What's New in IT?
From the IT Group:
While some of you were away for the summer, the IT Group worked hard on campus technology to make improvements, new enhancements and refresh already existing technologies to help ensure a successful academic year our students. Here are a few you might notice:
Wireless Project Pilot
The IT group is currently running a pilot on wireless projection in 15 classrooms. We are experimenting using an Apple TV device that uses Airplay to connect wirelessly to mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and phones. Apple TV is naturally designed for iOS/Apple devices; however, there are apps and programs available for windows and android devices that will work with Airplay. This pilot is only the beginning of our research for quality wireless projection. Feedback from the pilot can be submitted to the HelpDesk at 358-2532 or email helpdesk@keene.edu.
What opportunities does this bring to a classroom?
- Makes it easier for presenters to connect while using their own mobile devices. (laptops, phones, iPads, other tablets etc.)
- Gives the presenter more mobility.
- Opens up the opportunity to use mobile devices as wireless document cameras that you can draw notes on, record, and save.
- Gives students the chance to join presentations by connecting their own devices.
Our pilot includes the following rooms:
- Elliot 236
- Huntress 002
- Huntress 005
- Huntress 009
- Huntress 012
- Joslin 108
- Joslin 302
- Joslin 303
- Gym 121
- MAC 152
- MAC 160
- Morrison 109
- Rhodes S203
- Science 127
- Science 332
Monadnock Hall Wireless Pilot
The IT Group is on the verge of selecting the next generation of wireless equipment (capable of supporting latest protocols) for the KSC campus. We have chosen Monadnock Hall to pilot the new equipment this semester. They will be providing feedback for this new service in regards to wireless speed, reliability, ease of use and overall service. The project is underway and started with a “Thank you” pizza party with Monadnock students for their anticipated assistance!
Office 365 for students
The IT Group has moved students to Office 365! Students now enjoy all the benefits of Office 365 (including Outlook Web) and can access it from the web directly or through MyKSC, the student portal. With Office 365, students also have access to Microsoft Office web apps and to One Drive for cloud storage.
What does this mean for faculty/staff?
- There is no change in student email addresses. Students will continue to have the same email address (first.last@ksc.keene.edu).
- There is no change in how you currently communicate today with students via email.
- When you open your address book, all faculty/staff and student email addresses will be available.
- MyKSC will continue to be the student portal for course registration, accessing grades, requesting transcripts, paying bills, student announcements, and surveys.
Office 2013 and OneDrive
Office 2013 is available to faculty/staff who would like to upgrade from Office 2010. Office 2013 in collaboration with Office 365 provides One Drive cloud storage allowing you to securely store your documents in the cloud and edit them from anywhere. Microsoft Office web apps and mobile apps are also available. The IT Group will be moving users to Office 2013 in the months ahead, but are giving you the option to be an early adopter. If you are interested, please contact the HelpDesk at 358-2532 or email helpdesk@keene.edu for instructions.
IT Group web redesign
The IT Group website was redesigned and given a fresh, new look. Information has been reorganized and streamlined. Our news and announcements are located on our homepage where you will find our weekly maintenance windows and any critical incidents as they are happening. “How Do I” is where you ask a question and find the answer to your most frequently asked questions! Curious about what campus IT Projects are underway? Visit http://www.keene.edu/office/itg/about-itg/ to see what was accomplished in FY15 and where we’re headed in FY16. Finally, don’t forget to bookmark the IT Group website for quick access!
Classroom & Computer Lab Maintenance
All of the campus public, specialized computer labs and Smart Carts were reimaged and refreshed, while others were upgraded with new computers and/or software. All KSC classrooms are now digitalized and each Smart Cart now contains an Extron controller.
VHS removal
Goodbye to VHS in the classroom. The last VHS tapes and reliable players were made in 2008 and the IT Group will be removing all VHS players from KSC classrooms over winter break. If you currently use VHS tapes for instruction, here are some options available to you:
Research: Is there a more current production of your VHS tape? (Ex. Digital online copy, DVD, Library Resource).
If not, you can either:
- Contact media librarian Amanda Scull at ascull@keene.edu and she can help you find another copy or similar alternative based on the content you are looking for. (She would be happy to help you find the resource, however it will be up to you to make the purchase of the resource if applicable.) OR
- Make your own copy of the VHS tape with a DVD burner. It is important that you only do this under the circumstance that a digital version does not already exist and that you keep the original VHS tape as proof of purchase. This will protect you against copyright laws.
If additional assistance is required, please contact the HelpDesk.
HelpDesk hours and contact info
As always, the HelpDesk is dedicated to the distribution and support of standard technologies used by employees of Keene State College - including desktop computers, classroom technology, major applications, telecommunications equipment, and access to the campus network.
The HelpDesk is open Monday – Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feel free to stop by our office on the 2nd floor of Elliot hall, call 358-2 email helpdesk@keene.edu or visit our website at www.keene.edu/helpdesk.
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