Technology Bulletin August 2023

Welcome to the Technology Bulletin, a periodic email from Engineering Technical Services (ETS) that highlights important technology news, helpful reminders, and resources impacting the FSE community.

FSE Cloud Classroom: Bringing the Physical Computer Lab Online

The virtual computer lab environment known as FSE Cloud Classroom, powered by Apporto, has been further enhanced for the Fall semester featuring new software titles and a refreshed organization. Faculty members need to follow a new setup process to allow students to gain access through Canvas. The new virtual labs are purpose-built to mirror Fulton’s physical computer labs, creating a more focused experience. In addition to the organizational improvements, recent upgrades allow students to more easily share their work with their instructors, simplifying troubleshooting and assignment completion. To learn more about features and best practices, register for the Apporto Customer Town Hall being held via Zoom on August 17 at 10AM AZ Time.

Classroom Technology Orientation

In preparation for the upcoming school year, ETS is offering a classroom technology orientation for faculty members from now until August 16th in classroom ECF 120/122. Using an open house format, a technologist will be on-site from 930AM to 530PM to orient instructors on the audio and video equipment commonly available in Fulton classrooms. Whether new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this is an excellent opportunity for faculty members to explore and understand how these tools can enrich the teaching and learning experience. For those seeking a more personalized orientation, ETS provides the flexibility to request a one-on-one orientation at any time.

Smart Communication through Dynamic Distribution Lists

As the school year kicks off, consider optimizing your distribution lists for effective communication. The ETS Distribution Lists app offers a unique feature – sending emails to groups based on criteria rather than fixed membership. Tailored for communicating with individuals holding specific job titles or fulfilling certain criteria, even amidst group changes. This ensures your recipient list adapts seamlessly without manual efforts. Filters such as department name, employee details, or classification can all be applied. This flexible method caters to students, staff, and faculty alike. To explore further, reach out to Jeff Carpenter in ETS.

Technology Tips and Tricks: Microsoft 365 Products

Automate Your Schedule with Bookings

Device check-in/check-out, customer-scheduled services, candidate interviews – these are all solutions available to you through Microsoft Bookings. Use Bookings to dramatically reduce the back-and-forth communication that occurs when trying to set appointments, schedule services, or check-out devices. It even allows for participants external to ASU. All faculty and staff have been licensed for Microsoft Bookings. A license may be requested for student workers. Visit the Microsoft 365 Bookings FAQ for more information.

Efficiently Manage Campus and Student Workers with Shifts

If you’re seeking to transition from spreadsheets to a more efficient solution, Microsoft Shifts may provide the answer. Resolve scheduling conflicts and enjoy streamlined work schedule coordination. Shifts fosters effective worker-manager communication. For instance, student workers can request time off or exchange shifts using the app. This reduces supervisor workload and ensures balanced shift coverage.

Collaborate with Colleagues using Loop Workspaces

Utilize Loop to write proposals, design projects, plan events, and draft communications. Shared text blocks, known as Loop Components, facilitate collaborative editing, commenting, and version tracking. Share components by pasting them into Teams, Outlook, and Word documents. The newly enabled Loop Workspace offers ASU faculty and staff a central hub for component management. Learn How to Create a Workspace in Microsoft Loop.

Find us On Slack

Engineering Technical Services’ new Slack channel, #fse-technology, is Fulton’s hub for exchanging technology insights. We will keep the channel fresh with updates about classroom equipment, software upgrades or technology events. We welcome questions and insights. Our knowledgeable team is ready to respond. Stop by and join the conversation.

Technology Bulletin Archives

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