Desire2Learn
Posted: April 23, 2012 Filed under: Resources and Services, Updates and Upgrades | Tags: learning management system, learning resources, replace ULearn Leave a comment »In January 2013, Desire2Learn will become Georgia State University’s central learning management system. The new system will replace uLearn, Georgia State University’s current Blackboard/WebCT learning management system.
Desire2Learn will be hosted and maintained by the University System of Georgia (USG). The university will work with the USG to provide a smooth transition to the new system, including training, support resources and assistance with content migration.
Features of Desire2Learn that you can use to promote an improved online learning experience include:
- The integration of social learning tools, such as wikis and blogs.
- Access from mobile devices, such as the iPad and iPhone.
- An easy-to-use and flexible grade book that you can customize to fit your individual course.
- An efficient and extensive calendar tool that allows you to create, print, and view a clear timeline of course events in a single environment.
- The ability to easily upload multiple files at once.
- A flexible toolset that allows for expansion as technology evolves.
OrgSync for Student Orgs
Posted: April 10, 2012 Filed under: Events, Software | Tags: build website, classes, orgsync, student organizations, training, web design, website Leave a comment »
All student organizations at GSU have to register and renew their groups through a central system called OrgSync, so you’ve probably heard of it. But did you know that OrgSync features a broad selection of tools that can help you run your organization better? It keeps all of your information in one place:
- Communication tools (Contact books, messaging, discussion boards, polls)
- Calendars with easy sharing and tagging
- Event lists with RSVP option
- Documents, photo and video storage
- To-do list allows you to assign tasks to group members
- Easy form creation, sharing and data storage
- Treasury information for payments, dues, invoices, etc.
- Website builder for your external website.
Training
The University offers overview trainings for OrgSync as well as a specific Website-Builder training class.
The final overview class before Fall will be this Friday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the Student Center, room 330. The trainers will be able to give you a walk-through of the product or to answer specific questions you have about your implementation.
The Website Builder is an excellent tool for helping you manage your organization’s site from year to year. Because your members should already have OrgSync accounts (with FacebookConnect), it is easy to assign new administrator roles to your members, allowing them to work on your website without losing log-in or content information. There is a basic layout provided for all organizations, but you can make the site your own using custom style sheets. OrgSync modules can easily share your stored/internal information to your external website, based on permissions you set.
Whether you launch a basic site, or use all the bells and whistles, the platform can help you promote your organization’s work to the public, to other students and organizations. Website Builder classes are offered every Wednesday at 3 p.m., through May 30. Space is limited in each class, so be sure to RSVP by filling out the form first.
If you’re a newly elected officer for your group, definitely try to make one of these trainings, and make the most out of this free tool.
Questions? Contact me at emily(at)gsu.edu.
Securing your computing device
Posted: March 26, 2012 Filed under: Software, Tips | Tags: antivirus software, firewall, laptop, security, tablet Leave a comment »Like most of us, your life is probably saved on some computing device (laptop, desktop, tablet) - from school papers to pictures from vacation. With such important data it is important to secure it. Two ways to secure are: a good firewall and antivirus software.
When it comes to firewalls there are many to choose from. Some are easy to set up, while some require tech expertise.
To start, check if your operating system has a built in firewall. Then, check with your ISP provider if your service includes firewall software. It is likely that one or both will. If all else fails, visit a computer store where the staff can help pick out the best firewall software for your needs.
Antivirus software is a bit more complicated, because there are so many options.
Some options are free and some have associated costs or fees. As with the firewall check, ask your ISP provider to see if your service includes it first. If they don’t, consider using free versions to start. These can be found from many popular download sites. For the most part, the free antivirus software will do the job, but you can always visit your local computer store to buy one if you prefer.
Overall it is good to have firewall and antivirus software to protect your computing device. By having this protection it will help reduce the cost and frustration of potential problems and data loss.
Openings for Technology GRAs . . .
Posted: March 23, 2012 Filed under: General, Personnel Leave a comment »The College of Law Technology department is hiring GRAs for the 2012 summer semester. Technology GRAs report to Yolanda Travis, Help Desk Manager, and assist with Help Desk incidents and classroom technology requests.
Technology GRAs requirements are as follows:
- The student must have previous customer service skills and proven troubleshooting skills.
