TAG Meeting Notes 2014-05-07

7 05 2014

TAG Meeting May 7, 2014 12:00pm-1:00pm

Attendees:
Jeremy Brees, Tim Cannon, Teresa Conte, Kim Daniloski, Dave Dzurec, Tara Fay, Jim Franceschelli, Eugeniu Grigorescu, Calvin Krzywiec (guest), Andrew LaZella, Kristen Yarmey

TAG thanks Library Dean Charles Kratz for sponsoring lunch for our meeting today.

1. BYOD Strategy Draft

Calvin Krzywiec joined us as a guest to present and discuss a draft version of IR’s strategy for accommodating the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend. Cal is Assistant Director of Network Security & Engineering and served as chair for the IR Strategy Group tasked with studying BYOD. The group is currently seeking feedback from campus stakeholders to incorporate into a final strategy.

Cal explained that the group’s objectives were driven by increasing demand among students and faculty for access to institutional services from personal mobile devices. The group’s top priority is supporting BYOD for teaching and learning, while a secondary priority is protecting the security of institutional data.

For teaching and learning (see p. 2-4 in the draft), IR’s BYOD objectives include:

  • Investigate and implement untethered teaching/learning solutions
  • Focus classroom upgrades on providing collaborative, flexible workspaces
  • Leverage virtual desktop/application technologies and client devices to reduce reliance on physical lab infrastructure
  • Leverage virtual desktop/application technologies to provide ubiquitous access to lab software resources
  • Investigate and implement secure electronic assessment solutions
  • Expand lecture capture to additional locations

The draft identifies several barriers to BYOD implementation that were also raised by faculty members in TAG’s informal survey on specialized software and computer labs.  These include:

  • Expensive licensing fees for specialized software
  • Potential disparities in student computer ownership
  • Inaccessible and/or limited power sources
  • Security for electronic assessment/computerized testing
  • High demand on wireless network

The draft strategy recommends partnership with CTLE to support faculty needs as well as engagement with faculty during the implementation of BYOD-related strategies. Jim said that IR will work with TAG to recruit faculty volunteers to test out tools and services. While the precise timeline for rolling out these changes isn’t yet determined, there are some pilot projects already in motion. Faculty members in KSOM are piloting software for securing a browser (for computerized testing) using lab computers running thin clients. Teresa noted that the Nursing department would be very interested in piloting computerized testing tools in McGurrin. IR also plans to pilot test untethered teaching/learning options in the fall – TAG will get more information on this in the summer. Tim volunteered to participate in this pilot. IR has already been piloting Panopto lecture capture and will be looking to add this capability to additional classrooms for Fall 2014. Mobile printing is also in process.

Regarding network and authentication issues: Cal said that IR will be replacing the Cisco NAC client with encrypted SSID authentication, so that users will be able to log in to the University network from their device without downloading and installing CNAC. Once a device has been logged in,  it will stay logged in – users won’t have to reauthenticate multiple times during the day to stay on the network.

The second half of the draft (p. 4-9) addresses faculty and staff devices. One issue addressed is primary computing devices (for most faculty, our desktop computer). While currently primary devices are purchased and provided by the University, alternative models such as reimbursement or stipends for equipment and software purchases could be discussed.

Secondly, in order to protect institutional data, the draft proposes a three-tiered mobile device management (MDM) system:

  • Mandatory: This tier applies to all University issued devices and requires an enrollment in a MDM system that enforces the implementation of technical controls on the device, such as lock code, lock when idle, remote wipe capabilities, device encryption, and potentially even location tracking for locating a lost device.
  • Optional: This tier applies to all non-­‐corporate owned staff, faculty, and affiliate devices connecting to University systems, including email. Enrollment in the MDM solution is optional but the expectations of minimal technical controls and the requirement to notify PIR of a lost/stolen device are defined in institutional policy. Employees must agree to allow the University to wipe the device when it is lost/stolen or the employee separates from the institution.
  • Exempt: This tier applies to student devices. This tier has no requirements but offers guidance to students on how to secure their devices.

The draft proposes that a remote wipe could be partial rather than complete, “removing only corporate data.”

Kristen raised concerns about the Optional tier, which would apply to many faculty-owned mobile devices. Firstly, the exact definition of “corporate data” may need to be clarified. According to Appendix VIII (“Copyright”) of the Faculty Handbook, in most (but not all) circumstances, faculty retain copyright over works created as part of their normal teaching, research, and service duties – including research data, lecture notes, videos of lectures, syllabi, etc.  Kristen will look into existing University policies and documents to better understand what types of records (email?) would fall under this policy. Kristen also raised concerns about references to wiping data (including email) upon “employee separation,” which for faculty may take different forms (emeritus, phased retirement, terminal sabbatical, etc).

