Do you have dynamic media files you would like to share with your students through Sakai, but not take up valuable course site space? Consider adding the Loyola Media tool to your course!

Loyola Media is a cloud based web service developed by Kaltura which facilitates the conversion and distribution of various audio and video media formats. Faculty, staff and students may upload media content to the Loyola Media server which automatically converts and optimizes your media for hassle-free distribution on the web.

To begin, simply add the tool to your course site by going through Site Info and then Edit Tools. More information can be found about adding tools to your course site here.

Faculty can start uploading audio, video, or photos through the tool once added. Students can also upload media files for review by instructor, or even share with the whole class. All media uploaded through the Sakai integration is automatically private and only available to those enrolled in the course. If you’d like to share media outside of Sakai, you can upload files directly to the Loyola Media interface at https://media.luc.edu/.

Documentation for using Loyola Media in Sakai can be found on our website at http://luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/loyolamedia/. More information about Loyola Media, including acceptable file types and size limits can be found under the FAQ’s at https://media.luc.edu/faqs.

Add the Loyola Media tool to your course site today to expand your options for rich media delivery!

Import, Design, Publish

The Spring Term is just around the corner. Here are a few tips to help with any last minute course items you might want to implement, before (or after) you click the Publish Now button.

Do you have some course content you would like to use from a previous term?

Check out the “Import from Site” and other content guides on our Sakai Faculty Resources Page at: http://luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/sakai/sakai-fac-tutorials.shtml#add_content. These and the other useful guides on the page are at your disposal to assist with your course designs.

If at any point during the preparation of your course you should find yourself with a question, feel free to stop by one of our ITRS Drop-in sessions. Conveniently located in IC 204, CLC 732 or even online via Adobe Connect! Please visit our website for a schedule of hours: http://luc.edu/itrs/resources/Dropin.shtml

Lastly, remember that your students won’t be able to see your course until you publish it. Thankfully, it’s as simple as clicking the Publish Now button in the upper left portion of your Sakai course.

Thanks for reading and have a great semester!

Panopto is a lecture capture platform that enables instructors to capture live classroom sessions, create pre-recorded lectures and share recordings with students in Sakai. With the recent upgrade to Panopto 4.8, some new features have been added to improve video playback experience, simplify access to video content and streamline video management.

Video Playback
Video streaming capabilities have been enhanced with the latest update to the Panopto recorder. Recordings and live webcasts captured with the 4.8 recorder will not require Silverlight for playback, and instead will be streamed using either Flash or HTML5 depending on the capabilities of your web browser. With the new recorder, live webcasts to iPhones and iPads can be recorded from Windows PCs. Panopto also now provides 60 frames per second support for streaming broadcast quality video.  Take note that Loyola campus computers are currently running the Panopto 4.6 recorder; however you would be able to take advantage of these features by installing the latest recorder on your personal computer. The new Panopto recorder is expected to be available on campus computers at the start of the Fall 2015 semester.

Video Access & Management
Viewers now have a link to download recordings as a podcast, if the creator makes this option available. Creators can enable podcast downloading by turning this feature on in the Panopto folder settings. Additionally, creators can now move or copy sessions in bulk. Multiple sessions can be selected in a Panopto folder then copy or move buttons will appear at the top of the page.

For more details on these changes, please see the Panopto 4.8 release notes and also visit our Panopto support page for tutorials and additional information on using Panopto.

Apple TV provides the ability to wirelessly stream or mirror content from a mobile device to a projector. Shared content can include photos, movies, and any other viewable material on a connectable Apple device. Apple TVs have been in demand on campus for several years but it wasn’t until recently, when the 3rd generation model was released, that the device could be secure on the University’s network. Additionally, with the added Bluetooth connection, the latest model of the Apple TV has allowed us to start exploring wireless projections. While we are excited to be using Apple TV in our classrooms, we continue to explore other alternative solutions.

This semester we have nine different classrooms across both campuses that have been equipped with the Apple TV.   Each Apple TV name is set based on its room location and can be discovered by selecting AirPlay from the Control Center from an iOS-compatible device. Once activated, an on-screen pass code will appear, then after entering the code both instructors and students are able to either stream or mirror their content. The Apple TV device is integrated with the classroom touch panel system and has similar functionality to the Blue-ray player.

