Blackboard Upgrade Update

Due to unresolved technical issues with the new Blackboard server, the upgrade to Release 7.3 was not successful. OIT has reconnected the original server, and we will continue on Release 6.3 until further notice. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Blackboard Down Today

In order to perform a major upgrade, Blackboard will be unavailable on Monday, August 18, beginning at approximately 7AM. Our Network and Systems team expects to complete this upgrade and have the new Blackboard available Monday afternoon. During this time no Blackboard data or features will be available for use. If you plan to prepare your course site for the Fall semester, please take this downtime into account. Course instructors do not need to do anything to prepare for the upgrade.

A message will be posted at http://philau.edu/its when the work has been completed. An additional email message will be sent to all users with current Blackboard accounts upon completion. If the upgrade is not complete by 4PM on Monday, an additional update message will be sent to all system users. We apologize for any duplicate messages you may receive due to multiple course associations.

After the upgrade is completed, Philadelphia University will be running Blackboard Learning System - Basic Edition 7.3. The upgrade will bring some welcomed abilities and features. Please check the previously mentioned ITS web page for announcements concerning information sessions on new features and Blackboard training for faculty and staff. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

IBM To Team with Linux Vendors on 'Microsoft-Free' PCs

According to Campus Technology, IBM has agreed with partner with Linux, in order to develop an alternative to consumers where they will be able to purchase computers that work on their operating system instead of Microsoft.

These new computers will feature programs such as Lotus Notes, Lotus Symphony, and Lotus Sametime. Lotus Symphony is a bundle software similar to that of Microsoft Word and Spreadsheet while Lotus Notes is an alternative to Microsoft Outlook.

The addition comes as a alternative to Microsoft OS, which many individuals have been slow to adopt the new Microsoft Vista OS as well as those who wish to pay a lower licensing fee that accompanies Linux OS. Linux claims that their new desktop computer will be “better equipped to work with lower cost hardware than Microsoft's operating system."

While Linux may provide an alternative to Microsoft and Macintosh, the new addition maybe slow to be put into use at home as well as the office setting due to the fact that many companies require Microsoft to run approximately 80% of their programs.

Read article at http://campustechnology.com/articles/66146_2/

Course Cast 2.0 Adds Pod casting, Streaming Media Features to Free Lecture Capture System

According to Campus Technology, software company Panopto has introduced a new system called Course Cast 2.0 to their product line. Panopto is software that is used in online education which helps to capture and edit streaming audio and video from instructor’s online lectures. The new Course Cast software will allow recorded materials to be embedded and be compatible with other course management systems such as Blackboard Inc.

Different learning institutions have adopted to use this software stating that the program has “simple set-up and an intuitive user interface”, while only requiring a minimal amount of training. Another bonus is that Course Cast is able to be used free of charge if used with Panopto’s Socrates Project.

Features of this software include

• Automatic detection of recording devices
• Podcasting Availability
• Podcasting of audio as well as still images
• Integration with Blackboard Inc.
• Course-Wide search of content
• Increased security for content access

Read article at
http://campustechnology.com/articles/66128