Information Technology

June 2012

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Division of Information Technology
P.O. Box 6888
Radford, VA 24142
Phone: (540) 831-5173
Fax: (540) 831-6217
Email: cio@radford.edu


IT Security Tip
Do not use the same password for everything. A common password for email, banking or other online accounts will give a thief access to much more information should your password be compromised.


IT Tip
In almost every application, you can type Ctrl-F (F for Find) to find a word or series of characters. Ctrl-F works in Microsoft Word and Excel, all major Web browsers, Notepad and many other applications.


IT Sustainability Tip
Enable your computer to go into "sleep mode" when not in use.


Accessibility Tip
Use headings and subheadings to form an outline of the page. Headings help users with screen readers navigate the page and help non-visual users (including search engines) understand how the page is organized.


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Division of Information Technology
Radford University

DoIT Upgrades RU Mobile

RU MobileThe Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has upgraded the RU Mobile app. It now provides additional functionality for users, including the ability to check final grades, a social media sub-app that connects users to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and a recently revamped Flickr site for Radford University and improved functionality for the directory, events and class schedules.

Downloaded by more than 4,000 people so far, the RU Mobile app can be found at www.radford.edu/rumobile. For those who have previously installed the app, it can be updated by visiting the App Store or Google Play.

More enhancements to RU Mobile will be unveiled later this summer, including bus tracking and single sign-on to Desire 2 Learn (D2L). Watch for updates on Facebook and Twitter!

DoIT encourages users to use the feedback option to submit suggestions for RU Mobile.


DoIT Plans D2L Upgrade for Aug. 1

Desire 2 Learn (D2L) will be updated on Aug. 1 from Version 9.2 to Version 9.4 which will be the latest version 9 release. This upgrade will provide several minor updates to the system, but will not provide a major change to the user interface. Please be advised that D2L may be unavailable all day on Wednesday, Aug. 1 for this update.

Workshops on using D2L will be offered during the Our Turn classes in August. Watch DoIt News, and your email inbox, for more information on specific dates and times.


Make the MyRU Tab Your Own By Customizing Channels, Layout

Users can customize their MyRU tabs by putting the channels they use on an everyday basis on a personal MyStuff tab. Users can subscribe to additional channels as well as channels already displayed inside another tab. To accommodate a user, the MyStuff tab can hold as many channels as desired and the channels can be arranged in a custom layout.

To add a channel, click the "Customize" icon at the top right of the portal, then click the "MyStuff" tab, followed by the "New Channel" button. The user will then be presented with a category drop-down menu to navigate to the appropriate category and select the channels of choice.

For a more detailed explanation of customization options, please visit http://www.radford.edu/~myru/docs/tab-customization/.


New Lights Brighten Porterfield TV Studio

Gwen HughesMore than 20 new lighting fixtures now illuminate the television studio in Porterfield Hall. The lighting, designed specifically for TV studio use, provides the RU School of Communication a technological match for its newly acquired HDTV studio cameras. Consisting of both LED and fluorescent fixtures, the new system replaces an antiquated theatre-type lighting system and will cut electricity consumption and costs. The Porterfield Studio is now considered state of the art and offers a professional venue for connecting the campus to television networks like CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS and local TV stations.


DoIT Offers Tips on Writing for the Web

Writing for the Web is different from other styles because Web readers typically assess pages in a matter of seconds. Jakob Nielson, a computer usability expert, said, "People rarely read Web pages word by word; instead, they scan the page, picking out individual words and sentences."

To help you get to the point fast and keep people on your site, DoIT offers these guidelines for effective online writing:
 

  1. Keep it short. Use short words, short sentences, short paragraphs, bulleted lists and short pages.
  2. Front-load your content.
    1. In general, put the most important content first on the page.
    2. Put the most important information at the beginning of headlines, paragraphs and sentences. Don't spend time leading up to your point.
    3. If your content is unavoidably lengthy or complicated, consider putting at the top of the page a summary or a bulleted list of topics that the page covers.
  3. Keep it simple.
    1. Include only one or two ideas per short paragraph.
    2. Choose common words over more difficult ones. Even if more technical or sophisticated language is appropriate for your site, your readers will appreciate simpler language in the areas where their eyes are scanning to determine what a page is about.

If you have questions or would like a DoIT Web content editor to review your work, email webcomm@radford.edu.


Meet the DoIT Staff

Gwen HughesGwen Hughes
Lead Applications Developer/Analyst


How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University?
26 years.

Family:
I am married with two sons and two grandsons.

Hometown:
Fairlawn.

Education:
B.S. in mathematics/statistics from Radford College.

Interests/Hobbies:
Reading, walking, boating and genealogy.

Favorite Vacation Destination:
Myrtle Beach

Favorite part of your job:
I enjoy helping other people and learning new technologies.