We are currently seeking additional faculty members to take part in a pilot project to help us explore using Apple TVs in the classroom. If you would like more information or wish to take part in this pilot, please visit our web page at:  http://www.luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/appletvpilot/

Loyola’s Learning Management System (LMS), Sakai, was recently upgraded on May 9^th to version 10, moving from version 9.  This new release provides many new enhancements and fixes to the existing system.  Faculty and students are not required to change anything as we move to this new release and will find some benefits in some of the new features including:

• New Peer Grading and Group Assignments Capabilities in the Assignment Tool
• New Question Types in the Quiz Tool
• New Capability to Allow Students to Create Both Individual and Group Content
• New Syllabus Tool

To learn more about these changes, “What’s New in Sakai 10” sessions will be offered for faculty throughout the summer and early fall.  The sessions will be offered in multiple formats and at multiple locations.  Visit the Technology Training page and click on “Register Now” for the latest training schedule. Please also visit the tutorial pages for Faculty or Students for the latest documentation.

Top Hat is Loyola University Chicago’s new response system. This “bring your own device” web based platform takes classroom polling to a new level. Student engagement can be compiled through seven different questions types, including sorting and clicking on target, discussion boards, and even tournaments. Instructors have the ability to allow students to view old questions or turn questions into a review that students can use throughout the semester. Reports can be generated based on daily attendance, student participation, and student performance giving a clearer view of how a student is interacting in the course.

Top Hat is a hardware free system that allows students to use the devices they already own such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Instructors no longer have to worry about checking out equipment and carrying it to and from class, as all information is stored on the web and can be accessed on any web enabled device. There is an integration, so adding Top Hat to your Sakai course is easy.

Instructors then have the ability to continue the conversion outside of the classroom by use of the discussion board or assigning unanswered questions as homework. With the ability to ask questions before or after class, the understanding and knowledge of students can be tracked and used to help drive future sessions. Top Hat provides a whole new interactive platform.

For more information please visit the Top Hat page at luc.edu/tophat

BigBlueButton is a web conferencing solution that Loyola is piloting this year. BigBlueButton allows instructors to host class sessions, meetings, or office hours online. Additionally, students are able to enter a BigBlueButton online room without their instructor. Therefore, students have the ability to utilize BigBlueButton rooms for group work at times that are convenient for them.

Within a BigBlueButton room participants and hosts are able to share web cams and microphones, as well as use a chat window for communication. Users have the option to use emojis, a raised hand icon, and an away icon to indicate their thoughts or status during a session.

The presentation window is a space for users to upload documents and presentations that can be annotated during a session. A polling feature is also located in the presentation window and gives instructors the ability to quickly assess student opinion or learning using true/false, yes/no, multiple answer choices, or custom polls.

BigBlueButton provides options for easy access to the meeting room. There is a call-in feature where users can join a meeting with audio and listen to others’ comments. Additionally, users can download the Puffin Browser (version 4.6 or later) and connect to the meeting using an iPad, iPhone, or an Android device. This allows students to access meetings in a manner that is convenient to them.

For more information on participating in the pilot or on BigBlueButton, please visit:

http://luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/bigbluebuttonpilot/.

PowToon is an easy to use resource that allows users to create animated videos and presentations. An instructor could use PowToon to enhance lectures or a student could use PowToon to create entertaining presentations. Creating a PowToon presentation allows the user to add visually appealing backgrounds and animations with audio and text that will keep viewers engaged.

There are several options in terms of creating an account with PowToon. Users even have the ability to create an account for free. On the other hand, users have the option to select a premium or educational account in order to access additional features. To try an educational account, please visit: http://www.powtoon.com/edu-home/. An educational account allows users to create a “classroom” through PowToon, add students to their class, and view student presentations. This is useful for instructors who wish to have easy access to student presentations. The PowToon blog (http://www.powtoon.com/blog/) includes several examples of PowToon presentations. For more information and resources on PowToon, please visit: http://luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/powtoon/.

A new inactivity alert feature has been added as an option to all lesson pages within Sakai. When activated, the alert will automatically trigger and email for any user that has not selected a specific lesson page. Instructors have the ability to set one time, daily, or weekly reminders for users that have not selected a specific lesson.

Each lesson page can have its own alert implanted. This new feature ensures that all students are accessing classroom content.  Instructors have the ability to discover if students are really taking part and using classroom material or simply doing without.

Alerts take just minutes to create and can be done before or during a semester. Check out the support documentation for a set-by-step guide on achieving an inactivity alert.

Panopto is a lecture capture platform used at Loyola to provide users with the ability to capture screen content, audio, and video simultaneously. Panopto can serve many purposes for instructors including allowing instructors to record their lectures in the classroom or to pre-record their lectures. Pre-recording lectures allows instructors to “flip their classroom” and use class time for discussion or activities. Additionally, pre-recorded lectures can be used for online courses. Instructors also have the ability to allow students to create recordings using Panopto. Now Panopto has upgraded to version 5.0 and is providing instructors and students with even more options.

The Panopto 5.0 recorder is now available for Windows and Mac users. Both the Windows and Mac versions of the recorder have a modernized look. The 5.0 Mac recorder has been updated to more closely resemble the look and functionality of the Windows recorder.

