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ITC Newsletter CSM Technology Updates Faculty Spotlight Other News Software Showcase
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CSM Technology Updates
Software Requests
August 1, 2008
As we all know, another semester is upon us. As classes change, software requests will change, as well as room assignments. This e-mail is a request to have all instructors to please notify ITS of their software needs. Can you please speak with your faculty and send software requests to: russn@csmd.edu by COB Friday, August, 22th. Info to include would be: Room number, Software Needed, Class, Instructor, Start date. This will provide us ample time to fill your request prior to the semester's start date. If we receive requests after the 22th, we can not guarantee that the software will be installed prior to the class start date. Our labs are generally setup with a base configuration of software, this configuration is listed below. Thank you for your time and effort in making this another successful semester at CSM.
Microsoft Work at Home program
July 31, 2008
he Microsoft Work at Home program is available for staff and faculty members. Staff and faculty who have been approved for previous versions of MS Office can exchange the previous version for Office 2007 by bringing the disks from the previous version to the library in La Plata. If you have not previously been approved for the MS Work at Home program, you must request approval for the program. Division Chairs or Directors will email approvals for the program to circulation@csmd.edu. Once approved, you can either pick the software up at the library in LaPlata or request that it be sent directly to you through the college
mail. Questions about the MS Work at Home program can also be directed to circulation@csmd.edu or Anita Warnes (anitaw@csmd.edu).
Respondus Inc. has released Respondus 3.5.4e.
July 1, 2008
The 3.5.4e patch adds support for the importing of MS Word 2007 (.docx) files, support for version 8 of the Blackboard Learning System, enhanced "Save As" functions (including the new StudyMate Class Server XML format), and other enhancements and fixes. An overview of the enhancements is available at http://www.respondus.com/download/respondus35patch.shtml .

If Respondus 3.5 has already been installed, the easiest way to obtain the 3.5.4e update is to use the "Check for Update" feature in Respondus. Follow these steps:

* Start Respondus 3.5
* Select "Help" from the menu bar
* Click "Check for Update" (this requires a live Internet connection)
* Click "Get Update"
* Upon exiting the Respondus software, the update will automatically be applied
 
May 1, 2008:
WIMBA STATUS
The college will discontinue support for Wimba Voice Tools May 23, 2008. Wimba Voice Tools are integrated into your WebCT course. The tools consist of four different tools, including Voice Recorder, Voice Board, Voice Email, Voice Direct, and Wimba Podcaster. The decision to discontinue Wimba Voice Tools service was made after comparing the cost to the actual usage of the tools and the development of other options for voice recording.

If you currently have audio recordings made with Wimba Voice Tools, you can use the Export button on the tool to export the recording as a .WAV or .MP3 audio in archive (.zip). If you need assistance or more time to export your audio, please contact Joel Kinison, ext. 7077, joelk@csmd.edu. You will not have access to the WIMBA recordings after May 23.

An increasing number of options allow you to easily record voice with your computer. Options such as the following can be very useful to instructors who want an alternative to providing written comments:

·        Desktop recording: We recommend the use of a microphone along with a free program called, Audacity http://audacity.sourceforge.net to capture, edit and deliver your audio recording as a .mpP3 file.

·        Web Based: Along with a microphone, online services can be used to store and deliver your recording:

o       http://www.switchpod.com and http://www.Gcast.com are complete podcast hosting services.

o       http://www.springdoo.com Springdoo is a good way of sending feedback via voice. The voice message is stored on servers and the student is emailed a link to retrieve it.

·        Recording Devices: An .mp3 recording device such as an iPod or a digital voice recorder gives you the option to download audio to your computer.

·        Microsoft Office:  Word allows for the recording of audio comments by using the Reviewing Tool Bar and Insert Voice feature. PowerPoint provides the capability to add voice narration to slides under Slide Show and Record Narration.

