Category: Teaching and Learning Tech

Moodle Upgrade

Posted on by WordPress Administrator

Information Services will be updating Moodle on Wednesday, August 14th from 11am to 2pm.  Please note that Moodle to be unavailable on Wednesday during that time. After completion, we will be upgraded to Moodle 4.4.

Moodle 4.4 should not be a disruptive change but will include a visual update, a change to the text editor, upgrade to our Hypothesis annotation tool, and various improvements.  For a more detailed preview of changes, please read the Moodle Site News.

Contact Josh Moon, Educational Technology Specialist, at josh.moon@kzoo.edu with any questions.

Stream Video Migration

Posted on by Todd Watson

Microsoft has introduced a new version of Stream for video hosting on SharePoint.  This change requires Kalamazoo College to migrate Stream (Classic) content to SharePoint by early April 2024.

What you need to know:

  • After migration, Stream (on SharePoint) will include the videos that you’ve already uploaded to Stream (Classic) so you can continue to use them.
    • Your videos from Stream (Classic) will appear in your OneDrive in a folder titled “Stream Migrated Videos.”
    • Videos will also be viewable via the Stream start page for sharing, creating playlists, comments, etc.
    • Videos that are part of Microsoft 365 Groups will be moved to that group’s SharePoint site.
  • Videos you have linked or embedded in Teams, Moodle, and elsewhere will automatically redirect and continue to work for one year. However, we recommend updating your links before that.
  • Stream (on SharePoint) includes the important features from Stream (Classic) as well as new capabilities. If you are interested in learning more about the differences, review this short guide.

What you need to do:

  • If you would like to start migrating your videos now, please contact the Help Desk and I.S. will assist you.
  • Any videos not migrated by the beginning of April will be migrated for you.
  • Update your links to videos and embeds within one year after migration.

Please contact Help.Desk@kzoo.edu with questions. 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Oct 2022

Posted on by Katrina Frank
cybersecurity awareness month logo.

Did you know that October 2022 marks the 19th Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

To spread cybersecurity awareness, this month IS will be sharing key behaviors we can all adopt to be more secure. Read our posts each Friday for the month of October to learn more.

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month

“The National Cybersecurity Alliance launched Cybersecurity Awareness Month in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2004. The campaign is a strong collaboration between government and private industry to raise awareness about online security” (National Cybersecurity Alliance). You can learn more about the month and other cybersecurity initiatives on the National Cybersecurity Alliance website.

Habits to adopt:

Throughout the month of October we will be sharing more detailed information on the following habits:

  1. Using strong passwords and a password manager
  2. Enabling multi-factor authentication
  3. Recognizing and reporting phishing
  4. Complete required and offered cybersecurity trainings offered by IS

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IT Tip – Having Wifi Issues?

Posted on by Katrina Frank

Are you having issues with Wi-Fi on campus?
Use the Wi-Fi Outage Report Form

Steps to Resolve and Report

  1. Visit the Wi-Fi troubleshooting page to assist you in resolving your issue. Please attempt all troubleshooting tips that apply to your circumstance before completing a report.
  2. Due to the complexities of Wi-Fi-related problems, specific details are needed to help resolve Wi-Fi related issues. You must provide the following in order to submit a Wi-Fi Outage Report.
List of Required Information to Complete the Wi-Fi Outage Report Form
  • Name
  • The wireless network you were attempting to connect to
  • Screenshot of the error you encountered or the exact error message as displayed on your device
    • Note: A full screenshot of the error you are encountering is the most reliable way we can assist in resolving your issue
  • Date of occurrence
  • Time of occurrence
  • Location of occurrence
  • If this issue has happened elsewhere on campus. If so, the location(s) it has occurred
  • If the device was able to connect successfully in any other locations on campus. If so, the location(s) it has been successful
  • Type of device experiencing the issue –
    • Note: If you are using a device running on Android 10 or iOS 14 you will need to disable MAC randomization on your device first. See the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting section for instructions.
  • MAC Address – If you are unsure where to locate your MAC Address please see, How to Find Any Device’s IP Address, MAC Address, and Other Network Connection Details article by How-to-Geek.
  • If there were any other apps running on the device while the issue was experienced. If so, which apps

Student Tech Resources – Winter 2022

Posted on by Katrina Frank

We’re Here to Support You…

We understand that times are uncertain in terms of health and there are challenges with attending courses due to COVID. To support you, we will continue to provide technical support through transparency, documentation, and communication.

