Author: Andrew Ruether

Workshops and Training

Spring 2016 Academic Technology Workshop Series Begins with Introduction to GitHub

Andrew Ruether

Swarthmore College ITS is hosting a series of Lunchtime Academic Technology Workshops this spring for students, staff, and faculty. Topics include software version control with GitHub, Social Media for Departments, Groups, and Clubs, Ransomware, Cloud Computing with Amazon Web Services, and academic poster design. All the workshops are held on Fridays from 12:30PM to 1:30PM. A full schedule will be published later this week. The series starts with an “Introduction to GitHub” workshop on Friday January 22, 2016 from 12:30PM to 1:30PM in the McCabe Computer Classroom (room 306). In this workshop, participants will learn how to create their own … Continue reading Spring 2016 Academic Technology Workshop Series Begins with Introduction to GitHub

Software, Web Projects

New version of Chrome is causing some issues

Andrew Ruether

The latest release of the Google Chrome browser (version 45+) has implemented some changes that can affect the appearance and performance of web pages.  The updates are designed to make Chrome use less memory and run faster, but have had some side effects that may cause problems. The latest version of Chrome has disabled support for many plug-ins including Java and Silverlight.  Content that worked in the past may not display any longer. Chrome will now “auto-pause Flash content that’s not central to a website.”  If you have a site with a video or other multimedia content that is not functioning, … Continue reading New version of Chrome is causing some issues

Academic Technology, Classroom and Conferencing Technologies, Faculty/Staff, Moodle, Software, Workshops and Training

What’s New in Academic Technology for Fall 2015

Andrew Ruether

ITS has spent the summer improving our core services and implementing new projects to help with your teaching and research. Today, we’d like to call your attention to some of the additions and changes that you might not have heard about. Classroom A/V Updates: Media Services has updated many rooms this summer. (19 classrooms even have wireless projection capability!) For the full list see the “What’s New in Classroom AV” blog post: https://blogs.swarthmore.edu/its/blog/2015/08/26/whats-new-in-classroom-av-fall-2015/. SensusAccess: Accessibility of course materials is essential to make sure that all students can participate fully in the academic program. SensusAccess is an online service which converts … Continue reading What’s New in Academic Technology for Fall 2015

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