Academic Computing Support
Computing & Network Services provides a full range of technology support to the faculty of Fairfield University. Assistance is available for individual instructors who wish to explore ways to incorporate technology into their classes. Software training and support, application integration, and the use of websites and course management systems are just some of the services the Academic Computing Support staff provide.
C&NS supports a variety of applications and services to assist faculty in the teaching process. The most commonly used tools, and information about them, are listed below; for more information on how to use them, or for assistance with using technology to accomplish your pedagogical goals, please contact one of our staff members set up a consultation.
The Academic Computing Support staff also manages the Technology Classroooms and Public Computer labs on campus. View a the listing of all Technology Classrooms and all Public Computer Labs.
Course Management Systems
Blackboard
C&NS manages and supports the Blackboard Learn course management system, which offers a wide range of teaching tools.
- Fairfield's Blackboard Resource Page (including FAQs, resource guides, etc.)
- Blackboard Login Page
- Sending Student Email via Blackboard
Mentor
The University also offers faculty the option of using Mentor, a course management system developed by Dr. Curtis R. Naser (under the name Eidos) and now commercially available through Axiom Education.
my.Fairfield
my.Fairfield is the portal that is used by faculty and students to retrieve class schedules, submit and view grades, and check financial information. The system can be reached at my.fairfield.edu.
Online Audio & Video
Kaltura Video Streaming
Faculty wishing to assign videos for class assignments can make use of the University's Kaltura Video server, which allows viewing on Windows and Macintosh computers, as well as on mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones, and Android phones.
- Fairfield's Video Resource Page (NetID login required)
- Viewing Kaltura Videos
- Embedding Kaltura Videos in Blackboard
NBC Learn Video Archives
The NBC Learn video archive is a subscription-based website that provides faculty and students at the University with access to thousands of videos, historic newsreels, primary source documents, and photographs.
- About the NBC Learn Video Archive
- Adding NBC Learn Video Links to Blackboard Courses
- Adding NBC Learn Video Links to Mentor, PowerPoint, etc.
- NBC Learn Website
Films on Demand
Films on Demand is an archive of 95,000 video clips and over 8000 full-length videos that can be incorporated into teaching. Provided to faculty by the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, these videos can be embedded into Blackboard courses or linked to from other websites and electronic documents.
iTunes U
iTunes U is a simple way to distribute audio, video, and PDF files to students through the same iTunes Store they already use to buy their music and movies. It works on Windows and Macintosh computers through the standard iTunes application, and can be accessed directly on iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices.
- Fairfield University's Public iTunes U Site
- Login Page for Fairfield University's Private Teaching Section of iTunes U
Live Online Class Meetings
WizIQ
WizIQ Virtual Classroom is a Blackboard plug-in tool that provides a virtual environment delivering interactive and engaging course content and interacting via live meetings that feature audio and video, text chat, file sharing, a virtual whiteboard, screen sharing, and the option to record the entire session.
- Reference Guide: The WizIQ Interface
- An Introduction to WizIQ Tools
- Creating a WizIQ Session in Blackboard
Faculty Web Pages
Many faculty members choose to use a public website to distribute course materials such as a syllabus, handouts, etc. C&NS can assist faculty in setting up a website within their Xythos file storage account, and will provide one-on-one training on the process for maintaining their site. Please contact a member of the Academic Support staff for more information.
Tech Devices
Clickers
C&NS supports Student Response Systems - more commonly known as Clickers - from Turning Technologies. These devices allow instructors to conduct instant polls during classes, generating instant feedback on student understanding or adding ad-hoc reviews and quizzes to the curriculum. The department has a limited number of devices, which work with both Windows and Macintosh computers, for loan on a one-time or semester-long basis (first-come, first-served, of course). Polling can also be incorporated into PowerPoint presentations and tied into course assignments within Blackboard. Please contact a member of the Academic Support staff for more information.
iPads & iPods
C&NS maintains a small supply of iPads (first generation) and a variety of iPods that can be loaned to faculty for use in classes or for student projects. Among the uses for these devices are mobile data access and collection, specialized application use, and reading eBooks (iPad); and audio recording & downloading/playback of class lectures or iTunes U content, and use of mobile apps including Student Response Software (i.e., using iPod Touches instead of Clickers). Please contact a member of the Academic Support staff for more information.
C&NS Academic Computing Support Staff
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