Listed below are essential technical resources to help you succeed in your academics. If you have additional questions, we’re here for you!

Sincerely,
Information Services

Student Tools

Visit the Student Tools page for specifically tailored student announcements, popular student resources, and methods of support. Also note that general IS announcements such as system maintenance can be visible on the home page.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Webmail – How to access your “Kzoo” email messages, calendar, and contact information.
  • Microsoft Teams – A virtual space where you can chat, meet, audio/video call, and collaborate with others from a distance. Watch the Microsoft Teams tour video if you’re new to Teams.
  • File Sharing – Visit our file sharing page to see all of ways you can share files with your peers, professors, and employers.
  • Video Streaming – 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.

Learning Technology

  • Moodle – where most of your instructors will post course materials and grades throughout the quarter. View the Moodle Quick Guide for Students for more information on enrolling in your classes, submitting assignments and more.
  • Virtual Labs – We have converted the DEW 207 lab back into a virtual lab for Kalamazoo College students, faculty, and staff. This lab has Windows computers running SPSS, Atlas.TI, Stata, R Studio, MATLAB, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, Office 365, and other apps.

Personal Computing

  • Office 365 – Your free access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Stream.
  • Hornet HQ – The place to plan your degree, register for classes, update your emergency contacts, find info on financial aid, billing, time cards and more.
  • File Storage – All Kalamazoo College students have access to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage. OneDrive keeps your files safe, allows you to access files from any device, and also offers offline access.

Accounts and Passwords

  • Expired Passwords – Did your password expire? If so, no problem! Visit the change password page. If your password meets the security requirements, you will receive a message stating “Your password has been changed. Finally, click OK to sign in with your new password.
  • Forgot your Password – If you have forgotten your password and you need IS to reset it, complete the secure Password Reset Request Form. If we are able to verify your identity against our records, your password will be reset within two business days.

    Visit our passwords section for more information on processes and procedures.

Student Tech Support

The Information Services Website

The IS website it equipped with tons of documentation to help troubleshoot an issue or learn about further services.

  • 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!
In-Person Support

Are you still not finding how to solve your issue on the website? Our Help Desk team and Student Computer Consultants are available to you during the following times:

Help Desk

  • Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Note that you also email the Help Desk at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu for support.

Student Computer Consultants

  • Library – Mondays: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Hicks 24 Hour Lab – Fridays: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Email Support

Are you still not finding how to solve your issue on the website? Email the Help Desk or our Student Computer Consultants!

  • Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m EST. Email the Help Desk at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu
  • After hours – Students can email StuTech@kzoo.edu
  • 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.
Moodle Support

Are you having issues with Moodle? If so, please inform your professor and they will help direct you from there. You can also view the Moodle Quick Guide for Students for more instruction on submitting assignments, notifications, and more!

Library Support

Your Librarians are here for you! Connect with us on the Library website!

Additional Resources Worth Mentioning

Wi-Fi Issues

  1. Visit the Wi-Fi troubleshooting page to assist you in resolving your issue. Please attempt all troubleshooting tips that apply to your circumstance before completing a report.
  2. Due to the complexities of Wi-Fi-related problems, specific details are needed to help resolve Wi-Fi related issues. You must provide the following in order to submit a Wi-Fi Outage Report.
List of Required Information to Complete the Wi-Fi Outage Report Form
  • Name
  • The wireless network you were attempting to connect to
  • Screenshot of the error you encountered or the exact error message as displayed on your device
    • Note: A full screenshot of the error you are encountering is the most reliable way we can assist in resolving your issue
  • Date of occurrence
  • Time of occurrence
  • Location of occurrence
  • If this issue has happened elsewhere on campus. If so, the location(s) it has occurred
  • If the device was able to connect successfully in any other locations on campus. If so, the location(s) it has been successful
  • Type of device experiencing the issue –
    • Note: If you are using a device running on Android 10 or iOS 14 you will need to disable MAC randomization on your device first. See the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting section for instructions.
  • MAC Address – If you are unsure where to locate your MAC Address please see, How to Find Any Device’s IP Address, MAC Address, and Other Network Connection Details article by How-to-Geek.
  • If there were any other apps running on the device while the issue was experienced. If so, which apps

Feedback

Do you feel like we missed something in this quarter’s tech resources kit? If so, please let us know by contacting the Web Services Specialist, Katrina Frank at Katrina.Frank@kzoo.edu.

The Virtual Reality Lab is Open Again!

