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August 31, 2009
SPSS License Update Fall 2009
UMBC has been working with SPSS to renew the campus site license. Our current licenses will “soft expire” on August 31, 2009. During the soft expiry period users will receive a pop-up warning each time SPSS is launched. The good news is that SPSS will work normally after accepting the pop-up warning. The “hard expire” for is October 31, 2009. After this date SPSS will no longer work.
We expect to receive the new permanent license codes around the third week of September. While the UMBC PO has been received by SPSS they unfortunately will not issue permanent codes until they receive payment from the state. It is expected that SPSS will receive payment from the State of Maryland by mid September.
Posted by mikec at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 25, 2009
UMBC Blackboard Update: FA2009
UMBC Blackboard update is provided by the Division of Information Technology for students, faculty and staff using Blackboard at UMBC. If you have questions or suggestions, please visit the Blackboard Help tab inside Blackboard or directly at http://www.umbc.edu/blackboard/help/
HEADLINES
1. Challenges and Changes to UMBC Blackboard Support
2. Instructional Continuity Plans in Case of an H1N1 Closure
3. DoIT Provides Instructional Technology Drop In Sessions
4. FA2009 Bb Course Shells Created 7/30, Use Request Form if Yours Wasn’t
5. Blackboard Login “Looping” Problem is Resolved
6. Changes in Requesting AV Support or Service
7. FYI: Blackboard Synch for iPhone Now Installed
8. FYI: Bb Courses Older Than FA2003 Will Be Deleted 8/27
Posted by fritz at 4:11 PM | TrackBack
FYI: Bb Courses Older than FA2003 Will Be Deleted 8/27
As announced at the end of the Spring 2009 semester, all Blackboard courses older than Fall 2003 (six years from this fall) will be deleted.
The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has scheduled this removal for Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 7 p.m. No downtime will be required.
Posted by fritz at 1:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 24, 2009
Challenges and Changes to UMBC Blackboard Support
This summer, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), has begun to face more than our typical “back to school” challenges in providing Blackboard support to UMBC students, faculty and staff. Specifically, we have lost an employee who provided fulltime support for nine years; the campus has implemented a new student information system that provides the data for our auto course creation and enrollment scripts; and we are preparing for a possible disruption of classes due to the H1N1 flu this coming year.
In addressing these challenges, DoIT asks for your understanding as we make some necessary changes to sustain (and hopefully improve) how we provide Blackboard support to the campus.
For example:
1. We will continue to rely on the full time DoIT Help Desk staff to provide tier 1, basic Blackboard support, including all queries about Bb course creation and enrollment issues.
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In addition, Jim and Barb have helped us transition Blackboard support to DoIT’s new call tracking system, Request Tracker, or RT for short. As such, to coordinate (and document) demand for Bb support, it would be very helpful to DoIT if ALL Bb help requests are submitted using the RT request form, which is available in the myUMBC help menu or directly at http://my.umbc.edu/help/request. Alternately, you can call the help desk at 410.455.3838 or drop in by visiting Engineering Room 020.
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| Debra Arnold |
I also want to thank Debra Arnold, who is stepping up to provide day-to-day, tier 2 application support for Blackboard now that Bob Armstrong has joined the Johns Hopkins School of Engineering to support their distance education program. Deb has provided outstanding IT support and training to UMBC staff for many years, and has orbited the Bb support periphery before, by helping to support Blackboard communities and using Bb to support PeopleSoft finance and HR training. She also recently completed all requirements for her Master’s in Instructional Design at UMBC this summer.
Currently, Blackboard is used in about 50 percent of all 2,500 UMBC course sections each semester. This includes 65 percent of all 1,000 faculty and 95 percent of all 12,000 students. DoIT has a little more than two (2) FTE support staff dedicated to Blackboard user support. Admittedly, informal benchmarking with other schools has shown an average of .25 FTE for every 1,000 students supported, so we’re sized just shy of where we should be for current usage. But with the new SA challenges, possible H1N1 closures or high absenteeism, and recent staffing changes, user patience and cooperation will be appreciated this semester, and will be important in sustaining efficient and effective Blackboard support.
