- Authentication. We will be implementing Shibboleth, which is a single sign on, federated identity management system. This will allow OWU users to more easily sign on to multiple applications with their normal OWU username and password. The first applications, Self Service and TMS, will start using the system in mid-May.
- myOWU 2.0. A new version of myOWU is currently in testing and will likely move into production in June. The new system will have many of the same features, but there will be improvements in the user interface and be more mobile-friendly.
- Merrick and ESQ. The design and implementation of technology in Merrick and ESQ will be a high priority for IS this summer. There will be LCD screens in classrooms and conference rooms, and a few interactive displays will be available when the buildings come online.
- PowerCampus upgrade. Minor improvements to both PowerCampus and Self Service will be implemented in July.
- Wireless improvements. We are anticipating replacing our wireless controller and upgrading the access points in a handful of buildings this summer. The new controller will replace an aging device, and the new access points will have state of the art technology. We are hoping upgrade a few residence halls and the library if funding allows.
- Slate implementation. We are assisting the Admissions Office on the implementation of Slate. The system is scheduled to go live in July.
- Storage upgrades. A new storage array is on order to replace a 7 year old system. The new storage will serve our most critical applications.
- OWU Mobile. Minor improvements to the OWU Mobile app will be implemented this summer.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Summer 2015 IS Projects
Information Services will be moving forward with a number of upgrades and enhancements over the summer months. Please see the details below on some of the high priority projects that we are hoping to finish prior to the start of the fall semester.
Monday, November 4, 2013
New Voicemail Features
I am happy to announce two new voicemail (VM) features today that allow faculty and staff to retrieve messages via web and email. Please see the options and links to instructions below, as well as information on an upcoming training session:
1. VM via web and mobile (https://voicemail.owu.edu):
This service allows you to listen to your VM messages using the web browser of your choice. You are also able to change some of your VM settings, such as your greeting, message playback order, etc.
2. VM via email:
This service sends you an email for each VM message that you receive. The email contains a sound file attachment that allows you to listen to the message on your computer or device. Additionally, you can forward the VM to others just as you would a normal email with attachment.
Please see this link for information on using these two services:
We will provide a one-hour training session at noon Tuesday, November 12, that covers basic phone system usage (such as transferring calls, 3-way calling), as well as these new features. You may RSVP using the following link:
Please let me know if you have any questions, problems, or suggestions.
Thanks,
Brian
P.S. Please check out the new OWU Mobile 3.0 app: http://infoserv.owu.edu/
Friday, November 1, 2013
OWU Mobile 3.0
OWU Mobile 3.0
We recently launched a new version of the OWU Mobile app. Students can now login to the app to see their course schedule, grades, and notifications. Faculty are able to login and see courses and class rosters. The maps module has been improved to use Google Maps. Get more information on the new version from this page: http://infoserv.owu.edu/mobile/
Here are the direct links to the app on the stores:
We recently launched a new version of the OWU Mobile app. Students can now login to the app to see their course schedule, grades, and notifications. Faculty are able to login and see courses and class rosters. The maps module has been improved to use Google Maps. Get more information on the new version from this page: http://infoserv.owu.edu/mobile/
Here are the direct links to the app on the stores:
iOS:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/
Android:
Friday, August 9, 2013
Voicemail Upgrade
We will be upgrading our campus voice mail system on Tuesday, 8/20 at 7:00 am. The system will be unavailable for approximately 1 hour. The process for retrieving messages, greetings, and passwords will not change.
Voicemail messages for the past 60 days will be automatically imported to the new system. Messages older than 60 days will still be available by dialing a new number, which will be provided prior to the upgrade. On September 8, the old messages will no longer be available.
Please take this opportunity to clear out old messages that are no longer needed.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Voicemail messages for the past 60 days will be automatically imported to the new system. Messages older than 60 days will still be available by dialing a new number, which will be provided prior to the upgrade. On September 8, the old messages will no longer be available.
Please take this opportunity to clear out old messages that are no longer needed.
The new system will bring some new useful features:
- Voice mail can be sent to email as a .wav attachment
- Messages can be checked from a web browser on a PC, MAC, or smartphone
- User features can be accessed via web browser to allow users to change their password, set their away message (i.e. vacation), record messages, change notification settings, and more.
