Spring 2019 is underway! Please review these important Instructional Technology Services updates.
Topics:
Smart Classroom Security and Identity Management
Update: Canvas Learning Management System Pilot
SDSU Welcomes Ally Access to Campus
Upcoming Spring 2019 Events
Smart Classroom Security and Identity Management
This semester, a number of instructors have not been logging out of their Blackboard, Gmail, and WebPortal accounts on Smart Classroom computers when their classes are over. In order to keep intellectual property and sensitive account information secure, ITS asks that all instructors log out of web accounts when using computers or any public workstation on campus. Smart Classroom screens currently have a reminder (see image below) to log out of web accounts. In compliance with new campus IT security protocols, ITS will equip all Smart Classroom computers with SDSUid user login requirements in Summer 2019.Instructors who bring their own devices will not be impacted by these changes.
Update: Canvas Learning Management System Pilot
The Canvas Learning Management System Advisory Group, comprised of 46 faculty, staff, students, and leaders from throughout the university, identified approximately 20 courses (~1,000 enrolled students) for the upcoming Fall 2019 Canvas pilot. Canvas has developed innovative solutions to address current students’ needs and expectations, and is used by more than 3,000 institutions globally, including California Community Colleges, CSU campuses and a majority of the UC System. The Canvas Advisory Group will make a recommendation to university leadership following the 2019-2020 pilot and input from faculty and student participants. More information, including project plan and timeline, are available at its.sdsu.edu/canvas/.
SDSU Welcomes Ally Access to Campus
Ally is a software that checks courses for accessibility and helps faculty optimize content. The tool also generates alternative accessible formats, such as audio, enabling students to “listen” to text documents. These accessible formats provide universally designed instructional materials available to all students, including those for whom English is a second language and those with visual or learning disabilities. Ally is currently being piloted in a Communication Studies course with more than 2,000 students. A report of the pilot outcomes will be available in June. Additional faculty will be added to the rollout throughout the next academic year, with a target date of Fall 2020 for full Ally functionality across all courses at SDSU.
Ally Explained in 40 Seconds:
Upcoming Spring 2019 Events
February 12, 12:00 p.m.
February 14, 10 a.m.
February 22, 2 p.m.