 |
In This IssueWireless network upgrade and improvements Virtual desktop infrastructure pilot Exchange server and Outlook Web Access 2013—now in place User Services/Help Desk—help for faculty and staff Residential Networking—help for students Ellucian Colleague SQL conversion update Adoption of Ellucian Recruiter Ellucian Go—University of Redlands mobile application Internet security—avoiding phishing Alertus and Bulldog Alert System Moodle—our learning management system Integration of library research guides into Moodle Technology enabled classroom update Response cards (clickers) in the classroom Document cameras in the classroom Sustainability efforts continue with print quota Spatial thinking expands with undergraduate minor Connecting to e-mail on your smartphone iPad loaner program for faculty
|
Spatial thinking expands with undergraduate minor
Because spatial thinking underlies so many aspects of 21st century life and the work that professionals do, the University of Redlands takes spatial thinking instruction very seriously. For instance, the University’s spatial curriculum and research initiative, LEarNing Spatially (LENS), is dedicated to helping faculty and students to become better spatial thinkers by infusing spatial thinking across the curriculum. The recently implemented spatial minor at the University of Redlands is one expression of this infusion. By completing courses totaling 22-24 units of study and submitting a portfolio for review, students can now demonstrate proficiency in spatial thinking skills as a complement to their major course of study. Thus, a spatial thinking minor is a good way to develop 21st century skills with significant personal and professional applications. More information about the spatial thinking minor is available online at http://www.redlands.edu/academics/college-of-arts-sciences/undergraduate-studies/16404.aspx. A second strategy of the LENS initiative is supporting faculty who integrate spatial thinking into their courses. The LENS Faculty Development Grant program, funded by Jack Dangermond, President of Esri, provides support and professional development for faculty from all academic units on campus. Faculty Development Grants can be used to support new projects and/or the continuation and completion of existing or previously launched projects. Ideas that help build a community of practice at the University of Redlands through mentoring and interdisciplinary collaborations are particularly encouraged. The next deadline for grant applications will be in December 2013. "With its proximity to Esri and ability to leverage expertise from MS-GIS students, the Redlands Institute, and GIS-proficient faculty and students, the University of Redlands is uniquely situated to provide a model for infusing spatial thinking across academic curricula,” said Steven Moore, the new Director of Spatial Studies at University of Redlands. “Our goal is to continue to build a community of spatially proficient people who can do good things here in Redlands and globally through personal and professional practice." For more information regarding the LENS program and the faculty development grant opportunity, contact Steven Moore at extension 8687 or David Smith at extension 8057. Connecting to e-mail on your smartphone Shown below are the general steps to configure your smartphone (iPad and Android tablets too) to receive Redlands e-mail. Faculty and staff with smartphone questions should contact User Services/Help Desk at extension 8922. For students with smartphone questions, it is recommended that they contact ResNet at extension 8921. Apple Android iPad loaner program for faculty ITS has five iPad loaners ready for faculty to check-out. With an iPad loaner, you can browse the web anywhere you have a WiFi connection, download and try educational applications from the Apple App Store (using an Apple ID), and read/respond to e-mail. Each loaner is available for up to a month check-out period. For more information, please contact Matt Waters at extension 8699. |
|
Spatial thinking is the ability to interpret and visualize locations, distances, directions, movement, relationships, and change over space and time. Spatial thinking is used in everyday life when you try to remember where you put your keys, pack groceries into your trunk, or give directions to your favorite restaurant. It is also used professionally by neuroscientists interpreting 3D brain scans, emergency response teams attempting to forecast the impact of a storm surge from a powerful hurricane, and historians trying to visualize what Civil War generals at the battle of Gettysburg could see from their vantage points. |
© 2013  Information Technology Services 1200 E. Colton Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373 Phone: (909) 748-8063 |