Tag Archives: 2011

Optimizing Technology in the School of Management Building

Since opening in January, 2009, the School of Management and Academic Building has been an important piece of the Simmons commitment to creating a world-class learning environment and building an environmentally responsible campus infrastructure.

What you might not see when looking at the building or sitting in one of its classrooms is the work we’re doing to make it as effective technologically as it is environmentally. Earlier this year, Technology began a project to reduce inefficiencies in the building and to increase the power of presentation and conferencing equipment.

Among the upgrades, conferencing has been improved with the installation of Cisco Telepresence in the School of Management case study rooms (M222/223). This technology provides video and audio connections for meetings and events, and enables real-time collaboration with colleagues across campus or around the world. Additional changes have included installing touch panels, which control projectors, monitors, and video conferencing equipment, as well as new, quieter projectors.

The on-going improvements to the technology infrastructure in the School of Management are part of a larger effort by Technology to help create an integrated and efficient environment for research and learning at Simmons.

Revamping Technology in Park Science Center

It is no secret that technology goes hand in hand with science courses and it is with this axiom in mind that Simmons Technology has partnered with faculty and staff to make dramatic improvements to the available resources in Park Science Center.

Home to all science classrooms and laboratories, as well as the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Park Science Center is vital to both education and research at Simmons. In 2011, Technology launched a project to replace old equipment as well as add new tools throughout the building. The importance of this initiative was captured by Professor Richard Gurney, Chemistry & Physics Department Chair. When asked about past issues with technology, he said, “Faculty grew accustomed to not considering the use of IT in their laboratory sections.” Obviously, it was time for a change.

Among the steps taken to make technology available in Park Science Center, more than 80 new computers have been deployed and high-definition projectors and new projection screens were installed in 13 labs along with Blu-Ray players, document cameras, and other resources. In addition, there are two new high-definition microscopes which can connect to projectors for use during lectures and presentations, and three camera systems with digital recorders in the Nursing Simulation Labs. Lastly, Park Science Center has been part of the campus-wide upgrade to multi-function printers with scanning and faxing capabilities.

Like many other recent Technology projects, improved security was a significant part of the project. Controllers have been installed to connect equipment to the network and allow Technology to monitor system and projector statistics and to provide more timely service as well as remote troubleshooting.

While there are further improvements being planned (including additional computer and printer replacements), most of the new technology is installed and has been available during Fall semester. After many years of waiting, these upgrades should help science faculty to mesh technology with pedagogy. As Professor Gurney noted, “Now that [technology] is available, working and supported, many more faculty will incorporate the technology into their teaching in the laboratory.”

Project Management Made Easy with LiquidPlanner

Last winter, Simmons Technology was asked to recommend a project management tool for the Simmons Strategy team. The goal was to find a solution that would work for not only the Strategy team, but the entire Simmons Community and its varied stakeholders. After considering several platforms, a web-based tool called LiquidPlanner was chosen for its modern approach, easy-to-navigate interface, discounted higher-education pricing, and excellent customer support.

This past summer, members of the faculty and staff participated in a pilot program to begin using LiquidPlanner to manage their own projects. As a result of this successful pilot, LiquidPlanner is now available to any Simmons faculty or staff member who would like to use it to help manage their projects.

To find out more about LiquidPlanner, visit liquidplanner.com. To request an account, send an email to [email protected] and someone will contact you to assist you in getting set up.

Contributed by Emily Chaves