Prior Technology Changes

 VHS in the Classroom

Classroom Technologies will continue to support the use of VHS players for the foreseeable future. Because manufacturers of VHS/DVD units have begun to limit production, a new strategy for VHS use is being implemented. If you are scheduled in a technology classroom with no VHS capability and need to display VHS tapes, please advise Classroom Technologies at 3-3456 (Fairfax), 3-8226 (Arlington) and 3-8499 (Prince William). Classroom Technologies will temporarily install a VCR/DVD combo unit in the classroom for the duration of the semester. Information on how to use VCR/DVD combo units is available during the orientation to technology classrooms. All classrooms support DVD playback either via a standalone unit or via the installed computer in the classroom.

If you use VHS materials and wish to convert these materials, please work with the Copyright Resources Office to determine either the availability of your materials in digital formats or the permissions you may need to obtain to convert the materials. Due to technical barriers, not all VHS materials can be digitized even if the University is permitted to convert the materials. If you wish to transition to digital materials and are unable to convert the VHS content, your liaison librarian, the Media Services Librarian (Laura Jenemann) and the staff of Learning Support Services can work with you to identify other digitized materials or teaching strategies to assist you with the transition.

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 Update on Classroom and Lab Login Procedures

This past fall, the ITU announced that all Mason computer labs and classrooms would require login with individual MESA credentials as opposed to a generic login. While the benefits of individual logins are significant, the decision has been made to postpone ending generic login until after Patriot Pass, Mason’s identity management system, is launched this spring. When the date for required use of individual credentials is determined, information will be available on this web site.

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 Replacement of Turnitin

Last academic year, a committee of faculty compared the features and functionality of two plagiarism detection and education tools: Turnitin and Safe Assign. The committee unanimously recommended a transition from Turnitin to SafeAssign, the plagiarism detection and education tool integrated within the University’s learning management system, Blackboard’s Campus Edition. This recommendation was made to the Faculty Senate Information Technology Policy Committee and the Division of Instructional Technology. Faculty based their decision on (1) the relative ease of functionality, including a need only to log in once to use SafeAssign; (2) an option that permits students to choose to have their work submitted to a global database of writing rather than having it automatically included in a global database; (3) the availability of both draft submission and direct submission within Blackboard; and (4) the cost savings associated with using SafeAssign.

Faculty may continue to use Turnitin through the first summer session in 2009. The contract for Turnitin will not be renewed when it expires in August 2009. As a result, faculty who advise students that they use plagiarism detection and education software will need to use SafeAssign for that purpose beginning in August 2009. Learning Support Services will create resource materials for SafeAssign to replace the materials it created to support Turnitin and will post the link to those materials on this website once they become available. LSS staff are available to assist faculty with the use of SafeAssign.

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 EndNote Site License Expiration

The University will not renew the institution-wide license for the citation management software EndNote when it expires on November 30, 2008. Because of pending litigation between Thomson Reuters, the owner of the EndNote product, and the University/Commonwealth of Virginia, Mason’s Office of University Counsel has advised that this license cannot be renewed. This means that students, faculty and staff who were supplied with EndNote software under the University’s license must stop using and delete the software from their computers by November 30, 2008. The software will be deleted from computers in University computer labs and classrooms, and must also be deleted in college/school labs.

We strongly encourage members of University community who rely on EndNote for their academic and administrative work to consider migrating to Zotero right away. Developed and supported by Mason’s Center for History and New Media (CHNM), Zotero is a full-featured research platform that already enjoys broad popularity within higher education, http://www.zotero.org/documentation/institutions_recommending_zotero. Staff in the University Libraries, assisted by their colleagues in Information Technology and CHNM, provide training services and support for Zotero, and will assist individuals to migrate EndNote-based files into Zotero.

Because of the University’s current budget situation, it is unlikely that we will be able to license another commercial citation management product. Based on initial investigations, the cost of other commercial products will exceed significantly what the University has being paying for EndNote. For example, one competing web-based citation management product would increase costs by 200% annually.

You may, of course, purchase your own copy of EndNote, using non-University funds, and continue using any EndNote “libraries” you have created. Sources for a purchased copy of EndNote include Academic Superstore (which offers educational pricing) or sites like Amazon.

We have created a special website that provides additional information such as instructions for migrating EndNote “libraries” to other citation management systems, workshops on Zotero,“frequently asked questions” and more: http://citationmigration.gmu.edu. Also, questions regarding this matter may be directed to the following address: citationmigration@gmu.edu.

To ensure your legal protection, it is important to again note that copies of EndNote made available to George Mason University students, faculty and staff through the University license cannot continue to be used legally past November 30, 2008.

We appreciate the cooperation and compliance of all impacted members of the Mason community.