- There will also be more automated attendant options to handle calls more efficiently.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Friday, May 3, 2013
2013 Summer Projects
Information Services has a number of important summer projects planned. Many of these changes will impact large portions of the OWU community. See below for more details.
- Online Directory: A new online directory will be available in early June. This solution makes finding contact information for students, faculty, staff, and offices easier than ever. The searchable site will provide a printable directory, and changes will be reflected more accurately across all systems.
- Peer to Peer: We will be blocking Peer to Peer traffic. Many of our peers have already made this change on their campuses. This will free up bandwidth for other services and reduce the number of copyright violations at our university.
- Firewall Modifications: Modifications to the OWU firewall will require users connect via VPN when using remote desktop to connect to their on campus computer. Additionally, Faculty and Staff with servers residing outside of the IS Data Centers will need to provide their hardware address and required open ports to the Help Desk. More information about this change, along with VPN instructions for Mac and Windows, will be provided once the transition date is set.
- Room Reservations (AdAstra): Our room reservation software will be upgraded in June. The new version has a more streamlined user interface that should make requesting rooms easier. Additionally, class room assignments will be integrated into the system, allowing for a more accurate view of what is available for reservation.
- Self Service and myOWU: PowerCampus will be upgraded from version 8.1 to either 8.3 or 8.4. This will require an update to SelfService and myOWU and is planned for July.
- Renovations: We will be assisting in various room renovations/improvements. We will consider "bring your own device" (BYOD) where possible to facilitate ease of use.
- Wireless Printing: Our new wireless printing service is now available at the following address: https://webprint.owu.edu. This service allow faculty, staff, and students to use their own device to print to campus printers. More printers will be added over the summer.
- Strategic Plan: The IS Strategic Plan has been approved by the Campus Technology Council and is available online. This plan will be used as a guide as new initiatives are considered.
- IP Expiration: Previously, faculty and staff were assigned an IP address indefinitely. This process reserves IP's even after someone leaves campus or as devices are taken out of service. We will be implementing a 1 year policy for unused IP addresses. If a device is not used in over 1 year, the IP will go back into the available pool. Re-registering devices that need to be used again after the expiration is a simple process involving a call to the Help Desk.
- Online Directory: A new online directory will be available in early June. This solution makes finding contact information for students, faculty, staff, and offices easier than ever. The searchable site will provide a printable directory, and changes will be reflected more accurately across all systems.
- Peer to Peer: We will be blocking Peer to Peer traffic. Many of our peers have already made this change on their campuses. This will free up bandwidth for other services and reduce the number of copyright violations at our university.
- Firewall Modifications: Modifications to the OWU firewall will require users connect via VPN when using remote desktop to connect to their on campus computer. Additionally, Faculty and Staff with servers residing outside of the IS Data Centers will need to provide their hardware address and required open ports to the Help Desk. More information about this change, along with VPN instructions for Mac and Windows, will be provided once the transition date is set.
- Room Reservations (AdAstra): Our room reservation software will be upgraded in June. The new version has a more streamlined user interface that should make requesting rooms easier. Additionally, class room assignments will be integrated into the system, allowing for a more accurate view of what is available for reservation.
- Self Service and myOWU: PowerCampus will be upgraded from version 8.1 to either 8.3 or 8.4. This will require an update to SelfService and myOWU and is planned for July.
- Renovations: We will be assisting in various room renovations/improvements. We will consider "bring your own device" (BYOD) where possible to facilitate ease of use.
- Wireless Printing: Our new wireless printing service is now available at the following address: https://webprint.owu.edu. This service allow faculty, staff, and students to use their own device to print to campus printers. More printers will be added over the summer.
- Strategic Plan: The IS Strategic Plan has been approved by the Campus Technology Council and is available online. This plan will be used as a guide as new initiatives are considered.
- IP Expiration: Previously, faculty and staff were assigned an IP address indefinitely. This process reserves IP's even after someone leaves campus or as devices are taken out of service. We will be implementing a 1 year policy for unused IP addresses. If a device is not used in over 1 year, the IP will go back into the available pool. Re-registering devices that need to be used again after the expiration is a simple process involving a call to the Help Desk.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Hayes and Stuyvesant Testing
On Tuesday evening, we tested signal strength and bandwidth in Hayes and Stuyvesant. The signal strength was acceptable, but we did experience some slower bandwidth in Stuy. I'm posting the test results below. A 1.15 mbps connection is fine for most web activities, but not great for those using Netflix or other bandwidth intensive applications.
