Assessing the Future of Dual Boot Classroom Computers

February 21, 2014TechNews2014, 201402, Classroom ComputersRandolph Pfaff

In tandem with the public access computer virtualization pilot program, Technology is working to replace many of the lectern-based classroom computers that faculty use on a daily basis. Currently, eleven of these computers are dual boot, meaning they can be used as either a Windows or Mac computer. Many of these computers are aging and no longer support the current needs of faculty and the ways in which they use technology in the classroom.

Going forward, Technology will use desktop virtualization, a more modern approach, in order to support multiple operating system requirements in classrooms. This approach allows for both Mac and Windows applications to run on the virtualized desktop, eliminating the need to reboot classroom computers in order to switch between operating systems.

As we move forward with this project, we’re going to identify which computers need to be replaced and reach out to faculty to find out what software and other functionality is integral to their teaching. This knowledge will allow us to make informed decisions when purchasing and installing new computers and lead to the best outcomes for faculty and students.

Because faculty experience in the classroom is of paramount importance and the decisions we make now will impact the use of classroom technology for the next 3-5 years, we want to stress the importance of faculty feedback during this process. Technology will be distributing an email about specific classroom computer replacements in the near future. We’re asking faculty members to participate in this process by taking time to respond to the email.

FEATURED ARTICLE: When Classes Are in Session, We’re Here to Support You

January 14, 2014TechNews2014, 201401, SupportRandolph Pfaff

As we begin the Spring semester, we want to ensure that everyone is aware of our extended support hours. In a nutshell, if classes are in session, we’re here to help.

We provide desktop, networking, and classroom/event support onweekdays from 7:30am – 6:00pm, with additional classroom/event support hours from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

If you need support for a weekend event, please let us know by using thiscontact form.

To get support, stop by LEF-331, visit us online atservicedesk.simmons.edu, or call 617-521-2222.

Improving Public Access Computers Through Virtualization

January 14, 2014TechNews2014, 201401, Public Access ComputerRandolph Pfaff

During the Spring semester, Simmons Technology will be working on a pilot program to virtualize some public access computers in the library and other select locations throughout campus. Virtualization is a process by which all of the tasks that normally run on a single, stand-alone computer are shifted to a powerful, centralized computer called a server.

There are several advantages to virtualization. It allows you to access the same resources by logging into any computer, reduces the traditional issues that slow down stand-alone computers, and provides us with real-time stats so we can keep all of our public access computers online and functioning at a high level twenty-four hours a day. This means that virtualized computers should have reduced login times and improved performance compared to the computers that are currently in use.

From a practical standpoint, this change should not have a negative impact on your ability to use public computers at Simmons. The login screen will look slightly different, but you will still use your Simmons username and password to access the computer. Once you’re logged in, the desktop should look the same as it does now, and you’ll have access to the same software you currently use, as well as your storage space on the Y drive.

We’ll be sending out periodic updates about this project during the Spring semester, but if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Service Desk.

Video Content Management: Defining the Options

January 14, 2014TechNews2014, 201401, Video, Video Content, Video Content ManagementRandolph Pfaff

Within the last decade, the barrier between consumer and academic technologies has crumbled, and we now use more devices, apps, and other tools than ever before in our teaching and learning. While these changes provide numerous opportunities for innovation in higher education, they also present an array of options that come with very little guidance as to when and how to use appropriate technology.

Currently, Simmons Technology is working on several projects that aim to assist our faculty and staff in making informed and beneficial choices about technology. One such project is our guide to video content management, which covers the major products in use for video creation, storage, and dissemination, and provides an overview of our current environment as well as our strategy for the future. It should serve as a starting point for faculty and staff who are currently using, or plan to use, video content in their classrooms or as a component of other projects. The guide is, of course, a living document, and we will be updating it to reflect changes in the global marketplace and the environment at Simmons.

Get Your Events Noticed with Digital Signage

January 14, 2014TechNews2014, 201401, Digital SignageRandolph Pfaff

Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or Simmons staff, digital signage is the easiest and most effective way to advertise your upcoming events and activities.

Students
To announce an event on digital signage, submit your message to the leader(s) of your student organization.

Faculty and Staff
Each school and administrative department has designated representatives who can submit content to digital signage. To find out who to contact in your area, please refer to this list.

