All posts by ito0

Moodle Upgrade

TechNews, , , ,

Earlier in January, Simmons Moodle was upgraded to version 4.1.  This new version provides an improved user experience that is simplified, responsive, and more consistent.  Thank you for your understanding during this process.

Please explore some of the new features found in Moodle by reviewing the “What’s New in Simmons Moodle” page that is linked at the top of your Moodle Dashboard.  If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected], or by using the “?” symbol in the bottom-right corner of your Moodle page.

Elevate Your Skills This Winter with LinkedIn Learning

TechNews, , ,

Discover the Power of Continuous Learning

As winter break beckons, it’s an opportune time for personal and professional development. Enter LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering a diverse range of courses spanning business, technology, and creative fields. With its expert-led tutorials, LinkedIn Learning stands out as a flexible and practical tool for skill enhancement. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast keen on exploring AI and machine learning, a creative mind diving into graphic design, or a business professional looking to sharpen your leadership or analytical skills, this platform has something for everyone.

Why LinkedIn Learning is Your Ideal Winter Companion

LinkedIn Learning’s greatest strength lies in its vast library of courses, taught by industry veterans, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. The platform’s integration with LinkedIn allows learners to easily add completed course certifications to their profiles, bolstering their professional online presence. What sets LinkedIn Learning apart is its personalized approach, offering course recommendations based on your interests and career goals, making it a tailored and efficient learning journey.

Embrace the Opportunity for Growth

This winter break, transform your downtime into a productive learning experience with LinkedIn Learning. The skills you acquire could significantly impact your career trajectory, open new opportunities, or simply boost your confidence in your professional abilities. Start your learning journey on LinkedIn Learning today and take a significant step towards enhancing your skill set and future-proofing your career.

Visit LinkedIn Learning, explore its extensive course catalog, and embark on a journey of self-improvement and professional development. Your future self will thank you for this investment.

December’s Cybersecurity Focus: Charity and Disaster scams

TechNews, , , , ,

Are you following the Israel-Gaza crisis in the news and want to help by donating to a charity? Scammers follow the news, too, and are at the ready. Just like in the wake of a natural disaster, scammers set up fake charities and fake websites to take advantage of your generosity. Here’s how to avoid charity scams and make sure your donation counts.

First, slow down and take some time to research and plan before you donate to make sure your money helps real people in need and not the charity scammers.

Here’s where to start:

  • Donate to charities you know and trust with a proven track record with responding to a humanitarian crisis.
  • Research the organization — especially if the donation request comes on social media. Search the name plus “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.” And check out the charity with the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Candid. If the message was from a friend, ask them if they know the organization themselves. Find out exactly how much of every dollar you donate goes directly to the charity’s beneficiaries.
  • Be cautious about giving to individuals on crowdfunding sites. Some scammers pretend to be concerned citizens collecting for a cause but their true intentions are to pocket your money rather than give it to the cause. Giving to someone you personally know and trust is safest. Review the platform’s policies and procedures. Some crowdfunding sites will check out postings asking for help after a humanitarian crisis to confirm they’re legit. Others don’t.
  • Donate money rather than goods unless you confirm what’s needed. If you want to send goods like clothing or supplies, it’s a good idea to confirm with the charity what items they are collecting.
  • Don’t donate to anyone who insists you pay by cash, gift card, wiring money, or cryptocurrency. That’s how scammers tell you to pay. If you decide to donate, pay by credit card, which gives you more protections.
  • Confirm the number before you text to donate. Go straight to the charity to confirm the number. If it’s not their number, use a number you know is real or go to the charity’s website to donate.

To learn more, go to ftc.gov/charity. Source: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/10/safely-donating-response-israel-gaza-crisis