The next step is to contact our vendor to see if they can provide some recommendations. I'm in the process of scheduling that meeting now. If you'd like to test your bandwidth and post results in the comments, it would be helpful to our research. Here is the website you can use - speedtest.net
The next step is to contact our vendor to see if they can provide some recommendations. I'm in the process of scheduling that meeting now. If you'd like to test your bandwidth and post results in the comments, it would be helpful to our research. Here is the website you can use - speedtest.net
Hayes Hall: began at 8:33pm in ground floor lounge, northmost table
Pingtest: Pkt loss Ping(ms) Jitter(ms) Grade
1% 12 8 B
3% 68 127 D
2%
2% 97 183
2% 110 167
Speedtest: Ping Download(Mbps) Upload(Mbps)
35 2.57 13.20
45 13.14
45 7.30 10.
45 10.30 13.47
45 4.17 13.67
Tests finished at 8:41pm.
Stuyvesant Hall, 9:00pm in 2nd floor northeast lounge
Pingtest: Pkt loss Ping(ms) Jitter(ms) Grade
1%
2% 11 7
1% 89 104
2% 71 120 D
4% 91 182 D
Speedtest: Ping Download(Mbps) Upload(Mbps)
45 1.15
45 1.65
45 1.57
45 2.43 2.57
45 4.65
Test ended at 9:09pm.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Bishopnet Issues
We have been receiving reports of problems with bishopnet over the past couple of weeks. The reports are generally from the residence side of campus, and are most frequent during the evening hours.
On Monday afternoon, we setup tests on the ground floor of Hayes. We were not able to find any problems at that particular time. Tonight around 9 or 10pm, we are going to conduct additional tests.
If you experience problems, please post a comment below indicating the following: date, time, location, and function (web browsing, netflix, youtube, etc). This information will help us narrow down the problem and hopefully create a more stable environment.
We realize the importance of a reliable wireless network on a residential campus. Thank you for your patience while we investigate.
On Monday afternoon, we setup tests on the ground floor of Hayes. We were not able to find any problems at that particular time. Tonight around 9 or 10pm, we are going to conduct additional tests.
If you experience problems, please post a comment below indicating the following: date, time, location, and function (web browsing, netflix, youtube, etc). This information will help us narrow down the problem and hopefully create a more stable environment.
We realize the importance of a reliable wireless network on a residential campus. Thank you for your patience while we investigate.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Drag and Drop Programming?
Last night I watched a TED talk given by Mitch Resnick of MIT Media Labs titled "Let's teach kids to code". The basic premise is that children - the "digital natives" - are good at reading online, but they don't always understand the "why" behind what they've read.
In order to help with this challenge, he created a free software program called Scratch that allows you to drag and drop commands to build animation. It took 5 minutes or so to figure out how to make it work, but once you get the hang of it you can quickly create something unique. It requires just enough understanding of programming logic to make it educational.
Here is a screenshot of some of the commands grouped together in a logical order:
In order to help with this challenge, he created a free software program called Scratch that allows you to drag and drop commands to build animation. It took 5 minutes or so to figure out how to make it work, but once you get the hang of it you can quickly create something unique. It requires just enough understanding of programming logic to make it educational.
Here is a screenshot of some of the commands grouped together in a logical order:
Monday, February 13, 2012
IS Updates
IS continues to make progress on the various ERP systems in collaboration with our user offices. Student bills are now viewable and payable online through Self Service, and we completed spring registrations and fall grade submissions online. We are currently putting the final touches on the campus portal and hope to roll it out in the next couple of weeks. Additionally, we are working with HR to make paychecks available online, and with Purchasing for electronic requisitioning.
In January we worked with our student newspaper, The Transcript, to publish editions online using Wordpress. Soon we'll add the news feeds to the OWU Mobile app as well. http://blog.owu.edu/transcript/
Finally, we continue to work with faculty on ways to incorporate technologies into the classroom. We're developing some strategies around Apple TV devices in the classroom as well as ways to utilize our iTunes U environment.
