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Faculty

Welcome

Computer Services offers resources that benefit everyone at Temple University. Services include a free e-mail account on TUmail, connection to a high-speed on-campus network, and access to a 24-hour computer Help Desk for assistance in resolving technical issues.

In addition, Computer Services offers numerous services and resources targeted to meet the special needs of faculty. Resources include access to Blackboard, a web-based online course management and delivery system with components for creating discussion groups, blogs, and wikis. Computer Services also supports 287 smart classrooms and delivers computer carts and other media equipment to classrooms that are not already equipped with technology. Faculty can also reserve computer laboratories for classroom instruction.

If you need assistance with technology, consultants in one of our three Instructional Support Centers (ISC) are available to assist you with Blackboard, PowerPoint, scanning, or other technology used for instruction or research. Additionally, Computer Services offers free hands-on seminars on a variety of topics geared toward faculty. "Getting Started with Blackboard," "Using a Digital Image Database to Build In-Class Presentations," and "Creating Online Tests and Gradebook items" are just a few of the topics offered.

News Items

What's New for Spring 2008?

“Technology at Temple” Guide Available

For an overview of the University’s computer resources, explore the current edition of  the Technology at Temple guide. The guide offers an overview of TUportal features, a summary of popular classroom tools, and information about getting connected to Temple’s technology resources. Note that you need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this publication.

ERP Implementation Activities Underway

Temple's major University-wide initiative to integrate and upgrade all administrative systems is in full swing. Teams and committees from University departments have been formed to implement this $38 million, five-year Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) project called Enterprise.

For updated details about the ERP project, see the Welcome Message from Timothy O'Rourke, Vice President of Computer and Information Services.

Blackboard and TurningPoint Upgraded

During the winter recess, the Blackboard system was upgraded to version 7.3 and the TurningPoint (clicker) software was upgraded to version 2008.

The new version of Blackboard improves the Discussion Board interface and resolves an issue related to the appearance of Discussion Board posts. This upgrade also provides customized enhancements to the following tools:

• Create Groups enables instructors to automatically create and populate groups within courses by CRN.
• Search LX allows users to search for Blackboard content in courses and communities in which they are enrolled and/or teaching. In addition, content in courses/communities open to guest access is also searchable.
• Expo provides the ability to create blogs and wikis that are independent of Blackboard courses and communities.
• Scholar provides a bookmarking service that enables faculty and students to store, tag, and share bookmarks.

The TurningPoint upgrade ensures compatibility with Office 2007 and also offers enhancements such as plug and play hardware setup, expanded reporting options, and multiple language support. TurningPoint 2008 is available as a free download from the Help Desk web site. Note that electronic user manuals are included with the downloaded software.

Additional information about Blackboard and TurningPoint is available on the “How-To” page of the Instructional Support Center (ISC) web site. You can also contact the ISC at the following locations:

Main Campus, TECH Center, room 110 (215-204-8529)
Ambler Campus, Learning Center, room 111 (267-468-8393)
Health Sciences Campus, Medical Research Building, room 112 (215-707-7703)

TurningPoint Clickers Available

TurningPoint is an exciting way to engage students in the classroom. Working in conjunction with PowerPoint, TurningPoint enables instructors to include slides containing questions in their presentations. Students can use response cards, or “clickers” as they are commonly called, to respond to question slides.

Computer Services offers portable TurningPoint clicker kits for one-time class sessions, training, seminars, or conferences. Each kit contains 30 Response cards, a RF/USB receiver, and a “Quick Start Guide.” In addition, we can also combine sets to meet the needs of larger classes, events, or conferences.

For additional information, contact one of our Classroom Technology Support depots.

WhisperRoom Recording Booths Debut at the TECH Center

The TECH Center now has three WhisperRoom booths, suitable for recording podcasts, vocal narrations, and other individual recording sessions. One of these booths is designed to accomodate students with disabilities.

Special Adobe Discounts Offered to Faculty and Staff

For a limited time, Temple faculty and staff can take advantage of discounted prices on selected Adobe software for personal use. The offer is comparable to student prices with savings up to 85% off commercial prices. For example, Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, and Acrobat), which lists for $1,799, is available for only $309.98. Typical educational pricing ranges from $590–$640. This special offer is scheduled to end on March 15, 2008.

To view the available Adobe products and to place an order, go to the JourneyEd web site.

If you have any questions, contact Journey Ed at 800-874-9001 or Computer Business Services at 215-204-5000 (1-5000).

Reminder: Sign Up for Emergency Notifications

Last semester, Temple unveiled a new emergency notification system. If you have not already done so, please follow the instructions below to update your emergency notification information. The process takes less than a minute.

Updating Faculty and Staff Emergency Notification Information:

1. Go to the ESS web site and log in.
2. Under the My Profile section on the left, click on Emergency Notification.
3. Follow the instructions to fill in your information in section 1 or section 2.
4. When you have finished, click on Update.
5. Next, enter your AccessNet password and click on Confirm.