Information Technology

April 2014

MyRU


RU Home
DoIT Website
Technology Support
Policies and Standards
DoIT News Archives

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
If you print it, go get it! If your department utilizes a shared printer and you work with sensitive data, make sure to grab your print jobs right after hitting the print button. Don't leave important, sensitive or confidential material lying around the office. Always use the closest printer and go get it right away! Printers can be configured to protect a document to be printed using a passcode. To configure this, contact the TAC at (540) 831-7500.



IT Tip
Although you may have had good intentions when subscribing to a newsletter or other e-mail list, these are often distracting and often clutter your e-mail. Unsubscribe from any newsletter you haven't been reading.



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.



DoIT Logo

Division of Information Technology
Radford University

Classroom assistance for Skype and other web conferencing technologies

Many faculty are using Skype and other web conferencing technologies to bring guest speakers into their classrooms.

Although many classrooms include desktop computers with cameras and microphones, it is important to ensure the systems are configured correctly to provide the best experience for both students and the guest speaker.

The Division of Information Technology is available to assist faculty in planning these types of events and setting up systems to ensure the use of technology is successful.

If possible, please call the Technology Assistance Center at (540) 831-7500 at least four business days in advance of your event to schedule a technician to test the technology. A technician will also be available to attend your class on the day of the event to ensure everything works smoothly.


New video tools for Desire 2 Learn (D2L)

The need to incorporate both faculty- and student-authored videos into D2L has been expressed by many faculty and students across campus.

During the summer of 2014, a new service, Kaltura, will be integrated with the Desire2Learn environment providing new capabilities for uploading, publishing and sharing video directly within D2L.

In addition to uploading existing videos, a screen recording tool is included allowing users to easily record their screen along with audio and webcam feeds. Look for more information on Kaltura and D2L video tools during the Our Turn workshops during May and August.


Virtual tour brings the campus to the world

With increased attention on non-resident and international recruitment and outreach, RU has worked with a vendor to develop a new, robust virtual tour. The tour will allow prospective students to "visit campus" from a remote location using a desktop computer or an Internet-enabled mobile device.

This virtual campus visit will include the ability to see campus buildings inside and out, hear testimonials from students and faculty and experience interactive features that provide a sense of being on campus without actually traveling to Radford.

The content management system used to host the tour will allow RU to add additional multimedia to the tour on an ad hoc basis.

The tour will roll out this summer with 21 guided stops plus supplemental multimedia to enhance the experience.


May 2014 Our Turn

Mark your calendars for May 2014 Our Turn. A series of workshops geared toward enhancing technology skills will be offered Tuesday, May 13 through Friday, May 16. Planning is underway for sessions on topics including:

  • what's new in Desire 2 Learn (D2L) 10.3
  • video streaming solution, new options and tools
  • open lab on Friday to provide individual assistance for faculty teaching summer sessions
  • optimizing technology in the classroom
  • iPad tips and tricks
  • what's new in Microsoft Office 2013
  • social media best practices
  • search engine optimization

An email will be forthcoming from the Faculty Development Center that will include the complete May 2014 Our Turn schedule. You can also check the CITL training website at http://www.radford.edu/content/CITL/home/training.html, where registration will be available as the courses are added.


Wayfinding kiosks are on the way

DoIT will be rolling out new wayfinding kiosks at select locations on campus. The kiosks provide access to campus maps, building floor plans, the Radford.edu website and the faculty/staff directory. Locations for the kiosks include the Bonnie Hurlburt Student Center, the COBE building, and Heth, Martin, Walker and Young Halls.


Coming soon: improved account management @ RU

As mentioned last month, improvements are coming to help you manage your RU account.

One example: if you've forgotten the password to your RU account, you'll have the ability to receive an email at an alternate email address or text message on your mobile phone which will allow you to reset your password without calling the Technology Assistance Center.

This is just one of the many improvements coming soon!


Meet the DoIT Staff

Zach LymanZach Lyman
Audio/Video Systems Manager


How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University? I have worked at RU for 5 ½ years.

Family: My wife, Dr. Beth Lyman (RU Sociology), and I have been married for 19 years. I have a son, Gavin (11), and daughter, Zoe (8). I have two cats, Itty Bitty and Molly, and a dog, Ryder.

Hometown: Harmony, Rhode Island

Education: Graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in anthropology and a minor in art history.

Interests/Hobbies: I love playing board, video and card games. I also like to collect vintage computers and electronics.

Favorite vacation destination: Sand Hill Cove, Rhode Island

Favorite part of your job: Working with the Radford University faculty, staff and students at events and meeting guest lecturers. I also like the great food that Barbara Griffiths and her catering staff create for the events.