In January we worked with our student newspaper, The Transcript, to publish editions online using Wordpress. Soon we'll add the news feeds to the OWU Mobile app as well. http://blog.owu.edu/transcript/
Finally, we continue to work with faculty on ways to incorporate technologies into the classroom. We're developing some strategies around Apple TV devices in the classroom as well as ways to utilize our iTunes U environment.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Adding OWU Events to your Google Calendar
The new OWU Events Calendar brings new functionality to the OWU Community. If you want to add the upcoming events to your google calendar, just follow these steps:- Go to your google calendar
- Click the drop down arrow next to "Other Calendars"
- Select "Add by URL"
- Paste in this address: http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&upcoming=upcoming&format=ics&limit=100
You can then show and hide the calendar as you see fit. Also, you can plug in the events to your blog or any other rss reader using the following URL: http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&upcoming=upcoming&format=rss&limit=100
Of course, if you want to get specific, you can subscribe to specific search results. For example, this link shows Lectures and Speakers: http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&search=search&q=lectures%2Fspeakers&format=rss
For any search query, just click on the .ical or rss icon to get the feed URL, and plug it in!
- Click the drop down arrow next to "Other Calendars"
- Select "Add by URL"
- Paste in this address: http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&upcoming=upcoming&format=ics&limit=100
You can then show and hide the calendar as you see fit. Also, you can plug in the events to your blog or any other rss reader using the following URL: http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&upcoming=upcoming&format=rss&limit=100
Of course, if you want to get specific, you can subscribe to specific search results. For example, this link shows Lectures and Speakers: http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&search=search&q=lectures%2Fspeakers&format=rss
For any search query, just click on the .ical or rss icon to get the feed URL, and plug it in!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Fall 2011 Semester Updates
A number of projects have been completed and are in progress as the fall semester starts, please see below for more detail:
- We have completed the launch of the new ERP systems as of July 1st. Of course, this does not mean that the work is done. We are currently working on creating efficiencies, developing new functionality, and integrating various systems, both OWU 2.0 and external system. Many new modules will be deployed over the next 12 months and beyond that will have an impact on the campus. One of the most exciting is a new campus portal that will serve as a one-stop-shop for many of the most common tasks and information needs.
- IS and Communications have launched OWU Daily and the OWU Events Calendar. These two new services allow submission of information that is delivered both in email and on the web each business day. The aim is to reduce the number of messages in your inbox. The events calendar aims to be a place where you can see many of the university activities on any given day. See the two links below for more information, and please send us feedback!
http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&upcoming=upcoming&
http://blogs.owu.edu/daily/
- The printed campus phone book should be here in the next 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, you can access a searchable, electronic version at the following address: http://t.co/Wd9Apgk
- We are adding items to OWU Mobile, and soon plan to start actively marketing the app to our various audiences. Kimberlie Goldsberry, Our Dean of Students, now has her own news feed in the app, and we have a number of others in the queue. http://m.owu.edu
- Our mailrooms are currently overflowing with books and other items due to the start of the semester. We are working through the backlog as quickly as we can, and are discussing ways to streamline the process in the future.
Look for more updates in the next couple of weeks as we start to bring new components and services online!
- We have completed the launch of the new ERP systems as of July 1st. Of course, this does not mean that the work is done. We are currently working on creating efficiencies, developing new functionality, and integrating various systems, both OWU 2.0 and external system. Many new modules will be deployed over the next 12 months and beyond that will have an impact on the campus. One of the most exciting is a new campus portal that will serve as a one-stop-shop for many of the most common tasks and information needs.
- IS and Communications have launched OWU Daily and the OWU Events Calendar. These two new services allow submission of information that is delivered both in email and on the web each business day. The aim is to reduce the number of messages in your inbox. The events calendar aims to be a place where you can see many of the university activities on any given day. See the two links below for more information, and please send us feedback!
http://owuevents.owu.edu/?&upcoming=upcoming&
http://blogs.owu.edu/daily/
- The printed campus phone book should be here in the next 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, you can access a searchable, electronic version at the following address: http://t.co/Wd9Apgk
- We are adding items to OWU Mobile, and soon plan to start actively marketing the app to our various audiences. Kimberlie Goldsberry, Our Dean of Students, now has her own news feed in the app, and we have a number of others in the queue. http://m.owu.edu
- Our mailrooms are currently overflowing with books and other items due to the start of the semester. We are working through the backlog as quickly as we can, and are discussing ways to streamline the process in the future.
