Infrastructure & Wireless
The focus for the networking team will be replacing end of life access layer switches in order to provide a faster and more reliable network experience. As bring your own device (B.Y.O.D) continues to grow, we will continue to deploy new state-of-the-art access point’s (AP’s) to allow our Students, Faculty, and Staff to use their wireless devices on campus.
Information Technology Services Strategic Plan
The Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP) in collaboration with the Information Technology Advisory Council (ITAC) developed this plan carefully aligning each of the goals and objectives with the College’s Institutional Priorities.
Applications and Web Development
Significant accomplishments have been made by the web team in order to comply with accessibility requirements. Included in these achievements is the remediation of 1,700 PDF’s as well as addressing numerous website formatting and navigation issues and developing new templates.
Training
Of particular interest this year to our College Community was the offering of Tech Byte Tuesday’s virtual training sessions allowing participants to attend technology training events remotely. Leveraging Blackboard Collaborate, participants attended training sessions delivered over the Internet from their workstation or the comfort of their home. Sessions were archived for future viewing, which will soon be available on our website. We are also excited to announce a new collaboration between OITS, the Faculty Development Center and Modern Languages. The Online Collaboration team is now available to assist faculty with converting their courses into hybrid or fully online courses using Blackboard. Faculty interested in getting assistance with course development, Blackboard or technology can contact the training team for personalized assistance.
IOT - Computer Availability
CSI consists of numerous open computer labs and public access stations for student use, which are equipped with several software packages needed for assignments. As such, we felt it would be beneficial if students had a way to know the status (available/in use) of computers in these spaces, before they arrive. Students could decide which area to visit, based on how many computers are not being used, at any given time. The availability of computers in 1L202, 1L212, 1C213, and 3N217, as well the 3 floors of the Library, in real time, refreshed every 15 seconds. This information is available on the web, as a graphical map of the room, as well as in table format, thereby making it ADA compliant.
Computer Upgrades
Numerous computers were replaced with SSD (solid state drives) in Smart Classrooms and the teacher stations in instructional labs. These drives allow for a faster boot up time, approximately 10 times faster than a regular hard drive. The new drives were also equipped with the necessary software needed for the variety of classes and disciplines that take place in these rooms. In addition, we also upgraded the memory in specialized labs.
Smart Classrooms
We continued to upgrade the projectors in various buildings with projectors that are laser based, with lamp-less green technology.
Simplifying the Software Procurement Workflow
Software purchases have always required stringent procurement guidelines in order to account for approvals, terms and conditions, and budgetary constraints. The process has become more involved with the inclusion of multiple forms, which are needed for management, security, and accessibility regulations. Due to the growing complexity of the system, a procurement workflow and policy has been developed by OITS and the Purchasing Department, to better manage this arduous process. This will detail the steps users need, in order to correctly complete the procurement process, while automatic status notifications, through our KACE Ticketing System, will keep them regularly informed of the progress. Be on the lookout for training sessions that will be conducted early in the Fall semester.