FERPA considerations for cloud services

11 09 2012

I sat in on today’s meeting of IMAC (the Information Management Advisory Committee) on behalf of TAG. There were two major items discussed – a revision to the Records Management & Retention Policy (which I don’t think will have much direct impact on faculty) and a set of Guidelines for the Use of Cloud Computing Services.

The Guidelines are not policy – the document just list some of the concerns and considerations faculty and staff should be aware of when signing up for cloud services like Gmail, Google Docs, Dropbox, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, PayPal, etc.

The Guidelines are currently in draft format, so I’ve been asked not to distribute them outside of TAG. Non-TAG members, the new Guidelines will be sent out in 3-4 weeks, but in the meantime take a look at former Information Security Officer Tony Maszeroski’s Guidance on the Use of Cloud Applications by Individuals – the new Guidelines are similar in content.

One of the major concerns with using cloud services for University-related work (like teaching) is that it introduces all sorts of privacy and security issues. Almost all student information, like grades, transcripts, class lists, etc, is classified as restricted or confidential (see the Information Classification Policy) due to FERPA.

Classified or restricted information should not be stored or transferred on non-University systems, so faculty need to be very aware of what information we’re sharing with what third parties. If you’re using cloud tools or social media as part of your class or lab, you need to be very conscious of any potential privacy violations, and be upfront with students about the terms of service.

(See EDUCAUSE’s 2010 report on Privacy Considerations in Cloud-Based Teaching and Learning Environments. Colorado Community Colleges Online has posted some scenarios relating to respecting FERPA in an online classroom.)

I don’t think this is an issue that most faculty are very aware of, and I’d like to get a sense of how TAG can help faculty sort out these considerations in their classes. So let me know what you think – What questions do you have? What resources or references would be useful?


Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Announcements, Online courses, Security

TAG Summer Synopsis

29 08 2012

Welcome back, all! In case you didn’t spend your summer break thinking about campus technology, here’s a quick recap of what’s been going on over the past few months and what we’ll be talking about in fall semester.

What Happened:

  • Campus wireless upgrade. We’re seeing huge improvements in connection speed and strength – thank you, Network Infrastructure!
  • Classroom upgrades. Over the summer, IT Services remediated all of Brennan’s teaching spaces. Other classrooms were upgraded as well – including CLP223, 224, 225, JOH 150, 152, MGH 017, 209, 336, 402, and 406.
  • Lecture Capture. Lecture capture capability has been installed in LSC133 and LSC333. TAG members Jeremy Sepinsky and Tara Fay are doing pilot projects this fall to test out the new technology before extending it to other classrooms. Nursing and Counseling departments are next on the list.
  • Mobile access to Angel. We now have a license for Blackboard Mobile Learn for Angel, so you can download the free app for use on your iPhone, iPad, Android, or Blackberry device.
  • R-ID authentication. Instructor stations and computer labs now require your R number as your user name. Your password is the same.
  • Virtual desktops. 203 computers in Brennan and Library computer labs are now thin client machines.  At these terminals, students access virtual desktops and save files to SkyDrive.

What’s Coming:

  • Standard user accounts. As Windows 7 is rolled out for new faculty computers, our roles will change from administrative to standard user accounts. This is a security measure to try to prevent users from downloading and installing malicious software. By default, standard users can’t install or delete applications. This would be a major issue for many faculty members, but IR has been working on a solution for faculty, using Viewfinity privilege management software. The plan so far: when you need to install an application, you’re prompted to enter a brief description/justification, and then your permissions are temporarily elevated so that you can install what you need. Commonly used software is whitelisted to speed things up. I’ve been piloting it this summer from a faculty perspective, with good results. Mac and Linux users will not be affected. More details on this later.
  • Code of Responsible Computing. This policy is up for review. As a representative from TAG and the Faculty Senate, Dave Dzurec has bravely agreed to co-chair the effort. We’ll post updates here.
  • The academic server is scheduled for final retirement this year. Several faculty members still have web content on the server – so CTLE (probably with some help from TAG) will be reaching out to those folks this semester to help them move any content they want to keep.
  • Luminis upgrade. An update to the my.scranton portal is currently scheduled for December 2012. TAG is contributing suggestions for the new faculty tab – let me know if you’re interested in giving ideas or feedback.
  • Software licensing for virtualized environments.  The idea is that faculty, staff, and students could log into their virtual desktop from any computer and access the specialized software they need (SPSS, etc). Unfortunately, this is really expensive. IR is looking into it.
  • Royal Card. The system will get a full upgrade this year. This won’t have much effect on faculty from what we can tell.

What’s Stalled:

  • Academic Technology Plan. Sigh. That said, TAG is still looking for faculty input on future technology needs. What kind of teaching spaces do we want? What technology funding is most important? We’re hoping to get more conversations started on these topics this year.

 

——————
*Thanks to Jim Franceschelli, Lorraine Mancuso, Jerry DeSanto, and Robyn Dickinson for talking us through this year’s road map.

**IR staff, please let me know if I got anything wrong. Thank you!


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Announcements

Fall 2012 – Angel updates and workshops

21 08 2012

In case you missed a few of the Angel announcements this week – here’s the short version.