Look for more updates in the next couple of weeks as we start to bring new components and services online!
Monday, June 27, 2011
OWU 2.0
Work continues on the OWU 2.0 initiative. Currently, all new ERP systems are in production at some level with the exception of the finance system, which is scheduled for early July. StartOWU used data from our new admissions system this year, and we are now working feverishly on getting account synchronization and data integration working across the various systems. Students were able to register with an adviser directly into the new student system this month, and can view their schedules online. Additionally, we completed the install of the OWU Portal, which will go live this fall or winter. The portal will serve as a one-stop shop for the OWU community.
Of course, ERP implementations are never complete. We will continue to launch new modules for the foreseeable future based on software capabilities and user requests.
Of course, ERP implementations are never complete. We will continue to launch new modules for the foreseeable future based on software capabilities and user requests.
Monday, April 25, 2011
OWU is now mobile!
OWU has developed a mobile solution in a partnership with Blackboard. The application is now available for download on Android and iOS devices, and contains numerous modules for the user community. Please see the following links for more information, and send any feedback for future enhancements to the help desk.
OWU Press Release
OWU IS Mobile Website
OWU Press Release
OWU IS Mobile Website
Thursday, April 7, 2011
PowerCampus Self Service, OWU Mobile, and Cell Phone Discounts
Last week we launched our PowerCampus Self Service application for OWU users. We are continuing to roll out new features for the campus community as modules are ready for production. Currently, student class schedules and course catalog are available for students and faculty to review. Soon, transcripts and other details will be available as well.
Separate but related to the launch, we have put a single-sign on process in place for all OWU account holders. See your email for more details on how that functions. Please see the Self Help pages on our website if you have questions or problems. Some mac wireless users and windows domain users may need to make some configuration changes.
OWU Mobile is exteremly close to being available for the OWU community. We are working on a couple of finishing touches before we announce availability. We hope to send out more information prior to the end of the Spring semester.
Finally, as a reminder, we have put in place discounts for OWU account holders to some of the most common cell phone providers. This can save users money on their personal cell phone bill - as much as $240 a year for those who qualify. Please see our tcomm website for more information on these discounts.
Separate but related to the launch, we have put a single-sign on process in place for all OWU account holders. See your email for more details on how that functions. Please see the Self Help pages on our website if you have questions or problems. Some mac wireless users and windows domain users may need to make some configuration changes.
OWU Mobile is exteremly close to being available for the OWU community. We are working on a couple of finishing touches before we announce availability. We hope to send out more information prior to the end of the Spring semester.
Finally, as a reminder, we have put in place discounts for OWU account holders to some of the most common cell phone providers. This can save users money on their personal cell phone bill - as much as $240 a year for those who qualify. Please see our tcomm website for more information on these discounts.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Campus Updates
Table of Contents:
1. Cell Phone Discounts
2. OWU Wikis sign-in
3. Blackboard Mobile Learn Application
4. Request for Faculty for Blogs Information
5. Changes in Printer Support
6. Atomic Learning
1. Cell Phone Discounts:
Information Services is pleased to announce that it has reached
agreements with AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon to offer potential discounts
to the campus community. Discounts may be up to 18% off eligible
plans and up to 25% off select accessories. Please see
https://admin.owu.edu/
(login required) for complete information.
2. OWU Wiki Sign-In:
You can now sign in to OWU Wikis (http://www.wikis.owu.edu/) using
your OWU BishopApps username and password. Simply choose another
sign-in method at the bottom of the sign-in screen, and select 'OWU
BishopApps'. For those who use wikis, this is one less password they
now have to remember.
