Tag Archives: Classroom Tech

A Faster Way to Access Windows from Classroom Macs

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In the February newsletter, we provided some information about how Technology will go about replacing lectern-based classroom computers throughout campus. Part of this ongoing project involves the installation of a desktop virtualization application that provides access to the Windows operating system and all Windows-only software on lectern-based classroom Macs. This software, called VMware Horizon View Client, is now available in most classrooms.

Desktop virtualization saves time by eliminating the need to reboot dual boot computers, and provides easy access to Windows. Using it is as simple as launching the application and logging in with your Simmons username and password. The virtual desktop is an additional and optional service. If you’re more comfortable rebooting the computer, you may continue doing so.

For more information about how to access the virtual Windows desktop, along with a full list of classrooms where this technology is available, please see this FAQ. To make things easier when you’re in the classroom, we’ll be placing instructions next to computers where the virtual desktop is available.

Using GoToMeeting in Your Classroom

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Did you know that our new phone and web conferencing platform isn’t just for business meetings?

GoToMeeting features built-in chat, webcam sharing, HD video, and screen sharing and recording capabilities, making it ideal for creating recorded course content, hosting virtual office hours, inviting remote guest lecturers to your class, and more.

Best of all, GoToMeeting is available on all Simmons computers and can be installed on your personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Simmons Technology has created a guide to help faculty get started with GoToMeeting quickly and easily. If you’d like one-to-one assistance, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

Faculty Record and Share Their Classes with Tegrity

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Since September, Simmons Technology has been working with a small group of faculty members to test a new product called Tegrity for capturing and sharing lectures, presentations, and other in-class activities. We want to provide an update on how faculty have been using Tegrity and some of the opportunities it might create in the future.

School of Management professor Jill Avery was able to leverage Tegrity to help a number of students who missed one of her classes in order to attend a conference. Professor Avery reached out to Technology for a way to record the content of her course and make it available to students online. Technology was able to work with her to add Tegrity to her course, record course content, upload it to Moodle, and make it available to students within Moodle.

Michael Jordan, professor in the department of Chemistry & Physics, has also been recording all of his lectures in PHYS 103 and making the videos available in Moodle for his students as an optional way to review content. In addition, Professor Jordan is giving students the opportunity to record their own videos and upload them to Moodle. He has also edited course content using external tools on his computer and uploaded them back into Tegrity for student access.

These are just a couple of examples of how faculty are using Tegrity in their classes. If you are a faculty member who’s interested in using Tegrity during the Spring semester, please email [email protected] for more information.

GlobalViewer: Keeping Classroom Tech Running Remotely

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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.