If you need assistance please contact Joel Kinison, ext. 7077, joelk@csmd.edu.
March 3, 2008
Microsoft Work at Home Software

The college is making available the Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 software package to permanent employees who find it necessary to work from home. [more]

Improved Online Services Debuts
December 11

 

CSM upgraded its Online Express Services software. This online service, where students register and faculty input grades, offers several improvements for users, including:

 

 

  • Use your current Online Services log-in; there is no need to memorize another password.
  • Menus are easier to use with a more attractive design.
  • Clear titles and color coding help you figure out which menu you are using.
  • "That's me!" Once you log in, the system greets you by name.
  • The menus are the same, but are better organized. The content is the same, but now you can see all of the options at once. No more searching through folders to get what you need.
New Procedure for Computer Lab Access
As a rule, CSM’s computer labs are not opened until an instructor is on site. Past procedure has required instructors to call in advance to have a Public Safety officer
open the room. Response time was generally under 10 minutes, but delays occurred
when the officer was on another call. This academic year, the Public Safety
Department (PSD) will implement a new approach — at the La Plata Campus only —
that may help alleviate delays. Faculty may request an access code, using a key
request form, indicating the lab number along with the course name, date, and time. This form is on the intranet at www.hawk.csmd.edu/forms/PSD/, and must be signed by the dean or director. The access code will give the instructor room access without having to request PSD assistance. The code is for faculty only and not to be given to students.
It is everyone’s responsibility to take precautions and preventative measures to help keep CSM equipment secured. At the end of each class session, rooms and equipment should be secured. Campuses have experienced theft of expensive A/V equipment, which ultimately affects the quality of education CSM provides. Please call Public Safety, at ext. 7754 if you have additional concerns.

October 2005
Information System Security Request (ISSR) Process
The ITS department announces the use of ImageNow to manage the requests for access to network and application systems. All ISSR forms will now be submitted directly to Joellen Lawman, task/project coordinator, who is the point of contact for all ISSR inquiries. Since the form will be electronically forwarded to all the administrators, this will streamline and speed up the access process. Colleague training verification from supervisors will be also be electronically accepted via email, and the changes have been updated on the instruction sheet of the ISSR document. The ISSR form can be located on the College’s intranet at www.hawk.csmd.edu/forms/ITS/. For more information or assistance please call Joellen Lawman at ext. 7729.

September 2005
MyFiles Updates
 With Netware 6.5 users of Myfiles (http://myfiles.csmd.edu) can now upload and download multiple files.

Uploading: You can upload multiple files or folders by clicking the plus (+) button and entering or selecting additional files or folders.
Downloading: If you select multiple files or one or more folders, they will be compressed into a .zip file prior to downloading. You have the option to name the .zip file or accept the default file name assigned by NetStorage.

July 2005
CSM Expands Classroom Technology
CSM will be further updating classroom equipment to meet the needs of faculty for common
technology. The following schedule has been developed for installing smart podiums, wireless technology and televisions at each campus. (Note that not all classrooms are large enough for projection units, and television access is available in public
areas on each campus and will be available through the smart podiums.) For more information contact the Help Desk at ext. 4357.

  • Prince Frederick
    All appropriate classrooms will be equipped with smart podiums and wireless technology during FY'06.
  • La Plata
    Thirty-eight appropriate classrooms will be equipped with smart podiums during FY'06. Wireless technology will be also be installed during this time period.
  • Waldorf
    Twelve classrooms will be equipped with smart podiums during during FY'06. Wireless technology will also be installed during this time period.
  • Leonardtown
    During FY'06, 35 classrooms will be equipped with smart podiums. The final 12 classrooms will then be upgraded in FY’07 or FY’08 depending on funding availability. Wireless technology will be installed during FY'06.

May 2005
Faculty Work Room at Leonardtown Campus C106
Two new software programs were installed in the Faculty Work Room at the Leonardtown campus; Impatica for PowerPoint and Respondus. Additionally, a microphone to add PPT narration is available for use by the faculty. Paul Trent (C105), Faculty Support Manager has the headphones available for checkout. For information on how to use  Impatica for PowerPoint and Respondus view our workshop handouts web site or contact Joel Kinison, x7077, joelk@csmd.edu