Category Archives: Engineering IT News

Engineering Making the Transition to Teams Calling

The University is gearing up to migrate all phone lines to Teams Calling by the end of this year. This includes all lines, including multiline configurations, which are now eligible for migration. The College of Engineering is strategically approaching this transition with a phased migration plan.

Migration requires the removal of your current physical handset, and choosing one of the two service options:

  1. Internal and external calling options:
    Your existing university phone number will transfer to Teams calling.  You will still be able to place/receive calls with external phone service numbers.  The only change is that you will use your computer instead of a traditional handset for your calls, as you would with a Teams/Zoom meeting.  You can also use a headset, earbud, or other USB/Bluetooth audio device paired with your computer for private calls and meetings.  This also applies when using Teams on your mobile device.
  2. Internal-only calling option:
    If you rarely place/receive outside calls, you can relinquish your university telephone number altogether.  With this option, you can still seamlessly place calls to other PSU faculty, staff, and students via Teams.  You can also voice/video call external parties through Teams meetings, with the caveat that those parties also have a compatible client.

If you have not migrated, you can contact your IT support team to be added to the next migration.

FAQ:

I have a multiline handset. Can I migrate?

  1. YES!

Can I forward to the Teams client ring to my cell phone?

  1. Yes, you can still forward your phone to any number you like.  If you have a smartphone, you also have the option of installing the Teams application on your smartphone.  With this option, the Teams app would ring in both locations (Office PC and smartphone app).

Can I keep my PSU telephone number, since it is already announced/known worldwide?

  1. Yes, option 1 listed above allows you to keep your University phone number.  Incoming calls will ring to the Teams app on all devices where it is installed rather than to a traditional handset.

RESOURCES:

Revamped Engineering IT Website

We are pleased to inform you about some significant changes to our IT website to make your experience more straightforward and efficient. The website has been revamped, and you can now access it at our new URL: engr.psu.edu/it.

Key Improvements:

  1. Simplified Navigation: We’ve reorganized the website layout to make it easier for you to locate the information you need.
  2. Request Support Form: Seeking assistance is now more convenient with our new support request form. Fill it out, and your request can quickly be routed to the appropriate support team.

Your feedback is important to us, so we encourage you to explore the revamped website at https://www.engr.psu.edu/it and share your thoughts.

Tech Bites – Spring 2018

Join our NCTS training staff for Tech Bites! The Tech Bites training series includes short-topic technology sessions paired with a yummy treat, kind of like a snack-sized lunch and learn!

All sessions will be from 11-11:45 AM and will follow the schedule below:

  • Jan. 25 – Effective Meetings
  • Feb. 8 – Excel: Special Treatment
  • Feb. 22 – Email Power Tips
  • March 8 – Free Graphics and the Rules to Follow
  • March 22 – Excel: Data Cleanup
  • April 12 – Zoom: Polls
  • April 26 – Box: Creating a& Organizing Folders

Registration is necessary to ensure trainers are fully prepared for the session. Let us know if you’ll be joining us at training@engr.psu.edu.

 

Tech Bites

Join our NCTS training staff for Tech Bites! Tech Bites are short topic technology sessions paired with a yummy treat, like a snack sized lunch and learn!

All sessions will be from 11-11:30 AM and will follow the schedule below:

  • January 12th – Microsoft Excel Shortcuts
  • January 26th – Mail Merge Emails
  • February 9th –  Creating PDF Forms
  • February 23rd – Creating in Canva
  • March 9th – Microsoft Word vs. Microsoft Publisher
  • March 23rd – What does your font choice say?
  • April 13th – Microsoft Excel Sparklines
  • April 27th – Video Conferencing at Penn State
  • May 11th – Creating Infographics
  • May 25th – Presenting Prezi

Registration is preferred. Let us know if you’ll be joining us at training@engr.psu.edu.

Canvas: Third-Party Learning Tools – Your Input is Needed

The Penn State Canvas team is gathering information on which third-party learning tools faculty and staff would like to be able to use in the Learning Management System. These applications include integrations from textbook publishers, participation tools, assessments, and others.

Those interested in providing input on which tools can do so via a form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezyXp9RAe9rDT8Zu1z1AgoIpa4I0IU1YH5EUlfpuxEuctCfQ/viewform.  Faculty and staff will need to provide the team with the name of the tool and whether it is known to work with the Canvas LMS. A list of functional integrations with Canvas can be found in the Edu App Center at https://www.eduappcenter.com/.

According to the Canvas team, “All submissions will be reviewed, vetted and prioritized by the LMS Academic Transition Steering Committee and the Canvas Project Team.” The results of this process will be added to the goals of Tier 3 in the Canvas integration process, slated to be addressed in 2017.

A listing of current PSU Canvas integrations and their status can be found at http://canvas.psu.edu/transition-information/integrations/.