3. Blackboard Mobile Learn:
The Blackboard Mobile Learn app for mobile devices (iOS, Android,
Blackberry, and Palm) puts all the online resources of Blackboard at
your fingertips. This mobile app is now available to OWU since we've
upgraded our Blackboard system to version 9. The app is free to
download and use over WIFI. Sprint customers may also use the app
over 3G and 4G cellular networks. Visit
http://www.blackboard.com/
for an interactive demo and more information.
4. Request for Faculty for Blogs Information:
Do you use a blog in your teaching or academic work? Information
Services, in cooperation with Communications & Marketing, is compiling
a list of OWU blogs to highlight at http://follow.owu.edu/ and in
Information Services Success Stories. Now that Blogger is part of
BishopApps, the ability to blog is easily available to faculty,
students, and administrative staff. For assistance setting up a new
blog or transferring an existing blog to BishopApps, please contact
the Help Desk at helpdesk@owu.edu or x3120.
5. Changes in Printer Support:
The university has contracted with Modern Office Methods (MOM) to
service campus owned laser printers. In an effort to identify these
laser printers each printer will receive a MOM sticker. If your
department has a laser printer that does not have a MOM sticker,
contact Jill Kerins in Print Services at jakerins@owu.edu. Include
the printer location, make and model number.
Toner will now be replaced by the printer user. When your toner runs
low you should send an email to Print Services at graphics@owu.edu
providing the MOM ID number and account to be charged. Print Services
will deliver the toner to your location. If you need help replacing
the toner email helpdesk@owu.edu or call the Help Desk at x3120 and we
will send a technician.
6. Atomic Learning:
Don't forget that all OWU students, faculty, and staff have online
access to Atomic Learning, a library of short video tutorials on over
130 different common computer systems and software. Here you can
learn how to build a Blackboard course, or how to use Google Docs
version history feature, or how to navigate an iPad or a SMART Board.
Simply log into your J/CX Web account and select the Atomic Learning
link on the left.
1. Cell Phone Discounts
2. OWU Wikis sign-in
3. Blackboard Mobile Learn Application
4. Request for Faculty for Blogs Information
5. Changes in Printer Support
6. Atomic Learning
1. Cell Phone Discounts:
Information Services is pleased to announce that it has reached
agreements with AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon to offer potential discounts
to the campus community. Discounts may be up to 18% off eligible
plans and up to 25% off select accessories. Please see
https://admin.owu.edu/
(login required) for complete information.
2. OWU Wiki Sign-In:
You can now sign in to OWU Wikis (http://www.wikis.owu.edu/) using
your OWU BishopApps username and password. Simply choose another
sign-in method at the bottom of the sign-in screen, and select 'OWU
BishopApps'. For those who use wikis, this is one less password they
now have to remember.
3. Blackboard Mobile Learn:
The Blackboard Mobile Learn app for mobile devices (iOS, Android,
Blackberry, and Palm) puts all the online resources of Blackboard at
your fingertips. This mobile app is now available to OWU since we've
upgraded our Blackboard system to version 9. The app is free to
download and use over WIFI. Sprint customers may also use the app
over 3G and 4G cellular networks. Visit
http://www.blackboard.com/
for an interactive demo and more information.
4. Request for Faculty for Blogs Information:
Do you use a blog in your teaching or academic work? Information
Services, in cooperation with Communications & Marketing, is compiling
a list of OWU blogs to highlight at http://follow.owu.edu/ and in
Information Services Success Stories. Now that Blogger is part of
BishopApps, the ability to blog is easily available to faculty,
students, and administrative staff. For assistance setting up a new
blog or transferring an existing blog to BishopApps, please contact
the Help Desk at helpdesk@owu.edu or x3120.
5. Changes in Printer Support:
The university has contracted with Modern Office Methods (MOM) to
service campus owned laser printers. In an effort to identify these
laser printers each printer will receive a MOM sticker. If your
department has a laser printer that does not have a MOM sticker,
contact Jill Kerins in Print Services at jakerins@owu.edu. Include
the printer location, make and model number.
Toner will now be replaced by the printer user. When your toner runs
low you should send an email to Print Services at graphics@owu.edu
providing the MOM ID number and account to be charged. Print Services
will deliver the toner to your location. If you need help replacing
the toner email helpdesk@owu.edu or call the Help Desk at x3120 and we
will send a technician.
