May 5, 2008
Matlab 2008a is now available.
Matlab 2008a has been made available on OIT's GL and Research Systems (both Linux and Solaris). The license has also been renewed and updated for another year.
The default 'matlab' is still 2007a on these systems until the end of the semester, but you can use 2007b or 2008a directly as follows:
2007b can be run directly out of AFS via - /afs/umbc.edu/software/matlab/r2007b/bin/matlab
2008a can be run directly out of AFS via -
/afs/umbc.edu/software/matlab/r2008a/bin/matlab
The Windows version of 2007b is installed in OIT supported labs and the software is available via MyUMBC. The Windows version of 2008a will be available in the labs after this semester wraps up. It should be available via MyUMBC in the next week or so.
Posted by laura at 11:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 3, 2008
Using Blackboard for Job Search or RFP Committees
When the 20-member Provost Search Committee identified its four finalists, it did so using a Blackboard community to review AND rank all applicants online before meeting face-to-face to discuss their differences. Similarly, the Alternate Delivery Program has frequently used Blackboard to review faculty proposals to receive a one-time course development stipend to redesign an existing course for hybrid delivery in summer or winter sessions.
Key steps are illustrated in the following brief, "Show & Tell" videos:
Posted by fritz at 12:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
SP2008 UMBC Blackboard Update
UMBC Blackboard update is provided by the Office of Information Technology for
students, faculty and staff using Blackboard at UMBC. If you have questions or
suggestions, contact John Fritz (fritz@umbc.edu or 410.455.6596) or Bob Armstrong
(rarmstro@umbc.edu or 410.455.3885). For more information about using Blackboard,
login via myUMBC or visit http://blackboard.umbc.edu.
HEADLINES
1. SP2008 Course Shells Expire on 6/15
2. SU2008 Course Shells Created on 4/30
3. OIT Publishes FA2007 Blackboard User Survey Results
4. New myUMBC Tools Show How Good Students Use Blackboard
5. UMBC Joins Two National, Online Learning Faculty Development Networks
6. Job Opening: UMBC Blackboard Graduate Assistant
7. FYI: Using Blackboard for Job Search or RFP Committees
8. FYI: OIT to Upgrade Labs to MS Office 2007 (PC) & 2008 (Mac)
9. FYI: BbWorld'08 World Conference is July15-17
Posted by fritz at 12:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 2, 2008
Job Opening: Blackboard Graduate Assistant
OIT’s Instructional Technology & New Media unit seeks a graduate assistant to provide Blackboard support to students, faculty and staff. The person will assist with routine Bb system administration functions (e.g., course & community site creation), and development of Blackboard user support procedures and documentation. Candidates will be expected to work well in a collaborative team environment and to communicate effectively with customers from a variety of academic and administrative departments.
In the past, special projects have included design and development of the following:
UMBC Blackboard Reports
UMBC Blackboard Help
The successful candidate must be self-directed and work well communicating information to technical and non-technical users. The candidate must also be able to interact with customers of all levels in a highly professional and competent manner.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate must be an officially registered UMBC graduate student with demonstrable experience providing end-user support. The candidate must have good problem-solving skills, strong analytical and organization skills, and excellent oral/written communications skills. Experience with web application development (ideally using PHP & MySQL) is preferred.
Compensation & Hours
Term (9 Month)
Closing Date: Open until filled
Compensation: TBD by Graduate School policy (typically stipend, tuition & health)
Hours:
• PT (20 hours/week) in Fall & Spring
• FT (40 hours/week) possible in Winter & Summer
Application Process | Show Me (video)
1. Login to Blackboard via myUMBC or directly at http://blackboard.umbc.edu
2. Search for and “Enroll” in the “Blackboard User Group” organization on the Bb Community tab
3. Complete the “UMBC Bb GA” application by attaching the following:
- Cover Letter (include a brief description of how you use Blackboard now)
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial PDF version of your transcript from myUMBC
- Names of three references and how they know your work
- Note: You can “save” your application and come back, but can only “submit” it once.
Send an email to blackboard@umbc.edu when you have submitted your application using the process described above, or if you need help doing so.
Posted by fritz at 12:15 PM | TrackBack
OIT to Upgrade Labs to MS Office 2007 (PC) & 2008 (Mac)
This summer, OIT will be upgrading the Microsoft Office suite in all labs for the start of the Fall 2008 semester. Windows XP machines will be upgraded to Office 2007, and Apple machines will be upgraded to Office 2008.
Microsoft Vista is tentatively scheduled to be installed in the OIT labs beginning in Fall 2009.
Currently, OIT is working with UMBC Training Centers to offer "bridge" training for users accustomed earlier versions of MS Office as they make the transition to Office 2007 (PC) or Office 2008 (Mac). Details will be announced on the OIT News site at a later date.
Posted by fritz at 9:50 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack