Caring. Learning. Integrity. Respect. Technology Support for Algonquin’s Mobile Learning...

Caring. Learning. Integrity. Respect.

Technology Support for Algonquin’s Mobile Learning Environment

Version 2September 2012

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• Blackboard

• Wireless & wired network

• Internet access with sufficient bandwidth for learning and teaching activities

• Support Services

Technology for learning and teaching will be available 99.9% of the time.

A Commitment to Reliable Educational Technology


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Client Support Services

WirelessLMS Blackboard

Network ServicesCore network (LAN), Active Directory, WAN

Operations Services Private Cloud (VMWare)

Support • Technology Support• Monitoring and Alerting• Performance Management• Capacity Planning

Public CloudsPrivate Cloud (VMWare)

Internet ProvidersRogers, Cogent

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

ResultsSupport 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

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Classroom Readiness and Support


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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.

ResultsTechnology in classrooms works more consistently.

Quick Fact: Within first 2 months, an additional 400 work orders were completed.




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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


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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 BlackBoard GradeBook will feed the grades evaluation and input process. No more manual grades sheets (unless you want to work manually)


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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.


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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.

Quick Fact: Since January 2012, Blackboard has been available 99% of the time.


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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.


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Wireless Connectivity







Recent Improvements

Signal monitoring to measure coverage and adjust availability.

Complete wireless coverage in faculty 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.


Perth Pembroke Woodroffe Algonquin0

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Summer 2011Fall 2011CurrentFall 2012

Total System Access Points (connection points to wireless network)

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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


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Results

Faster access to internet

Faster access to files and services via Algonquin’s network.

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.


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Internet Capacity at Algonquin


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.

Edu-t ne Reliable Educational Technology


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.

Edu-t ne Not Your Father’s ITS


(613) 727-4723 ext. [email protected]

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Caring. Learning. Integrity. Respect. Technology Support for Algonquin’s Mobile Learning...

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