3-D Printing: A Tech Revolution in the Making

TechNews, , ,

Picture this: You’re taking a biology course and your syllabus says you need a model human skull. But rather than going to the bookstore, or ordering one from Amazon, your professor prints out the models while you’re in class and hands them to you on your way out the door. This might seem a bit far fetched, but maybe not for much longer.

In fact, 3-D printing has been used by manufacturers as a tool for creating prototypes quickly and inexpensively for almost two decades. More recently, developments in the technology have led to a boom in printers designed for large-scale manufacturing (including airplane components, and artificial limbs and joints) as well in-home use.

While it sounds like magic, the process of creating an object with a 3-D printer is actually pretty straightforward and transparent. First, you need to design a three-dimensional object using software that can render models of them. These range from expensive commercial software, such as Autodesk, to Google’s free software, called SketchUp. If you don’t have the time or inclination to learn new software and design your own objects, you can download objects designed by others (including that model skull for your biology class) on websites like Thingiverse.

Next, you’ll need to get a 3-D printer. They are expensive, but some cost less than a new high-end computer. Try MakerBot ($1,749 for the basic home model) or Bits from Bytes ($3,500) for models that will fit in your living room. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can buy a cheaper kit from either of these companies and do the assembly yourself.

Once the printer is set up and ready to go, you can send your design to the printer and sit back while it prints out your object. The printing process consists of building up tiny layers (about 0.3 mm thick) of material (usually plastic) in three dimensions to form the object. If you want to see a printer in action, check out this video from MIT, where 3-D printing, not surprisingly, was invented.

If you don’t have the money for your own 3-D printer, you can even design something online and have it printed and sent to you, or purchase an item designed by someone else at Shapeways, the first commercial website for designing and custom printing three-dimensional objects.

While we’re probably a couple of decades away from having these printers in our homes, they’ll probably be on campus much sooner than that. Perhaps one day, you’ll even be able to send a design to Campus Print and then print out an object while you’re doing research at the library. When the time comes, we’ll be sure to let you know how it affects your printing quota.

Simmons Moodle is Passing the Test

TechNews, , , ,

Last month, we mentioned that our pilot test of the new eLearning system, Simmons Moodle, was getting under way. We’re happy to report that one month into the semester, we have received positive feedback from faculty members involved in the pilot. Last week, the team released a survey within Simmons Moodle to gather feedback from their students.

One of the major highlights pilot testers have been pointing out is improved communication, both between professors and students, and between students themselves. Simmons Moodle makes it easier to send, and reply to, class-wide announcements and has additional tools for collaboration and sharing of information.

Simmons Moodle is also structured more like other web services and many members of the pilot have found it easier to use than Blackboard and have responded positively to the enhanced communication and interactivity it provides.

Rex Krajewski, Head of Library Information Services for Simmons, and a faculty member, said he has found his experience with Simmons Moodle to be “overwhelmingly positive.” He also mentioned that, “It is easier…to use as an instructor, and it seems as though the students are having an easier time using it, as well. It feels less like an add-on or extra thing to do ‘just because,’ and more like an integral part of the course.”

In the near future, we will be working with members of the Administration and representatives for each school to outline a plan to make Simmons Moodle available for all classes at Simmons. Keep an eye on upcoming issues of TechNews for more about Simmons Moodle.

Simmons Connection: Your New Source for Information

TechNews, ,

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

TechNews, , ,

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

TechNews, , , , ,

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?

TechNews, ,

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”

Simmons Moodle Is on Its Way!

TechNews, , , ,

If you read last month’s TechNews, you know that Simmons is engaged in a project to replace Blackboard-based Simmons eLearning as the College learning management system (LMS). Because this project will affect most of the Simmons Community, we want to keep you informed of its progress while highlighting some of the exciting things it will make possible.

The new LMS, currently called Simmons Moodle, has been made available this semester to a pilot group of professors who have volunteered to use it in their classes and to provide feedback. During spring semester, there will be ten courses and more than 250 students using Simmons Moodle and sharing their experiences with us. In preparation for these courses, the Simmons Moodle Team has created tutorials, videos, and FAQs for both faculty and students. We will use what we learn from the pilot to help us plan and prepare for the campus-wide roll out.

We are very excited about Simmons Moodle and the capabilities and improvements it will bring to a technologically integrated learning experience. Among these are more customizable features and increased communication between students and professors. In the coming months, we’ll provide updates on our progress and share with you the experiences of some of the students and faculty using Simmons Moodle.

As we integrate our experiences from the pilot into a plan for campus-wide roll out, you can expect to hear more about this project. Additionally, you are welcome to visit lmsproject.simmons.edu, to read our blog and stay on top of updates as they occur.

IT Knowledge at a Discount: Join NERCOMP Today!

TechNews, ,

Are you interested in learning more about the impact of technology on higher education? If so, Simmons College would like to make you aware of our institutional membership in the NorthEast Regional Computing Program (NERCOMP). As an organization, NERCOMP strives to disseminate the latest technology information of interest to administrators, faculty, staff, and students at schools in the northeastern U.S.

So what does all this mean for you? Among other things, when you sign up as a member, you’ll receive discounts on all workshops and the NERCOMP Annual Meeting of at least $130 per event! Upcoming events include workshops on social media strategy and the future of library and IT integration. Members can also choose to receive an email newsletter from NERCOMP that will keep you up to date on events and deals available to you.

To sign up, click here. Once you’re there, click “Join with your school” and complete the registration form. You’ll receive a confirmation email from NERCOMP with a user name and temporary password. After that, you can browse upcoming events and sign up at the discounted rate!

Passwords Getting out of Hand? Try KeePass.

TechNews, , , ,

In a world where we have usernames and passwords for many online services, it is important to have a secure way to organize and remember your passwords. To help solve this problem, Simmons currently provides software called KeePass for all faculty and staff computers running Windows. KeePass is an open source password manager that helps you to create and store a database of your passwords and only allows access with a master password.

To get started using KeePass, check out this FAQ on the Service Desk website.

KeePass is automatically installed on all new faculty and staff computers running Windows. There is also a version for Mac that we can install for you. If you do not currently have KeePass installed and would like to get it, please contact the Service Desk x2222 or servicedesk.simmons.edu for a quick and easy installation.

Making Admissions Easier with Intelliworks.

TechNews, ,

At Simmons, one of our most important goals is to maintain open lines of communication
with students. Most current students probably recognize the many ways we reach out
to them: email, the Simmons website, Facebook, Twitter, electronic message boards on
campus, and more. What you might not know is that this process starts well before you’ve
applied to Simmons.

Applying to college or graduate school can be a stressful time and Simmons has a dedicated staff to help you navigate learning about Simmons, visiting, applying, and enrolling. Unfortunately, the process of managing prospective student data and communicating with you throughout the application process has long been a manual and time consuming process. Over the last year and a half, Technology has been helping the undergraduate and graduate Admissions Offices integrate and automate many of these functions by migrating to a new enrollment management system called Intelliworks.

Using Intelliworks has helped our admissions teams simplify and tailor the Simmons College online inquiry and application process, giving prospective students the ability to track the components of their applications, and increasing the effectiveness of communication we have with them. This project is just one of many that we are working on to make interaction between students, faculty, and staff a highlight of the Simmons experience.