2. We encourage faculty within departments to continue helping each other.
Long before our current challenges, we have always relied upon and tried to facilitate faculty learning from each other. This is one reason why we publish the most active Blackboard courses by discipline, as well as the past participants in the Summer & Winter Alternate Delivery Program.
True story: I once interviewed a faculty member about student reports of her good Blackboard use (in front of colleague from her department). When we finished the interview, her colleague said: “I had no idea what you were doing. Can we have lunch?” I just smiled and realized half of my job is connecting faculty who can and want to learn from each other. Hopefully, our lists of experienced Blackboard practitioners can do the same.
Of course, if faculty providing or requesting collegial help get stuck, please consult UMBC's Blackboard Help or submit a myUMBC help request to DoIT and we’ll do our best to solve problems, provide effective workarounds or escalate the problem to Blackboard directly.
3. We will begin another experiment this year by outsourcing our Blackboard support to Presidium Learning, Inc., which provides 24/7 support, and a 95 percent first-call resolution rate.
Details are still being ironed out and will be communicated more fully, but working in concert with the DoIT help desk which will provide walk in support, all UMBC students, faculty and staff will soon be able to get 24/7 Blackboard support via phone, IM chat or an online knowledgebase. In addition, DoIT staff will be freed up for more advanced issues and opportunities, including trend and root cause analysis of our most frequent user support demands, and how these benchmark with other institutions running Blackboard installations of our size and composition.
Perhaps most importantly, if the university is closed or challenged by absenteeism for an extended period due to the H1N1 flu, Blackboard support can continue with off-site support, in case DoIT staff also get sick and can’t provide it. That said, DoIT staff will continue to provide on-site consults, preferably for small groups or cohorts from the same department, but we ask the campus community to first try to use Presidium support.
Finally, we hope the addition of Presidium will provide a much needed support structure for students, who have often had to rely on faculty for informal technical support, since there just aren’t enough DoIT support staff to meet everyone’s needs. In particular, we think the 24/7 access will be a welcome addition to students when they’re working late at night and having technical problems.
It is important to note that the agreement with Presidium is a one-year pilot only. A growing number of colleges and universities are considering or implementing outsourced support, but we want to learn the pros and cons of UMBC doing so. In addition to helping with a staffing crunch and possibly increased support due to H1N1 this year, we think it is worth conducting the pilot now as part of DoIT’s overall plan to improve end-user support.
If you have questions or suggestions about UMBC’s Blackboard support strategies, please contact me at fritz@umbc.edu or 410.455.6596.
Thanks,
John Fritz
Asst. VP, Instructional Technology & New Media
Div. of Information Technology
Posted by fritz at 4:21 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 23, 2009
Blackboard Login "Looping" Resolved
It's taken a while, but the occasional redirect "looping" problem that occurred when logging into Blackboard has been resolved. If you find otherwise, please report your experience via a myUMBC help request to the Division of Information Technology (DoIT)--preferably with precise steps and a screen shot to document the problem.
Always difficult to diagnose because it could not consistently be repeated--and never in any other application besides Blackboard--the "looping" problem was most likely solved when DoIT changed authentication systems for logging into Blackboard this summer. Specifically, UMBC's custom authentication script WebAuth, which made UMBC one of the first school's to provide users with a "single sign-on" experience, was replaced by Shibboleth, an open-source, standards-based authentication system that allows universities, businesses and government agencies to collaborate online.
Campus users may wonder why DoIT didn't make this authentication switch sooner? But while it was annoying, the looping problem wasn't frequent, and as we reported earlier, the simple workaround was to quit the browser and start over. In addition, the problem ONLY occurred in Blackboard, and we didn't want to affect other applications like webmail and myUMBC by switching to something we didn't fully understand.
