Last Chance -- iMLearning Backpack Survey

Take the iMLearning survey today! 

To complete this survey, please click on the following link and log in to your SU email account - https://docs.google.com/a/su.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dE1LSTRqQmxZNnotbDNxd1J6MFdhV2c6MQ&pli=1


Additionally, I will be in the Brandt Student Center today from 11:30-12:30.  Feel free to stop by and take a survey with me.  Since today is Halloween, I am wearing my best 11th Doctor attire (for any Doctor Who fans out there :) 

Happy Halloween!

Next Week @ Brandt Student Center

IC @ Brandt Student Center starting Monday, October 29th through Thursday, November 1st from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Stop by the Institutional Computing table in the Brandt Student Center next week and contribute your thoughts and ideas about the SU Mobile App and Blackboard Mobile Learn. There will be a laptop available for you to take a quick and easy survey about these apps.

Reflections of a Thomas Frey Presentation: The Future of Libraries and Cities

This month, the Fraser Valley Regional Library sponsored a day of exploration with futurist Thomas Frey called The Future of Libraries and Cities. His presentation and the ensuing discussions were focused on technological developments and their impact on libraries, cities, education and, to a lesser degree, work.

Frey painted a picture of the future that is laden with technological advancements that continue to transform how human beings interact with the world. Driverless cars, 3D printers that are able to produce real houses and food on-demand, body scanners that create custom-fit clothing, smart dust that can be distributed across land masses for data collection, drones to deliver our take-out pizzas, and the manufacture of replacement human tissues and organs are only some of the examples that populate our future. There was, however, a notable absence of critical commentary on these developments, suggesting that all of these developments and inventions will enhance our lives as humans. The picture Frey depicted felt... inevitable. Yet, Frey asserts that by anticipating the future we can act today to change how that future looks. He challenged us to think of how we, as community stakeholders, are going to prepare for the future.

There is no doubt that anticipating and preparing for the future is a healthy and responsible exercise for library and community leaders. Certainly, Frey gave his audience ample material to wrestle with. While he frequently posed the question of whether these developments are 'good' or 'bad', participants were left to draw their own conclusions. There was a feeling of disquiet around my own table as participants pondered over the implications of a world that is engaged in an accelerating and relentless adoption of new technology. We ascertained that much of this unease stemmed from the uncertainties around what it means to be human, what makes culture, and what will, truly, benefit the human condition. In addition, we wondered if this road we are heading down will be at the great expense of our relationship with nature.

In an initial exercise, Frey challenged library and community stakeholders to think about what 'systems' are used today that are not likely to serve us well in the future. As an example, Frey suggested that the Roman Numeral system became an impediment to developing higher mathematical functions because of its intrinsic limitations. While it is not that difficult to identify systems within libraries that may no longer serve (classification as one possibility), there was little room for discussion around the human resource issues associated with shifts in 'systems'.

More troubling is the issue over the nature of work and how technologies, designed to relieve humans of "menial" work, will interact with our basic need to have a purpose. While it is easy to suggest that new jobs will emerge that have not even been thought of, it is important for us to consider the legacies that we create today, to serve this future world. Our table wondered, just because we can, should we?

The future, as described by Thomas Frey, was remarkably void of two things, spirituality and social responsibility. It remains unclear as to how the technological developments, forecasted by Frey will help the human condition by reducing depression, anxiety, poverty, and, even, the disenfranchised, as a whole. Granted, time was short and the issues were complex but it would have been very helpful for attendees to explore these issues.

It seemed that another day would have enabled participants to actively brainstorm and tease out the social implications of emerging technology. One of the questions participants were challenged to answer was, "What are the core pieces of culture and community necessary to maintain a vital community in the future?" One question we needed to add was "What does technology do to our connection to the environment and how we interact with the natural world?" The innovations presented in Frey's future suggest that we maintain an exploitative attitude towards the natural world while seeking more sophisticated ways of creating 'things' and manipulating nature. As a result, people will need higher and higher levels of skill and knowledge that must be continually updated.

Perhaps, as an unintended result, his presentation did spurn some of us to really think about our values and what it is that brings richness to our daily lives. Interestingly, the consensus at our table was that "richness" comes from personal connections and tangible engagement with our communities through activities that require a physical presence - fairs, art shows, theatres, open houses, parties, physical recreation, eating together, etc. How communities absorb the impact of emerging technologies and continue to provide people with a connection to each other, in a physical sense, may be an incredible challenge. Libraries emerge as a place that bridges the technological universe with the physical. Frey provided a shopping list of ideas of how libraries could participate and be meaningful in a world that is increasingly dependent on technology. However, the costs of "keeping up" while providing services to the varied needs of a community remain a notable obstacle. Will communities have the foresight to heavily invest in libraries as platforms of community activity? If current practices can act as a predictor, it does not seem likely unless significant action is taken by library and community leaders.

Further complicating the choices that we must make as a society, is the evolving nature of work and education. The rising costs of education, combined with human resource costs is already generating a need to restructure education. We are moving from one-size-fits-all physical classrooms to rapid-fire, immediate, online and 'teacherless" modes of instruction. In Frey's depictions, people will seek training through different mechanisms that suit their needs as students who cannot afford the time or the money for "traditional" post-secondary instruction. Ericsson Networked Society's video, Future of Learning, suggests that access to information and attending schools are no longer intrinsicly tied together. The role of the teacher is now focused on showing students how to ask questions because, with a connected planet, the answers are everywhere. Knewton, for example, is designed to create a personalized learning "platform" that is based on the needs and interests of the students. It does this by figuring out how a student learns and tailoring his/her education based on the data generated by the student's activities and performance. Many other organizations are also challenging the satus quo of teaching practice and more loom on the horizon. The message is clear, if we do not change the way we educate ourselves, we cannot be flexible to the "surprises" that lurk around the corners. We need to be adaptable in order to be effective at work and durable when things do not go as planned.

In tandem with education, work will be performed in increasingly piecemeal, or project-based formats, reshaping our notion of a 'workday'. Employers will exercise immense control over work by using collectives of trained people that they tap into on an as-needed basis. People, in turn, will be compelled to educate themselves in the same way. Employers will seek very skilled individuals because more menial work will be performed in more cost-effective and automated ways. Already, the costs of real-estate has prompted companies like HSBC to encourage staff to work "from home". Frey suggested that libraries could provide space for this new army of officeless workers in light of the fact that most people find working from their homes distracting and isolated. Ironically, this shift merely offloads the cost of housing employees from the private sector to the employees themselves and to the public purse.

An article in the spring issue of UBC's Trek* magazine highlighted a project to develop a simple method of making drinking water safe for Haitians. Despite the application of many impressive filtration methods, researchers discovered that putting contaminated water in clear plastic bottles and allowing them time on hard surfaces in direct sunlight was an effective and brilliantly simple way of treating the water. It makes one wonder if the most effective systems for ensuring the vitality and vibrarancy of the human race live in seemingly simple solutions. Certainly Neil Postman, author of Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology, might have thought so:

"We proceed under the assumption that information is our friend, believing that cultures may suffer grievously from a lack of information, which, of course, they do. It is only now beginning to be understood that culture may also suffer grievously from information glut, information without meaning, information without control mechanisms."**

There is enormous potential for libraries to become places where communities can untangle emerging issues associated with technological innovation. This can be done in many ways including providing space for discussion, sharing, experimentation, creation, and production. However, those working in libraries must be intellectually and technologically nimble so that they can act proactively in the storms of change.

While library administrators and city councilors work to create their long-range plans, it is absolutely critical that library professionals, at all levels, discuss and define the characteristics and skills required for emerging library staff. How are they to be educated? Trained? Inspired? There is no end to technological change and library staff cannot rely on their past success as a predictor for future success. Quite simply, our attachment to the book will not serve us well in the world that lies ahead but an understanding of technology will.

*Good, M. (2012 Spring/Summer). "The Water School". Trek, 31, 24-27.

Postman, N. (1993). Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. New York: Vintage Books, 70.

Mac OS X Version 10.7.5

Mac Lion Update

First--check your Mac operating system.
(Go to Apple menu in top left corner, select About This Mac.  Below is sample image of what you should see when you select About This Mac.  Notice--In this image Mac OS X has been circled to highlight operating system and version information.)

If you are running Mac OS X Lion 10.7.4, there were some issues with that version that have been resolved with version 10.7.5

Version 10.7.5 is currently available via the Self Service app. 

Note -- OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 has not been certified by Blackboard and is NOT RECOMMENDED at this time.

Install Software Updates via the Mac Self Service app by opening the Self Service app and selecting Get Ready for Lion under Categories.  Then click Install Apple Updates

You will then be presented with the following screen --

Select Show Details if you would like to see what updates will be applied.  Then select Install if you wish to install the updates now.

**Remember that software available in SU Self Service is for use only on computers owned by Shenandoah University, which includes those in the iMLearning program. The software available in SU Self Service should not be installed on computers that are not owned by Shenandoah University. Please refer to the Installing Applications using Self Service documentation located on the IC Help Desk website.

Information concerning SU Self Service app provided by the IC Help Desk website.  Details are located in the Installing Applications using Self Service document.

http://www.su.edu/helpdesk

TODAY - @ Brandt Student Center

Today from 2-3 I will be at the Student Center.  Hope to see you there.

Technology Assistance @Brandt Student Center

I will be @ the Brandt Student Center tomorrow and Thursday from 2-3.  Stop by with your technology questions or just drop in to chat about technology.

Look for the Institutional Computing table and me.  We would love to hear your input on the SU mobile app and the Blackboard Mobile Learn app.  Also, I will have a laptop set up if you're interested in taking a quick survey on the mobile apps.  

See you there!

Remember to check the Student Training Calendar for drop-in technology assistance times and places.  

@https://sites.google.com/a/su.edu/training-calendars/student-training-calendar

Want to Help Design the SU Mobile App?

Here's how --

SU Students are invited to fill out a short survey concerning the SU Mobile App and Blackboard Mobile Learn App. In this survey you will be able to leave comments about what you would like to see added to the SU Mobile app.  

Completing the survey is easy!
Just click on the following link and log in to your Shenandoah University email account - https://docs.google.com/a/su.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFlOT0lQZG44dEc4cHFDelRoR3NrNHc6MQ.

Usernames will not be recorded.  Therefore, your survey submission will be completely anonymous. The mobile apps survey ends November 20th.  

We appreciate your time and look forward to reading your responses!

NOTICE - Do Not Install Latest Mac Java Updates

DO NOT install latest Mac Java Updates

Java for OS X 2012-006 for 10.7 and 10.8 was released yesterday by Apple. Do not install this update on your Mac as it removes the Apple provided Java web plug-in and directs you to Oracle to get a new plug-in. The new plug-in at Oracle is a newer version that is not compatible with Blackboard. IC has disabled the Java update in Software Update and will have additional information in the future if needed.

Connect with SU

Connect with SU Facebook and Twitter pages and get the latest in SU news, events and more.
Visit the Media Hub @ http://www.su.edu/about/media-hub.cfm

• Shenandoah University
• Admissions
• BRICKS & BOOKS:  Shenandoah University partners to rebuild College Catherine Flon in Haiti
• Byrd School of Business
• College of Arts & Sciences
• Shenandoah University Libraries
• Shenandoah Conservatory
• Shenandoah University Alumni Association
• Pharmacy School
• Physical Therapy
• Division of Nursing
• Shenandoah Conservatory Performances
• Shenandoah University Study Abroad
• SU Hornets (Shenandoah Athletics)
• The 'Doah (Shenandoah University student-run newspaper)
• IC Help Desk

• ShenandoahU
• SU Hornets
• SU Alumni Association

NEW Survey

STUDENTS: FILL OUT THIS SHORT MOBILE APPS SURVEY!

Students are invited to fill out a short survey concerning the SU Mobile App and Blackboard Mobile Learn App. To complete this survey, click on the following link and log in to your Shenandoah University email account - https://docs.google.com/a/su.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFlOT0lQZG44dEc4cHFDelRoR3NrNHc6MQ.

Again, you must be logged in to your Shenandoah University email account to complete this survey. Usernames will not be recorded, so your survey submission will be anonymous. Please complete the survey by Tuesday, Nov. 20.  We appreciate your time and look forward to reading your responses for this survey.

Update -- November 26, 2012 -- This survey is no longer accepting responses.

Backpack Survey Ends on October 31st

The iMLearning Backpack Survey ends on October 31st.

You are invited to fill out a short survey concerning the Student iMLearning Backpack. To complete this survey,  please click on the following link and log in to your SU email account -
 
https://docs.google.com/a/su.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dE1LSTRqQmxZNnotbDNxd1J6MFdhV2c6MQ

Again, you will need to be logged in to your SU email account to complete this survey.  Usernames will not be recorded.  Therefore, your survey submission will be anonymous.  

Please feel free to contact Katherine Shook via email at kshook@su.edu  if you have any questions or concerns regarding this survey. 

We really appreciate your input on this survey and look forward to hearing from you!

Xplore It

Want to share a short video about how technology is used at SU?

Here's your chance...

Welcome to Shenandoah University's new technology initiative.

This program was created to allow you, the student, to help showcase the many ways technology is used at Shenandoah University. The information and videos you submit will be  used to demonstrate to prospective students, educational leaders, professional accreditors and other interested parties how Shenandoah is using technology to enhance the collegiate experience.

We're looking for student-produced videos of five minutes or less that demonstrate the many ways our students and faculty embrace the technical revolution happening right before our eyes.

Maybe your professor has a unique way of incorporating technology in the classroom. Maybe you and your friends have used your iPhones to enhance your learning experience. Think about all of the different ways technology is used. It could be in sports, the classroom, the dorm experience or in the conservatory.

What you submit is up to you.

Please visit upload.su.edu to find out more.

**All information provided by the upload.su.edu website.

Notice -- IC Installing Windows Updates Tonight

Notice -- Institutional Computing is installing Windows updates on university servers tonight, Oct. 12, starting at 9 p.m.  IC expects to be finished with all updates by midnight.  Other network services will not be disrupted during this period.  If you have problems logging onto the network or get disconnected, simply wait 10 to 15 minutes and try again.  If you must work tonight between 9 p.m. and midnight SAVE YOUR WORK OFTEN -- and be prepared for the servers to be rebooted.