The BYOD Strategy Group will be compiling feedback into the next draft of the report. Kristen will write up summarized feedback from TAG’s discussion as a formal response to the draft document.

2. Brief Updates 

(The BYOD discussion took up most of the meeting, so updates were rushed.)

Identity Finder automated scans (Kristen)

Kristen has been working with Adam Edwards and Scott Finlon in Information Security to answer faculty questions about Identity Finder automated scans. Kristen has updated the Identity Finder FAQ with clarifications from Information Security.  There are still some faculty concerns about the scanning and reporting process (which was approved by the President’s cabinet back in June 2013); however, we have addressed as many as possible.

Information Security would like to begin the automated scans. TAG members present at the meeting felt ready to move forward with scanning faculty machines. Dave will report at this Friday’s Senate meetings that scans will begin. Kristen will work with Adam to coordinate a schedule and an all-faculty email notification.

Test Scanning Services (Jim)

Jim reported that IR will be changing the hours of Test Scanning Services effective Monday, May 12, 2014.  The service will continue to be provided from Alumni Memorial Hall, Room 001. Tests may be dropped off and results picked up Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  Based upon demand and operational requirements, immediate service while you wait may not be available.  IR will continue to strive to meet the needs of our customers and will provide a 24 hour turnaround of test scanning results.  Jim asked that faculty please plan accordingly as we approach the end of the Spring term.  Jim will contact regular users of the test scanning service with more details.

Desire2Learn (Eugeniu)

Additional Desire2Learn workshops are being planned for the summer – see CTLE’s workshop calendar for the updated schedule. Eugeniu also reminded TAG members that faculty should back up any student data (including grades, discussion forms, and dropbox submissions) in Angel that they wish to keep. Step by step instructions have been emailed out, but CTLE staff will also hold workshops on this during Senior Week for anyone who needs assistance (see ). Student access to Angel will be turned off as of May 30, but faculty will have access until July 31. After that, data stored in Angel will no longer be available.

PR Department/Program Website Initiative (Dave/Teresa)

We ran out of time for in-person updates on this project. Lori had sent Kristen updates via email. Kristen will post these notes to the TAG site in a separate update.

4. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 1:05pm. TAG will not meet again as a full group until Fall 2014, but projects and communication (via email) will continue during the summer.

[Updated immediately after posting with correction to Cal’s title]


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Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, Classroom Mediation, Email, Minutes, Mobile, Network and Infrastructure, Security

TAG Meeting Notes 2014-04-09

14 04 2014

TAG Meeting April 9, 2014 12:00pm-1:00pm

Attendees:
Jeremy Brees, Teresa Conte, Paul Cutrufello, Kim Daniloski, Dave Dzurec, Tara Fay, Jim Franceschelli, Eugeniu Grigorescu, Katie Iacocca, Andrew LaZella, Lori Nidoh, Sandy Pesavento, Kristen Yarmey

TAG members thanked Eugeniu and the CTLE for sponsoring lunch for our meeting (and for hosting us!).

1. Brief Reports/Updates

Desire2Learn (Eugeniu)

CTLE and IR will jointly host Desire2Learn Day on April 24, 2014 (more details in all-faculty email). The event will include Open Office Hours with D2L staff, workshops on using blogs, social media, Wiggio, and Panopto with D2L, and a presentation by faculty member George Gomez (Biology) on his experiences piloting D2L in Spring 2014. All faculty are invited. Most of the sessions are walk-in, but please register if you plan to attend the luncheon.

Eugeniu also reminded TAG members that faculty should back up any student data (including grades, discussion forms, and dropbox submissions) in Angel that they wish to keep. Step by step instructions have been emailed out, but CTLE staff will also hold workshops on this during Senior Week for anyone who needs assistance (see CTLE’s workshop calendar for dates/times). Student access to Angel will be turned off as of May 30, but faculty will have access until July 31. After that, data stored in Angel will no longer be available.

Identity Finder automated scans (Kristen)

Kristen has been working with Adam Edwards and Scott Finlon in Information Security to answer faculty questions about Identity Finder automated scans. Kristen wrote up an Identity Finder FAQ that she will update after getting final confirmation on a few questions from Information Security.  Kim mentioned that her department also had questions about performance and scheduling. Kristen will accompany Dave to the next Faculty Senate meeting to invite further questions or concerns.

WordPress (Kristen)

Following the discussion of WordPress at our March TAG meeting, Kristen and Dave met with Interim CIO Robyn Dickinson and Jim Franceschelli for a TAG update. Robyn and Jim explained some of the time constraints on IR staff members. TAG, the Library, and CTLE will continue to work with IR on this question. In the meantime, a faculty request for a WordPress blog was approved (thank you!). Jim said that WordPress was not yet an option in the Technology Support Center’s Footprints Service Catalog (tsc.scranton.edu), but he will follow up on this.