Thank you.
John G. Zenelis
University Librarian/Associate Vice-President, Information Technology

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 Web Server Migration

This migration is mandatory because the current web server is end-of-life and at risk for failure. The new web server will provide faster serving of web content as well as better security. All websites hosted on the main Mason official server (jiju—sites that use www.gmu.edu or a virtual host that points to /usr/local/htdocs/ or /nfs/jiju/htdocs/) will be affected. This does NOT affect personal sites for faculty, staff, and students (sites with URLs starting with mason.gmu.edu/~).

Webmaster Meeting: Server Migration
October 28, 10 am – 11:30 am, Johnson Center, 3rd Floor, Room F

The primary topic of this meeting will be the upcoming server migration. All faculty and staff who manage website(s) on this server are encouraged to attend this important meeting.

If you would like additional information, contact Kate Morton at kmorton@gmu.edu or 993-9857.

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 Hold on Annual Equipment Trust Fund Monies (ETF)

On October 1, the university received notice from the Virginia Commonwealth Office of Management and Budget that the annual equipment trust fund monies (ETF) expected by Virginia's public colleges and universities in October will not be distributed at this time due to the state's fiscal situation. No indication was received as to whether this is a temporary or a permanent hold. However, given certain aspects of how ETF is funded, the university has some confidence that the hold will not be permanent. The hold has affected plans to upgrade certain technology-equipped classrooms for the spring semester. In order to accomplish these upgrades during the winter holiday, equipment needed to be ordered by end of the week of October 6. No other source of funds is available to purchase this equipment. Therefore, these upgrades will not happen.

Following are the rooms which have been impacted by the ETF hold:
David King Hall, room 1006
Enterprise Hall, room 276
Fine Arts Building, rooms B108 and B110
Robinson Hall, rooms B208 and B228
Science and Technology 1, rooms 122 and 131
Science and Technology 2, room 15

The Division of Instructional Technology (DoIT) and the Registrar's Office have worked together to find solutions for the 166 course sections initially impacted by the ETF hold, including moving some of the impacted sessions to other technology-enabled classrooms. Still, many classes will remain in the rooms listed above. Scheduling coordinators from impacted departments also recently received information from the Office of the Registrar.

To provide some technology in these nine rooms, the Division of Instructional Technology will purchase and re-purpose equipment to provide a "mini-upgrade" to Mason's remaining Smart classrooms (listed above) impacted by the hold. After the mini-upgrade is completed over the winter break, a computer, a laptop connection, a DVD-VCR and projection capability will be available in these classrooms. These tools do not represent Mason's electronic classroom standard but do try to provide essential resources for teaching. A brief, informative video will be available from the desktop computer in these classrooms, as well as online resources and instructional handouts. Please note that these resources are not available now, but will be available in early January. Please contact Learning Support Services at x33141 to schedule an orientation to your classroom, if needed. Additional information will be posted to this web page when updates are available.

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 Phaseout of WebCT 4.1

Beginning in Spring 2007, faculty, staff, and students have been continuously informed of Blackboard’s announcement to discontinue support for older versions of its products, including WebCT 4.1. In response, Mason upgraded WebCT 4.1 to Blackboard Campus Edition (CE). Faculty began using CE in pilot last year and beginning Summer 2008, all courses using Mason’s enterprise Learning Management System will use CE.

What does this mean for you?

1. No need to request course folder creation
   
   Faculty desiring to use a learning management system for their courses will not need to request WebCT 4.1 course folders but will have course folders automatically available to you in the CE system by accessing http://courses.gmu.edu/.
2. How to use my content from WebCT 4.1
   
   In order to retain course content that you created using WebCT 4.1, ***Please Backup Your Course***. Directions to do so may be found at http://www.irc.gmu.edu/coursetools/webct/CreatingBackup.pdf .
   
   In addition, you may migrate your course content from WebCT 4.1 to CE by using the directions at: http://irc.gmu.edu/ce6transition/ . If you need assistance migrating your course content, please contact Learning Support Services at 703-993-3141 or email courses@gmu.edu.
3. Availability of course content from WebCT 4.1
   
   Because course content in WebCT 4.1 will not be accessible after December 31, 2008, courses created in Fall 2007 need to be backed up before the end of the Spring 2008 semester; courses created in Spring 2008 need to be backed up before the end of Summer 2008. Please follow the instructions above to backup and/or migrate your course materials before these deadlines.
4. To learn about CE
   
   We are offering workshops, consultations, and online materials to assist you in using CE and to transition your course to CE. Please consult http://ittraining.gmu.edu for upcoming workshops or contact bwadams@gmu.edu to arrange an individual or departmental consultation. To review materials about CE at your own convenience, see http://www.irc.gmu.edu/ce6transition/.
   
   For technical assistance with Campus Edition (CE), contact the ITU Support Center.