Mac Lion Update

First -- check your Mac operating system.
(Go to Apple menu in top left corner, select About This Mac.  Below is sample image of what you should see when you select About This Mac.  Notice--In this image Mac OS X has been circled to highlight operating system and version information.)

If you are running Mac OS X Lion 10.7.4, there were some issues with that version that have been resolved with version 10.7.5

Version 10.7.5 is currently available via the Self Service app. 

Note -- OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 has not been certified by Blackboard and is NOT RECOMMENDED at this time.

Install Software Updates via the Mac Self Service app by opening the Self Service app and selecting Get Ready for Lion under Categories.  Then click Install Apple Updates

You will then be presented with the following screen --

Select Show Details if you would like to see what updates will be applied.  Then select Install if you wish to install the updates now.

**Remember that software available in SU Self Service is for use only on computers owned by Shenandoah University, which includes those in the iMLearning program. The software available in SU Self Service should not be installed on computers that are not owned by Shenandoah University. Please refer to the Installing Applications using Self Service documentation located on the IC Help Desk website.

Information concerning SU Self Service app provided by the IC Help Desk website.  Details are located in the Installing Applications using Self Service document.

http://www.su.edu/helpdesk

iMLearning Backpack Survey Reminder

Students are invited to fill out a short survey concerning the Student iMLearning Backpack. To complete this survey,  please click on the following link and log in to your SU email account -
 
https://docs.google.com/a/su.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dE1LSTRqQmxZNnotbDNxd1J6MFdhV2c6MQ

Again, you will need to be logged in to your SU email account to complete this survey.  Usernames will not be recorded.  Therefore, your survey submission will be anonymous.  

Please feel free to contact Katherine Shook via email at kshook@su.edu  if you have any questions or concerns regarding this survey. 

Degree Audit Now Available for Student Review

DEGREE AUDIT NOW AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT REVIEW

Students are now able to view their program completion status in WebAdvisor under "Degree Audit." Degree Audit allows students to track their progress toward degree completion and assist with course planning, as all requirements include accompanying text on how to successfully complete each requirement. 

Once logged in, PDF instructions are available under "Student Help" and also on the screen where students select the appropriate program to be reviewed. Students should review the Student Instructions as information is provided on how to access and read the degree audit. As noted in the documentation, although some earlier programs may be reflected in Degree Audit, only catalog years 2009 and forward are fully supported. 

Should a student find any errors in the degree audit, please consult with your advisor, who will take further action to resolve any issues. Any other questions can be directed to Valerie Taylor at 540/665-4537 or regdegreeaudit@su.edu

File Naming for Blackboard

A couple of things to remember when naming documents for upload to your Blackboard course.

• Use 16 characters or less 
• ONLY use alpha-numeric characters
• DO NOT use any spaces or special characters

Follow these general rules when naming files to improve your Blackboard experience.  

@ Brandt Student Center --and Email Reminder

I will be offering technology assistance at the Brandt Student Center today from 11:30-12:30 p.m.  Please feel free to stop by.
--Katherine


**Reminder --

Please remember to use your SU email when communicating with Bb Support and all SU employees.  Using your SU email will help to quickly identify you and speed up response time.

For additional questions regarding use of SU email please refer to page 12 in the Student Handbook.

Submitting Videos to upload.su.edu

Want to share a short video about how technology is used at SU?

Here's your chance --
 

Welcome to Shenandoah University's new technology initiative.

This program was created to allow you, the student, to help showcase the many ways technology is used at Shenandoah University. The information and videos you submit will be used to demonstrate to prospective students, educational leaders, professional accreditors and other interested parties how Shenandoah is using technology to enhance the collegiate experience.

We're looking for student-produced videos of five minutes or less that demonstrate the many ways our students and faculty embrace the technical revolution happening right before our eyes.

Maybe your professor has a unique way of incorporating technology in the classroom. Maybe you and your friends have used your iPhones to enhance your learning experience. Think about all of the different ways technology is used. It could be in sports, the classroom, the dorm experience or in the conservatory.

What you submit is up to you.

Please visit upload.su.edu to find out more.


**All information provided by the upload.su.edu website.

iMLearning Backpack Survey

Students are invited to fill out a short survey concerning the Student iMLearning Backpack. To complete this survey,  please click on the following link and log in to your SU email account -
 
https://docs.google.com/a/su.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dE1LSTRqQmxZNnotbDNxd1J6MFdhV2c6MQ

Again, you will need to be logged in to your SU email account to complete this survey.  Usernames will not be recorded.  Therefore, your survey submission will be anonymous.  Please feel free to contact Katherine Shook via email at kshook@su.edu  if you have any questions or concerns regarding this survey.