Category: Student Resources

Introducing Tech Talk!

Posted on by Katrina Frank

Information Services would like to announce the revival of our video series, Tech Talk!

Tech Talk is the Information Services channel on Microsoft Stream answering good questions and providing even better solutions. On the Tech Talk channel you can watch tutorials showcasing the technology offered at Kalamazoo College. All K College faculty, students, and staff have access to use Microsoft Stream with their campus Office 365 account. Popular videos currently on Tech Talk include:

Suggestions

Do you have a suggestion for a Tech Talk video? Feel free to email the Web Services Specialist, Katrina Frank at katrina.frank@kzoo.edu.

Special Software Availability for Distance Learning

Posted on by Carolyn Zinn

Some courses require students to use specific software products, such as SPSS, Atlas.TI, ArcGIS, MATLAB, and Stata. The College licenses these packages for use in computer labs, so students do not necessarily have to purchase and install the software on their own computers.

To accommodate distance learning during Spring 2020, the College has created an online computer lab with access to the software required in courses this term. At the same time, we understand that students will have a better learning experience if they have access to a desktop computer where they are able to install and use the required software.

Information Services has gathered these resources from the various companies who are offering special licensing at this time:

Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe is providing us with temporary licenses to access Adobe Creative Cloud desktop apps at-home, at no additional cost, so students and faculty can continue their learning.

Things to know before installing:

  • Be sure to use your long form email address (Jane.Doe16@kzoo.edu) to get properly redirected to a Kalamazoo College login page.
  • If you already have a personal Adobe ID that uses your K email, you will be prompted to select which account when you attempt to sign-in; select the “Company or School Account” option.

Follow these steps to install Creative Cloud apps.

ArcGIS

The College has received a limited number of temporary Student Licenses from Esri. Please contact HelpDesk@kzoo.edu to sign one out.

ArcGIS Desktop Installation Instructions

Step 1: Download ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) software from ESRI Student site:

  1.  Visit https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-desktop-student-trial and sign in with your Esri account.
    1.  Note: If you do not have an account, please create one by clicking the “I need to create a new Esri Account“
  2. Enter your EVA code and hit Activate.
  3. Look for the preferred version (10.3.1-10.7.1) of ArcGIS Desktop and click on it
  4. From the list of software to download, select ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) or ArcGIS for Desktop
  5. Click on Download


Step 2: Installing ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap):

Once the download is complete, the installation setup for the ArcGIS Desktop will usually be stored in your Downloads folder.

  1. Open your Downloads folder.
  2. Double click on the installation setup of ArcGIS Desktop (.exe) to begin file extraction
  3. Once the files are successfully extracted, hit Close and the installation wizard will begin
  4. Hit Next, Accept the Agreement, choose Complete installation type, and hit Next throughout the process and finally hit Install
  5. Hit Finish once installation is complete 

Installation Reference

 Once the ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) software has been installed on the computer, please follow the steps provided below in order to authorize the software using your EVA license.

Step 3: Authorize the ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) EVA license:

  1. Go to Start Menu > ArcGIS folder > launch ArcGIS Administrator (right click and run as Administrator).
  2. Click the Desktop folder (located on the left panel)
  3.  Choose the license level. Advanced (ArcInfo) Single Use option.
  4. Click Authorize Now to start Software Authorization Wizard.
  5. Choose the default option, “I have installed my software and need to authorize it” and click Next.
  6. Select “Authorize with Esri now using the Internet” and click Next.
  7. Enter/update personal information and click Next.
  8. Select organizational details and click Next.
  9. Enter the license number EVAxxxxxxxxx for ArcGIS Desktop and click Next.
  10. On the dialog box for extensions to be authorized, choose “I do not want to authorize any extensions at this time” option and click Next. Extensions are already included with the license
  11. Ignore the evaluation features and click Next. The option to evaluate features is not needed as your license already have the extensions.
  12. Hit Finish once license authorization is complete
  13. Check for license availability by clicking on the Availability folder (located on the left panel) and ensure the license is available.
  14. Launch ArcMap by going to the Start Menu, look for the ArcGIS folder and select the ArcMap.
  15. Once the ArcMap is successfully launched, go to the Customize tab and click on the Extensions.
  16. Make sure to check all the boxes for the extensions that have been authorized are for use.

