There are a number of technology changes for Fall 2012 that affect faculty, staff and students. Here is a summary of the major changes:
New Email System
In early June, the college email system was changed to Microsoft Live@edu. If you have not yet accessed the new email system, please see this Intercom notice for details of the change, as well as links to instruction guides for making the necessary email program and/or mobile device changes.
Mentor File Server Replaces Memphis, Nova and Pulsar
Over the summer, all faculty files on the Nova server were moved to the new Mentor server. In addition, all Memphis and Pulsar personal folders (formerly known as “G: drive” on Windows) were moved to Mentor. Most shared departmental folders will have been moved to Mentor by the start of the semester per the online schedule. More information about accessing files on the Mentor server can be found at https://www.ithaca.edu/its/accounts/active_directory/.
New Remote Access Procedure to Access Mentor Files From Off Campus
There is a new process for accessing Mentor files from off campus. Complete details are available in the Remote Access to Campus Resources guide.
Blackboard Access Ends September 7, 2012
Remember, the Blackboard course management system will no longer be available after September 7, 2012. Blackboard course materials must be archived or moved to Sakai by September 7, 2012. Sakai training workshops are available on several dates in August.
eClassroom Changes
Many changes were made to both Windows and Mac eClassroom computers over the summer. Please see this Intercom notice for details about the most significant changes. Skype has also been added to these computers for web conferencing. Faculty will need to provide their own cameras or use the loaner podcasting kits available from the ITS Helpdesk. Note: Due to unforeseen technical issues, Mentor files are not easily accessible from Windows eClassroom instructor stations. Users are advised to bring files to class on a flash drive until further notice.
SPSS Version 20
The college’s academic SPSS network license has moved to version 20. If you currently have version 19 and don’t request an upgrade, your networked copy of SPSS will stop working as of October 1st. For additional information please see this Intercom notice.
New Clicker Technology
Turning Technologies NXT will be the new clicker technology (student response system) beginning Fall 2012. More information is available on the Clickers page.
Optical Scanning
All scan reports will be delivered to faculty via a Sakai Drop Box. Hard copy reports will no longer be available. Faculty will be notified via email when a report is placed in Sakai.
Digital Media Services
Matt Gorney is the new Digital Media Coordinator. Digital Media Services (DMS) supports the acquisition, development and deployment of digital media technology at Ithaca College primarily supporting instruction. DMS can assist with the creation of audio/video podcasts, web conferencing, file compression, ebook design, iTunes U and media duplication and encoding. Matt can be reached at 103 Job Hall, 274-1873 and is available for consultation.
VHS Technology
VHS technology is fading away. Beginning Fall 2013, VHS equipment will no longer be available in eclassrooms. Please contact DMS at dms@ithaca.edu if you have questions about this change.
New Faculty Guide
If you are new to campus this fall, this handy .pdf guide provides a quick overview of many ITS systems and services for faculty.
ITS Helpdesk
helpdesk@ithaca.edu
104 Job Hall
274-1000