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  Classroom and Lab Login Procedures:

The university network is called MESA (Mason Enterprise Services Architecture). In preparation for an upcoming change to login procedures, the computers in labs and classrooms will accept both the traditional “generic” MESA login (posted on each computer) as well as individual MESA login this coming Fall semester. For faculty, the change to individual MESA login will offer increased security and improved access control, and more usability options. When logging into MESA with individual login, only enrolled students and assigned faculty will have access to specific course materials that faculty members place on their accounts.

Beginning January 2009, all Mason computer labs and classrooms will require users to login with their individual MESA login vs. the generic login.

To ensure a smooth transition to your MESA login, please make sure your Mason e-mail and MESA account are active and operational prior to January 2009. If you have forgotten your e-mail and MESA account password or never activated your account, follow the appropriate link:

https://mail.gmu.edu

http://password.gmu.edu

For assistance with your MESA account, contact the ITU Support Center at x3-8870 or support@gmu.edu.

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 Microsoft Office 2007 (MSO 2007) Update:

Classroom and lab computers will save MSO 2007 documents in the MSO 2007 format starting this fall semester. If you have not upgraded your office computer to MSO 2007, ITU recommends that faculty contact the ITU Support Center at 3-8870 to request the upgrade from MSO 2003 to MSO 2007. (Until you have upgraded, you may wish to install the “compatability pack” which will allow you to open, edit, and save files using the new file formats.) Faculty may request that students save documents in MSO 2003 format by directing them to scroll down to "Save As" and select the 1997-2003 format, such as "Word 1997-2003 Document" or "Excel 1997-2003 Workbook." Faculty can purchase a “home use” copy of the MSO 2007 at Patriot Computers 3-4100 for $19.99. Please see the web page http://transition.gmu.edu for help with transitioning to the new version of MSO 2007.

 Technology Classroom Upgrades Over Summer 2008 Break:

During the summer break, seven classrooms at the Fairfax and Arlington Campuses were upgraded to Mason’s electronic plus classroom standard. These electronic plus classrooms contain an instructor computer, LCD projector, projection screen, document camera, and DVD/VCR. The rooms are:

Arlington, Hazel Hall, Room 221, 225
Arlington, Original Building, Room 336 (also contains videoconferencing)
Fairfax, Innovation Hall, Rooms 131, 132 (also contains videoconferencing)
Fairfax, Enterprise Hall, Room 178
Fairfax, Lecture Hall, Room 1

In addition, 29 classrooms were upgraded to Mason’s new electronic classroom standard. Electronic classrooms contain an instructor computer, projection screen, DVD playback (via computer), LCD projector, and overhead projector. (Please note that VCRs are gradually being phased out, but VCRs are available for checkout .) The rooms are:

Fairfax, Enterprise Hall, Rooms 173, 176, 274, 277
Fairfax, Research 1, Rooms 201, 202
Fairfax, Robinson Hall, Rooms A101, A105, A106, A243, A247, A249
Fairfax, Thompson Hall, Room 138
Arlington, Original Building, Rooms 245, 246, 251, 253, 257, 268, 269, 302, 317, 330, 331, 332, 338
Arlington, Hazel Hall, Rooms 224, 348, 412

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 The Future of Slide Projectors in Classrooms (Spring 2008)

Classroom Technologies will no longer support Slide Projectors in classrooms or as checkout equipment at the conclusion of the Spring 2009 semester. This decision is being made as many major manufacturers of slide projectors and slide projector parts have ceased production. If you need assistance with converting slides to digital, please contact STAR for information at (703) 993-8990. In addition, some departments may have their own procedure for conversion of slides to digital media.

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 Phaseout of WebCT 4.1 (Spring 2008)

Last spring and through the fall semester, Learning Support Services advised faculty, staff, and students of Blackboard’s announcement to discontinue supporting older versions of its learning management systems, including WebCT 4.1. In response, Mason decided to upgrade its central Learning Management System to Blackboard Campus Edition 6 (CE6). Courses began using CE6 in pilot during the fall and this semester, and all courses using Mason’s central Learning Management System will be using CE6 beginning this summer.

What does this mean for you?

1. No need to request course folder creation
   
   Faculty desiring to use a learning management system for their Summer 2008 courses will not need to request WebCT 4.1 course folders but will have course folders automatically available to you in CE6 system by accessing http://courses.gmu.edu/.
2. How to use my content from WebCT 4.1
   
   In order to retain course content that you created using WebCT 4.1, ***Please Backup Your Course*** Directions to do so may be found at http://www.irc.gmu.edu/coursetools/webct/CreatingBackup.pdf.
   
