Blog Directory

Lunch-n-Learn, a weekly lunchtime technology workshop designed for faculty to incorporate new technology in the classroom, begins Feb. 22. The Learning Technologies Team will sponsor sessions from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in Pickler Memorial Library 103. To register to attend any or all of the sessions, visit eventmanager.truman.edu.

Session one will focus on Skype Feb. 22 and how it can be used in education to bring guest lecturers into the classroom and for online courses.

Session two, Feb. 29, will focus on the use of Panopto in online, blended and face-to-face classes. Discover how adding brief introductory videos can enhance learning and build trust with students online.

Session three, on March 14, will discuss the use of VoiceThread to take online discussions to a new level of interactivity.

Session four will focus on GoogleApps March 28. In particular, it will discuss the two GoogleApps used at Truman: Google Docs and Google Sites. Learn how wikis like Google Docs can be used to facilitate deeper learning. Spend time creating a website using Google Sites that can be shared with students.

Session five, April 4, will educate on a variety of free resources used to engage students, such as TED Lectures, Merlot, Connexions, Ning, MIT OpenCourseWare and more.

Session six will focus on Films on Demand April 11. Films on Demand is a service offered by the library with digital video selections that can enhance coursework.

Session seven, April 18, will discuss social media in the classroom. Learn more about how others are effectively using social media to create learning opportunities “where they live.”

Session eight will discuss fun and free tools for use in education April 25. It will focus on Prezi to amp up presentations, Digg and Delicious to keep websites organized and StumpleUpon to stay abreast on favorite topics.

Things sound much better at Stokes Stadium this fall, thanks to a brand new sound system designed and installed by SKC Communications Products.

Working together with ITS and Athletics, technicians from SKC designed the system to give optimal sound coverage for attendees of athletic events in the stands, as well as those sitting on the field for ceremonies such as commencement.

The previous system consisted of a cluster of speakers on the east light poles aimed crossways across the stands, which provided uneven coverage across the stands and varying audibility, depending on where you sat. Wireless field mics were also unreliable.

SKC removed the old speakers and installed a large cluster above the press box, aimed to cover the bulk of the stands and the field. Smaller speakers underneath the press box filled in the gaps at the top of the stands.

Since early in the semester, ITS has been pursuing options for providing faster Internet access. We are pleased to announce we have successfully negotiated a 150% increase in Internet service from 100Mbps to 250Mbps. This increase will improve the quality of all Internet activities used by Truman students, faculty and staff.

The order for faster Internet has been placed! It will take a few days for the order to be processed and our Internet service upgraded but we expect to have the upgrade fully completed when everyone returns from Thanksgiving break. We will let you know when everything is complete.

Thank you for your patience as we worked through the details of the upgrade.

Ryan Walker Mueller (2011) was inducted this last academic year into Truman’s Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors Society. Ryan is pictured receiving his award from Dr. Donahue, President Delta of Missouri Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.