When searching for a real-world scenario to use in a class project, sometimes the best option is just across campus. That was the case during the Spring 2015 semester for students in Professor Gerry Benoit’s Systems Analysis in Information Services course.

Throughout the semester, students worked with members of the Technology department to conduct an analysis of our current identity management platform and make suggestions for a more efficient solution.

Dave Bruce, Senior Director of Technology Services, asked the students to focus on identity management because it is an integral component of our infrastructure that integrates with many of the services we support. Identity management presented the students with a complex system that required both a detailed investigation of processes and a macro-level understanding of functionality.

Professor Benoit guided students throughout the semester as they conducted a professional-level analysis. Students were divided into groups, each handling a different aspect of the project. This approach mirrored what they will encounter in professional settings, where the ability to work with other teams to achieve results is as important as individual contributions.

The students researched and studied the system, worked with the Technology to gather requirements, and created prototypes, leading to the development of a portfolio of their research, findings, and recommendations.

As computing and information science change rapidly, Professor Benoit noted that it is vital that students across a range of technical and business disciplines have a deep understanding of systems and user needs so that they are “able to participate in the larger discourse about how to use computing to fulfill real-world information needs.”

That objective was evident in the project itself. A student in the class added that computing courses often “focus on teaching you how technology is supposed to work in a perfect world where no one makes mistakes. This class really helped me understand how to anticipate and navigate pitfalls in a live project.”

In this one project, it is easy to see the value of collaboration in fostering innovation at Simmons. Our students, faculty, and staff bring a wealth of knowledge to campus. Creating opportunities to share that knowledge directly contributes to the long-term success of the College.

As Professor Benoit pointed out, “the idea that collaboration is possible on campus is brilliant and wonderful!” We couldn’t agree more.

Recently, Simmons Technology received an innovative donation from our printer vendor, Toshiba—a park bench that uses recycled and compressed ink cartridges instead of wood.

The bench is the result of a partnership between Toshiba and a recycling program called Close the Loop. This initiative takes empty cartridges and other disposable parts and reuses the material to make 100% recycled products.

For example, the park bench slats are made from compressed recycled plastic, called eLumber, that is waterproof, insect-proof, and UV retardant. In 2013, more than 170 tons of plastic from cartridges was recycled and used to construct benches, fencing, and other outdoor products.

As part of our ongoing printing initiative, Technology will continue to recycle all materials used in our multi-function devices and send them back to Toshiba for reuse in new products.

If you’d like to see (and try out) the new bench, it’s located in the seating area just outside of Lefavour Hall (near the Kotzen Room).

Remember that GoToMeeting offers Simmons faculty and staff the ability to schedule, host, and attend meetings with up to 25 participants.

If you’re using a Simmons computer, the software is already installed. You can also download and install GoToMeeting on a personal computer or mobile device.

Get started by visiting gotomeeting.com and signing in with your Simmons email. If it’s your first time logging in, enter your full Simmons email ([email protected]) and click “Forgot your password?” You’ll receive an email with a password reset link, which you can use to create a new password.

In addition to meetings, faculty can use GoToMeeting to record course content, host virtual office hours, invite remote guest lecturers to your class, and more.

If you need help using GoToMeeting, check out our FAQ or visit the support center, where you’ll find answers to common questions as well as step-by-step video tutorials. For other questions, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

To coincide with the appointment of Debra Orr to the position of Associate Vice President of Administration, we’ll be unveiling a combined Technology and Administrative Services newsletter in August.

The newsletter will serve as a unified source for technology and administration topics that will be of interest and use to our community. We will continue to share updates about important improvements to campus services, along with topical news from the larger world of computing.

In addition, we hope to share even more stories highlighting the ways in which Simmons students, faculty, and staff are incorporating technology and administrative services into their teaching and learning at the College.