Author: Andrew Ruether

Academic Technology, Faculty/Staff, Moodle

New Features in Moodle for Fall 2015

Andrew Ruether

Swarthmore ITS just updated our Moodle site to version 2.8 from version 2.6.  Some highlights from the upgarde include: An improved gradebook with a easier to use grader report, additional grading options, and new grade history report. A new text editor that is easier to use and includes accessibility checking functions.  In addition, the text editor auto-saves your work as you type. Easier quiz creation tools and ability for students to upload files for essay questions For more information on the new features, you can check out the release notes at Moodle.org: New features in Version 2.7 New features in Version 2.8 Continue reading New Features in Moodle for Fall 2015

Software

We now have unlimited MATLAB licenses

Andrew Ruether

Swarthmore now has access to an unlimited number of MATLAB licenses, including an unlimited number of licenses for each toolbox.  This is a major improvement to our license that eliminates issues with running out of MATLAB licenses during peak usage times and also greatly expands access to specialized toolboxes.    Any member of the college community can download and run MATLAB on a college or personally-owned computer using the instructions on the MATLAB software page  (login required).   Your computer must be on campus or connected to VPN to run MATLAB. No More VPN for Off Campus MATLAB Use Faculty, staff, and … Continue reading We now have unlimited MATLAB licenses

Academic Technology, Faculty/Staff, Moodle, Workshops and Training

Moodle Updates for Spring 2015

Andrew Ruether

Moodle Assignments Creating assignments is easier in the upgraded Moodle assignment activity. You will see a single Moodle activity type called “Assignment.” The options for this activity can be configured to allow for single or multiple file upload, online text, or offline activity. More information available here: https://kb.swarthmore.edu:8443/x/K4AxAQ. Academic technologists will hold two workshops on “Online Assignments in Moodle,” which will cover how to create, distribute, grade, and provide feedback for assignments using Moodle.  The workshops will take place on: Wednesday January 28, 10:30AM-11:30AM in McCabe 306 (computer classroom) Thursday January 29, 1:30PM-2:30PM in Kohlberg 326 (Language Resource Center) Turnitin … Continue reading Moodle Updates for Spring 2015

Academic Technology, Faculty/Staff, Software, Students

Free Autodesk software available for students and educators

Andrew Ruether

Autodesk, maker of high-end design software, has made a large set of its products available for free to students and educators.  Available products include: 3ds Max – 3D modeling software Inventor Professional – 3D CAD software AutoCAD – 2D CAD software Maya – tools for 3D modeling, animation, effects, and rendering Mudbox – 3D digital sculpting and texture painting software Motionbuilder – 3D character animation software for virtual production To learn more and download the software visit http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all   Continue reading Free Autodesk software available for students and educators

Academic Technology, Faculty/Staff, Moodle

Turnitin + Moodle = Elegant

Andrew Ruether

Working with Moodle and Turnitin.com just got really easy here at Swarthmore. ITS recently completed a project to fully integrate the Turnitin.com service with Moodle.  Turnitin can support you with grading, grammar, plagiarism checking, and peer review services.  It is now possible to create an assignment in Moodle and have student papers automatically submitted to Turnitin.com. Turnitin can be used to detect similarities in content to websites, journal articles, or other student papers, and can be used to do online grading, including voice annotations.  In addition, Turnitin can automatically assign student papers for peer review.  Peer review can be done anonymously, if desired. Here are … Continue reading Turnitin + Moodle = Elegant

Academic Technology, Faculty/Staff, Network, Students

Internet2 Arrives at Swarthmore

Andrew Ruether

Swarthmore ITS is pleased to announce a major network connection speed upgrade to Internet2, a blazing-fast network designed for research and education that connects schools, labs, and industry partners.  Internet2 allows faculty, staff, and students at Swarthmore to easily share large data files with collaborators at other institutions.  It also provides high speed connections to Internet2 business members such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon Web Services — things you’re probably already using here!  Your campus technologies are already taking advantage of these higher speeds. We have a 1Gbit/s connection. About 40% of our normal Internet traffic now flows … Continue reading Internet2 Arrives at Swarthmore