PR Department/Program Website Initiative (Dave, Teresa, Sandy, and Lori)

TAG members Dave, Sandy, and Teresa attended a meeting of the Committee on University Image and Promotion (CUIP) on March 17 to discuss PR’s department and program website initiative (see Teresa’s notes from that meeting, with additional comments from Dave).

Vendor Converge Consulting has been hired to assist in the preparation of content of about 50 program and department web pages, selected at that meeting. (See PR’s project announcement letter for a full update and list of departments/programs.) Each program/department has been asked to identify a representative who will meet with Converge during their campus visit on April 23-24. Lori noted that as of April 9, all but 2 representative slots had been filled. Dave emphasized that departments and programs will still have ultimate control over the content on these academic pages.

2. Items for Discussion

TAG Communication with Deans (Dave and Kristen)

At the invitation of Dean of the Library and Information Fluency Charles Kratz, Dave and Kristen met with members of the Provosts’ Advisory Board on April 3 to follow up on recent discussions of WordPress (the Interim Provost herself was not present due to the Kane Competition). Charles proposed that formal lines of communication be established between the Deans and TAG, to keep the Deans informed about academic technology issues. The other Deans in attendance (Conniff, Mensah, and Welch) agreed, noting that they would like to be better prepared for meetings about academic technology with an understanding how the technology could impact their colleges. Charles suggested that TAG meet once a semester with the Provosts’ Advisory Board for information-sharing.

Kristen and Dave shared this proposal with TAG members, with no voiced opposition. Kristen further proposed that TAG invite the Deans to contact a TAG member from their college to accompany them at meetings about academic technology in the future. TAG members agreed; Kristen will pass this invitation back to the Provosts’ Advisory Board.

TAG Membership and Leadership for 2014-2015 (Dave and Kristen)

As previously discussed, Kristen will step down as TAG co-chair at the end of the semester. Teresa Conte (Nursing) volunteered to serve in this slot (thank you!). There were no other candidates, so Teresa will start a two-year term as TAG co-chair in Fall 2014. Kristen will work with Teresa during the Summer to ensure a smooth transition. Dave will continue as co-chair in Fall 2014, and Andrew LaZella (Philosophy) will serve in Spring 2015 while Dave is on sabbatical.

Kristen asked TAG members to let her know if they do not plan to serve in 2014-2015. She also invited new members to join if interested.

Kristen and Dave will nominate Paul Cutrufello (Exercise Science) to serve as TAG’s Senate liaison for 2014-2015.

3. New Business

Royal News feedback (Lori)

PR is seeking feedback on Royal News, the weekly email/web newsletter for University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Lori asked TAG how best to solicit feedback from faculty. TAG members suggested coordinating a focus group with the Provost’s Office (perhaps as a Brown Bag session) as well as offering an online survey. Several TAG members noted that they liked Royal News and had no complaints or concerns. If PR puts out an online survey, Kristen will post it to the TAG site. Any faculty members who wish to share thoughts or comments (or participate in a focus group) on Royal News are encouraged to email royalnews@scranton.edu.

Heartbleed (Kristen)

Kristen shared Information Security’s update and recommendations regarding Heartbleed, a major OpenSSL vulnerability that has affected user privacy and security on many websites. The University’s main authentication service (CAS) was not vulnerable to this issue, and other servers and campus services are now all up to date. Information Security recommends, however, that users change their passwords for Internet sites and (especially if you reuse passwords) for my.scranton. Jim warned against reusing passwords and recommended KeePass as a password management tool.

IT Services Updates (Jim)

Jim provided a few brief updates on IT Services projects relevant to faculty:

  • Windows XP — IT Services aims to have all faculty desktop machines upgraded to Windows 7 before the end of the Spring semester. However, some faculty members aren’t returning calls to schedule and update. Kristen asked TAG members to remind their colleagues to respond to IT Services scheduling efforts.
  • Royal Cards — Old Royal Cards will expire on May 1, but there are still many faculty who have not gotten updated cards. TAG members will remind their colleagues to visit the Technology Support Center before the end of April to avoid being locked out of buildings, etc.
  • Internet Explorer 10 will be pushed out via KBOX before the end of the semester (upgrading from IE 8). Chrome and Firefox installations are currently up to date.
  • Java 7 has now been approved. Jim encouraged faculty to complete these updates in order to avoid security vulnerabilities or software incompatibility.
  • Funding for a campus-wide license for Panopto (a hosted lecture capture service) has been approved! IT Services is working with CTLE to integrate Panopto with Desire2Learn. TAG will work with IT Services in 2014-2015 to expand the availability of the service on campus. Kristen suggested that if IT Services knows approximately how much it will cost to add Panopto to a classroom, perhaps faculty members could apply for CTLE Technology Grants (or other funding) to speed implementation in their building/college.

