Article Highlighting Manhattan College IT's Use of Student Employees

See this article highlighting how Manhattan College ITS utilizes Student Employees.

Planned Maintenance upgrade - Touchnet uCommerce 7

Touchnet, the college’s online student account payment portal, will be temporarily unavailable for all payment transactions and deposits from 3:00 am to 7:00 am Wednesday, June 14^th, 2017.  This scheduled upgrade is to be completed no later than 7:00 am ET that morning.  Thank you of your patience during this short outage that will allow for TouchNet’s upgrades.  Please contact nancy.hesselbacher@manhattan.edu with any questions.

Head Back to School with Drive: Student Edition

Summer has come to an end, which for college students usually means the end of a grueling internship, a road-trip or getting moved back to campus, embracing friends you have not seen in months, and, oh yeah, that other tiny detail: the start of classes.

With so much else going on — friends, extracurriculars, sports — students today need to be as efficient and productive as possible when they dedicate time to studying and doing homework. In this age of internet transformation, Gen Y is more tech savvy than ever before, and we expect online education to meet our technology standards.

The purpose (and hope) of this blog post is to give a few examples of how I used — and benefitted from — Google Docs, Slides, and Forms in college.

Example 1: Have a group project? Stay calm, cool, and collected. Docs make collaboration easy!

If you have ever had to work on a group paper or project, you know how cumbersome and inefficient the process can be. There are two ways to go about accomplishing this task: (1) your group sends 173 emails trying to coordinate a time at which everyone is available to meet or (2) each person writes a portion of the paper and the group tries to synthesize uncoordinated chunks of different writing styles into one cohesive paper, which always ends with one Type A student editing the entire thing. Luckily, there is now an option 3, and it’s called Google Docs.

To start using Docs, just open a doc, share it with the group members, and write. It’s that simple. Having the ability to work together in the cloud means no coordinating schedules, no wasting time on multiple revisions, and no unequal division of group member contributions.

For example, when I had to complete a group paper for an Economics class, my two groupmates and I decided we would each write one-third of the paper. We put our respective portions into a single document and then went through each other’s writing, adding comments and correcting errors when necessary.

Example 2: Google Slides. Enough Said.

Presentations are an inevitable college assignment. Whether you are a history or physics major, you cannot escape this task. Before using Slides, the process of creating presentations was inefficient, awkward (so...what should we put on this slide…?) and time-consuming.

For one of my physics laboratory experiments, my partner was an exchange student from France. While we understood each other in the lab by scribbling Greek letters and numbers to solve problems, at times it was difficult to communicate since English wasn’t her first language. So when we had to create our presentation, it sounded like a grueling task for both of us.

We decided to use Slides, divide the work, add notes, and edit together from within the presentation. Our communication was clear and efficient when we typed comments to each other since we could take our time to be articulate, which virtually dissolved our language barrier. In the end, creating the presentation was quite enjoyable; we were proud of the final product and our professors were impressed by how well we worked together.

Example 3: Using Forms to organize information and make it universally accessible and useful...sound familiar?

Being a full-time student and an active member of an extracurricular activity (sport, club, fraternity/sorority, etc.) can sometimes feel like a full-time job. It requires teamwork, organization, time-management, and dedication.

Being the leader of a group demands more: writing agendas, scheduling meetings, organizing fundraisers, and sticking to a budget. Keeping track of all of these items can be difficult, as each task requires different resources — email, documents, spreadsheets, polls, and more.

As the house president of a 165-student residence hall for two years, I struggled to keep track of it all, but after switching to Forms, the whole process became seamless.

For our fundraiser, my house sold over 300 t-shirts to the student body. Because of the high quantity, we utilized a pre-order process in which students could order their size/color and pay in advance. Before we had Google Forms, we used a paper form to collect pre-orders (I still try to block out all those hours spent inputting the paper orders into my computer!).

Not only did using a form make it easier to collect pre-orders, it also made it easier to distribute the order form. As a result, our pre-orders increased by 40% in one year! The form did all of the heavy lifting for me. Orders were seamlessly filed into a spreadsheet, and I simply had to click “Show summary of responses” to place the order, making my job easier and freeing up time so that I could focus on other aspects of my role as a leader.

So there you have it, three examples of how using Docs, Slides, and Forms in college made me more efficient, saved me time, and increased my productivity. For those of you about to begin a new semester, good luck!
Partially reposted from the Google Drive Blog: http://googledrive.blogspot.com
Originally posted by  Alex Nagourney is a 2013 graduate of Wellesley College. She was a 2011 Google BOLD intern and a Google Student Ambassador from 2011-2013 - https://drive.googleblog.com/2013/08/drivebts-students.html

Coming Soon: Digital Jasper Card on IOS and Android Smartphones

Mobile Jasper Card

Be on the lookout for a mobile version of the Jasper Card!

Slated for released soon after Spring Break, the digital version of one's Jasper Card will be available on IOS smartphones via Apple's native Wallet / Passbook app.  Users with Android devices can view the Jasper Card passbook pass via the recommended Pass2UWallet app.

