Lecture streaming service

The audio cassette based lecture recording service is being replaced with a live and on-demand streaming service over the University network.

Over the next two semesters Client Services Division will be replacing the audio cassette based lecture recording service with a live and on-demand streaming service of the audio and sometimes video of lectures where this service has been requested. It is expected that the tape-based system will be phased out by the beginning of next year.

ICT Efficiencies Group

The group looking into Efficiencies in Information and Communication Technologies has a number of items on its agenda that will have an impact on the Division's IT management. These include:

1. Common Helpdesk for the University
2. Common purchasing of computers, printers and photocopiers
3. Utilisation of ICT staff across the campus

The group also commissioned a survey of staff attitudes to ICT across the campus, and the raw results show the Division that while by and large we are in good shape there are a number of issues, particularly in relation to the support of teaching, that we need to address.

Databases

The database used by the Professional Experience Program in the School of Teacher Education is in the process of being completely rewritten to better serve their needs. A database is also being developed for the Public Relations Internship program in the School of Professional Communication to help track industry offers of Internships and student involvement in the internship program.

Update on Divisional website development

An interim website for the School of Languages and International Education was completed before Christmas. The UCOnline Web Designer has now produced templates for SLIE and some reorganisation of the site will be needed before these can be implemented. Some additional content will have to be written to fit the new template.

With the availability of generic templates in mid February, new sites have been created for the School of Teacher Education's Professional Experience Program, and for the School of Professional Communication's Public Relations Internship Program.

UCOnline Web Designer has also created templates for the School of Information Management and Tourism and the TSU is now working with School staff to fill in the site's contents.

Staff templates

The UCOnline Manager has convened a University-wide group to look at the prospects for developing a template for Staff Profiles on School websites. Under the Staff tab for each School, an index to the staff in each School would be dynamically generated from the telephone directory. The index would contain location, email, voice and fax contact for each member of staff, and a link from the Staff member's name would go to a "business card" page for the staff member. On this "business card" screen, there would be the option of a link to a Staff member's personal home page, should they wish to create one. The information used to create the index and “business card” pages would be automatically generated in the approved graphical look from existing staff directories, so the information will not require separate updating.

Upgraded computer lab

The ICT in Teaching computer lab has been upgraded with 20 new P4 computers, flat panel displays and DVD readers/CD RW drives replacing some aging and problematic PCs. The computers were installed in record time (purchase dependent on the availability of funds from the new IT Loan), and were up and running in time for the start of semester.