Authorization Reference

MATLAB

Mathworks has arranged a special license that students can use on their own computers through June 30, 2020.  This license allows students to use MATLAB Online via any web browser or to install MATLAB on their own desktop or laptop. To obtain a license, create a MathWorks Account using your kzoo.edu email before either starting MATLAB Online or downloading the desktop version. 

SPSS

IBM is extending the SPSS Statistics Subscription Trial through June 15.

Stata

Stata has provided a temporary license (through June 1) free of charge for students. Please contact HelpDesk@kzoo.edu for the activation key.

Download the software here using the credentials you receive from the Help Desk. Find Installation instructions here.

The Distance Learning Tech Toolkit

Posted on by Katrina Frank

New Distance Learning Tech Toolkit Available!

For the most recent Tech Toolkit please see Your Distance Learning Tech Toolkit – Fall 2020 post.

Information Services Staff at 2019 gathering.

Although circumstances are vastly different this quarter, the Information Services team would still like to give you a warm welcome back to Kalamazoo College and share how we can support you. We understand that this abrupt transition to distance learning is not easy and our goal is to provide as much support as we can through transparency, documentation, and communication.

To ease the transition, we have compiled a list of resources that will be essential to your education from afar. In order for us to provide the utmost support it is imperative that you review and use these resources to your advantage throughout the quarter.

As always, if you have additional questions, we’re here for you!

Be well.

Staying Up to Date

Do you want to know when new software and tools are released? What about announcements about system outages or those undergoing maintenance? Listed below are ways that you can stay current on Information Services announcements particularly catered to students.

  • Student Tools page – This page is specifically tailored to students where you can access more information to your resources. Any general IS announcements, such as system maintenance, can be visible on our past IS Announcements page.
  • Hornet Hive Announcements – We will also be posting most IS announcements on the Hornet Hive; however, please note that these announcements may come later than those being posted directly to our IS website.

Communicating and Sharing with Others

  • Email and Webmail
  • Microsoft Teams (NEW!) – Some departments will be using Microsoft Teams to help you communicate and share more freely. Learn all about Teams!
  • Video Streaming (NEW!) – Microsoft Stream is a secure platform where the K College community can upload, view, and share videos within the College. Visit the video streaming page to learn more.
  • File Sharing – Visit our file sharing page to see all of ways you can share files with your peers, professors, and employers!

Tech Support from a Distance

  • The Information Services website – The IS website recently underwent a huge reorganization. Based on student feedback from our Spring 2019 usability testing we have made independent troubleshooting a priority. Be sure to first use the IS website if you’re having technical difficulties.
    • Search Tip : Use the IS Search on the right sidebar (or near the bottom of the page if on a mobile device) to find the information you need faster!
  • Email Support – Are you still not finding how to solve your issue on the website? Email the Help Desk or our Student Computer Consultants!
    • Email Tips : Provide a precise and concise subject line of what you would like solved. Add the steps that you took leading up to the issue and add a screenshot of the issue you’re experiencing.
  • Call the Help Desk – If you are unable to solve issues with one of your K College accounts you can call the Help Desk at 269.337.5800 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m EST. Monday – Friday. Please note that with the shift to distance learning for the Spring term, the Help Desk may be experiencing a high volume of requests and response times may be longer than usual.
  • Moodle Support – Are you having issues with Moodle? If so, please inform your professor and they will help direct you from there.
  • Library Support – Your Librarians are here for you! Connect with us on the Library website!

Feedback

Do you feel like we missed something in our Toolkit? If so, please let us know by contacting the Web Services Specialist, Katrina Frank at Katrina.Frank@kzoo.edu.

