Fall 2024 Faculty Technology Update
- Adebayo, Daniel
Summer is coming to a close and the SPU community is beginning to return in mass to campus. It's been a busy summer in CIS. Whether you are instructing in-person classes, 100% online, or hybrid, there are steps you can take to make sure campus technology is a valuable resource and not a stumbling block. Please, add checking out your classrooms and updating your computer to your return to campus plans. Click on the links to the right or scroll down for details and to see campus technology updates we want to share with you.
The CIS HelpDesk
CIS Helpdesk ContactSubmit a CIS Helpdesk Ticket Office HoursSummer Hours (through Sept. 27th) Academic Hours (beginning Sept. 30) Walk-in hours |
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Need help with Banner or logging in to Canvas? Computer running slowly or might have a virus? CIS is here to help!
Plan Your Return to Campus
Make Sure Your Windows Computer is Ready for the School Year
If your computer has not been on the campus network or isn't connected to the Always on VPN ("SPU-AOVPN") in some time it will likely need to run several hours of updates and security patches when you connect to the campus network. Avoid this disruption by connecting to a campus VPN prior to returning or plan your schedule around updates running when you return. If your computer is not able to connect to the SPU-AOVPN, please schedule an appointment with the CIS HelpDesk to make sure your computer can connect to campus and is receiving all its security patches.
Is Your Computer Connected to SPU?
CIS works behind the scenes to make sure your SPU-issued Windows computer is updated with the latest security patches, performing optimally, and has access to the SPU Software Center. Device management is crucial in protecting and securing sensitive information, and you can do your part by making sure your SPU computer connects to our management domain.
To ensure your device is secure and connecting properly, please follow the instructions on the Software Center page to load and install an application (we recommend using this time to make sure Zoom is on the current version 5.10.7). If you are unable to load the Software Center or the installation does not succeed, please contact CIS so we can make sure this service, as well as other update services are running correctly on your computer.
For Windows 11 devices, the same can be said for Company Portal since Windows 11 does not carry Software Center. For more information on Company Portal and its use, please refer to this SPU wiki page.
Software Updates
Some software tools, such as Zoom, won't work unless you are on the current version. Make sure these tools are updated before you need them in class. If you didn't already install the latest version of Zoom from the Software Center on your computer (see above), do so now and check if other software updates are available.
Office Equipment
Gather any office equipment that you took home for the summer. Possible items may include your computer, monitor(s), docking station, cables, keyboard, mouse, printer, headset, webcam, office chair, etc. Carefully package your equipment when transporting to avoid costly damage.
Please Check Your Classrooms in Advance!
Windows 11
Since Windows 10 will no longer be supported after 2025, we have begun the transition for moving all SPU-managed devices to Windows 11. Over the summer, we successfully upgraded all classroom podium computers to Windows 11. The upgrade process for academic and lab computers will continue throughout the year, and we will keep you informed as these upgrades take effect. For faculty laptops, the CIS team will coordinate with departments to facilitate this upgrade.
For more information on Windows 11 and how to familiarize yourself with the new OS, please visit our Windows 11 training resources on the SPU Wiki.
In-Person Classes
Stop by your classroom and log in to the podium computer or try plugging in your laptop if you plan to use it for your lessons to make sure you have the right adaptors. Do a quick run-through of a presentation and test any specialized software. If you spot any problems, please contact the CIS Help Desk at 206-281-2982 or www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk.
If you need a refresher on how to operate the podium PCs or other presenting technologies in classrooms, please first refer to the recorded lesson on SPU Classroom Technology. To schedule a one-on-one training with a CIS technician, please contact the CIS HelpDesk at 206-281-2982 or www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk.
If you might need to record or stream your in-person class to support a student not able to be in the room, please test your webcam and microphone with the computer in the classroom (or be prepared to bring your laptop). If you have any questions about recording with Zoom or Panopto, sharing the recording with your class, or need a webcam and microphone please contact Educational Technology and Media at etmhelp@spu.edu for advice as soon as possible.
Please do not unplug, power off equipment, or move computer podium cables. Before leaving your classroom, please return the podium equipment exactly how you found it. |
Online Classes
If you will teach online, please ensure you have a Canvas course set up. If you are teaching synchronously, please also familiarize yourself with setting up a Zoom class and make sure Zoom is updated to the latest version. Start here for information about features available on Zoom and how to get signed up. A Zoom Licensed account should be used for any class instruction. This will allow you to host a class over Zoom class of unlimited duration and with up to 300 participants.
CIS Staffing Shortage
Like many administrative offices, CIS continues to experience staffing shortages. The dedicated folks in CIS thank you in advance for your patience as we churn through your support requests at a slower pace than either of us would like.
Classrooms and Technology
With all podiums now upgraded to Windows 11, in addition to becoming familiar with Windows 11, there are two changes we want to highlight for using the classrooms with podiums that we want you to know.
Please note that you will now need to sign in with full SPU Email (including the "@spu.edu") as the username when signing into podiums.
All podiums will now default to extended display on classroom monitors.