As a follow-up question, Teresa asked Jim if student photographs could be integrated into Desire2Learn (for class rosters, seating charts, etc). Jim promised to look into this request.  [Post-meeting update from Jim (via email): “Unfortunately, I’ve been told this isn’t possible…  D2L does not have a provision to include photos in an automated upload from Banner. The D2L informed us that there was no way to do a bulk load of photos into D2L.  The only way to upload a photo into a student’s profile is for the student to upload it themselves. D2L is coming to campus later this month.  It might be a good question to broach to them… maybe we can get it on D2L’s development list.”]

4. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 1:00pm. TAG’s final meeting for Spring 2014 will be Wednesday, May 7 from 12pm-1pm in WML305. Network Engineer Calvin Krzywiec will join us to discuss IR’s drafted strategy for accommodating the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend. Lunch will be provided (thanks to Library Dean Charles Kratz).


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Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, CMS and University Website, Minutes, Security, TAG Administrative

Desire2Learn Day – April 24

14 04 2014

Reposting an all-faculty email from CTLE/IR:

Dear Faculty,

Please join us for
Desire2Learn Day
Brennan Hall, Room 509 (Rose Room)
Thursday, April 24, 2014

Several sessions for faculty members will be conducted during the day, as outlined in the schedule below. The highlight of the day will be the lunchtime forum for faculty Desire2Learn – More Than Just a Course Management System.

Desire2Learn is a next generation learning solution, addressing key challenges related to learner engagement, retention, and outcomes. Its design and functionality represent a shift from the simple course management capabilities of an LMS, to a highly pervasive, perceptive, and personal learning experience. Come learn about the advantages of using Desire2Learn for your teaching, and some of its key features, from Desire2Learn representatives.

Also hear about the “real-life” experience of one of our own faculty members, Dr. George Gomez, who is using the D2L learning environment this semester.

You must register by April 16 for the lunch/presentation here (select IT Forum).

All other events on the schedule below are available on a walk-in basis.

  • 10:00-10:30 AM   D2L Open Office Hours – come and ask any questions you have about Desire2Learn
  • 10:30-11:00 AM   Using Wiggio & Blogs in Desire2Learn
  • 11:00-11:30 AM   Incorporating Panopto video into Desire2Learn
  • 11:30-1:00 PM   Lunchtime Presentation: Desire2Learn – More than just a course management system.  Registration Required. Deadline is April 16, 2014.

The following afternoon sessions are open to both faculty and students.

  • 1:15-1:45 PM   Desire2Learn Mobile apps (Binder, Assignment Grader)
  • 1:45-2:15 PM   Using Notifications in D2L
  • 2:15-2:45 PM   Social Media in D2L
  • 2:45-3:30 PM   D2L Open Office Hours – come and ask any questions you have about Desire2Learn

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Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, Technology Training, Tutorials

Back Up Angel Student Data

14 04 2014

TAG and CTLE would like to remind faculty members to back up student data (including grades, discussion forums, and dropbox submissions) for their ANGEL courses by May 31, 2014.

Here are step-by-step instructions from CTLE/IR (as emailed to all faculty on 2014-03-31):

As mentioned in previous emails, course content from ANGEL copies over to D2L. However, ANGEL student data does not. We suggest that you backup all grade book, discussion, and dropbox submission data prior to May 31, 2014. There will be several workshops during the week of May 26 [see calendar] to help you backup your ANGEL student data.

Back up student grades:

  • Navigate to the ANGEL Manage tab of each course,
  • Gradebook => Overall Report => Save as PDF or,
  • Gradebook => Export Grades to save as a comma delimited file.

Back up discussion forums:

  • Navigate to the ANGEL Communicate tab of each course,
  • Click on a forum,
  • Select Nested View in drop down menu next to New Post,
  • Click [+] in front of Post Title to turn it into [-],
  • Click the printer icon at top right,
  • Select a pdf printer to save your discussion forum in pdf format.

Back up dropbox submissions:

  • Navigate to the ANGEL Lessons tab of each course,
  • Locate a droppbox,
  • Mouse over the dropbox title and click Submissions,
  • Click on Download Submissions,
  • Select All Submissions from the drop down menu,
  • Click Download to save a zip folder to your computer.

As always, the CTLE and ITDA will be available to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Please do not hesitate to call upon us at any time.