Training is available:

See CTLE’s Angel Workshop Calendar for scheduled sessions, or contact Brian Snapp or Aileen McHale for one-on-one help.

Students can access Angel courses 3 weeks early:

Students now have access to Angel courses beginning 3 weeks before the start of a semester. If you’re in the middle of developing or updating a course, and you don’t want students to see certain course materials, you can hide them. See the CTLE’s tutorial for details.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , ,
Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, Technology Training, Tutorials

Username = R Number in classrooms and labs

6 08 2012

 

Just a reminder – starting today, if you are logging into a classroom or lab computer:

username = Royal ID/R number (e.g, R12345678)

password = my.scranton password

 

Office desktops and laptop computers are not affected by this change. See last week’s post for details.

 


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Announcements

Classroom Computer Changes

1 08 2012

Update 2: Tim Meade of IT Services just posted this update:

All services are back up and verified.
Wireless was down for 20 mins starting at 7:04.
Wired services were restored in 20 mins as well.
RoyalGuest was down til 9:00PM while a issue was resolved Cisco TAC.

Update: The Cisco upgrade is scheduled to take place between 7:00 PM –8:00 PM on 8/7/2012. Following this update, Mac access to the wired and wireless internet should be unhindered.

Dear all,

Yesterday afternoon, James Franceschelli (Director of IT Services) sent out an email (quoted below) mentioning some changes to the way faculty will be required to log on to computers in the classroom and labs. To log in, you will no longer use your my.scranton username (e.g., sepinskyj2), but will now use your Royal ID. You password will remain the same.

This change is the first in a step towards the implementation of a new software to manage and organize network credentials and authentication, called Active Directory. Active Directory was first discussed in TAG meetings in October 2010 (“More IT Forum Updates”), and more details were provided in February 2011 (“IT Update: What it Means for Faculty”). Please look at the IT Security manager’s (Tony Maszeroski’s) comment to that post for additional information as to what Active Directory means for the faculty.

As I said, this is the first step, and eventually your my.scranton login, as well as the login to your personal desktop, will all change to your royal ID. For now, unfortunately, you will have three different logins:

  1. firstname.lastname for e-mail
  2. lastname-initial-number for my.scranton
  3. RoyalID for classrooms and labs

If you have any questions about the process, implementation, or access, please contact your techsupport@scranton.edu or your friendly TAG representative.

Original Email:

As part of our continuing efforts to make our campus more secure, we are changing the way students, staff, and faculty log into the computers in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms on campus. Beginning August 6th, you will log into these computers using your Royal ID for Username and your my.scranton Password. Office desktop and laptop computers will not change.

Questions and concerns about the login change in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms should be directed to the Technology Support Center at x4357 or techsupport@scranton.edu.


Comments : 1 Comment »

Categories : Announcements

IT Matters – Spring 2012

25 05 2012

The Spring 2012 edition of IT Matters is now available. It’s got a lot of good news and progress to share, so it’s worth a read.

Items of particular interest to faculty:

  • Email and calendar migrations are pretty much complete (p. 1).  On the whole the transition went very smoothly, so our hats off to the email team!
  • Summary of the LMS Work Group process and decision (p. 2).
  • Upcoming issues in IT include Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and a new focus on risk management (p. 3).
  • Classroom mediation updates for the Science Center and Brennan (p. 4).
  • Royal Card upgrade to Blackboard Transact (p. 5).
  • VDI (aka thin client computing) is being piloted in the Library (p. 6).
  • ITDA is reworking the Math Placement System (p. 7).

The newsletter really makes it clear how many projects our IR staff members have been juggling.  From a TAG perspective, we’re gratified that IR staff members have worked hard to keep us in the loop and to seek faculty feedback on the projects that affect us and our teaching. We’re looking forward to 2012-2013 as another busy but productive year!


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Announcements

LMS Working Group – Final Report

25 05 2012

The final report of the Learning Management System (LMS) Work Group is now available on the University’s web site at www.scranton.edu/lmssearch.

As a reminder, the Group’s recommendation was that the University stay with ANGEL for two more years, but revisit the LMS market in Spring 2013.

The Group also recommended that the University purchase Blackboard Mobile Learn for ANGEL.**

Thanks so much to the Work Group and especially our faculty representatives for their work!

**I believe there’s a budget request in for this, but I’m not sure if it’s been approved yet.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements

Brennan Hall Remediation

25 05 2012

This summer, the IT Services Office of Instructional Technology will be improving the mediated classrooms in Brennan Hall.

Having met with KSOM faculty during the spring semester, ITS/OIT have put together a proposal, which in summary includes the following improvements:

  • New Cabling Infrastructure
  • New video Switching
  • New Display Technology (screens and projectors)
  • New user interfaces
  • Added digital abilities
  • New document cameras
  • Integrated lighting controls (upgraded lighting through physical plant)

One change that may affect faculty is that the classrooms will no longer have VCRs, since it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get them. Faculty members can request VCRs from OIT on an as-needed basis, or you can also contact the Library’s Media Resources Center to discuss other options for classroom media.

