly from the back of the room. Since the broadcast system has been installed, students are now able to see directly and clearly each step their teacher is proceeding with on their own computer screens; therefore, students can concentrate more easily.

Sound systems are installed in all regular classrooms to improve the sound quality. The advantages include equal distribution of sound, easy control, and better sound quality, thus enhancing students’ learning and saving the time of borrowing and transporting microphone and speakers for lectures.

Ming Chuan has had the e-classroom system in place since October 2000. Each e-classroom has an overhead projector, a personal computer, automatic and handwriting-sensitive monitor screens, and an integrated public address system. The operator is able to control the overhead projector and its screen through the computer and the master control desk. Moreover, teaching materials can be cast to the projector screen through the overhead from the computer. This not only enhances teaching quality but also save time in preparing equipment for class. In the future, we are not only going to improve the automatic management and control of the system, thus decreasing the human resource load, but also improve the management of the integrated devices.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is a state-of-the-art Internet platform. Introducing IPv6 to the university allows the university network to run in an IPv6 environment, which improves the information and service quality of a large number of web sites, as it satisfies the technological requirements for IP mobility; moreover, as the most ideal environment for developing new types of network applications such as programmable appliances, network phoning and smart transport systems.

Ming Chuan has tested many kinds of video conference systems. Distance teaching and inter-campus, multi-venue video conferences are currently making use of a dedicated ISDN and multi-point controller. A wireless framework video conference system is the vehicle for video conferences among our five locations. Ming Chuan has recently successfully taken advantage of internet broadcast and proceeded with inter-campus remote video conferencing. As long as a digital camera and a microphone are installed in a computer, there is no need for installing other programs to proceed with a multi-user, web-based video conference. Group broadcast can enhance the use of network bandwidth; allowing more users to concurrently join a meeting.

There are three areas of integrated and shared campus resources at Ming Chuan (i) student data, (ii) personnel data, and (iii) facility data. Students’ data is collected and managed by the Academic and Student Affairs Divisions, then shared with other departments. This data includes unified system for recruitment and enrollment of new students, internal recruitment system, matriculation system, grade system, curriculum system, class selection system, student attendance system, awards and punishments system, military service system, work-study system, volunteer service system, dormitory lottery and management system, and class advisor system. Personnel resource data is collected by the Human Resources Division, then portions are made available to the Controller and other divisions. This includes personnel affairs and employment system, labor, national health, and other insurance systems, performance evaluation system, salary system, and tax system. Facility resource information is collected by General Affairs Division and further shared with other units. This includes purchasing system, property management system, and equipment maintenance system.

This consists of (i) purchasing, maintenance, and accounting affairs, (ii) employment, evaluation, insurance, and salary affairs, (iii) payment, registration, and class selection affairs, (iv) payment, deduction, loan, class selection, and refund policy affairs, (v) automated official document procedures, and (vi) automated form requests. Through integrated work and automated document transmission, not only is consistency and accuracy of document processing enhanced, but also human workload is decreased. Furthermore, the whole procedure involving relevant units will be accomplished in the shortest time and in a most convenient way; thus simplifying the traditional system.

The integrated one-stop service window includes (i) application forms, (ii) announcements, (iii) faculty members’ portal, (iv) students’ portal, (v) faculty-student interaction, and (vi) automated service. Through this service window, students and faulty will be able to access forms, as well as related regulations or services, as they desire. This will save time in searching for the right form and/or right person. Students and faculty can enter this window through single sign-on with their password and receive instant service. This not only simplifies the procedures, saving student and faculty members from running around, but also solves the problems resulting from various handling fees and personnel limitations.

The integrated control system includes (i) system control, (ii) function control, (iii) user and password control, and (iv) procedure control. System control is managed from two sides: user and data base. On the user side, once the system is activated, only those with verified user IDs and passwords can enter. Transfers or resignations will instantly be registered, preventing unauthorized access to the system. On the data base side, different system designers require different limits of authority for various data bases. Controlling jurisdiction within certain system limits helps to protect data privacy and security. Function control is grouped into: administrator and guest. Different levels of authorization result in different system capabilities. If part-time students are required for completing a task, a dedicated program is written for them to prevent any untoward information outflow or modification. ID and password control employs a single sign-on for user ID and password. Once students and faculty members enter the school system, the system will automatically manage their ID and password. This system allows for setting up unified deadlines before which users must modify their password. Once the time is expired, no matter which system the user is trying to sign into, he/she must change to a new password. Information in the procedure control system has been integrated. Accuracy and precision of previously entered data affects the accuracy of the next system using the data. Thus each system should provide for appropriate data analysis and collation.