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TAG Meeting Notes 2014-02-12

14 02 2014

TAG Meeting February 12, 2014 12:00pm-1:00pm

Attendees:
Jeremy Brees, Tim Cannon, Paul Cutrufello, Kim Daniloski, Dave Dzurec, Eugeniu Grigorescu, Katie Iacocca, Andrew LaZella, Lori Nidoh, Kristen Yarmey

1. Brief Reports

Acceptable Use Policy

CIO Jerry DeSanto announced on February 6 that the new Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy had been approved by the President’s Cabinet. The new policy is an update to the old Code of Responsible Computing. Many thanks to Jim Franceschelli and Dave Dzurec for co-chairing the committee charged with revision.

PR Department/Program Website initiative

Back in late November, Dave, Kim, and Kristen (along with Hal Baillie, Darla Germeroth, and Ray Schwenk) met with Gerry Zaboski and Lori Nidoh in PR to discuss department and program websites. Also in on the meeting (phoning in from Cedar Rapids) were representatives from Converge, a vendor that PR has hired to help us with initial planning and updates for departmental websites and academic program pages (note: *not* course catalog content/program descriptions, which require formal review).

The main goal from a faculty perspective is to develop content for department/program pages that is consistent across the University website and does a better job of communicating what it is that we do — reflecting the quality of our programs/departments, “telling the story” of the student educational experience, etc. (In 2012-2013 TAG had prepared a proposal for improving and maintaining department/program websites that advocated for additional support for this task.)

Briefly, Converge plans to 1) outline/inventory needed content, 2) do some search engine optimization research (e.g., what terms do users type in to Google when they’re looking for nursing programs?), 3) develop a draft template for page content, 4) get faculty feedback via a campus visit and questionnaire, 5) draft some copy, and 6) help us prepare a long term strategy. Their main output would be a consistent template for department/program pages, and they will create content for up to 50 department/program pages (though the institution has the final say on content). Gerry explained that this way we can get a lot of updates done quickly.

PR and Academic Affairs would like to bring together a steering committee or task force to coordinate this project, with work beginning in March. Gerry has broached this topic with the Committee on University Image and Promotion (CUIP), which includes faculty representatives.  After the November meeting, Kristen and Dave had asked TAG members to identify faculty who might be interested in serving on such a steering committee. Teresa, Sandy, and Dave then volunteered.  However, Lori noted that it has not yet been decided which program/department pages will be selected as the focus of the project, and she was not sure who will make that decision. We agreed that once these programs/departments have been selected, TAG will support the faculty representatives on CUIP in trying to recruit faculty volunteers to participate.

Desire2Learn

Desire2Learn went live in January, and so far the transition seems to be going smoothly (see the LMS transition page for details). About 30 faculty members opted to begin teaching in Desire2Learn in Spring 2014. Courses that are being taught in Desire2Learn have been disabled in ANGEL so that students don’t see them in both places.  Workshops and video tutorials are available for faculty.

Eugeniu reported that there was an issue with merging courses that CTLE wasn’t able to resolve in time for this semester, but it will be resolved in time for summer and fall courses. Another issue has been reported with links – Firefox and Chrome are problematic when trying to display unsecure pages within secure frames.

Mobile Apps

IR’s Mobile Apps feedback group met in December (pptx). Sandy attended as a faculty representative. The group reviewed the University’s current apps — ANGEL Mobile, eAccounts (for RoyalCard), the Straxis app, Student Services app, RoyalSync, and Desire2Learn (which also has two special purpose apps – Binder and Grader) — and discussed what additional features should be mobile accessible.  The Straxis app will be retired at the end of the year and replaced by a locally developed web app for the fall 2014 semester.

Royal Card

Faculty are reminded to visit the TSC to get a new RoyalCard. Take your old RoyalCard or a driver’s license, and you will be photographed.

Windows XP to 7 Conversions

(Jim was unable to attend the meeting but sent an update on this via email.) IT Services is continuing to work on converting all remaining Windows XP machines to Windows 7. Faculty machines are the current priority, with a goal of finishing all faculty conversions by the end of May.  IT Services will contact users to schedule a time and date for conversion — the process takes about two hours.  Dave noted that the history department was almost entirely converted and had no issues.

II. Items for Discussion

Specialized Software/Computer Lab Survey Results

Kristen is still working on putting together the survey results and apologized to TAG members for the delay.

WordPress Network

Kristen reported that at least one additional faculty request for a site on the campus WordPress network (sites.scranton.edu) had been turned down. There seems to be a continuing need among faculty and students for academic web space, particularly since the academic server (academic.scranton.edu) was decommissioned.

At our September 2013 meeting, TAG had requested that IR draft language on service levels for WordPress. Kristen asked Jim for an update on this issue. Jim was unable to attend this meeting but sent an update via email, excerpted here:

We met this past fall and have consulted with the CTLE on various support issues.  Unfortunately at this time, we cannot extend the wordpress offerings.  Looking at the current issues at hand – especially with the CTLE and the conversion to D2L – extending support won’t happen until January 2015 at the earliest. I know there is growing demand and many faculty want to use wordpress as an alternative web site.  Unfortunately the supported options are within the CMS.  D2L does have options for blogging and discussion boards.  I think TAG had offered to look at it from a faculty perspective – any news back on that?

