Colleagues,
Welcome back! Below is the first Tech Update of the new year, and it’s packed full of information for you. You’ll find resources for returning to the classroom to teach, training opportunities for Gradescope and Microsoft Teams, an important reminder about passwords, and more.
As you return and get settled in for the new terms, a reminder that the Connect to Tech Guides and the IT Service Desk are resources for all your technology questions. IT Services is ready to assist you!
Best wishes for a successful spring term.
– M
Marcus P. Robinson,
Associate Vice President, Engagement and Experience
Tech Update: January 19, 2021
Prepare for the Spring Semester
Returning to teaching this spring? Prepare your courses by reviewing the Canvas Start of Term Checklist, which includes the steps for setting up the digital home for your classes that your students will access from in the classroom, across campus, or across the globe.
If using Zoom for real-time class sessions, remember to update your Zoom app, schedule Zoom meetings in your Canvas courses, and publish the course prior to the first day of class. Note that standard rooms still allow for the delivery of Hybrid NUflex courses via the use of conferencing tools. To ensure optimal audio quality for remote participants joining sessions in standard rooms, faculty should plan to request a wireless microphone.
Instructional Assistant Support Returns
The Instructional Assistant program is back for technology support in the classroom this spring. When in the classroom, email classroomITsupport@northeastern.edu between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for rapid Instructional Assistant (IA) dispatch. This email is only available for dispatch service.
Have a question or need support after hours? The IT Service Desk is available to help 24/7. Call 617.373.HELP [4357] to talk with a support representative, or email help@northeastern.edu.
A Note on Zoom Recordings
Faculty and staff should note that Zoom recordings from last semester will be removed from the platform on February 9. Recordings will remain accessible on Panopto. Given the way Zoom Meetings are integrated on Canvas, a Zoom link is still the easiest way to share recordings with students during the semester. However, once the semester ends, remember to update your links to the versions stored on Panopto.
Learn more about archived Zoom recordings in Panopto >
Plug into the New Term
Still, getting your technology game in place for the new semester? Connect to Tech is your one-stop place to find all the services you need (or even just want!).
Get Started with Gradescope
Gradescope is an assessment, rubric, and grading tool integrated into Canvas that allows faculty to use rubric-based grading for hand-written or code-based assessments. As you prepare for the new semester and finalize your upcoming courses, this Gradescope for Remote Assessment Training will help ensure smooth grading and assessment processes for you and your students throughout the spring semester.
New Year, New Password
When was the last time you changed your myNortheastern password? Security experts say updated, hard-to-guess passwords are one of the simplest measures you can take to protect your data. Faculty and staff instructions for changing your password are here.
The Power of Microsoft Teams: Connect and Collaborate
Need a brush-up or some detailed pointers about using Microsoft Teams to start the new year? A full array of self-paced and live virtual training sessions led by Northeastern ITS staff are available. Geared towards Teams basics and need-to-know features, the Teams Introduction User session covers the essentials. For more advanced Teams users, or to learn the specific ins and outs of Teams, sign up for the Teams Power User session.
Visit training.its.northeastern.edu/ for resources to master and keep up to date with Microsoft Teams, as well as the rest of the Office 365 suite, Canvas, NUflex classroom technology, and more!
Looking for More Tech Updates?
The Tech Talk community is available 24/7 through Communities at Northeastern. Find announcements, tips, and a place to engage with others about how technology impacts daily life at Northeastern.