Phase I (first and second floor teaching spaces, plus BRN428) has been approved and funded and will be completed this summer. Phase II (BRN228, 3rd floor conference rooms, 4th floor meeting spaces) is scheduled for Summer 2013.

For more information and for a copy of the proposal, KSOM faculty can contact their department chairs or their TAG representatives, Wesley Wang and S. P. Chattopadhyay. Questions or concerns about the proposal can be directed to ITS/OIT by contacting either Jim Franceschelli or Jason Wimmer.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Announcements, Classroom Mediation

Angel it is, through 2014

9 05 2012

The Learning Management System (LMS) Work Group made its recommendation this morning – we’ll be sticking with ANGEL through Spring 2014.

A full report is on the way, but in the meantime, here’s the announcement from Work Group leader Connie Wisdo:

Hello all,

The LMS Evaluation Working group had its final two meetings over the last three weeks and concluded its work.  Below is a synopsis of the meeting minutes and the final recommendation made by the group.  (A full report will be compiled and made available in the coming weeks.)

Group members discussed their findings and observations from testing the three LMS products chosen as finalists – Blackboard Learn, Desire2Learn and Moodlerooms.  It was recommended unanimously by group members that Moodlerooms should be dropped from consideration due primarily to its lack of internal email.  We concluded that the messaging features of Moodlerooms did not adequately substitute for an internal email system.  Of the remaining two finalists, Desire2Learn was deemed a slightly better choice for us than Blackboard, overall.  Many factors were taken into consideration in the analysis, but it really came down to (1) course conversion capabilities in Desire2Learn were better than those in Blackboard; and (2) the students who evaluated the products overwhelmingly chose Desire2Learn over Blackboard.  Overall there were many issues with converting courses from ANGEL to each of the LMS products evaluated.

Since we are now not being forced to move away from ANGEL, the group considered the possibility of the University staying with ANGEL, for at least two more years. CTLE and ITDA did some background research for the group, by conducting a conference call with Blackboard reps.  They gave us assurances that ANGEL development will continue, but the majority of Blackboard’s resources will be put towards the Blackboard Learn product. Blackboard said it will be putting more development into ANGEL mobile than ANGEL desktop.  Therefore, the group concluded that any changes to ANGEL desktop will be minor over the next several years.  The group was asked to identify any shortcomings in ANGEL which, if not addressed in the next two years, would significantly hamper our institution’s teaching and learning practices.  None were identified, except for the lack of a good mobile interface.  Otherwise, ANGEL seems to be adequately meeting faculty and students’ needs.

Due primarily to the experiences encountered in the LMS sandboxes with course conversion, and the significant cost, time and energy associated with transitioning to Desire2Learn at this time, the group members unanimously recommended that we stay with ANGEL for two more years (through Spring, 2014), and re-look the LMS market in Spring 2013.  Doing so will allow us (1) to see if LMS products’ course conversion capabilities improve to the point of being acceptable to our faculty; and (2) to determine if any of the newer LMS products (such as Canvas by Instructure) evolve to a point where they could be considered as possible replacements to ANGEL at that time.

The group also unanimously recommended that if we stay with ANGEL we purchase Blackboard Mobile Learn for ANGEL.  Respondents to a recent mobile app survey conducted by Public Relations and ITDA overwhelmingly named mobile access to the LMS as their top priority for mobile functionality on our campus.  We have had the free version of Blackboard Mobile Learn for ANGEL for approximately 18 months, usable only on iOS devices (iPad / IPhone), with connectivity available only via Wi-Fi, or via the Sprint network.  However, the full version of Blackboard Mobile Learn can be used on both iOS and Android devices, and with any cellular network.  A significant portion of our students have Android smartphones and/or tablets, and are therefore incapable of using the free version of Mobile Learn for ANGEL.  I negotiated with Blackboard to get a free trial of the full version of Mobile Learn for ANGEL, from mid-April, through the end of the Spring semester.  The app was demonstrated at the working group’s April meeting and members of the group were encouraged to download the app.  Several CTLE TechCons downloaded and evaluated the app, and concluded it was quite adequate for students’ needs.

As I said earlier, a detailed summary of the group’s overall evaluation process, conclusions and recommendations is forthcoming.  I expect to have it finalized and made available to the campus community by May 18th.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.

Thank you,

Connie Wisdo
Director, IT Development & Applications
x4123
constance.wisdo@scranton.edu

 

Many thanks from TAG to the faculty representatives who served on the Work Group:  Maureen Carroll (math), TAG member Teresa Conte (nursing), Tara Fay (biology),  Julie Nastasi (OT), Wesley Wang (economics/finance), and Keith Yurgosky (communications, part time).


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Angel and Desire2Learn, Announcements, Mobile

Google Drive

25 04 2012

We know there are a lot of Google fans out there on campus, so we thought we’d pass along this link from Information Security manager Tony Maszeroski:

“Who owns your files on Google Drive?”

Or if you need background, “The Google Drive FAQ.”


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Announcements, Security

« Previous Entries Next Entries »