- The student must have completed the first year full-time program. (or Dean’s approval)
- To be eligible for a tuition waiver the student must be enrolled for a minimum of 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semester or 6 credit hours during the summer term.
- The student cannot take an academic overload during the semester of employment.
- The student cannot serve as a student assistant or any other employment category in another department or college except as a research assistant during the semester of employment.
Technology GRAs should be available to work 9 hours during the weekdays between the hours of 8:00 am to 9:30 pm. To apply for this position, please download and submit a completed application, resume, and your anticipated Summer class schedule to Yolanda Travis by Friday, April 6, 2012, in UL628.
Yoga Class Spring Series
Posted: March 12, 2012 Filed under: Resources and Services | Tags: relaxation, stress management, stress reduction, Yoga Leave a comment »Need assistance managing stress and increasing relaxation? Sign up for a Yoga series.
Start Date: 3/16/2012 Start Time: 12:00 PM
End Date: 3/16/2012 End Time: 1:00 PM
This event recurs on Friday every week until 1/3/2014.
Employee Development & Wellness is sponsoring a series of Yoga Classes for Georgia State University faculty, staff & students. Try 1-hour class of gentle yoga, emphasizing stress reduction and relaxation. Come take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for stress reduction & reduction!
Spring 2012 Yoga Locations and Dates
Contact Information:
Name: Kiana Stephenson
Phone: (404) 413-3342
Email: edws@gsu.edu
Smartphones are everywhere!
Posted: February 22, 2012 Filed under: General | Tags: mobile, nielsen, polls, smart-phone, smartphone Leave a comment »Question:
Let’s say you are working hard for the money, sharing accommodations and living on ramen. Would you still shell out your hard-earned cash to keep your smart-phone up and running? According to a recent study by Nielsen, you probably would. Read the rest of this entry »
Technology Available in the Law Library
Posted: February 16, 2012 Filed under: Resources and Services, Tips | Tags: cables, cameras, cassette, CD, check out, circulation desk, equipment, flip video, headphones, Law Library, library resources, remote controls, Star Wars, typewriter Leave a comment »The Law Library has always been an earlier adopter and champion of technology at the College of Law. Ever since the days of the dedicated catalog, Westlaw, and Lexis terminals, the Law Library has provided technology and research assistance to the College of Law community.
QR Codes (those odd square barcodes)
Posted: February 14, 2012 Filed under: Resources and Services, Tips | Tags: google goggles, Help Desk, QR apps, QR codes, quick response, short link, short URL, targets Leave a comment »What are QR codes and how do I use them?
A QR Code™ (“Quick Response”) is a two-dimensional graphic that can contain any type of textual information in a form that can be easily read by a smart phone or other scanner. Read the rest of this entry »
On-Line Training at GSU with Lynda.com
Posted: January 30, 2012 Filed under: Resources and Services, Tips | Tags: graphics, On-line training, photoshop, technology tools Leave a comment »Lynda.com is the premier online learning provider of creative technology training. The service offers a library of training in subject areas such as animation, audio and video editing, software development, photography, and graphic and web design.
You can learn popular creative software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Garage Band, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie, and brush up your skills in business productivity software such as Excel, Access, PowerPoint and more. Training in professional technology tools such as Drupal, Pro Tools, Ruby on Rails, C Programming and HTML 5 are also available. The site also provides information about the creative process, including documentaries from artists, filmmakers, and designers who offer professional advice and inspiration.
The service is free to Georgia State University’s students, faculty, and staff. Simply sign on from within the university’s network, then watch and learn to enhance your skills today!
Learn more: http://www.gsu.edu/ist/training/lynda.html
GSU Mobile App
Posted: January 30, 2012 Filed under: Software, Tips | Tags: Android, android market, app, campus events, georgia state university, GSU, GSU campus news, GSU mobile app, iPhone, itunes store, mobile Leave a comment »From GSU.edu:
Looking for GSU news on the go? Need a refresher on the GSU fight song? Lost on campus and looking for a map? The Georgia State University app is here.
Powered by Straxis Technology, the Georgia State University app allows users to access news, events, videos and more on their smart phones. The app works with both iPhones and Androids.
Download the free GSU app for your iPhone from the App store or for your Droid in the Android Market. Look for the GSU flame and start exploring. Now you can find an available admissions officer or a specific book in the library all from your phone.
Read more about the GSU app at GSU.edu.