The mobile version of the card, which will also show users their Dining Dollar and Jasper Dollar Balances, will be accepted for payment at certain point-of-sale locations on campus that are newly-equipped with optical scanners.  Payment is through existing channels. The mobile version of the card can also be used for access at certain locations on campus.  Beacon and bluetooth technology will notify mobile card users when they are in proximity to a location that accepts the mobile version of the card.

The card idea was initially proposed and investigated by ITS Student Interns last summer as part of their development of an IOS student app.  The mobile card was then developed separately by the students and ITS staff to function similar to a stand-alone store card.

Stay tuned for more on the impending release.

Self-service is getting a facelift!

 On February 15, Self-service will have a new look and feel that is more modern. Over the past few months, Information Technology Services with members from the Computer Technology Committee – Enterprise Applications reviewed the new look and feedback was positive.  Please log on to Self-service and familiarize yourself with the updated look at your earliest convenience.  Below are some of the screenshots from Self-service.  

ITS STARS

Check out our STARS page now.

ITS Spotlight

New App, Better Wi-Fi and Other Upgrades with Help of ITS Interns!!

The Quadrangle has a very interesting read on the initiatives that ITS took on over the summer.

Take a Look! Click Here!

MATLAB Issue Update

A resolution to the MATLAB issue has finally been reached.  We have implemented the fix in RLC 103, RLC 105 and the Library computer labs.

ITS Celebrates Global Handwashing Day #IWashMyHands

October 15th is Global Handwashing Day.  ITS is joining the over 200 million people in over 100 countries who are taking steps to ensure a healthy and productive learning/working environment by raising awareness to the benefits of handwashing and promoting ways to practice good hygiene when using shared computers and electronic devices.  There are also steps that you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

http://globalhandwashing.org/ghw-day -
Global Handwashing Day is an internationally celebrated day to promote good hygiene through handwashing with soap.  At Manhattan College, we are doing our part to extend the concepts of Global Handwashing Day and apply them to the ways that we operate in ITS and handle electronic devices and computers.

With smartphone and personal computing devices embedded in our daily routines, we may forget to practice good hygiene when using these devices.  Computer keyboard, mice, and phones can be a hotbed for germs - especially in shared environments.  Besides disinfecting these surfaces between uses, handwashing before and after use can significantly reduce the spread of germs when using these devices.  For information on cleaning your electronic devices:  http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/assets/1/Page/Computer%20Cleaning.pdf


References:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3988 - "How to disinfect the Apple internal or external keyboard, trackpad, and mouse"
http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/assets/1/Page/Computer%20Cleaning.pdf - "American Cleaning Institute - Computer Cleaning - Hotspots for germs in the office'
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Germs/story?id=4774746 - "ABC News - Your Keyboard: Dirtier than a Toilet" 

ITS Student Move-In Support

ITS will be providing technology support to new and returning student students during the designated move-in days as follows:

Thursday 8/21:  8:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8/23:  8:00AM - Noon
Sunday 8/24:  8:00AM - 6:00PM

During these times, ITS will have dedicated resources for technology questions during move-in.  For assistance, please contact the Client Services office at 718-862-7973 or emailing its@manhattan.edu

ITS is Hiring Students for the Summer

Interesting in learning more about technology?

Have some free time this summer?

If you answered yes to these questions, come work for ITS!

We are looking for Manhattan College students eligible for Federal Work Study or Campus employment who are highly motivated.

If this describes you, email your resume and cover letter to richard.musal@manhattan.edu ASAP!

Client Services PRIORITY Support 8/26/13 - 9/6/13

Client Services will have EXTENDED support hours for the first 2 weeks of the semester to provide priority support for new and returning Faculty and Students for urgent requests as noted below.  Additional support resources within ITS are being allocated to this priority coverage and may result in additional delays for non-urgent requests during this period.

Priority Support:  (7AM - 7PM)

• JasperNet Account issues such as forgotten username/password
• Classroom Technology Support
• Network Issues including WIFI

During this time, we will have additional support staff answering the help line (x7973) with the ability to resolve JasperNet Account issues immediately.**  ITS has also launched phase I of a new JasperNet Account self-help portal to help activate a new account or retrieve a forgotten username/password for an existing account.  To access this new service, navigate to http://start.manhattan.edu

Please be reminded that all non-urgent requests should be sent to its@manhattan.edu or you can call us at x7973.  For urgent requests, please call x7973.

We thank you for your patience.



ITS relies heavily on student workers for many of the day-to-day support requests.  Student worker resources are limited the first 2-weeks while we hire new students to replace those that have graduated. If you are a student who is eligible for Federal Work Study, please submit your resume and brief cover letter to richard.musal@manhattan.edu




** JasperNet account requests will be handled as priority support requests.  Users with a personal email on file (Phase II will also use a personal cell phone number on file - available later this Fall) will be sent instructions on how to access their JasperNet account.  If your personal email address is not on file, you will be asked to receive support in person between 7AM-7PM.