Eugeniu explained that CTLE was unable to provide assistance to IR on support for WordPress at the same time as they are supporting faculty and students during the transition to Desire2Learn.

Kristen asked TAG members for their reactions. The majority agreed that we would like to keep advocating for WordPress but acknowledge that Desire2Learn should take priority at this time. Dave suggested that we revisit the question again in January 2015 as Jim indicated.

III. New Business

Vice President for Planning/CIO

Fr. Quinn announced in December 2013 that Jerry DeSanto would be stepping down as Vice President for Planning/CIO. Associate Vice President Robyn Dickinson will serve as Interim. While the search for a new Provost is taking priority, Dave and Kristen noted that they planned to volunteer TAG’s input (either formal or informal) in any upcoming search for the CIO position.

TAG Leadership for 2014-2015

Kristen will be rotating off as TAG co-chair at the end of Spring 2014. Dave will continue as co-chair for 2014-2015, but will be on sabbatical in Spring 2015.  They asked for one or two volunteers (preferably but not necessarily including a Senator) to serve a two-year term as co-chair. Andrew volunteered to serve in Spring 2015 while Dave is away. We are still in need of another volunteer to serve the full year.

IV. Demonstrations

Adam Edwards and Scott Finlon from Information Security came to the second half of the TAG meeting for two demonstrations.

Firstly, they demonstrated the administrative side of Identity Finder. TAG members have been piloting automated Identity Finder scans, which are running each Friday at noon. Identify Finder scans the user’s computer for any personally identifiable information (PII) in unprotected files. The Information Security Office receives reports that indicate the level of risk for that machine. Anticipating concerns about privacy and confidentiality, Adam and Scott showed a sample report. The report shows the number of hits and the location of each file with hits, but the actual information is obscured. Based off of these reports, Adam then works one-on-one with users to either delete the files or move them to a more secure location. Adam said that he is working with staff with the most risk first (e.g., people with 1,000 hits or more).

Secondly, Adam and Scott demonstrated using TrueCrypt (free open-source disk encryption software) to encrypt files or folders that contain confidential information (such as human subject research data). They have already shown this tool (along with another encryption tool in Identity Finder) to the IRB and would like to make it a recommended standard for campus use. [Update 2014-07-02: Support for TrueCrypt has been discontinued, so Information Security now recommends using 7Zip for encrypting sensitive or confidential data.] TAG members did not bring up any concerns, so we will move forward on this. Adam will share brief written instructions, and we will share them with the faculty as a recommended practice for confidential data.

Adam and Scott would like to start automated Identity Finder scans on faculty computers beginning with departments that would *not* have any confidential subject data stored no faculty desktops. We were not sure that such a distinction could be easily made, but TAG will try to work with department chairs to determine which departments might be willing to begin scans. Scott will send Kristen a list of departments as they appear in Identity Finder (based on Active Directory groups) as a starting point.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 1:10pm. TAG’s next meeting will be Wednesday, March 12 from 12pm-1pm in WML305.


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Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, Minutes, Mobile, Security, TAG Administrative, Website Proposal

ANGEL to Desire2Learn Transition Update

29 11 2013

All-faculty email sent out by CTLE on 2013-11-26:

Dear Faculty,

The conversion of ANGEL courses to Desire2Learn (D2L) will take place in 2 stages next month.

On December 10, 2013 courses from the following semesters/terms will be converted:

  • Fall 2011
  • Special Fall 2011
  • Intersession 2012
  • Spring 2012
  • Special Spring 2012
  • Summer 2012
  • Special Summer 2012

On December 19, 2013 courses from the following semesters/terms will be converted:

  • Fall 2012
  • Special Fall 2012
  • Intersession 2013
  • Spring 2013
  • Special Spring 2013
  • Summer 2013
  • Special Summer 2013
  • Fall 2013
  • Special Fall 2013

Suggestions for Conversion
The conversion tool is robust and performs well; it transfers all course content from ANGEL to D2L. However, in order to ease the transition from ANGEL to D2L, we suggest that you perform the following steps in your ANGEL courses prior to the conversion dates:

  • Nest all content in folders under the lessons tab,
  • Save all of your original syllabus files in .doc and .pdf,
  • Eliminate any unnecessary syllabus files from syllabus files area. D2L will migrate any file in the ANGEL syllabus files area with the word syllabus in it,
  • Label all content explicitly,
  • Save subtitles in content items in a text document OR move to the Description area for each content item. Content item subtitles will not migrate over to D2L,
  • Move/copy all LOR content back to the course.

