All posts by Randolph Pfaff

Simmons Connection: Your New Source for Information

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You spoke, we listened.

In order to create a better and more useful one-stop location for Simmons information, we have begun a project to replace MySimmons. The new system, called Simmons Connection, will improve on the existing portal and add new features, such as email integration, collaboration tools, and, soon, integration with Simmons Moodle.

In January, we sent a survey to students asking what you liked about MySimmons and what you would like to see changed or added to a new system. Based on this feedback, we began designing Simmons Connection from the ground up with your needs in mind. For example, we are working to add features you requested, such as a combined calendar/course schedule, as well as access to other Simmons services without having to log in separately.

In addition to building the Simmons Connection, we are also designing mobile apps so you can access this information from any device.

Simmons Connection will be available to students beginning Summer 2012. As soon as it’s ready, we’ll send an announcement along with information about new features and how to use them.

And don’t worry, Simmons Connection isn’t just for students. We will soon be sending a separate survey to faculty and staff to find out what features you want and need and we’ll then begin designing a version of Simmons Connection just for you.

GlobalViewer: Keeping Classroom Tech Running Remotely

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As you might have guessed if you read the Quick Tip in the sidebar about projectors, keeping classrooms equipped with the technology necessary to provide a top notch learning experience can be very expensive.

One of the steps we’ve taken to make classroom technology more efficient and to reduce costs is the installation of Extron GlobalViewer Enterprise. This software connects to the Simmons network and to all compatible media equipment in classrooms across campus and allows Technology to monitor the equipment and troubleshoot problems remotely.

While you won’t see this technology just by looking around, you might notice it if you have trouble with a projector in a classroom, for example. If you call the Service Desk because a projector won’t turn on or a touch panel isn’t responding, we can check to see what might be wrong and, in many cases, fix the problem immediately. This means that you don’t have to wait for someone to come to where you are to provide assistance and you can get real-time support while you’re on the phone with us!

In addition to improving support, GlobalViewer also allows us to monitor power usage, check the number of hours a projector bulb has been used, and then plan accordingly for a replacement. It keeps us on top of potential problems and leads to fewer issues and decreased downtime of classroom technology. Right now, GlobalViewer is connected to 20% of classrooms and meeting rooms and we hope to increase this to 45% in the near future.

Reporting a Lost or Stolen Laptop or Mobile Device

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In January, our Information Security Officer, David Bruce, sent out a security bulletin about how to prevent laptop theft and what to do if your laptop is stolen. This is a very important topic and we want to be sure that everyone is aware of how to prevent thefts.

Two steps you can take to keep your laptop and mobile device safe are to never leave them unattended (or to put them in a secure location like a locked office or locker while you’re away) and, for laptops specifically, to attach a security cable to it. If you need a security cable for your Simmons-owned laptop, please contact the Service Desk.

If a Simmons-owned laptop or other mobile computing device has been lost or stolen, you should follow these steps:

• Promptly report the loss to the Technology Service Desk, 617-521-2222, and to your manager.

• The Service Desk will also ask you to provide the following information, if known, so appropriate security measures can be taken:
– Your Simmons username and email address
– Any special services to which you had access (e.g. Datatel)
– Any special applications which were loaded on the device
– What types of data were saved on the device (e.g. Student data, HR data)
– If the device was powered on at the time of loss
– If passwords were encrypted and what software was used for encryption

• In addition to contacting the Service Desk and your manager, you should contact Public Safety, 617-521-1112, if the theft occurred on campus. If the theft occurred off campus, it should be reported to local police.

If you have any questions about laptop and mobile device security, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222 or servicedesk.simmons.edu.

SOPA and Simmons: What do you think?

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Wikipedia blackout image via wikipedia.org

Last year, both the United States Senate and House of Representatives introduced bills intended to prevent illegal electronic dissemination of copyrighted material. These two bills (referred to as PIPA and SOPA) have led to a great deal of discussion about the rights of copyright holders and the ability of the Internet to function as an open and effective tool for continued innovation.

In brief, the bills propose a system under which websites and their owners would be responsible for all content uploaded by users and would have to monitor all uploaded content for copyright infringement. In addition, these companies would also have to remove links, advertising, or search results that point to websites on a government list of blocked sites.

Both bills were expected to come to a vote in the early part of 2012 but, after an outpouring of negative reactions online, as well as a protest “blackout” of major websites such as Wikipedia, and strong opposition from Google, Twitter, Craigslist, and others, they have been shelved for the time being. While this issue will temporarily fall out of headlines, the underlying problems it seeks to address will continue.

While we, as a technology department, respect the rights of copyright holders, we are also keenly aware of need for innovation and advancement in the ways we communicate, learn, and teach others. As such, we are concerned about legislation that broadly and vaguely defines the responsibilities of website owners and end users. To create a law that addresses these issues, we believe that unilateral action is ineffective and only collaboration between all parties involved will lead to an equitable and effective solution.

If you’re interested in learning more about SOPA and PIPA, please see the links provided below. These sources were used in the creation of this article and are a good starting point for learning more about this issue.

We are also interested in what you think about technology, innovation, and copyright.  You can let us know how you view the issue and what solutions you think might work by using the comment box below.

Sources/More Information:

GovTrack overview of SOPA
GovTrack overview of PIPA
CNN Money: “SOPA explained: What it is and why it matters”
New York Times: “In Fight Over Piracy Bills, New Economy Rises Against Old”