Spring 2013 Technology Showcase Survey

Whether or not you attended the Technology Showcase this year, we would really appreciate your feedback.  We will be planning future Showcases and want to make them as valuable an experience as possible to you.  Please take a few minutes to take this brief survey.  Click here for the survey.

Tech Showcase Website

To plan your agenda for the Tech Showcase, check out the website here.

Technology Showcase Thursday April 25th 11AM - 5PM Dante's Den

Don't forget to check out the Second Annual Technology Showcase. 

Reminders for Students about Client Services

We would like to remind students that ITS offers training in computer support and repair.  If you wish to take advantage of our training services please make an appointment and allocate at least 4 hours of your time.  We can not allow you to leave your personal property in any ITS office without your supervision.

If any equipment is needed for your classes you should consult your faculty member.  ITS does not provide this equipment to students.

Welcome Back Spring 2013

To: The Manhattan College Community
From: Client Services
Re: Welcome back

---

We'd like to take a minute to welcome everyone back for a new semester.  Please take a minute to read through the following Reminders and Updates:

New Updates:

The following rooms have been renovated over intersession and now include a podium, speakers, and Thin Client computer: 

• HAY 208
• HAY 209
• HAY 210
• LEO 241
• LEO 323
• MGL 109
• MGL 111

We are starting an AirPlay Pilot allowing you to wirelessly connect to a projector using the AirPlay standard with select devices.  More information to come.  Rooms that are part of the pilot are:

• DLS 205
• DLS 207
• DLS 208
• DLS 303
• DLS 304
• MGL 109
• MGL 111
• MGL 201
• MGL 202
• MGL 207
• MGL 214

In lieu of loaning certain cables and remotes, Client Services has installed commonly used VGA and Audio cables as well as projector remotes in all yet-to-be-renovated classrooms.   Network cables will be provided to faculty upon request.   Faculty requiring other specialty cables or adapters (such as Apple VGA adapters) should contact Client Services for assistance purchasing this equipment as they are not stocked or provided by Client Services. 

Reminders:

1. The best way to get in touch with a Client Services representative is an email to its@manhattan.edu or a phone call to x7973 (718-862-7973).  Note that email and voicemail for this line go to our ticketing system so we encourage you to leave a message.
2. If you wish to check on the progress of your ticket, you can do so via https://clientservices.manhattan.edu/otrs/customer.pl
3. Remember that we will never ask you for your password.  We encourage you all to please reset your computer password to a temporary password prior to dropping it off at Client Services.  If you do not do this prior, please allocate an extra 5 minutes to work with a Client Services representative so that they can assist you in changing your password when working with us.  Upon completion of work on your computer, please allocate another 5 minutes so that a Client Services representative can assist you in changing your password back to it’s original state.  This is necessary in order to safeguard your password.  Remember that you should never give your password out to anyone under any circumstances.  Note that the same procedure holds true when you are requesting assistance with one of your Manhattan College accounts.
4. Client Services can NOT lend out equipment to students.  If a student needs equipment for a project, they must have a Manhattan College employee sign out equipment on their behalf.  Note that the Manhattan College employee is responsible for that equipment.
5. Client Services can provide short-term loaner equipment such as laptops and projectors by reservation.  Note that if equipment is needed long term, it should be purchased via your department. 
6. The Client Services office does not work on personal computers.  We will train employees and students and instruct them on how to fix their computers, but personal computers can not be dropped off for service.  No personal items should ever be left in any of the Client Services offices.
7. Please remember to plan event setups in advance.  We work with limited resources so we can not always complete last minute requests.
8. Client Services currently has 4 convenient locations: DLS 311, Jasper Basement, LIB 410A, & RLC 103.  Please stop by the location closest to you.  We encourage you to call first to be sure that someone is available as we are constantly assisting the Manhattan College community.
9. Client Services Hours of Operations can be found here.
10. Computer Lab Hours can be found here.
11. Campus-owned computers are purchased with premium hardware support provided by the manufacturer.  ITS will diagnose and determine whether manufacturer hardware support is needed.  For the fastest service, users are also able to contact the manufacturer directly to access hardware support and replacement.
12. Your feedback helps us improve our service and should be sent to itsuggestion-box@manhattan.edu
13. Don't forget to add us to your Google+ circles +ITS and follow us on Twitter @MC_ITS
14. Check out our Blog: http://itsblog.manhattan.edu/
15. Check out our known issues page: http://itsblog.manhattan.edu/p/known-issues.html

Thank you for your attention.

IOS6 UPDATE: Fix for iPad and iPhone WIFI being deployed

ITS is in the process of deploying updates that correct WIFI issues on Apple iPhone 4S and iPad 3 devices that were upgraded to IOS6.  The September IOS6 update to these devices introduced an issue when connecting to certain WIFI networks.

All WIFI hotspots will be updated over the next few days.  Users may experience brief interruptions when using WIFI as each location is updated.