Along with the new look, the new recorders have new features. Users can now capture computer audio within their recordings. For example, if a user plays a video during a recorded lecture, the audio from the video will be included in the recording. Mac users running OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) and 10.11 (El Capitan) will now be able to create live webcasts. Furthermore, Panopto webcasts now have DVR functionality. Viewers can now pause, rewind, and fast-forward to the current time of a webcast. Mac users now have the ability to record up to three video feeds simultaneously. Mac users can also enjoy multi-bitrate recording and streaming for improved video playback and fail safe recording to protect against power outages and hardware failure.

For more information on Panopto and Panopto 5.0 please visit: http://luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/panopto/.

Some classrooms are equipped with technology that allows you to wirelessly connect your mobile devices to the projected screen without having to use a cable. It provides you the ability to move around the classroom with ease and you wouldn’t be constrained to the front of the classroom. There are currently two different systems connected in a few of the classrooms that provide wireless capability.

Apple TV
Apple TV is one of the wireless projection systems that enables you to mirror your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac) on the screen.
They are currently located both at Water Tower Campus and Lakeshore Campus in the following classrooms:

• Cuneo Hall – 002, 103, 109, 116, 117, 210, 302, 311, 312, 318, and 324
• Flanner Hall – 113
• Corboy Law Center – 202, 207, 306, 325, 326, 423, 521, and 601

In order to connect to the Apple TV you will need to make sure that your iOS device is at least running iOS7 and has Bluetooth 4.0.

AirMedia
Airmedia is the other wireless projection system that enables you to mirror images, videos, and documents from Windows and OS X computers, as well as Apple iOS and Android mobile devices.
They are currently located at Water Tower Campus in the following rooms:

• Schreiber Hall classrooms – 302 and 816
• Schreiber Hall conference rooms – 219, 220, and 622

In order to connect mobile devices you will need to install the Crestron AirMedia app from the iTunes or Google Play app store.

If you would like more information about Apple TV please visit our webpage at http://www.luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/appletv/

If you would like more information about AirMedia please visit http://www.crestron.com/microsites/airmedia-mobile-wireless-hd-presentations

iTunes U is a section within the iTunes Music Store that allows users to upload educational audio and video files for others to download on their computers and mobile devices. This gives faculty the opportunity to create an asynchronous course for their students, allowing them to view the courses in their own time. You would be able to post any of your own videos or audio clips that you want to make publicly viewable to your students.

If you are interested developing an iTunes U course, please contact Corey James at cjames7@luc.edu.

For more information please visit http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/

While it’s possible to record with Panopto from any campus computer just by bringing in a microphone and/or web cam, there are a number of classrooms equipped to record video, audio, and screen capture with no additional equipment.

In these video equipped rooms, you are able to use controls built into the touch panel to pan, tilt, and zoom the camera right where you want it.  Ceiling microphones will pick up the lecture as well as questions and comments from the class.  For added clarity, there are wireless lapel microphones available to clip on and record high quality audio directly to Panopto.

For more information on using Panopto, along with a list of video equipped classrooms at the Water Tower and Lake Shore Campuses, please visit:

http://www.luc.edu/itrs/teachingwithtechnology/panopto/

If you have a class or event scheduled in any of these rooms and you’d like an overview of the touch panel controls, camera, and microphone, email helpdesk@luc.edu, and ITRS staff can schedule a time to meet with you.

Panopto is Loyola University Chicago’s lecture capture software. Panopto allows users to create sessions using a combination of audio, video, slides, and screen capture. As of August 1^st, all Loyola faculty, staff, and students now have access to a “My Folder” in Panopto. This will allow users to create, edit, share, and store sessions within Panopto. Additionally, users can use Panopto as a repository for pre-existing audio and video files they have created.

Users still have the capability of adding Panopto to a Sakai course or project site, as well as the ability to access Panopto through a Sakai site. To login to Panopto outside of Sakai, please click here. Instructional Technology & Research Support (ITRS) offers more information, step-by-step instructions, tutorial videos, and training sessions. You can visit our website here.

For further questions regarding Panopto at Loyola University Chicago, please contact the ITRS by emailing itrs@luc.edu.

This fall, Loyola is unveiling a new conferencing solution called Zoom. It is considered the primary platform for administrative and large group meetings, but it has the flexibility to be so much more. The only hardware requirements are a computer, webcam, and USB microphone. Zoom allows for robust audio, video, file and screen sharing, collaborative editing, polling, and breakout rooms. Hosts can record meetings and make them available to participants, or post them as public resources. All active faculty, staff, and students have the ability to participate and host online meetings with just a few mouse clicks.