   In addition, you may migrate your course content from WebCT 4.1 to CE6 by using the directions at: http://irc.gmu.edu/ce6transition/. If you need assistance migrating your course content, please contact Learning Support Services at 703-993-3141 or email courses@gmu.edu.
3. Availability of course content from WebCT 4.1
   
   Because course content you placed in WebCT 4.1 will not be accessible after December 31, 2008, courses created in Fall 2007 need to be backed up before the end of the Spring 2008 semester; courses created in Spring 2008 in CE4.1 need to be backed up before the end of Summer 2008. Please follow the instructions above to backup and/or migrate your course materials before these deadlines.
4. To learn about CE6
   
   We are offering workshops, consultations, and online materials to assist you in using Campus Edition 6 and to transition your course to Campus Edition 6. Please consult http://ittraining.gmu.edu for upcoming workshops or contact bwadams@gmu.edu to arrange an individual or departmental consultation. To review materials about Campus Edition 6 at your own convenience, see http://www.irc.gmu.edu/ce6transition/.

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 Microsoft Office 2007 (MSO 2007) (Spring 2008)

Classroom and lab computers will continue to save MSO 2007 documents as 2003 documents throughout the Spring semester. This will allow for some flexibility for faculty and staff who have not upgraded to MSO 2007 yet. ITU recommends that faculty contact the ITU Support Center at 3-8870 to request an upgrade from MSO 2003 to MSO 2007. Faculty can purchase a “home use” copy of the MSO 2007 at Patriot Computers 3-4100 for $15. Please see the web page http://transition.gmu.edu for help with transitioning to the new version of MSO 2007.

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 Overhead Projectors (Fall 2007 and Spring 2008)

Overhead projectors are removed from classrooms after document cameras are installed. Faculty who would like to continue to use an overhead projector in a technology classroom may contact Classroom Technologies at 3-3456 (Fairfax), 3-8226 (Arlington) and 3-8499 (Prince William). Faculty who want to learn more about how to use a document camera in their class may contact Learning Support Services at 3-3141 to schedule a consultation.

Rooms in which faculty teach change from semester to semester. Therefore, Mason’s limited supply of overhead projectors is restocked to a central location at the end of each semester. If you want to use an overhead projector for your spring semester class, please advise Classroom Technologies, even if you used an overhead projector last semester and are scheduled to teach in the same room. Contact Classroom Technologies at 3-3456 (Fairfax), 3-8226 (Arlington) and 3-8499 (Prince William).

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 Change in Classroom Type Nomenclature (Fall 2007 and Spring 2008)

In coordination with the Registrar’s Office, Classroom Technologies has worked to clarify room “types” based on technology installed in the classrooms. These classroom types will allow the Office of the Registrar to more effectively match faculty need with rooms available. All room types denote minimum functionality. Some rooms may have additional equipment or expanded functionality.

• General: Projection Screen, TV, DVD/VCR, Overhead Projector
• Smart: Projection Screen, DVD/VCR, LCD Projector, Overhead Projector
• Electronic: Projection Screen, DVD Playback (via Computer), LCD Projector, Instructor Computer, Overhead Projector
• Electronic Plus: Projection Screen, DVD/VCR, LCD Projector, Instructor Computer, Document Camera
• Computer Classroom: Projection Screen, DVD/VCR, LCD Projector, Instructor Computer, Document Camera, One Computer per Student Seat

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 Technology Classroom Upgrades Over Winter Break (Spring 2008)

During the winter break, eight classrooms at the Fairfax Campus were upgraded to electronic plus classrooms. These new electronic plus classrooms will contain an instructor computer, LCD projector, projection screen, document camera, and DVD/VCR. The classrooms are:

East Building, room 122
Krug Hall, room 5
Krug Hall, room 7
Robinson Hall, rooms A111, B111, B113, B104 and B201

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 New Microphones in “Electronic Plus” Classrooms (Spring 2008)

Classroom Technologies introduced a new type of microphone into the electronic plus classrooms starting with the technology classroom upgrades done during the Winter 2007/2008 break. The Revolabs Solo Desktop microphone is rechargeable and will save the university a significant amount of money from battery replacements. For more information, see: (http://www.revolabs.com/products/solo/desktop/). The use of rechargeable batteries responds, in part, to Mason’s commitment to reduce energy consumption. A single charge will last the entire instructional day. The microphone can be used either as lavaliere or handheld microphone. Classroom Technologies will continue to install two microphones per classroom.

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 Podcasting (Spring 2008)

In response to requests to be able to create and distribute audio and video files electronically (aka "podcasting"), the Division of Instructional Technology has been working with faculty to determine what support will need to be made available as well as cost-effective ways to provide that support.

A task force that included faculty evaluated a variety of in-class audio recording devices for audio podcasting and recommended a digital audio recorder and a lavaliere microphone to support the recording of class content. These portable recording units are available for faculty evaluation and may be checked-out from Classroom Technologies. Faculty desiring a course site for their podcast materials may contact Learning Support Services at 3-3141, for assistance.