Once all official documents – no matter internal or external – are digitalized, administrators in each unit are able to sign off on-line. This automated procedure allows for efficient follow-up of the documents through the network, save the trouble of tracing paperwork. Moreover, this is especially beneficial for the documents that need to multiple MCU locations as the logistics are greatly streamlined.

More than sixty application forms are currently in use at Ming Chuan. Automatic application form procedures allows all students and faculty members fill in and submit relevant forms on-line; the information is transmitted automatically through the system for further evaluation in each division. The system is integrated with the university’s automated official document system to allow for quick online processing and immediate recording of statistics for reference.

This system instantaneously provides all students and faculty members with up-to-date data on every department for reference on policy-making. The data includes different student status statistics, faculty structure, student-to-faculty ratio, number of dormitory rooms, number of support staff and more.

Each unit fills in their budget plan on-line. Through the website presentation, the budget review committee is able to examine and announce the results to each unit. This data can be further used as a guiding principle for future years. The on-line system not only supports submission, examination and announcement, but also provides up-to-date data for management of purchasing and budget performance in each unit.

The portal for the faculty information network provides access to faculty members’ class syllabi and plans, applications for rescheduling classes, recording research and publication results, class schedules and office hours, grading percentages, personal inventory of university property, students’ attendance, class enrollment status, students’ status, and exam information (schedule and location). The information serves as support in processing requests and as a reference for faculty members.

The portal site for administrative affairs information includes tuition payment transfer system, class selection, students evaluation results’ query, reward and punishment processing, apartment rental information, scholarship system, experiential education passport system, volunteer system, students’ dormitory information, faculty evaluation results’ query, class rescheduling query, system update, password maintenance, job opening system, property inventory query, faculty attendance, personnel management system, class schedule query, class advisors’ information, on-line registration control, and decision support system.

To enhance campus safety and allow for system integration, we have cooperated with Taipei Bank to formulate an IC Card for Students and Faculty members. Moreover, IC Card reading machines are found in various places including men/women’s dormitories, libraries, central control room, self-study multimedia labs, and computer rooms. Therefore, we are able to precisely control the number and times of people who enter campus facilities; thus are able to fully manage campus safety.

We have installed 400 cameras on Taoyuan campus to monitor activities in the library, gyms, dormitories, and design, information, technology and social science buildings. On Taipei campus, about 100 cameras are connected to the monitor system in buildings B, D, E, F, H, and the dormitories. All the digital images can be monitored by the central control room through the Internet, as they are recorded 24 hours a day. At the present, all monitor systems on campus have been digitized. Moreover, we are investigating the next generation of digital monitor control systems so as to enhance the quality of images.

We are planning a driveway monitor system on Taipei campus to be controlled by the guardroom. This further enhances focus and directional control of monitors for vehicle activity on the driveway, all lots, and in the intersection. Further, we have upgraded to 24- hour, high pdi digital imaging to allow for remote and intranet search and enhancement of the images.

We have planned and designed a power monitor and control management system to effectively manage and monitor electricity use in every classroom and building on campus. Moreover, setting up a schedule to provide power to electronic equipment can effectively monitor and compile statistics on electricity use.

For protection of the school’s information systems, we will imitate a token card verification system. Soon, a password as well as a token card will be required to enter any one of the systems. This indeed will protect users from alteration or stealing of information from disclosure of their passwords.

At the present, there are multiple emergency telephones on each campus. In emergency situations, one merely needs to pick up the phone and it will be connected to the guardroom immediately with no need for dialing.

We will integrate the closed circuit television, monitor system, optical fiber, internet, power monitor cable, and power supply system. At the present, integration on Taipei campus is finished. Once the system is completed, we will be able to simultaneously visualize, to control, and to transmit information through the closed circuit television connected with optical fiber and ethernet. In addition, we will be able to maintain the Internet connection and all classroom equipment in normal working order through short electronic circuits.

It is not easy to monitor and manage all inventoried property because of the many categories, different ways of use, and different distribution properties. Recently the Information Network Division has developed a technique for monitoring and managing property to prevent any possible burglary. Besides monitoring equipment in E-classrooms, we are now able to manage all computer-related apparati. In the future, we will continue to investigate the newest detection systems, such as RFID, Smart Card, Reorganization Technique, and others. Indeed, we will continue to improve on practical and precise ways of managing university property.