6. Atomic Learning:
Don't forget that all OWU students, faculty, and staff have online
access to Atomic Learning, a library of short video tutorials on over
130 different common computer systems and software. Here you can
learn how to build a Blackboard course, or how to use Google Docs
version history feature, or how to navigate an iPad or a SMART Board.
Simply log into your J/CX Web account and select the Atomic Learning
link on the left.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Mobile, Events, and ERP
IS continues to work on a number of initiatives for the OWU community as outlined below:
- We now have over 11 multifunction devices (MFD's - print, fax, scan, copy) in place at OWU. We continue to have conversations with additional offices who have an interest in the new capabilities provided by this technology, and will place the MFD's as the need arises. We have been able to reallocate a number of network printers, scanners, and fax machines as a result of this project.
- Blackboard Mobile Central is nearly ready for release. This software will provide a number of OWU specific services to mobile devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberries. We anticipate having the following applications live at launch within the next few weeks: Events, Library Catalog, Places (hours of dining locations and campus offices), Map, Directory, Course Catalog, Images, Videos, News Feeds, Athletics schedules, Emergency Information, and Give to OWU. The software will be free for download.
- IS continues to work with various offices to implement new ERP applications as part of OWU 2.0. We are currently focused on PowerCampus (Student System) data conversion and prepping for the launch of Raiser's Edge (Alumni).
- IS is working with Marketing and Communications on an events solution for OWU. We hope this system will be able to serve as our public facing events solution (as opposed to room reservations). More information will be available as we work through the installation and branding.
This has been an exciting semester already, and we hope to bring these new services to you at the appropriate time.
- We now have over 11 multifunction devices (MFD's - print, fax, scan, copy) in place at OWU. We continue to have conversations with additional offices who have an interest in the new capabilities provided by this technology, and will place the MFD's as the need arises. We have been able to reallocate a number of network printers, scanners, and fax machines as a result of this project.
- Blackboard Mobile Central is nearly ready for release. This software will provide a number of OWU specific services to mobile devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberries. We anticipate having the following applications live at launch within the next few weeks: Events, Library Catalog, Places (hours of dining locations and campus offices), Map, Directory, Course Catalog, Images, Videos, News Feeds, Athletics schedules, Emergency Information, and Give to OWU. The software will be free for download.
- IS continues to work with various offices to implement new ERP applications as part of OWU 2.0. We are currently focused on PowerCampus (Student System) data conversion and prepping for the launch of Raiser's Edge (Alumni).
- IS is working with Marketing and Communications on an events solution for OWU. We hope this system will be able to serve as our public facing events solution (as opposed to room reservations). More information will be available as we work through the installation and branding.
This has been an exciting semester already, and we hope to bring these new services to you at the appropriate time.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Phishing Attack
We are receiving some notices from users who are receiving an email asking for account information. Please be advised that these are not from OWU and should be marked as SPAM. Below is an example of the message. Remember, you should never provide your password or any other sensitive information via email.
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Subject: Ohio Wesleyan University,Email Account Upgrade
To:
ATTENTION WEBMAIL USER,
We regret to announce to you that we will be making some vital maintainance on our website.
During this process you might have login problems in signing into your Online account. but to prevent this, you have to confirm your account immediately after you receive this notification.
To confirm and to keep your account active during and after this process, please reply to this message with the below account informations.
Failure to do this might cause a permanent deactivation of your user account from our database to enable us create more spaces for new users.
YOUR ACCOUNT CONFIRMATION
Name:
E-mail ID:
E-mail Password:
Departments:
Your account shall remain active after you have successfully confirmed your account details to the email address below.
The above informations should be sent your help officer with the below email address for prompt response
Thanks for bearing with us.
Ohio Wesleyan University,Service Help Desk
Warning Code: 002671
-----
Subject: Ohio Wesleyan University,Email Account Upgrade
To:
Ohio Wesleyan University,Email Account Upgrade
ATTENTION WEBMAIL USER,
We regret to announce to you that we will be making some vital maintainance on our website.
During this process you might have login problems in signing into your Online account. but to prevent this, you have to confirm your account immediately after you receive this notification.
To confirm and to keep your account active during and after this process, please reply to this message with the below account informations.
Failure to do this might cause a permanent deactivation of your user account from our database to enable us create more spaces for new users.