For now, if you experience the redirect "looping" problem, please report it to DoIT. And if possible, try to describe or even capture the steps in a screencast or screencapture so we can diagnose it better.
Posted by fritz at 11:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 21, 2009
Changes in Requesting AV Support and Services
Similar to recent user support changes implemented by the Division of Information Technology, Audio Visual Services has adopted the new Request Tracker (RT) call tracking system. As such, AV Services will no longer be accepting requests for equipment delivery or repair by email.
Because email requests often require follow up to get more information, we ask that faculty instead use the "Request Service" form on the recently redesigned AV Services web site.
Eventually, this form will also be connected to the new myUMBC help menu, which you can use. But it does not yet provide as detailed a request as the AV services "Request Service" form. does now.
Finally, AV Services will begin exploring the use or R25, UMBC's campus scheduling system, to schedule deliveries and monitor AV use this semester. Any plans to adopt R25 for SP2010 deliveries will be announced later this semester.
For questions or suggestions about AV Services, contact Classroom Technology Manager Steven Anderson at 410.455.3680 or sanderso@umbc.edu.
Posted by fritz at 4:58 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
"UMBC In the Loop" now Weekly on the ResearchChannel
You can now catch "UMBC In the Loop" every week on the ResearchChannel (channel 16 on campus cable). The series highlights research and creative activities of the campus community.
"In the Loop" airs Wednesdays at 8:30am, 2:30 pm, 8:30pm and Thursdays at 2:30am EST
In September the ResearchChannel will air two new episodes:
September 2 - Preminda Jacob discusses her new book "Celluloid Deities" with Manil Suri
September 9 - John Rennie Short and Steve Braude talk about their recent publications.
You can also view these and past episodes anytime on UMBCTube.
Posted by shewbrid at 12:06 PM | TrackBack
August 20, 2009
UMBC Clicker Update: FA2009
FYI to all UMBC clicker faculty and students:
The following information is available on the UMBC Clickers Blackboard Community (myUMBC login required):
Note: Enrollment in the Bb "Clickers" community is separate from the "Clickers" email listserve. To be enrolled in either community, submit a myUMBC help request.
Posted by fritz at 9:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
FYI: Blackboard Synch for iPhone Now Installed
The Blackboard Synch for iPhone has been tested and installed on UMBC's Blackboard production system. Used primarily to stay current on recent announcements, document uploads and discussion postings, instructions for downloading and installing the iPhone app are available on the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Knowledge Base.
Posted by fritz at 5:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 17, 2009
Suggestions for Instructional Continuity in Case of An H1N1 Outbreak
Earlier this summer, Provost Elliot Hirshman, in consultation with the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), sent an advisory to all faculty about why and how they might want to consider teaching online in the event of an extended closure of campus due to an H1N1 "Swine Flu" outbreak. The full text of the advisory follows:
Context
In response to the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of an H1N1 level 6 flu pandemic, the University needs to move rapidly to facilitate instructional continuity in the event of a campus closure. Instructional continuity is absolutely essential to ensure the academic progress of our students and the financial stability of the University should the campus be forced to close due to pandemic flu.
The steps proposed here are designed to address the circumstance in which campus is closed, but the information technology infrastructure of the campus remains intact. In this circumstance, remote instruction/distance learning will be necessary to continue courses.
The University recognizes that faculty members may wish to use different approaches to remote instruction and respects the rights of faculty members to pursue any of a range of available approaches. The University also recognizes that some courses (e.g., courses requiring access to specialized equipment or materials) may be difficult to continue remotely. The goal is to continue as many courses as possible to maintain academic progress and financial stability.
Specific Procedures
Some faculty members may teach courses that permit remote instruction, but they may not be familiar with the technology necessary to carry out this instruction. The following steps are designed to assist these faculty members prepare for remote instruction in the most convenient manner possible.
Step 1: If they are not already, all faculty members who are teaching courses in the fall semester should become familiar with the basic functioning of Blackboard. To access tutorial instructions, visit http://www.umbc.edu/blackboard/help or log in to Blackboard via myUMBC (or directly at http://blackboard.umbc.edu) and review the “Blackboard Help” tab at the top of the screen. Faculty may want to visit the “Getting Started” link first.