Posted on by Josh Moon

We are open!

The Virtual Reality Lab inside the Library’s Center for New Media Design has returned! Students, staff, and faculty are once again welcome to experience our Oculus Rift S headset for education, entertainment, and exploration. We are currently still taking safety precautions so we ask that you limit the number of guests to four individuals per session and clean the VR headset between uses with sanitary wipes. Our staff is available on site to help with any questions.

Book the Lab

The Virtual Reality Lab has a new, easy-to-navigate online booking page where you can reserve up to 50 minutes in the Lab. Walk-in guests are welcome if the Lab is available! Our waiver is now also online. If you plan on visiting the Lab, please complete the waiver on Microsoft Forms before your arrival. We do ask returning users who previously filled out a paper waiver to complete the online form.

Teaching & Learning with Virtual Reality

If you’d like to organize a visit for your class, department, or student organization, please contact Josh Moon, Educational Technology Specialist, at josh.moon@kzoo.edu. We can also discuss options for bringing a mobile VR setup to rooms on campus. In addition, groups may contact us for approval to stream live events using the Kalamazoo College Virtual Reality Lab Twitch account.

3D Printing is Now No-Cost

Posted on by Josh Moon
3D printed purple Octopus sitting on one of the Kalamazoo College 3D printers.

No-Cost 3D Printing

Information Services is pleased to announce that our 3D printing services will be no-cost for students, staff, and faculty effective immediately. We hope this invites new ideas, increased participation, and opens up access across campus. The College reserves the right to limit the size/number of prints for individual use, vet appropriate applications, and prioritize academic projects in the printing queue.

Students in the Center for New Media Design will be operating our MakerBot printers and learning skills in 3D printing. We thank you in advance for your patience as everyone begins training this fall.

Want a Model 3D Printed?

If you’d like to discuss having a model 3D printed, stop into the Center for New Media Design during our business hours or contact Josh Moon, Educational Technology Specialist, at 269.337.7415 or Josh.Moon@kzoo.edu.

3D Printing Questions, Ideas or Problems?

Visit the 3D Printing and Scanning Technology section of our website or contact Josh Moon, Educational Technology Specialist, at 269.337.7415 or Josh.Moon@kzoo.edu.

Portable Voice Amplifiers

Posted on by Greg Diment

In partnership with the Academic Planning Task Force, Information Services has procured a number of portable voice amplifiers for use in the classrooms. Here’s a video that demonstrates the unit. We will check these units out to individual faculty that request them; if you’d like one, please send an email to Media Services as soon as possible so that we can appropriately adjust supply based on demand.

The amplifier will be checked out to the faculty member for as long as needed. The user will be responsible for bringing to their classes and for charging the rechargeable batteries.

Greg Diment

Chief Information Officer

Wi-Fi Troubleshooting and Reporting

Posted on by Katrina Frank

K Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The I.S. Team would like to introduce two new resources to help with Wi-Fi:

1. Wi-Fi Troubleshooting

We have provided new information on Wi-Fi troubleshooting that may assist you in resolving your issue. Please attempt all troubleshooting tips that apply to your circumstance before completing a report.

2. Wi-Fi Outage Report Form

Due to the complexities of Wi-Fi-related problems, specific details are needed to help resolve Wi-Fi related issues. You must provide the following in order to submit a Wi-Fi Outage Report.

List of Helpful Information to Complete the Wi-Fi Outage Report Form
  • Name
  • The wireless network you were attempting to connect to
  • Screenshot of the error you encountered or the exact error message as displayed on your device
    • Note: A full screenshot of the error you are encountering is the most reliable way we can assist in resolving your issue
  • Date of occurrence
  • Time of occurrence
  • Location of occurrence
  • If this issue has happened elsewhere on campus. If so, the location(s) it has occurred
  • If the device was able to connect successfully in any other locations on campus. If so, the location(s) it has been successful
  • Type of device experiencing the issue –
    • Note: If you are using a device running on Android 10 or iOS 14 you will need to disable MAC randomization on your device first. See the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting section for instructions.
  • MAC Address – If you are unsure where to locate your MAC Address please see, How to Find Any Device’s IP Address, MAC Address, and Other Network Connection Details article by How-to-Geek.
  • If there were any other apps running on the device while the issue was experienced. If so, which apps

We understand that Wi-Fi outages and slow speeds can negatively impact your academics, work, and home life. Thank you for your patience and collaboration while we solve these Wi-Fi related issues.