Spring 2016 Academic Technology Workshop Schedule Published

Swarthmore ITS is hosting a series of lunchtime workshops on Fridays from 12:30-1:30PM during the Spring 2016 semester. The workshops are open to all members of the Swarthmore community and will be focused on introducing new technologies in an approachable, hands-on way.  Events include: Introduction to Cloud Computing with Amazon Web Services Social Media for Departments, Groups, and Clubs Command Line Basics Help! My Files Have Been Encrypted and Are Being Held for Ransom! Academic Poster Design and Printing For the full schedule, see www.swarthmore.edu/its/its-events. Continue reading Spring 2016 Academic Technology Workshop Schedule Published

What’s New in Academic Technology for Fall 2015

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

What’s New in Classroom AV (Fall 2015)

The Media Services team in ITS has been busy making improvements to classrooms this summer. In addition to our usual upgrades to projectors and lectern computers, we’re announcing a few major new services that will be of interest to many of you. AirMedia wireless projection For years, we’ve dreamed of being able to project while moving around the classroom with a tablet or laptop. Finally, the technologies to make this possible are arriving. We’ve installed AirMedia devices in 19 classrooms around campus. Not only can instructors project, they also can allow students to project from their laptops and devices too. Wireless … Continue reading What’s New in Classroom AV (Fall 2015)

New Features in Moodle for Fall 2015

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

Moodle Updates for Spring 2015

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

Free Autodesk software available for students and educators

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