Student Data
Course content from ANGEL will copy over to D2L. However, ANGEL student data will not. We suggest that you backup all grade book, discussion, and dropbox submission data prior to May 31, 2014.

Back up student grades:

  • Navigate to the ANGEL Manage tab of each course,
  • Gradebook => Overall Report => Save as PDF or,
  • Gradebook => Export Grades to save as a comma delimited file.

Back up discussion forums:

  • Navigate to the ANGEL Communicate tab of each course,
  • Click on a forum,
  • Select Nested View in drop down menu next to New Post,
  • Click [+] in front of Post Title to turn it into [-],
  • Click the printer icon at top right,
  • Select a pdf printer to save your discussion forum in pdf format.

Back up dropbox submissions:

  • Navigate to the ANGEL Lessons tab of each course,
  • Locate a droppbox,
  • Mouse over the dropbox title and click Submissions,
  • Click on Download Submissions,
  • Select All Submissions from the drop down menu,
  • Click Download to save a zip folder to your computer.

Desire2Learn Workshops
The CTLE will offer numerous workshops in January 2014 to prepare you for the switch to D2L. There will be 2 types of offerings: training hands-on sessions and open migration workshops. The hands-on sessions will cover basic functionality of D2L as well as the grade book, discussion forums, and assessments. The open migration workshops will provide one-on-one assistance in adjusting the converted content from ANGEL into D2L. The workshop schedule is available online.

As always, the CTLE and ITDA will be available to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Please do not hesitate to call upon us at any time.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Best regards,
Connie Wisdo, ITDA
Eugeniu Grigorescu, CTLE


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Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, Upgrades

2013 Faculty Technology Questionnaire

18 11 2013

This announcement went out as an all-faculty email (thanks to Eugeniu), but in case you missed it, TAG’s running another faculty survey!

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Dear Colleagues,

In collaboration with Planning and Information Resources (PIR), the University of Scranton Technology Advisory Group (TAG), a subcommittee of the Faculty Senate Academic Support committee, seeks faculty input on four technology topics:

  1. Specialized software,
  2. Computer labs,
  3. Lecture capture, and
  4. Desire2Learn (our new learning management system).

Please take a few minutes to fill out this informal survey, preferably by Monday, November 25. All questions are optional.

Aggregated results will be shared with Faculty Senate and Planning and Information Resources and will posted to TAG’s website at sites.scranton.edu/tag. Please send any questions or comments to tag-members@royallists.scranton.edu.

Many thanks for your time and attention!
Dave Dzurec and Kristen Yarmey, co-chairs
Technology Advisory Group


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TAG Meeting Notes 2013-11-06

11 11 2013

TAG Meeting November 6, 2013 2:00pm-2:50pm

Attendees:
Paul Cutrufello, Kim Daniloski, Dave Dzurec, Jim Franceschelli, Eugeniu Grigorescu, Andrew LaZella, Kristen Yarmey

1. Brief Reports

Desire2Learn (Eugeniu)

Eugeniu (CTLE) and Connie Wisdo (ITDA) sent an email to all-faculty detailing the schedule and plan for our LMS conversion from Angel to Desire2Learn.  CIO Jerry DeSanto would be joining Eugeniu and Connie for a presentation to Faculty Senate scheduled for November 8. CTLE will host Desire2Learn showcases for faculty on Monday, November 11 (3:00 – 4:00pm) and November 12 (4:00 – 5:00pm) in Brennan 228.  CTLE has also scheduled several Desire2Learn training workshops for faculty.

Identity Finder (Kristen)

Adam Edwards (Information Security) and Joe Dreisbach went to a recent IRB meeting to discuss options for encrypting research data to better ensure subject confidentiality. Adam proposed two tools (TrueCrypt and Identity Finder’s built-in Audit Vault) as options, though if possible he would like to settle on one as a campus standard. Adam asked Bryan Burnham to try both tools and report back with any issues or concerns. [Update 2014-07-03: Support for TrueCrypt has been discontinued, so Information Security no recommends using 7Zip for encrypting sensitive or confidential data.]

TAG members have been piloting automated Identity Finder scans, which are running each Friday at noon. No TAG members had experienced any performance issues. However, Kristen is concerned that the scans are essentially invisible to the user – that is, there is neither notification prior to the scan beginning nor confirmation with report results at the conclusion of the scan. She would like users to be able to see a log of the scans and results from their computers (even if only on an opt-in basis). Adam is looking into this. Ordinarily, users do not know their scan results – Adam meets one-on-one with users, based on how high the risk is (e.g., large number of hits for PII – personally identifiable information – especially if stored in unsecured folders or applications like Dropbox = higher risk).

