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Learning Technology teams continue to work overtime

Monday, June 22nd, 2020

We recently shared some of the many projects that our Learning Technologies team and partners were working on in preparation for moving our Teaching and Learning online. We have continued to work long hours to try and ensure that teaching and assessment experiences for lecturers and students are as enjoyable as possible.

In the past two months we have begun and concluded many exciting projects while also working hard on strengthening the stability of SUNLearn in preparation for the exam period. With over 4000 queries received by the learnhelp service desk since March, we acknowledge the efforts that everyone has made in moving online, from the students to the support team.

Some of the highlights from our Learning Technology Systems department include:

  1. Integrating a number of textbooks from publishers into SUNLearn modules
  2. Working with the Science Faculty to launch and integrate a virtual laboratory into SUNLearn
  3. Activating a number of MS Teams for specific modules
  4. Launching the first phase of testing a Learning Analytics system linked to SUNLearn
  5. Expanding our service desk for SUNLearn and other learning technologies to run daily until 10pm and on Saturdays as well.

We thank you, our colleagues and students for your patience throughout this process as we continue to work towards creating the best learning environment online that we can.

[Article by Lianne Keiller – Manager: Learning Technology Systems]

Updating your personal information

Monday, June 22nd, 2020

Due to the implementation of stricter laws regarding the protection of data, Information Technology can no longer change passwords on behalf of staff and students. We therefore recommend that you use the online password self-help function. 

However, to successfully use this function, your cell phone number or external email address has to be recorded on the system. Information Technology cannot update this information since our staff are not authorised to work on the HR databases. If you information is incorrect or incomplete, you can update it by doing the following: 

  1. Staff and students can update information by signing on at http://www.sun.ac.za/useradm and updating the various fields on the first page. 
  2. Staff can contact Human Resources by sending an email to sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za or contact them at 021-8082753.
  3. Students can contact Client Services by emailing info@sun.ac.za or contact them at 021-8089111.

More detailed information on the password self-help function.

 

OneDrive for Business

Monday, June 22nd, 2020

What is OneDrive for Business?

OneDrive for Business is Microsoft’s file-hosting service that allows you to store, share and synchronise work files.  It is certified against the internationally recognised information security standards, but you are still responsible for using it in a safe and secure way.

Why use OneDrive for Business?

  • It provides 5TB of cloud storage space for each staff member and student. This means you have ample space to store your documents
  • Your data will always be available from anywhere, anytime, on any device with an internet connection
  • Your documents will also be backed up and safe if you have problems with your device’s hardware or if it gets lost or stolen.

How do I access OneDrive for Business?

All staff automatically has access to OneDrive and can be accessed in the following ways:

  • OneDrive desktop application

If you don’t have access to the OneDrive for Business application, you can download it here: https://microsoft.com/en-za/microsoft-365/onedrive/download.

  • Web Interface

Log on to Office365 with your email address and password.

  • OneDrive is also accessible via my.sun by clicking on the Office365 link or searching for Office365 in the search field.

What if I have been using OneDrive personal, Dropbox and other cloud storage options? 

You can keep on using them, but it is very important that you only use these storage options for your personal data.

OneDrive for Business and SharePoint online are available under the US MS Licence agreement for storage and sharing of institutional data. The storage and sharing of institutional data are not allowed on Dropbox, OneDrive personal or any other cloud storage

Important to know:

  • Familiarise yourself with copyright regulations. Make sure you know what you can store and share online.  SU copyright agreements do not extend to storing of documents protected under the copyright law on OneDrive for business or any other public store space.
  • You are entirely responsible for your own information. Be careful who you give rights and access to, as it will compromise your information if it’s visible to unwanted people.
  • You are responsible for synchronisation between online and local data. Synchronisation between online and local information needs to be set up correctly and done on a regular basis.
  • Keep in mind that access to cloud services when on campus will not incur any costs, but if you work from home your own data will be utilised.
  • If a staff member resigns or a student leaves the university, they will no longer have access to the information stored on their OneDrive. Remove any data stored on Microsoft One Drive and copy it on your own external hard drive or other online cloud storage, for example, Google Drive or Drop Box before you leave the university.

Further information:

https://www.agileit.com/news/benefits-of-microsoft-office-365-onedrive-business-collaboration/

 

Online Excel training now available

Monday, June 15th, 2020

If you want to brush up on your Excel skills, we have just the solution for you. 

You can now do an online Excel course which covers all the content of Microsoft Office Excel 2019 needed to become internationally certified. It also aims to help with the navigation of Excel within the office 2019 and 365 environment.

The course takes place over four days and there are fixed training periods you can choose from. The next session takes place 24 to 27 August.

The only prerequisites are that you are computer literate, you have a desktop or laptop, Office365 and an internet connection.

To enrol for the course, you can register on SUN-e-HR. Browse to my.sun.ac.za, click on the SUN-e-HR tab and log in with your sun account. After logging in, you can go to
Training and development-> Learner Home->Information Technology and the Excel course will show there.

As soon as you’ve registered StellieTech, the company responsible for the training will contact you. Their trainers will follow along with your training progress and assist you to make sure you are on track throughout the programme.

The training material that will be covered is exactly the same as the material covered in StellieTech training centres. All aligned to the global industry standard and internationally accredited certification. On the platform, you will find their pre-assessments, training videos, practice simulations, post-assessments, and downloadable workbooks & follow along files. Everything is clearly laid out in the platform and very user friendly. 

More detailed information on the Excel-course.

Basic tools available on SUNLearn for lecturers

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020

Did you know?

There are a number of resources available for lecturers on how to use SUNLearn to teach, engage and assess students, especially now that we are not able to do this in person.

Here is a quick and easy guide to some of the basic tools available on SUNLearn that can assist lecturers in making a decision based on the outcome they wish to achieve.

For more detailed information and assistance, please go to https://learnhelp.sun.ac.za and request assistance via the “Lecturer Support” option.

 

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