Information Technology Services
ITS Newsletter
Remember to Check Your Tech before the New Semester BeginsFaculty are encouraged to use Information Technology Services' Pre-semester Technology Checklist as they prepare for the fall semester. The checklist provides detailed information about:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 303-352-7548 or support.msudenver.edu. |
Student Orientation Course for Blackboard LearnA Student Orientation to Blackboard Learn course (listed as 00 Blackboard Student Training 2016 in Blackboard) is available to all MSU Denver students and faculty members. The self-paced online orientation is designed to provide students with detailed instructions for using the basic operations and functions needed to successfully navigate, communicate, collaborate, submit coursework, take assessments, and otherwise participate in courses delivered through Blackboard Learn. Although completing the orientation is not required, it is recommended for anyone who is new to Blackboard Learn or for those who need to brush up on their skills. The orientation will remain on your list of courses in Blackboard Learn, even after you have completed it, so you can use it as reference whenever needed. Log on to Blackboard Learn via the Student Hub to explore the orientation. Be sure to read the Course Overview page in its entirety to learn how to customize your learning path and quickly navigate course content. |
MSU Denver's Wireless Network Has a New NameThe name of the 'MetroState' wireless network was recently changed to 'MSUDenver' to align with MSU Denver's branding standards. The change will require you to connect your devices to the 'MSUDenver' wireless network in order to use it. Step-by-step connection instructions for connecting to the 'MSUDenver' network are available at www.msudenver.edu/wifi. |
Telephony Initiative Update: Wave 1 is Almost DoneThe ITS Telephony Implementation Team recently deployed new telephones to 22 departments in the Central Classroom, West Classroom, Plaza, and Arts buildings (Wave 1). The goal is to have Wave 1 completed by Aug. 18. Within the coming weeks, the ITS Telephony Implementation Team will focus on Wave 2, which includes the Administration, Science, and Tivoli buildings. They will be reaching out to department contacts to setup an interview to review staff lists and identify current telephone use cases. If your office is located in one of these buildings, and you would like information about what you need to do prior to receiving your new telephone, please watch the entertaining and informative What's Needed From You? video. It provides helpful information about preparing your workspace prior to the telephone deployment in your department. If you’ve already received a new phone, it is recommended that you:
The First Steps webpage provides instructions for completing the steps above. You can also find helpful information about how to use your new phone at www.msudenver.edu/newphone and general information about the project on the Telecommunications Initiative webpage. |
A New Way to Stay InformedITS recently implemented Statuspage.io, a system status tool that will make it easier for you to stay informed about the various systems provided at MSU Denver, such as Blackboard Learn and Banner. On the MSU Denver ITS Service Status webpage, you can get up-to-date information, including announcements about planned maintenance, outages, and security alerts.?If you would like to receive notifications whenever ITS creates or updates an incident, click the 'SUBSCRIBE TO UPDATES' button on the MSU Denver ITS Service Status webpage and sign-up to receive emails, SMS messages, or both. |
New Information Security Policies are Now AvailableThe Information and Information Technology Policies have been entirely rewritten to make them more applicable, comprehensive, and understandable. The new policies are also easy to access in the University Policy Library. The policies are focused on protecting critical data and information systems of MSU Denver from loss, damage, or inappropriate modification or disclosure. They will be reviewed on an annual basis, with any changes or additions being submitted through the University's policy review and approval process. |
TLTS and PitchLX: Free Innovative Professional Development Opportunities Coming in OctoberFaculty and staff are invited to register for the 6th annual Teaching and Learning with Technology Symposium (TLTS) to be held Friday, October 13, 2017, on the Auraria Campus, hosted by the MSU Denver Educational Technology Center. This year's symposium introduces an exciting new format you won’t want to miss: instead of a traditional session and track-based event which is passive in nature, TLTS 2017 will challenge you to think critically, work collaboratively, and take an active role in shaping the event. In a single day, attendees will collaboratively Discover, Frame, Imagine, Prototype, Engage, and Reflect upon unique solution designs focused through the lens of one of three interest groups: Creativity & Design, Equity & Social Justice, or Leadership & Vision. Additionally, the ITS Educational Technology Center (ETC) has been cultivating a collaborative network of partnerships in support of Prospective Innovations in Teaching and Learning Xperiences (PitchLX), to breed innovative thinking and cultivate ideas that meet the ever-changing expectations of students. Open to all higher education professionals, and driven by a live pitch-off event on Thursday October 12, PitchLX will bring together a broad range of participants to deliver pitches for existing or theorized innovative ideas which have the potential to significantly shape the future of teaching and learning with technology (moonshots welcome). Following each pitch, a panel of expert judges will conduct a live Q&A/critique, and award points based on feasibility, creativity, sound pedagogy, and overall delivery. Prizes will be awarded and resources invested, so innovative thinking and preparation are critical and highly encouraged.
Space for both events is limited, so register early! |
The Name of the Game is Continuous ImprovementIn order to prepare our students for successful careers, and meet our shared mission of providing high-quality, accessible and enriching education, it’s essential that we look towards continuous improvement of our courses. The CourseLaunch, CourseAssist, CourseConstellation and ELITE Certification programs are designed to facilitate such ongoing improvement. This is just a quick reminder to all MSU Denver faculty to apply. We invite you to explore the options below and encourage you to submit your application for the Spring work cycle (courses to be taught Summer or Fall 2018) as soon as possible:
Want to learn more? Check out our articles in the previous Information Technology Services March 2017 Newsletter, "Need a Course Makeover?" and "Get a Competitive Edge!". |
Scheduled Maintenance on September 8ITS will perform maintenance on the Banner system from midnight until 6:00 a.m. on Friday, September 8. Banner will not be available during the maintenance period. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 303-352-7548 or support.msudenver.edu. |
Are You Practicing Safe Social Networking?From the Educause Security Awareness Initiative webpage Who Else Is Online? Social media sites are not well-monitored playgrounds with protectors watching over you to ensure your safety. When you use social media, do you think about who might be using it besides your friends and connections? Following are some of the other users you may encounter.
How Do I Protect My Information? Although there are no guaranteed ways to keep your online information secure, following are some tips to help keep your private information private.
My Information Won’t Be Available Forever, Will It? Well, maybe not forever, but it will remain online for a lot longer than you think.
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