Adam has offered to give a demonstration of Identity Finder so that faculty can better understand what Information Security sees in the reports and how they work. TAG members present decided to ask for a small TAG demo first, after which we will determine whether or not a demonstration should be given to the full Faculty Senate. Kristen will contact Adam to schedule a TAG demo in December.

2. Items for Discussion

Budget Priorities – Specialized Software and Labs

At our October meeting, we talked about gathering faculty feedback relating to specialized software an computer labs, to better prepare for future discussions about budgeting priorities. We decided in October to compose a survey for faculty members. We spent much of the November meeting working on a draft of the survey, which will ideally be disseminated to all faculty on or around November 13 (such that results can be shared with Information Resources by early December). Kristen will send the revised survey draft to all TAG members for further comment and review.

Jeremy Brees (in absentia) had suggested that TAG give the academic deans a heads-up about the survey, since it may prompt questions from faculty. Jeremy, Paul, Dave, and Kristen will talk to their respective deans prior to the survey being sent out.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3:00pm. This was our final scheduled meeting for Fall 2013. Kristen and Dave will coordinate scheduling for Spring 2014 meetings.


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Desire2Learn Showcase Presentations Coming Soon

1 11 2013

Reposting from email to all faculty, sent by CTLE on  2013-11-01:

Dear Faculty,

The CTLE will be hosting showcases of the D2L features on Monday, November 11 (3:00 – 4:00 pm) and Tuesday, November 12 (4:00 – 5:00 pm). Both presentations will be in Brennan Hall 228.

In addition, the CTLE will offer numerous workshops in January 2014 to prepare you for the switch to D2L. There will be two types of offerings: training hands-on sessions and open migration workshops. The hands-on sessions will cover basic functionality of D2L as well as the grade book, discussion forums, and assessments. The open migration workshops will provide one-on-one assistance in adjusting the converted content from ANGEL into D2L. The workshop schedule can be found here – D2L workshops.

Best regards,
Connie Wisdo, ITDA
Eugeniu Grigorescu, CTLE


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Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Technology Training

Desire2Learn Conversion Plan

10 10 2013

Reposting from email to all faculty, sent by CTLE Director Eugeniu Grigorescu on 2013-10-10:

Dear Faculty,

After an extensive and in-depth evaluation process by the Learning Management System Evaluation Working Group, the University has chosen Desire2Learn (D2L) as its next Learning Management System (LMS). An email from Dr. Harold Baillie and Dr. Jerry DeSanto regarding this decision was sent on July 1, 2013.

The Evaluation Working Group consisted of faculty members recommended by the Technology Advisory Group (TAG), undergraduate and graduate students, and staff members from several campus departments who will be supporting the new LMS.

D2L will be available for the Spring 2014 semester. ANGEL will be available until May 31, 2014. During the Spring 2014 semester, ANGEL and D2L will run in parallel. You will have the option to choose which system you want to use next spring.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) and the IT Development and Applications (ITDA) are working with a group of pilot faculty this semester to optimize the migration process and prepare “best practices” for teaching and learning in D2L.

Course Conversion – ANGEL to D2L
Over the next 2 months, ANGEL courses will be converted/migrated to D2L. Existing ANGEL courses from fall 2011 through summer 2013 will be converted automatically. Moreover, you will be able to request conversion of additional courses via an online form. The form will be available in early January 2014. The form’s availability will be announced via email.

Access to D2L
D2L will be available for faculty access on Monday, January 6, 2014. At that time, you will be able to view all of your converted courses from ANGEL.

Teaching with D2L
During spring 2014, you may use either ANGEL or D2L, but not both. If you decide to use D2L, you must complete an online form to opt in to teach all of your courses in D2L. The form and instructions will be available in early January. The form’s availability will be announced via email. The deadline to commit to using D2L for Spring 2014 is Friday, January 17, 2014.

In spring 2014, the only courses accessible by students in D2L will be those that you committed (opted in) to teach using D2L.

D2L Showcase
The CTLE will be hosting showcases of the D2L features on Monday, November 11 (3:00 – 4:00 pm) and Tuesday, November 12 (4:00 – 5:00 pm). Both presentations will be in Brennan 228.

D2L Workshops
The CTLE will offer numerous workshops in January 2014 to prepare you for the switch to D2L. There will be 2 types of offerings: training hands-on sessions and open migration workshops. The hands-on sessions will cover basic functionality of D2L as well as the grade book, discussion forums, and assessments. The open migration workshops will provide one-on-one assistance in adjusting the converted content from ANGEL into D2L. The workshop schedule will be announced via email in mid November.

D2L Links

As always, the CTLE and ITDA will be available to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Please do not hesitate to call upon us at any time.

Best regards,
Connie Wisdo, ITDA
Eugeniu Grigorescu, CTLE


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Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, Technology Training, Tutorials

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