What to Submit

• Student, faculty, and staff events and activities

• Information about accessing Simmons’s services and reminders about important deadlines

• Announcements about new programs and opportunities at Simmons or other Colleges of the Fenway

Things to Remember

• Keep messages short

• Remember to include what the events is, when it’s happening, and where

• Let people know how to find more information about the event

Resources

• Interactive guide to using digital signage

• Complete digital signage instructions

Access Google Drive Even When You’re Offline

January 14, 2014TechNews2014, 201401, Google DriveRandolph Pfaff

Being offline when you need to get work done can be an anxiety-filled experience when so much of what we do is created and stored in the cloud. Fortunately, you can set up offline access to Google Drive so that important documents (or spreadsheets or presentations) will always be available whether you’re in class, in your office, on a flight, or enjoying a vacation in some remote destination*. When you enable offline access, Google Drive will sync your files to the device you’re using so they’re available when you’re offline. If you edit files while offline, Google Drive will sync them to the cloud once you’re back online.

To find out how to set up and use Drive offline, click here.

* – Please note that Simmons Technology does not encourage or endorse working while on vacation.

FEATURED ARTICLE: Lynda.com Recommended Courses and Playlists

December 2, 2013TechNews2013, 201312Randolph Pfaff

Since the rollout of lynda.com last spring, members of the Simmons community have watched almost 11,000 tutorial videos! With over 2,000 courses to choose from, we know the options can be a little overwhelming, and quite a few people have asked us for advice on where to get started.

Below, we’ve listed some popular topics for faculty, staff, and students at Simmons. If you have additional suggestions, or playlists you’ve watched or created, please let us know so we can share them.

Technology Skills

• Microsoft Office Playlist

• Adobe Creative Suite Playlist

• Intro to Programming Playlist

Business Skills

• Public Speaking Fundamentals

• Project Management Playlist

• Management & Leadership Playlist

• Conflict Resolution

• Time Management Fundamentals

Creative Skills

• Become a Better Photographer Playlist

• Creating & Editing Videos Playlist

• Graphic Design Basics Playlist

Coming Soon: New and Improved Off-Campus Network Access

December 2, 2013TechNews2013, 201312Randolph Pfaff

In the Technology department, we’re always looking for ways to improve services while also reducing costs. Sometimes, those changes are large (like Google Apps for Education), but sometimes, opportunities are found in less obvious places. One not so obvious area is our network. Members of the Simmons community access the network in many different ways: wired and wireless, on campus or from home, via a computer or a mobile device.

In an effort to improve one aspect of our networking services, Technology will be introducing a new Virtual Private Network (VPN) after the semester break. VPN is the service that many people use to connect to the Simmons file server and other secure services from off campus. The new service, called Check Point Mobile Access, will come with enhanced features, including improved security and availability on mobile devices.

Currently, the Simmons VPN is available through vpn.simmons.edu or by using AnyConnect, a desktop application. Once Mobile Access is active, the VPN will still be available at vpn.simmons.edu or through the new Mobile Access desktop application and mobile apps.

We’ll be sending out an email with more details after the semester break. In the meantime, if you have any questions about how this change will affect your access to the Simmons network, please reach out to us via the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

Getting More from Google Apps

December 2, 2013TechNews2013, 201312Randolph Pfaff

Google Apps is a constantly evolving tool and there are frequent updates to the service as Google rolls out small improvements. This month, we’d like to focus on two new features, as well as some tricks for getting the most out of your web searches.

Email Attachments

Recently, you may have noticed that your Gmail attachments look slightly different. When you receive an email with attachments, you now have three options. First, you can click anywhere on the small preview to open a full-screen preview of the attachment. This is a great time-saving tool if you just want to view an attachment quickly without having to download it. In addition, you can download the attachment or save it to Google Drive by clicking the icons in the small preview, all without leaving your email. The last new option, which can be helpful if you receive an email with a large number of attachments, is the ability to download or save all attachments to Google Drive. You can do this by clicking the icons on the right side of your screen. To see a visual guide to the new attachment options, click the preview image above.

Research While Creating

Have you ever been working on a Google Doc or Presentation and needed to look up a definition or search for something? Now, you can do that without leaving Google Drive by clicking the Tools menu and clicking on Research. This will open a panel on the right side of your screen that you can use to do research while you work. To see an example of how this works, click the preview image to the right.

Search More Effectively

Finally, we’ve got 10 great tips from the blog Lifehacker on how you can make your web searches more efficient and effective. These include using reverse image search, searching within websites, and quickly finding downloads on the Web. Take a look at all of the tricks here!