Monday, September 15, 2008

Recycling Program a Success

On August 12, faculty and staff participating in a program sponsored by Saint Mary's University and Apple computers generated 17 pallets worth of old computers, monitors, televisions, and various other electronic paraphernalia. The items were sent to be either recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Thanks to all who participated. Watch the HelpDesk newsletter to see if the free program is made available to us next summer.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Skype in the Classroom


One of the popular Web 2.0 technologies is now available in many of our multimedia classrooms. Skype is software that allows users to video and audio calls over the internet to other Skype members. Skype is free to download and at the basic level calling to other Skype users is also free. This software allows for point-to-point video calls and multipoint audio calls by using the same microphone and instructor camera that Tegrity uses.

How does this impact classroom technology and instruction? It allows the instructor to collaborate outside of the classroom. Bringing guest speakers into your classroom can be a powerful instructional enhancement. This could include peers from other universities, alumni who are able to discuss how SMU prepared them for their profession, or other guest speakers who help support the instructional topic of the course.

Below you will find an article that shares how two Pennsylvania teaching colleagues with an interest in music and technology are bringing remote experts into classrooms at almost no cost, using Skype’s free video conferencing technology. http://campustechnology.com/articles/66727/

For a general overview, the following link will share 7 things you should know about Skype. http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7032.pdf

Skype can be downloaded from http://www.skype.com/. Feel free to contact the HelpDesk with questions or to line up a test to see firsthand how Skype works.

Rushford-Peterson Emac donation


The SMU iT department donated several eMac computers to the Rushford-Peterson school district this past summer. Included is the note of thanks from Corey Mattson, IT staff for R-P schools:
“These eMacs really are the ticket for what we needed them for!! … Thanks again for your donation. I attached a picture of the lab and how it looks...it'll be in use very soon. Our elementary is grateful for your kindness!!”
Cory Mattson
Rushford-Peterson Schools