Technology

Technology funds are to be used to enhance students’ experiences through the incorporation of technology in teaching and learning experiences. As such, full-time instructional faculty (both tenure-track and P&A) may ask to be reimbursed for technology expenses associated with their teaching.

In order to secure approval of a reimbursement request, faculty should submit electronically to the Chair prior to purchasing anything responses to these questions:

1. What do you wish to purchase? (Please be specific, and know that CEHD Technology support will not be able to support all types of equipment.)

2. How will this technology enhance your ability to serve students?

3. How do you intend to incorporate this technology in your syllabus? (Please attach a copy of your syllabus, if available.)

The Chair’s approval will be based on availability of funds, potential of technology to enhance teaching, and whether the faculty member has recently received technology funds. While these funds have typically been used to purchase technology, they may also be used for technical support if such support is not available through existing university resources and if such support is clearly central to students’ learning experiences.

The initial cost of desktop printers may seem inexpensive compared to a network printer, but they cost more to use and support over the long run. The ink and toner for desktop printers is much more expensive on a per-page comparison and must be replaced more often. Network printers print faster, are more efficient, last longer, are generally higher quality, and usually offer more features (such as duplex printing). Individual desktop printers also cause more problems with installation and support versus a single centrally supported network printer. As such, our general policy is to strongly encourage the use of shared network printers rather than individual desktop printers.

For those who want to have a desktop printer, they must pay for it and the replacement ink/toner from professional development funds as this is not an expense the department can cover except under unusual circumstances arranged with the Chair.

OLPD has Skype cart available for check out. This cart is outfitted with a widescreen monitor, a webcam, and a speaker-bar, along with a Skype premium account. The advantage of a Skype premium account is that with one premium account, three or more people can connect to one Skype conference. If you need to connect with multiple people outside the Twin Cities, you can use this cart to set up a video conference with them. With group video calling you can get together with colleagues wherever they are in the world. All everyone needs is the latest version of Skype, a laptop and a webcam.

Itʼs simple and cost effective to use, as only the host needs to sign up. And it takes just a few minutes to set up a video conference.

This cart also makes Skype-ing from a conference room easier. The webcam on the cart is High Definition, making it easier to capture several people from one computer. This is especially nice for oral exams with students from outside the state.

Follow the instructions below to use the Skype Cart. If you have any questions please contact the Burton Hall technical coordinator, Jon Goldman, via the COCONUT.

Skype Cart Reservation and Set-Up Instructions

• The cart contains widescreen monitor, webcam, speaker-bar, and Skype premium account.

• The cart can only be used within Burton Hall (if you need Skype in a different building, please put a request in the Coconut)

• If you experience technical difficulties, contact the Technical Coordinators via http://coconut.umn.edu.

As early as possible:

1. Contact support staff to reserve the Skype computer cart and conference room.

   • OLPD Support Staff

     • Student Administrative Assistants - olpdadmin@umn.edu

     • Dan Grafton - graft003@umn.edu

     • Linda Elrich - elric001@umn.edu

     • Jodie Gustafson - gusta042@umn.edu

     • Julie Bishop-Hogan - bisho025@umn.edu

     • Diane Boatman – koski005@umn.edu

2. Determine if you will be using an OLPD department laptop or your personal laptop with the Skype cart.

   • OLPD Department Laptop

     • Contact support staff to reserve an OLPD laptop

       • Contact the Technical Coordinators to

       • Install the current version of Skype from www.skype.com

       • Ensure that your computer has a working camera, speakers, and microphone

       • Ensure that you have a fast enough internet connection (Broadband or higher connection speed, >256 kbps)

       • Add the OLPD Skype ID “olpdolpd” to your contact list to make a call

   • Personal Laptop

     • Install the current version of Skype from www.skype.com

     • Ensure that your computer has a working camera, speakers, and microphone

     • Ensure that you have a fast enough internet connection (Broadband or higher connection speed, >256 kbps)

     • Add the OLPD Skype ID “olpdolpd” to your contact list to make a call

At least one week before the presentation:

1. Update Skype (if using your personal laptop) to ensure you have the absolute latest version

2. Contact the Burton Hall technical coordinator, Jon Goldman, via the COCONUT to test Skype at least a week before the presentation.

3. Confirm all reservations with support staff to ensure that no double-booking or miscommunication has occurred.

Approximately 30 minutes before presentation:

Test Skype on your computer, including testing the camera, microphone, and speakers.

Approximately 10 minutes before presentation:

Either initiate a Skype call with “olpdolpd” or accept the call if we beat you to it.

Reserving OLPD Technology Equipment

The OLPD technology equipment is available to current OLPD faculty, staff and students. Reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis. The equipment should not be taken off campus and is not intended to be used for attending conferences. Items should be picked up and returned from support staff in 206 Burton Hall on the same day unless prior arrangements are made. Please check equipment before returning to ensure that all items are enclosed (i.e., power cords). Equipment can be reserved by contacting any support staff member.

Available OLPD Technology Equipment

• 3 Dell laptop computers with Windows

• Mac Laptop

• LCD portable projectors

• 90 (approximately) clickers (Audience Response System)

• Transcribers

• Skype cart (additional steps are necessary for reserving the Skype cart)

Video Kit

The OLPD Department has acquired one Video Kit available for use by OLPD staff, faculty, and teaching support personnel. To reserve the Video Kit or if you have any questions, contact Peter Zimmerman at zimme922@umn.edu.

The OLPD Video Kit Includes:

• iPad Mini

• Tripod with Mounting Bracket

• Wireless Lavalier Microphone System

• iPad Charger

• Carrying Case

Need help getting started with your recording? Take just a few minutes to watch these helpful videos. The video addresses the contents of the kit and how they work, as well as the general process for recording, transferring content from your iPad to your computer and making basic edits.