YOUR ACCOUNT CONFIRMATION
Name:
E-mail ID:
E-mail Password:
Departments:
Your account shall remain active after you have successfully confirmed your account details to the email address below.
The above informations should be sent your help officer with the below email address for prompt response
Thanks for bearing with us.
Ohio Wesleyan University,Service Help Desk
Warning Code: 002671
Monday, November 15, 2010
Blackboard Training Scheduled
David has setup the Blackboard training sessions, see his message below:
As announced, Information Services will be upgrading our Blackboard learning management system in January. Training on the new system, version 9.1, will be available in several ways. The new system with all historical course content and all spring 2011 courses will be used for training.
- Workshop sessions will be offered by me and/or staff from the University of Cincinnati on the following dates/times:
- Monday through Friday, November 29 through December 3, a morning session from 10:00 to noon covering what's new in the new version--everything except the Grade Center. There will be a separate session from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to introduce the new Grade Center. These sessions will take place in Corns 109.
- Tuesday through Thursday, January 4 through 6, the same schedule as above, a general transition session at 10:00 and a Grade Center session at 2:00 in Corns 109.
- Tuesday through Friday, January 11 through 14, open Q&A sessions from 4:00 to 5:00 in Corns 109.
- I will be available for one-on-one and small group trainings sessions at times and locations convenient for you. To arrange a personalized session please contact me.
- Atomic Learning has online video tutorials on Blackboard 9 for instructors. You may access these tutorials by logging in to J/CX Web and selecting the Atomic Learning link on the left.
- In the coming weeks we will be posting documentation on Blackboard 9.1 to the Self Help Site, including basic instructions for how to access it, how to make your course available, how to enroll students or additional instructors, how to copy content between courses, and more.
- There will also be online resources produced by Blackboard available within the new system once it is available.
Access to the new Blackboard system will be available by December 1 at a web address (URL) to be announced. The primary URL for our Blackboard system, bb.owu.edu, will be switched to the upgraded version no later than Wednesday, January 5. All Spring 2011 courses will be in the new version 9.1 system.
Please direct your questions about this upgrade to me. We look forward to making this project a smooth success, and taking advantage of the many new features in Blackboard 9.1.
Please direct your questions about this upgrade to me. We look forward to making this project a smooth success, and taking advantage of the many new features in Blackboard 9.1.
| David Soliday Instructional Technologist E-mail: dcsolida@owu.edu Phone: (740) 368-3130 | Ohio Wesleyan University Information Services Web: infoserv.owu.edu Facebook: OWU Help Desk |
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Video Chat
As winter approaches, it may be the right time to check out the video chat feature of BishopApps. This works as long as the following conditions exist: You have a microphone and webcam, and you are logging into bishopapps through a web browser (not using Outlook or Thunderbird). Of course, the person you wish to conference with must also meet these requirements for full functionality.
We have added webcams to our new standard computer models at OWU, so as systems are replaced, this capability will be more widely available. Please see the IS Self Help page for more information on connecting to users via video chat, and as always, contact the Help Desk if you have questions.
http://helpdesk.owu.edu/BishopMail#videochat
We have added webcams to our new standard computer models at OWU, so as systems are replaced, this capability will be more widely available. Please see the IS Self Help page for more information on connecting to users via video chat, and as always, contact the Help Desk if you have questions.
http://helpdesk.owu.edu/BishopMail#videochat
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Blackboard Upgrade
After consulting with the Campus Technology Council and TLCCP, we have decided to upgrade OWU's Blackboard Course Management software to the latest version (9.1) prior to the start of the Spring 2011 semester. We are currently running version 7.3, which was released in 2006. Numerous faculty members and students have requested features that are available in the latest version, and there is no additional cost to the University for this upgrade.
Our new Instructional Technologist, David Soliday, will be conducting training sessions throughout November and December to help faculty prepare for the new functionality and interface changes. Course content will automatically be converted to the new system.
We will communicate the training schedule and new feature information next week. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Our new Instructional Technologist, David Soliday, will be conducting training sessions throughout November and December to help faculty prepare for the new functionality and interface changes. Course content will automatically be converted to the new system.
We will communicate the training schedule and new feature information next week. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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