Faculty and Staff Tech Update: March 24, 2025

Hello!     

Welcome to the latest issue of Tech Update, Northeastern’s monthly newsletter for all things technology-related across the global network.

This month, the Update provides strategies for using AI to create standout PowerPoint decks for class projects and presentations. It also offers tech tips for: 

• Improving digital accessibility in social media. 

• Using Teams to host events and meetings with Teams.

• Keeping your data safe from online scams.

• Utilizing discussion checkpoints in SpeedGrader. 

This Update and past issues are available on the ITS website. Do you have a tip or tech success story you’d like to see in a future issue? Share IT! 

Cheers! 

-M 

Marcus P. Robinson     

Deputy CIO and Associate Vice President, Engagement and Experience   

Elevate your presentations with Copilot and PowerPoint Live  

Creating engaging and accessible presentations is easier than ever with Microsoft Copilot and PowerPoint Live. These AI-powered tools help streamline slide creation, enhance accessibility with real-time captions and translations, and boost audience engagement with interactive features. Learn how to leverage Copilot’s smart design suggestions and PowerPoint Live’s accessibility tools to deliver impactful presentations for any audience. 

Discover how to transform your presentations with AI > 

Make your social media inclusive: A guide to digital accessibility 

Social media is a powerful tool for connection, but not everyone experiences it the same way. Accessible content helps reach a wider audience, including people with disabilities, those in noisy spaces, and mobile users. Discover simple yet impactful ways to create more inclusive social media content—because accessibility benefits everyone.  

Explore social media best practices >  

Stronger security, smarter protection: How Northeastern stopped 6.3M cyber threats 

Cyber threats are evolving—but so are the defenses protecting Northeastern. With 6.3 million malicious emails blocked in just two months, new security measures are making it easier than ever to stay protected. From smarter email alerts to enhanced account protection, see how security at Northeastern just got even stronger. 

Check out the latest security updates > 

New enhancements to discussion checkpoints in SpeedGrader

Canvas has introduced several enhancements to SpeedGrader when discussion checkpoints are enabled, making it easier for instructors to review and grade student participation, including: 

• A sticky header now remains visible while scrolling, ensuring key information stays accessible.

• A link allows instructors to switch to individual posts.

• In SpeedGrader Options, instructors can set the default discussion view.

• New navigation buttons allow instructors to move efficiently between students’ posts.

Schedule a Canvas Course Design Consultation with an instructional design consultant for additional help and getting started! 

Log in to Canvas to start utilizing the SpeedGrader updates >

Hosting meetings with Teams: Which one is right for you?  

Did you know you can use Teams to host webinars, town halls, classes, and more? Depending on your audience size and meeting complexity, Teams offers a variety of meeting options that can help you reach a wider, more engaged audience. Discover what you can do with each type, so you know which one is best for different use cases in your organization. 

Learn more about hosting meetings with Teams >