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Technology Support for Algonquin’s Mobile Learning Environment

Edu-t ne. Technology Support for Algonquin’s Mobile Learning Environment. Version 2 September 2012. Edu -t ne. A Commitment to Reliable Educational Technology. Technology for learning and teaching will be available 99.9% of the time. Blackboard Wireless & wired network

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Technology Support for Algonquin’s Mobile Learning Environment

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  1. Edu-t ne Technology Support for Algonquin’s Mobile Learning Environment Version 2 September 2012

  2. Edu-t ne A Commitment to Reliable Educational Technology Technology for learning and teaching will be available 99.9% of the time. • Blackboard • Wireless & wired network • Internet access with sufficient bandwidth for learning and teaching activities • Support Services

  3. Edu-t ne Client Support Services • Recent Improvements • Support desk & call center hours extended! Monday – Friday 7:30am – 10:00pm (Woodroffe) • Main client support desk relocated to C102 • Support technicians available in Perth and Pembroke • Peer student ambassador program to run in fall at Woodroffe • Extensive self-support videos have been uploaded to YouTube • Results • Support is available through the primary contact channels during the core academic hours • Support desk is located in high traffic area with more space to service client needs! • Perth and Pembroke have MLP support full time LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  4. Edu-t ne Classroom Readiness and Support • Recent Improvements • 2 technicians work 11pm – 7am 5 nights a week. Classes are not interrupted. (Woodroffe only) • Each classroom’s technology systems are reviewed once every 3 weeks. • Results • Technology in classrooms works more consistently. LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Quick Fact: Within first 2 months, an additional 400 work orders were completed. Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  5. Edu-t ne Classroom Readiness and Support • Recent Improvements • Automated monitoring systems extended to include classroom technology (projectors, PC’s, wireless, etc). • Improved alerts and communication processes. • 40 new MLP classrooms added through summer • Standardized media control system for all MLP classrooms (on going) • Results • ITS will attend to anticipated problems before faculty experience them in class. • Fewer emails, more alternative channels for delivering key messages: text messages, web notices, tweets, news feed subscription options. • MLP classrooms across all campuses will have consistent configuration, inputs & controls LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  6. Edu-t ne Classroom Readiness and Support • Recent Improvements • Automated monitoring systems extended to include classroom technology (projectors, PC’s, wireless, etc). • Improved alerts and communication processes. • 40 new MLP classrooms added through summer • Standardized media control system for all MLP classrooms (on going) • Results • ITS will attend to anticipated problems before faculty experience them in class. • Fewer emails, more alternative channels for delivering key messages: text messages, web notices, tweets, news feed subscription options. • MLP classrooms across all campuses will have consistent configuration, inputs & controls LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  7. Edu-t ne A Brand New Blackboard • Recent Enhancements • BlackBoard system administration and BlackBoard Help are now one group! Single point of contact for all things BlackBoard • BlackBoard Mobile is available on all supported devices (iOS, Android & Blackberry), all carriers (cellular network or WiFi) and all BlackBoard activities (it’s a full service client) • Blackboard system update (Service Pack 8) – a cleaner, more modern look and feel • For end of fall term, the BlackBoardGradeBook will feed the grades evaluation and input process. No more manual grades sheets (unless you want to work manually) LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  8. Edu-t ne Blackboard Reliability • Recent and Summer Enhancements • New load balancing infrastructure improves reliability of system. Failure of one server transparent to all users. • Upgrade to 64 bit = faster processing. • Revised User Account Processing process = faster account creation and turn-around time. • Up to 3 more BlackBoard servers available for high demand periods. The system will remain usable even under extreme load • BlackBoard is available 24 hours / day except when maintenance is schedule. No more nigh time window. LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  9. Edu-t ne Blackboard Reliability • Results • Improved system performance. • More robust in handling greater content and usage demands. • Consistent “up time” of Blackboard system. • Faster access to Blackboard log in information for new users. • Modernized Blackboard interface with workflow improvements. LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare) Quick Fact: Since January 2012, Blackboard has been available 99% of the time.

  10. Edu-t ne Wireless Connectivity • Recent Improvements • Auto-configuration is available. Connect to ALGOpenWLAN, follow the directions and wireless will “set itself up” for most computers & devices. • Pembroke campus has consistent wireless system with other campuses • Woodroffe students have their own wireless service, AC-Student. Faculty and staff continue to use ALGSecureWLAN • Wireless network switches are all 1gb. • Results • Continuous improvement in access to wireless across all campuses. • Faster access to the network and internet from wireless. LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  11. Edu-t ne Wireless Connectivity • Recent Improvements • Signal monitoring to measure coverage and adjust availability. • Complete wireless coverage infaculty spaces for B building. • Carrier improvements in wireless (cellular) coverages for Telus and Rogers users on Woodroffe campus through fall & winter • Results • Improved wireless access in B building for faculty areas. • Increased mobile access across campus for Telus and Rogers customers. LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  12. Edu-t ne Wireless Connectivity Total System Access Points (connection points to wireless network)

  13. Edu-t ne Network and Internet • Recent Enhancements • By end of October, 2012, Perth and Pembroke will have local access to internet for all outbound requests • New internet interface and management technologies. Faster throughput for all internet access regardless of location • Replaced entire firewall infrastructure with 21 high capacity systems. • Upgrade capacity (and currency) of bandwidth management system. • Core network has redundancy built in for increased reliability and reduced downtime for maintenance LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  14. Edu-t ne Network and Internet • Results • Faster access to internet • Faster access to files and services via Algonquin’s network. LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Quick Fact: Perth and Pembroke can get faster internet access via their local ISP(internet service provider) rather than be routed to Woodroffe campus first. Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  15. Edu-t ne Network and Internet Internet Capacity at Algonquin LMS Blackboard Wireless Support • Technology Support • Monitoring and Alerting • Performance Management • Capacity Planning Network Services Core network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN Internet Providers Rogers, Cogent Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare) Public Clouds Private Cloud (VMWare)

  16. Edu-t ne Reliable Educational Technology Technology used in teaching will be transparent. Should services become unavailable, notification will be prompt and through multiple channels. Help will be easy to access through multiple channels.

  17. Edu-t ne Not Your Father’s ITS Algonquin has invested significantly to improve our technology systems over the past year. The core technologies we rely on to deliver education have be redeveloped for reliability, stability and scalability. The digital college mandate requires a dependable, reliable foundation.

  18. I | IR|TS Edu-t ne INFORMATION INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Have a Question? (613) 727-4723 ext. 5555. 5555@algonquincollege.com

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