As the fall semester gets underway, Campus Technology Services wants to provide some important updates regarding technology and support.
CTS Help Desk
Please contact us through email, self-service or phone, first, so we can offer remote support. If we are unable to assist remotely, we will schedule an on-site appointment working through our new reservation system which will be available and announced soon. This will help us maintain social distancing protocols and keep density low. Our contact us web page has our full schedule posted.
Computer Labs and ATCs
These spaces have been adjusted to accommodate the lower densities related to social distancing. In some areas, computers that are unable to be in service have been removed. In other areas, a sign has been posted on the monitors indicating the computers are not available for use and the keyboards and mice removed.
All classrooms scheduled for the fall semester have installed webcams. Sheldon and Hewitt Ballrooms have been converted into Advance Technology Classrooms (ATCs) and outfitted with standard podium controls. Larger classrooms where microphones are present have been supplied with disposable sanitary lapel mic covers.
Zoom has been installed on all the ATC computers. The computers have also been updated with operating system and security updates.
We are asking the community to help clean equipment by wiping it down before and after use. Facilities has supplied each space with 3H hand sanitizer spray and paper towels that can be used for this purpose. To make cleaning a little easier, keyboard and mouse covers are installed in classrooms that have multiple classes scheduled. Note the mouse covers actually cover the mouse wheel used to scroll up and down a web page. Please use the horizontal and vertical scroll bars in the browser window. For spaces that only have one class scheduled, we are asking faculty to assign students to specific computers so they are always using the same keyboard and mouse. We have added a reminder at login to assist with the cleaning. CTS will disinfect scheduled classrooms and ATCs managed by us on a regular schedule.
The college has produced a classroom health and safety video to help answer any questions you may have regarding classroom use and cleaning.
Blackboard Updates
Blackboard was upgraded on 8/20 and provides some new features along with a new authentication method. Please use your full email address instead of your Laker NetID as your username. Certain Blackboard add-ons such as iClicker, Panopto and Qwickly have also been updated. As a reminder, Blackboard Collaborate is no longer available with Zoom being the campus preferred video meeting platform. The Zoom integration with Blackboard has been updated so that a Zoom account will automatically be provisioned if you don’t already have one.
The Online Learning Portal web site and Student Online Learning Portal web sites have recently been updated with the latest tips and support information. Further support can be initiated through the CTS Help Desk.
Zoom Video Meeting Updates
As mentioned above, Zoom has been installed on the computers in the ATCs. There is also an integration with Blackboard for faculty to use and provision their accounts. All others who would like to schedule meetings can submit a Zoom account request.
Web Page Updates
We have updated the telecommuting, online teaching and student learning web pages used last spring to assist with technology tips, needs and support.