UDIT, in partnership with several units across the University, invested and will continue to invest in programs and services that support teaching and learning both face-to-face and online for the fall semester. We also continue to update and create new pathways to resources that directly support student success. UDIT is equipping an additional 35 new systems and services. Here are just a few examples.
Teaching and Learning Support
- Upgraded classrooms to support the return to campus.
- We have installed high end document cameras in all digital classrooms which allows for the simultaneous display of content online and in the classroom. The content is recorded on UD Capture as well.
- Digital classrooms are located in Gore, McDowell, Townsend, Willard, Sharp, ISE, Purnell (mostly), Alison Hall, Colburn, Lerner, Memorial, Old College, and Pearson Hall.
- We are prepared to install wireless microphone systems in all digital rooms that do not currently have them to provide better amplification and voice transmission for hybrid teaching.
- We are preparing to install cameras in several larger classrooms to provide better imaging of the instructor for the virtual student. This is dependent upon equipment availability, timing and funding.
- We have installed high end document cameras in all digital classrooms which allows for the simultaneous display of content online and in the classroom. The content is recorded on UD Capture as well.
- Expanded the virtual desktop and computer lab virtualization so that more students can access specialty software while learning remotely.
Support Services
- Creation of a brand new website for students called Tech at UD. The website provides students a single place to locate information on technology resources available through UDIT.
- Extended UDIT Support Center hours.
- Implemented WaitWhile–a new appointment scheduling tool for online booking of service and support appointments across the whole of campus.
- Partnered with the office of the Dean of Students to create a new laptop loaner program for students in need.
- Created a ONEcard online portal for new students to submit photos for their student IDs.
- Collaborated with Residence Life to link the Student StarRez Portal to customized student IT services to provide easier access to all things technology.
Health and Safety Support
- Installed dining space capacity monitoring technology in Rodney and Pencader Dining Halls to support social distancing in these spaces.
- To handle incoming requests regarding COVID-19 and campus operations, UDIT collaborated with campus partners to establish a remote call center.
- UDIT collaborated with several campus groups to establish the current campus COVID testing process.
- Implemented a University-wide health questionnaire to ensure the health and safety of those entering a campus facility
- Custom developed a COVID-19 reporting system to quickly and efficiently notify UD personnel of positive cases for further action.
Infrastructure
Along with online teaching and learning, UDIT has made and continues to make investments in the University’s infrastructure (e.g., classrooms and networks). In addition to optimizing support for faculty teaching in-person or online classes, these investments provide critical, just-in-time access to students learning from their residence or remotely and offer faster, more stable and secure networking.
- One important project that has been occurring since the early spring is the upgrading of UD’s Network and Firewall. When complete, this work will increase UD’s network capacity from 10Gbps to 40Gbps and 100Gbps on UD’s main campus. In addition to greater internet speed, it also provides our UD community with greater security and access for learning and research.
- We developed and will continue to maintain a strong partnership with K-12 schools and Delaware Libraries to provide eduroam Wi-Fi access for students who are unable to get sufficient internet access at home.The list of locations currently offering eduroam, Wi-Fi is mapped in real-time on UD’s COVID-19 Wi-Fi web page. Locations offering Wi-Fi continue to be added and are identified by wireless icons.
- UDIT has also expanded the research computing cluster called Caviness. Caviness is used by faculty researchers to perform high-performance computing–research that also engages numerous UD graduate students.
- Collaborated with dining partners to make Wi-Fi available outside of Perkins for food truck purchases
Faculty-focused teaching support
UDIT is part of the Faculty Commons partnership which includes units like the Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning, the Library, and Professional and Continuing Studies. This summer and continuing into the fall semester, this group expanded their support for faculty, proactively reaching out through Faculty Commons newsletters, increased workshops, individual consultations, and broader discussions with deans and department chairs. Workshops and one-on-one consultations offer both course specific and general support to faculty developing online or hybrid courses (e.g., in the areas of best practices, inclusivity, active learning, assessments and exams, communication and engagement). As an example, UDIT’s Delivering Learning Experiences Online (DLEO) course has had 360 instructor participants since May 2020.
The Faculty Commons also launched a new Teaching Online website to connect faculty directly to resources and support throughout the semester.
Another way UDIT supports faculty is through its virtual instructional support portal that allows instructors to drop in using Zoom, ask teaching and technology questions, and receive immediate solutions. The portal has received over 1,800 individual visits from instructors since March 2020.
Along with these opportunities, UDIT provides the tools and support that have assisted with the transition to online formats. Here are a few examples of the academic technology resources we have been supporting:
- Centralized learning management system (Canvas)
- Centralized video conferencing platform (Zoom)
- Centralized video management platform (UD Capture)
- Simulated lab software in support of STEM courses (Labster, Petroskills)
- Student engagement tools (PollEverywhere, Yellowdig)
- Resources and tools for assessment of learning in online courses
- Tools for faculty to teach effectively, to address specific class needs, including digital whiteboards, document cameras, microphones
- New technologies in UD’s classrooms to ensure the availability of course content to students who may need to quarantine
- Multiple instructional designers and other instructional support staff have been hired to assist faculty with the development of high quality online courses.