New Feature: Transferring Print Credits

Posted on by Katrina Frank
An illustration depicting a piece of paper with a ribbon on it.

Would you like to help out a friend who may be in need of a few extra print credits?

Or are you graduating soon and would like to pass your print credits on to a classmate?

Information Services would like to announce that print credits can now be transferred through Papercut!

All you’ll need is the exact username (not email address) of the person you would like to transfer print credits to. For further instruction visit the Student Print Credits section on the Printing page.

For additional information on print credits please connect with a Supervisor at the Circulation Desk or email Circulation@kzoo.edu.

Wi-Fi network registrations cleared

Posted on by WordPress Administrator

Information Services has cleared all Wi-Fi device registrations from fall.

If all you require is Internet access, consider using the eduroam network. With eduroam, you need only connect once per device (not every quarter), and can connect at participating campuses all over the world. More information is available here:

https://is.kzoo.edu/network/wifiaccess/eduroam/ 

For faculty planning to use a personal networked device in class, Information Services recommends connecting and testing those devices before the first day of class.

Please contact helpdesk@kzoo.edu with any questions.

Attend our First Year Forum on 9/18!

Posted on by Katrina Frank

Is that email really from the Help Desk? Where can I use the Adobe Creative Suite? My professor wants me to get Microsoft Office. What do I do? Information Services wants to answer your questions and provide you with insight on navigating technology at K. Spend less time frustrated and more time taking advantage of everything the College can offer to give you the resources you need to succeed. We’re here to help!

Your attendance will count as a Group 5 First Year Forum

Date: Wednesday, September 18th, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Mandelle, Olmsted Room

Welcome Class of 2023!

Posted on by Katrina Frank

Welcome to Kalamazoo College!

The Information Services (IS) team welcomes you to K and wants to help get your technology in order for the new year! View all of the resources below to see how to get connected, access your accounts, and who to contact in need whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member.

Remember, if you need tech help Information Services is here for you! Please feel free to connect by:

  • Stopping by the Tech Help Desk (located in the Upjohn Library Commons)
  • Sending us an email at HelpDesk.kzoo.edu or
  • Giving us a call at 269.337.5800.

We’re open Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Student Tools

  • Eduroam – How to connect to the campus wireless network
  • Student Webmail – How to access your Exchange email messages, calendar, and contact information
  • Office 365 – Your free access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and OneDrive
  • Moodle – where most of your instructors will post course materials and grades throughout the quarter.
  • Printing – Learn more standard, color, and 3D printing options available to you.

See the Student Tools page for more information on your resources to utilize throughout the year!

Who Should I Contact?

Help Desk

Email: HelpDesk@kzoo.edu

Contact us for:

  • Computers
  • Passwords
  • Campus email
  • Websites
  • Wireless access
  • Telephone service
  • Hornet Hive
  • Hornet HQ
Center for New Media Design

Phone: 269.337.7137
Email: Graphics@kzoo.edu

Contact us for:

  • Graphic design
  • Camera checkout
  • Scanning
  • Image editing
  • Desktop publishing
  • Large format printing
Video Production Studio and Editing

Phone: 269.337.7245
Email: KMedia@kzoo.edu

Booking Classrooms

To book a room, use the Room Reservation system or visit the Book a Room website

Facilities Coordinator

Phone: 269.337.7138
Email: BookaRoom@kzoo.edu

Educational Technology

Phone: 269.337.7415
Email: Josh.Moon@kzoo.edu

Contact Josh for:

  • Integrating technology into teaching
  • Moodle LMS
  • 3D printing
  • Virtual reality
Library Services

Visit the Kalamazoo College Library website!

Additional Library Points of Contact:

Media Services

Phone: 269.337.7138
Email: KMedia@kzoo.edu

Contact us for:

  • Audio/visual questions
  • Scheduling computers
  • Video
  • And/or public address equipment for classes and events
  • Video acquisitions
Audio Studio

Phone: 269.337.7138
Email: KMedia@kzoo.edu