To get started, visit the main Zoom site at https://luc.zoom.us and locate “Sign In” towards the upper-right corner of the screen. Click on the link and enter your Loyola ID and password to access the system. Upon initial login, Zoom will create a new user account for you. Using the left navigation menu, update My Profile and My Meeting Settings, then click on My Meetings to schedule your first session. Zoom also provides a desktop client and Microsoft Outlook plug-in that makes it even easier to create and join meetings. Simply visit the Zoom Download Center at https://zoom.us/download. For technical assistance, Zoom provides 24/7/365 chat support that is accessible in the lower-right corner of the screen. You can visit the Zoom Help Center at https://support.zoom.us for an abundance of how-to resources as well.

We invite you this fall to Zoom further than you ever have before!

Atomic Learning now offers a new learning framework, hoonuit. Hoonuit Online Learning Framework, works to personalize online learning through four components: Learn It, Do It, Share It, and Prove It. Learn It is comprised of the traditional learning videos in which users discover a new concept through watching short videos. Do It then provides an activity that allows the users to practice the concepts they learned. Share It gives the opportunity to share the Do It activity with the Atomic Learning community. This provides users with the chance to share ideas, collaborate and receive feedback. Prove It then takes the users Share It activity to the next level. Users can write a reflection or apply the concept to their daily lives. Hoonuit provides an enhanced and personalized online learning experience that helps simplify instruction and engage learners.

To start using Atomic Learning and hoonuit, simply login at: https://www.atomiclearning.com/highed/login/luc.

The 2^nd Annual Loyola Information & Technology Showcase will be held on Thursday, February 23^rd from 9am to 1pm in the Information Commons and adjacent Donovan Reading Room. Come learn about existing library and technology resources through breakout sessions or visit some resource tables.  There are returning vendors such as Top Hat, Panopto, and SimplyMap, as well as new ones including CDW-G, VoiceThread, and Zoom. This event is open to all faculty, staff, and students. Continental breakfast and a box lunch will be provided to all registered participants. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the event page at http://www.luc.edu/its/techshowcase/.

This spring, ITRS is adding two evening drop-in times on Tuesday and Wednesday nights starting January 17^th. We will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in person and online. Evening drop-in times are Tuesdays at the Water Tower Campus, Corboy Law Center Room 732 and Wednesdays at the Lake Shore Campus, Information Commons Room 204. Please drop-in!

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our website for a schedule of hours: http://luc.edu/itrs/resources/Dropin.shtml

Link for the online Drop-In room: https://luc.zoom.us/my/dropin

On May 12^th, Loyola’s learning management system will be upgrading to Sakai 11. Per this upgrade, you will discover a few changes within Sakai. Some of these changes include:

• A new Gradebook tool
• Anonymous forum discussions
• More customization options for lessons
• A new Hot Spot question type within exams

We will be introducing the new Gradebook tool this Summer. During the Summer semester, you will still have access to both the current Gradebook (Gradebook Classic) and the new Gradebook. We encourage everyone to begin familiarizing themselves with the new Gradebook tool, since we will be removing Gradebook Classic from Sakai by the Fall semester. When using the new Gradebook this Summer, keep in mind that any changes you make to one of the Gradebook tools will reflect automatically in the other Gradebook tool, so you won’t need to make any changes twice.

You can begin working with our Sakai 11 development site to explore some of these changes on your own at https://lucdev.longsight.com/. Please note that this is an early development site and should only be used for testing purposes. Any courses you are building should be created in our current instance of Sakai 10. When Loyola makes the switch to Sakai 11 in May, your courses and course materials will transfer over accordingly.

If you would like to learn more about the Sakai 11 changes, please register for one of our training sessions or come to one of our Open Forum Discussions held on Fridays. If you are unable to make it to either one, feel free to contact us at ITRS@luc.edu so that we may schedule another time to introduce you to these new features in Sakai 11.

For more information please visit http://luc.edu/itrs/sakai/sakai11upgrade/.

Panopto, Loyola’s lecture capture software, has some exciting new features. Panopto now allows users to easily upload slides to an existing session, change the thumbnail image for a session, access speech-to-text captions, and add quizzes to a session. For instructions on updating slides or thumbnail images, please click here.

Automatic captions are now available to creators of a session. As the creator of a session you will be able to import and edit captions generated from Panopto, as well as release these captions to viewers. For instructions on importing automatic captions, please click here. If you do not see the option to “Import automatic captions”, please contact itrs@luc.edu and request for your session to be re-processed.

Users now have the ability to add quizzes to Panopto sessions. This includes sessions they recorded in Panopto and sessions they uploaded to Panopto. Quiz questions can be multiple choice, multiple select, or true/false. Viewers must be logged in to take a quiz in a Panopto session. Once a viewer completes the quiz, creators will have access to the quiz results for that session. For more information on Panopto quizzes, please click here.