ETLC Newsletter • 2023 • Late Summer Edition

This past May, when Spring semester ended, all UAH classroom computers were reimaged as well as updated. Faculty need to be aware of the changes and visit their classrooms before the first day of classes. ETLC staff are available to meet you in your classroom Wednesday, August 9th and Friday, August 11th to make sure you are ready to go. Please click on the scheduling links below to schedule an appointment:

• Wednesday, August 9th
• Friday, August 11th

Microsoft Office 365 has replaced Microsoft Office 2021 on classroom computers in order to provide a more robust and reliable experience for faculty. 

• Follow these instructions to launch a Microsoft program in Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) on the classroom computers.
• When you open your program of choice, you will be prompted to login to your Office 365 account. If you don’t have an account, follow the steps below to create one.
• Login with your Microsoft account to use all the functions in the software on the classroom computers. 

What You Will Do Differently

Note: You may not have to login in order to run a PowerPoint presentation (or open other types of files). However, your access will be read-only. No editing or saving features are available in Office 365 without logging in.

Office 365 Account Creation

Every faculty member can create a free Office 365 account under the UAH license. If you don’t already have an account, we encourage you to create one! This will unlock the full capabilities of Office 365 to you in the classroom. Once you log onto your account on a classroom computer, it will store that login in your profile.

If you are the instructor of record in Banner for a fall course(s), you should see that course(s) in Canvas now. If you do not, check with your department to make sure you are listed as the instructor. If you still have issues, email helpdesk@uah.edu to get assistance.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare your courses for your course delivery:

• If you would like to reuse content from a previous semester or master course you may import that content into your fall Canvas course.
• If you plan to import content from a course that previously used Zoom, please watch this video tutorial BEFORE importing your course content.
• If you would like to cross-list (merge) your courses, please contact Canvas Support for assistance.
• If you plan to reuse videos from Fall 2022, move the videos from that course folder in Panopto to your new course folder before August 1st. Need help? Email helpdesk@uah.edu!

• We encourage you to apply a missing assignment policy in your Canvas courses this semester. Awarding missing assignments a zero as soon as the due date has passed gives students a clearer idea of their performance throughout the term.

• Students appreciate having access to their courses for preparation and planning purposes. If possible, please try to publish your course/s at least 24-48 hrs before the first day of school.

Canvas support is available 24/7 via the Help link on the Canvas global navigation menu (blue vertical bar on left of screen). Choose from the Email (Report a problem), Phone, or Chat options.

Panopto Support is available 24/7 by calling 855.765.2341.

For help with other technologies, please contact the OIT Help Desk (256.824.3333; helpdesk@uah.edu).

The ETLC will host open office hours virtually on the first three days of class. 

• Monday, August 14th; 8–10am
• Monday, August 14th; 2–4pm
• Tuesday, August 15; 8–10am
• Tuesday, August 15th; 2–4pm
• Wednesday, August 16th; 8–10am
• Wednesday, August 16th; 2–4pm

Join us during any of the scheduled times using the ETLC Zoom link.

ETLC continues to strive to provide a fully functional classroom 100% of the time. In order to do this, systems must be upgraded periodically. Unless there is an urgent reason to do so, these upgrades are done at the end of the spring semester to minimize disruption. The following upgrades were done in May 2023.

Windows 11 Upgrade

The computers were upgraded to Windows 11 to maintain performance and provide better security. Anything you have saved on your profile on a classroom computer was erased. When you go into the classroom and log on, your profile will have to be rebuilt - that will take a few minutes.

Also, the desktop will look a little different. Most of the software installed on the computer will have an icon on the desktop. There is also a link on the desktop to logout of the system. 

Microsoft Office 365 Replaces Office 2021

Microsoft no longer provides technical support or security upgrades at an enterprise level for any Office software other than Office 365. Therefore, we were no longer able to support faculty when they had issues with any Office software.

We strongly encourage all faculty to sign up for a licensed Microsoft account using their Charger ID to enable you to use the full functionalities of all the software available for use in the classroom (see Using Office 365 article in this newsletter).

As we strive to prepare our students for the ever-evolving digital landscape, it is essential that we equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to effectively harness the power of AI for their benefit. Check out this "AI in the Classroom" Web page hosted by ETLC for resources to assist you.

Should you have any questions or want additional assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to us (ETLC) by emailing helpdesk@uah.edu. We are available to help you understand and integrate AI into your work.

Have you incorporated AI into your class in some way? We want to know! Email the ETLC director at

michelle.greene@uah.edu and describe how you are using AI. 

Use the updated UAH Syllabus Template! The new template includes an AI statement in the course information and updated information in the University Information. 

Make sure the grading information you communicate in your syllabus matches your Canvas assignments/gradebook. Having trouble? Contact helpdesk@uah.edu for assistance.

In early August, there will be another archiving event. Everything created in Fall 2022 and not moved to a protected course will be archived. Want to use your videos in Fall 2023 or beyond? Email helpdesk@uah.edu, and we will help you.

Any software installed on classroom computers must go through an External Tool approval process that includes a cybersecurity and license review by multiple offices at UAH. 

Click here for a list of software approved to upload on classroom computers.

To start the process, complete this form and you will be emailed further instructions.

Note: This process will take approximately three to six months to complete depending on vendor responsiveness. Also, very little freeware will meet the criteria needed to be installed.

Software used on a personal device in the classroom does not have to be reviewed.

Quick Links

ETLC Contact Info

For the fastest response, please email the ETLC team:

helpdesk@uah.edu 

Free illustrations from Storyset.com

Who is the ETLC?

The Enhanced Teaching and
Learning Center seeks to
empower faculty, foster inclusivity, and expand engagement throughout
the learning environment at UAH.

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