All Blackboard courses have a student manual (under “tools”) and an instructor manual (under “control panel”), but Faculty members should be able to carry out three basic functions:
- Turn their UMBC Blackboard course on. |
- Post documents (e.g., a syllabus) on blackboard. |
- Send an E-mail to all class members. |
Step 2: Faculty members should consider the lecture, document or presentation posting and discussion requirements of their fall courses. The material below indicates how to use Blackboard to accomplish these tasks remotely. Faculty members should conduct a trial or practice usage of the referenced capacities to ensure that they can post materials remotely and students can access these materials, if necessary.
For Audio Lectures:
- Record lecture using an MP3 recorder or Microphone (recorders will be distributed to academic departments for usage from DoIT) and upload the recording using Blackboard's file upload capacity (N.B., the process for recording and posting MP3 files can be learned in less than ½ hour and will be critical to instructional continuity in some courses.)
- Through the hybrid learning website, you can learn many other “effective practices” for how to create and publish online audio or video lectures: visit http://www.umbc.edu/oit/hybrid/practice.
For Discussions (text-based):
- For asynchronous (not at the same time, not at the same place) text-based communication, use the Blackboard Discussion Board capacity.
- For synchronous (same time, but not at the same place) text-based communication (often known as “chat”), use Blackboard’s built in “Virtual Classroom” capacity (under the “Communications” course menu).
Document and Presentation Posting
- Use Blackboard’s document upload capacity referenced above.
Additional Guidance from DoIT
- For faculty members who have mastered the above-referenced approaches, OIT STRONGLY RECOMMENDS using “Wimba Classroom” for synchronous text-based chat. In addition to being more stable and full-featured than Bb’s built in “virtual classroom,” Wimba can also allow you and your students to use voice-based email, discussions and real-time synchronous chat. It takes a little time to learn the effective protocols for conducting synchronous text or voice-based discussions or chats without everyone talking at once, but with practice, it can be done.
- For more information on using Wimba, visit the UMBC Wimba guides and tutorials on the UMBC Blackboard Help tab, or Wimba’s own support site at http://www.wimba.com/services/support.
- Through the hybrid learning website, you can learn many other “effective practices” for managing and assessing online discussions or chats: visit http://www.umbc.edu/oit/hybrid/practice.
Resources Available to Support Faculty
In addition to the on-line tutorials referenced above, there are two forms of assistance available to faculty members.
- Peer assistance from faculty and staff colleagues is available. Deans will be working with Department Chairs and other members of the Council of Deans to identify peers who are available to consult with faculty members as they become more familiar with the referenced instructional technologies. Examples include the following:
- DoIT staff are available for additional consultation
- John Fritz, Asst VP, Instructional Technology & New Media (410.455.6596 or fritz@umbc.edu)
- Debra Arnold, IT Training Support Specialst (410.455.3234 or darnold@umbc.edu)
- Jim Keys, Help Desk Consultant (410.455.3127 or keysj@umbc.edu)
- Joan Costello, Classroom Technology/Wimba (410.455.3685 or jcoste1@umbc.edu)
- John Fritz, Asst VP, Instructional Technology & New Media (410.455.6596 or fritz@umbc.edu)
Posted by fritz at 4:01 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
GL Linux rolling upgrade Monday August 24th 7-9am
On Monday, August 24th the GL Linux login servers (gl.umbc.edu) will be undergoing system upgrades from 7am to 9am. The upgrades will be conducted in a rolling fashion, so at least one server will be up during this time in order to minimize the service interruption. Because we are rolling the servers through, it is important that you connect to gl.umbc.edu instead of trying to connect directly to an individual server. You can read a little more about the upgrade in the release notes:
https://spaces.umbc.edu/display/CIG/DoIT+Linux+Environment+Release+Notes+%28Fall+2009%29
Posted by laura at 11:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 14, 2009
FA2009 Bb Course Shells Created 7/30, Use Request Form if Yours Wasn't
As is our practice normally, Fall 2009 Bb shells have been created for all courses listed in UMBC's official Schedule of Classes (SOC) on 7/30/09. By default, a Bb course shell is unavailable (to students) until the instructor of record makes it "available."