When first signing into the classroom podium, the monitors are set up to Extended Display by default. This means the classroom monitors will not mirror the main screen (which has been our practice in previous years); instead, each monitor will display separate content. You can move your cursor and windows between these screens.
If you'd prefer all monitors to display the same content as the main screen, you can change the setting to Duplicate Display. For step-by-step instructions, please refer to this SPU wiki page. Please note that by changing these settings, this will remain the same for the next person using the same classroom. |
Classroom Changes and Updates
In addition to the changes made last year to classroom spaces to bring integrated hybrid features to campus, the rooms below have also been updated or are in process of being upgraded. Please read below for more information.
Peterson Hall 302
This summer, we simplified the AV system in PET302 to a laptop-only classroom. Now users can plug in their laptop to one USB-C cable that connects them to power, a mouse, keyboard, and new lightweight and flexible document camera. The document camera can be used in a standalone application on your laptop or within video conferencing software, like Teams or Zoom. You can find the document camera instructions on this wiki page.
Additionally, the TVs that were already installed in this space have been left for direct connection via an HDMI cable.
These updates along with a QR code of those doc cam instructions have been posted in the room to guide users through the changes.
Demaray Hall 356
We would also like to remind campus of our spring project to add hybrid capabilities to DH356. This room is also now laptop-only with the same new document camera that integrates into your laptop, as well as a PTZ camera and lapel microphone for conferencing or recording lectures.
This room also has a sign posted to indicate room changes and instructions on how to operate the hybrid features. Navigate to this wiki page for those instructions.
Eaton Hall 112 and OMH 109 Lecture Halls
These lecture halls are also currently in the process for hybrid classroom upgrades. These upgrades will be completed by the start of the school year.
SPU Classroom Technology Training
CIS has published various technology training videos over the past year including one co-hosted with ETM on Classroom Technology. You can find this and other recordings here.
Subjects covered specifically in the SPU Classroom Technology video are:
00:00-25:45 - review of existing technology in classrooms (computer podium, projector controls, document camera), troubleshooting potential technology issues
25:45-38:00 - recording lessons in an on-campus classroom (Panopto), hardware needed to record, recording challenges in the classroom
You are welcome to live stream from the classroom, however live streaming in classrooms is currently not supported by CIS or ETM. |
Emergency Classroom Support
Even with good preparation it is always possible that some technology will not function as expected in the classroom. It is CIS's priority to assist you in these cases.
If you run into technology problems in your classroom, call the CIS HelpDesk at 206-281-2982. We will do everything we can to provide assistance on the phone or dispatch a technician to your room as soon as possible.
Our goal is to correct technology issues before they turn into a classroom crisis. If you experience any trouble at all during a class period but can't wait for support, please be sure and let us know about it later by emailing us at help@spu.edu.
Software in Classrooms and Academic Labs
All classroom and lab computers have a broad range of software installed and configured, but please let the CIS HelpDesk know if anything is missing. Additionally, if there are any new software needs, please inform the CIS HelpDesk as soon as possible. There is often a review and testing process required for new software.
For more information on how to request new software for academic computers or how to request an update to existing software, see here.
Protecting Student Privacy
We all value our privacy and are frustrated when others are careless with the sensitive information, we entrust them with. You are entrusted with sensitive information about students and others the Seattle Pacific University community and you share in the responsibility to protect our students by complying with regulations and University policies. The Regulated Data Chart provides a simple overview of which places have the security and contractual protections to store certain types of sensitive Regulated Data. You can also learn more about campus Data Policy, Data Laws and Regulations, and Handling Confidential Data responsibly.
Using a Personal Computer for Work
Personal computers and departmentally purchased computers (unmanaged) do not have the same security and regulatory compliance protections that SPU-managed computers purchased and managed by CIS have. Personal devices or cloud resources (Google Docs, DropBox, etc.) used for work purposes are subject to eDiscovery and can be confiscated or seized if they are suspected to contain information related to a lawsuit against the institution. Protect our student's data, yourself, your property, and the University by following the Use of Personal / Un-Managed Devices for Work policy.
Use OneDrive for Cloud File Storage
Storage platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive are not compliant for sensitive or regulated University data, such as information protect by FERPA. OneDrive for Business is the contractually protected platform approved for storing sensitive documents in the cloud.
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing and Copyright Compliance
File sharing software that copies and distributes songs, movies, videos, games, and software applications without the permission of the owner is a Copyright Law violation that can subject you to criminal and civil liability. Content owners use technological means to track the file sharing of their intellectual property on the Internet. SPU is required by law to inform you if we are aware, you have violated copyright law and must provide your information to copyright owners for legal action if you do not cease illegal activity. You are responsible for the activities of your computer when connected to the campus network. See Copyright Basics and DMCA Copyright Compliance / Peer-to-Peer File Sharing for more information about copyright compliance.
Adjusting Campus Services
As part of the SPU135 initiative, we would like to remind you that CIS will be making adjustments to campus software throughout the school year to help ensure a better future. CIS representatives will work closely with department leaders to facilitate these changes and develop strategies for a smooth transition, providing the best possible support during this process.
Thank you for your cooperation as we move forward with these adjustments.