Labs Coordinator AKA, the documaster

Sorry, I haven't been posting lately.
I've been working diligently on my next "big" project...

So, check this out.
We get all kinds of reports that our classroom technology documentation is out-dated. I'm in the right mind to agree.
I mean, check these docs out:

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Pros:

• Each booklet has a corresponding room#.
• Each booklet is detailed enough to demonstrate how to use the black boxes.
• Diagrams are pretty low-quality, and don't explain much.

Cons:

• No one reads them.
• They are often misplaced or thrown away.
• No Windows/Mac Configuration, only blackbox operation.
• Full-sentence/full-paragraph Text-heavy (seriously, who does this anymore?)
• Paper degrades, gets torn, turns yellow.

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SO...
This year, I am taking the initiative to draft new classroom documentation that is/has:

1. More universal (can be applied across the board)
2. Explains more conceptually how projection works (outlining basic input-  output- logic)
3. Digital copies (via helpcenter or UT website)  -downloadable & printable
4. Better looking (using infographics, some nice typefaces, and decent photos)...

So far, I have drafted a template for my cohort to use in assisting me...

I have also finished the "Black Box" poster which should be laminated and posted in the inside door of the black boxes to provide a quick, visual how-to and identification card.

Voila---:

For all of you designers out there... it's a combination Frutiger Std Light and Myriad Pro.
We had to make it a little more approachable and less wordy.
You can download the PDF file here:    BlackBox Identification Guide

More to come!

Branding your Google Search with Lesley Stuff

now, you're probably asking... "why would you ever want to do that?"

Answer:
I like branding the google page for google email accounts i create for work...
and with the green screen, you know that you are logged-in and you are on your "work" account and not using your personal account.  *General Rule of Thumb #35:  Keep work stuff separate.  (vs. using your personal gmail account.. :\)

Clever, huh?

You can also register your @lesley.edu email as a log-in for your google services...
google.com/a/lesley.edu
I don't know who registered us (it wasn't UT), but there we are...  Labs & Classrooms WISHES we could assume control over it.

Photos from July 2010---

Here's some highlights from July maintenance & upgrades...

 

 

 

 

 

Why doesn't the projector work? I am a faculty, and nothing ever seems to work.

We are sorry if there are projection issues. The labs & classrooms office manages around 30+ classrooms that are equipped with digital projection. Due to frequent use, projectors will break-down and require regular maintenance. If there is an outage due to faulty hardware, you may find these by searching our subject tags on twitter:
http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23Labs_outtage

If the audio/visual components otherwise turn-on, and
can play SOME media but not others (e.g. a DVD/VHS, but not digital, or vice versa), then this may be an issue with connectivity, peripheral components, or with software. The labs & classrooms office regularly checks and replenishes damaged or missing cables.

Technology Support Services may deploy a service technician to assist with set-up of personal computers and peripheral components before your class or event starts by appointment ONLY. *Typically allowing a week's notice.

Emergency set-up and troubleshooting on the spot can be requested by calling x8770, but there is typically a 25-45 minute response time while we deploy a service technician.

It's rare that 'nothing' works...

Ask me anything

I have just added money to my cashlynx account and it is still showing me at 0.00? What's wrong

CashLynx and Pay-for-Print services are different accounts. CashLynx (aka Lesleycard) is a debit account that allows you to use your student ID at participating retail locations. Pay-for-Print is a campus service (much like bon appetit or the book store) where you use your student ID to purchase print "credits"... so once you have money on your Card, then you must purchase print credits by logging into the Pay-for-Print system. To do so, visit one of our on-campus computer lab locations and click "Details" on the Account Balance window.. or visit: http://lesley.edu/ut/payforprint (it only works from an on-campus computer).

Ask me anything

Can students reserve equipment?

no, unfortunately, students cannot reserve equipment.
Equipment reservations are for staff and faculty only.

Ask me anything

I need a video adapter cable for my mac laptop. Where can I get one?

http://apple.com/store/

Technology Support Services has SOME video adapters for mac laptops, but it is strongly suggested that users procure their own video adapters.... then guard them with your lives.

Ask me anything

I am a teacher and I need particular software in the computer labs, but you don't offer it. Who do I need to talk to?

You must speak with the labs & classrooms coordinator. You may contact them by emailing ut@lesley.edu... please keep in mind that software requests must be made roughly 6-months in advance to your course and most often must be approved through your departmental budget(s).

Ask me anything

How do I check my print credits?

you may only check your print credits from computers on Lesley campus. While in a computer lab or classroom, click "Details" on the Print Account Balance Window.... OR visit: http://printsrv-main:9191

Ask me anything

iMacs for UNIV-3-084

Coming soon to a Training Room near you!!  We got these in early last week, and we have been working diligently to create an image for these machines.  You should expect a roll-out of these brand-new iMac machines early next week.

They will all be dual-boot (MacOSX SnowLeopard 10.6 + WindowsXP SP3) with all of the software favorites you have known and loved...

Some titles include:

• ArcGIS
• Datatel UI 2.3
• Picasa 3
• Office 2007

New!!!:

Tech4Learning Titles include----->

• Frames 4
• ImageBlender 3
• Pixie 2
• Twist
• WebBlender

Stay tuned for an update of when these changes are LIVE!!!!!