INSTRUCTORS: If your course was not listed in the SOC on 7/30/09 OR a cross-list with another course was not officially indicated in the SOC, please submit a Bb Course Creation Request.In addition, if you or your department intended one Blackboard course to be "cross-listed" or "associated" with another course, this needs to appear in UMBC's official Schedule of Classes for Blackboard to automatically do so. Please contact the registrar’s office to make official cross-lists, so that all students will be properly enrolled in the correct Blackboard course shell.
STUDENTS: You MUST be officially enrolled in a UMBC course via myUMBC to be "auto-enrolled" in a Bb course "shell." You will see them when they have been made "Available" to students by the instructor.
If you have questions or need help, please consult the Blackboard Help tab inside Blackboard or directly at www.umbc.edu/blackboard/help, or contact the DoIT Help Desk at 410.455.3838, ECS Room 020 or submit a help request via myUMBC or directly at http://my.umbc.edu/help/request
Posted by fritz at 4:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
DoIT Offers Informal 60 minute Technology "Drop-In" Sessions
With the start of the semester right around the corner, DoIT wants to help faculty prepare for this busy time by conducting drop in sessions for AV services, Blackboard and Wimba.
| Date | AV | Blackboard | Wimba |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | LH1 (11 am) LH2 (1 pm) | ECS025 (10 am) | *IMC (11 am) |
| 8/25 | LH3 (11 am) LH4 (1 pm) | ECS025 (1 pm) | |
| 8/26 | LH 7 (11 am) Note: LH8 is identical to LH7 | ECS025 (10 am) ECS025 (1 pm) | IMC (11 am) |
| 8/27 | LH 5 (12 pm - this is a change) | ECS025 (10 am) ECS025 (1 pm) | |
| 8/31 | LH 9 (11 am) | ECS025 (10 am) ECS025 (1 pm) | |
| 9/1 | ECS025 (10 am) ECS025 (1 pm) | ||
| 9/2 | ACIV 204 (12 pm) | ECS025 (12 pm) | IMC (12 pm) |
| 9/3 | ECS025 (1 pm) | ||
| 9/4 | ACIV 204 (12 pm) | IMC (12 pm) | |
| 9/9 | ACIV 204 (12 pm) | ||
| 9/11 | ACIV 204 (12 pm) | ||
| *IMC - International Media Center, Academic IV B Wing, Room 219 | |||
AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES DROP-INS | Support Site
AV Services will be hosting informal drop-in tutorials for UMBC faculty
and staff on the use of the AV equipment housed in lecture halls. Topics to be covered include:
• using your laptop to provide video and audio to the projector
• playing content through the projector with the VCR and DVD players
• using the local computer for content
• where applicable, using the document camera for content instead of a whiteboard
• lighting and sound options
AV Services will also hold open drop-in tutorials for faculty and
staff on equipment usage in classrooms and lecture halls during free hour (12-1 pm).
As always, AV Services will schedule individual tutorials on an as needed/by
appointment basis. Please call X52461 to make arrangements.
BLACKBOARD DROP-INS | Support Site
DoIT will be hosting drop in sessions for Blackboard so that faculty can have their questions answered and work with someone to resolve any issues.
WIMBA DROP-INS | Support Site
Wimba Classroom is a real-time, virtual classroom environment designed for distance education, hybrid classes and collaboration and supports audio, video, application sharing, and archiving. Faculty can conduct class, hold office hours or set up group work spaces. Voice Tools include:
• Voice Board - a recorder tool
• Voice Direct - an aural chat
• Voice Presentation - describe slides
• Podcaster
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