We’re working hard to bring projects to completion!
Our UCIF classroom renovation in General Studies 207 is done. If you have any questions at all about use of technology podiums in classrooms where you’re scheduled to instruct, please contact me directly (stacigrimes@psu.edu, 717-749-6193) to set up a little orientation. We’ll set a 15 minute appointment when the room is available to run through all the functionality of the podium so that you’re comfortable using it in class. As always, if you experience a technical problem in any of your classrooms, please let us know immediately by calling or emailing the ITS Helpdesk (717-749-6300, helpdesk@ma.psu.edu). We can’t fix problems that we don’t know exist.
Another improvement project that we are working on this summer is in collaboration with the Library. The presentation space in the downstairs of the Library will now have a permanently mounted projector, in-ceiling speakers, and both desktop computer and laptop computer connections. This setup includes a small podium and will be very similar to the technology that we installed into the Heritage Room of the Mill Cafe.
You may be surprised at the drastic changes in the General Studies 101A main computer lab. We aren’t quite finished in that space yet. When we are done, your students will have two collaboration spaces to use, as well as standing computer stations for quick printing, another wheelchair accessible computer, and a multitude of public computers with standard lab software. The whole room has undergone a facelift, and the aesthetic changes are remarkable. Our goal is that all our hard work will yield a comfortable and welcoming space in which students can accomplish effective progress in their out of classroom learning experiences. Stop by when the semester begins and take a peek in! We’ll post photos when it’s done of the project in-progress. We thank the fine folks of the Physical Plant for their hard work in helping us assemble this room.
We were able to obtain a great discount from Dell by recycling old printers that we were no longer using. We’ve purchased and placed 8 new laserjet printers for public use in labs, classrooms, and other areas around campus!
Mont Alto Campus’ wireless network has been upgraded this summer with all new equipment, and with an additional 32 access points to increase broadcast range and accessiblity. Coverage is better than it ever has been. Let us know if you need help using your devices with the network.
iClickers are here! I have negotiated a loan from the manufacturer of iClickers for the duration of the fall semester. The ITS Department is receiving two sets of 40 i-Clickers each that will have an instructor remote and a receiver. If you’re interested in testing the technology, you’ll be able to sign out a set to use in your classes for a few days. Try to take advantage of these sets this fall – we’ll be returning them in December. There are already iClicker users on campus, and some students will be purchasing iClickers with their books to use this semester. Here’s a Penn State Adobe Connect info session on the use of the technology: https://meeting.psu.edu/clickers_record/ We do have Instructional Designer support for faculty who choose to use them, and can schedule individual meetings with that person, as well as workshop sessions.
Sci-Tech progress is coming along nicely. Our department is currently re-assembling classrooms. Sci-Tech 313 is going to have brand new computer desks at the beginning of the week next week. If you have office space in Sci-Tech and would like to request assistance with your technology setup, please contact us at the Help Desk to arrange an appointment with one of our staff.
New laptops and desktops have been disbursed this summer. If you are one of the faculty and staff who is due to receive a replacement, but you haven’t yet transferred into it, please call to make an appointment with us.
We hope that the remainder of your summer is relaxing and safe and fun. Here’s to a great kick-off of another exciting, productive semester. See you soon!
