Campus Computing

Training Services is currently adding additional sessions to the list of course offerings. However, these courses have a slight twist. In order to add courses without having to purchase licenses for an entire lab, we are offering a few sessions in the new "bring you own laptop" category (or BYOL).

In most cases, participants own a laptop and own software that they wish to learn. In a logical step forward, participants will work and learn on their own machines while in the training lab. Participants wishing to test an application could choose to install the trial version of the desired software. In Adobe's case, a trial period lasts an entire month, allowing a perspective buyer to adequately test the software.

Look for select titles to be added as BYOL labs. Of course, participants are welcome to bring their own laptop to regular training sessions.

Currently, Adobe Flash Catalyst and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom are being offered as BYOL.

Posted by jdd623 at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you haven't already heard about the University of Saskatchewan's IT4U program, maybe it's about time that you did. Specializing in software courses and hands-on training, IT4U provides a computer IT service that is completely free for UofS students.

And the IT4U service does not stop there; if faculty need the IT4U staff to provide their students with a quick software refresher course - it's as easy as scheduling a session.

In the event that a drop-in session or workshop does not fit your schedule, we also provide a subscription to Lynda.com and a variety of our own online training titles. The online help can be viewed through the IT4U website, Training Services' website or even our channel on YouTube. The Lynda.com service is only accessible via PAWS.

To sign up for sessions or find out more about the IT4U program, visit:
http://it4u.usask.ca

Or visit our office:

Murray 134
966-1194

So go ahead, spread the word (excel, powerpoint, access, paws, wiki, and more)...

Posted by jdd623 at 04:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In an effort to cut down on wasteful paper consumption, ITS Training Services has discontinued the use of paper-based manuals for their courses. References to online materials are provide in lieu of printed materials.

The Saskatchewan Government website provides many useful tips for green-living in the workplace. Visit their website for more information: http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/gogreen

Some paperless workplace tips include:
- Avoid unnecessarily printing your documents: Retaining documents on your computer rather than in hard copy not only saves paper; it also saves on file storage space and keeps them right at your fingertips. If you travel, it also means less paper to carry with you.
- Set up your printer and photocopier to make two-sided copying by the default mode.
- If more than one person needs to look at the same document, when possible place a routing slip on the document instead of making copies.
- Avoid printing out emails you receive unless absolutely necessary.
- Get used to exchanging documents with colleagues via email instead of in hard copy. Either include your document as an e-mail attachment or, if the recipient cannot receive attachments, copy the text into the body of the e-mail.
- Set up and maintain convenient recycling areas for at least the following materials: paper, plastic, steel, aluminum, and glass. Post clear instructions as to what is recyclable on or near each container.

Posted by jdd623 at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is a new year, a fresh start and time to brush up on your skills. Training Services can help!

Many software users know how to use a program, but most do not know how to use it efficiently. Providing expertise over a broad range of software applications, the staff at Training Services can help you maximize your time spent in an application.

Starting with introductory courses and working in the advanced, participants can choose the appropriate level at which to start.

Visit the Training Services website for a list of current course offerings:
http://training.usask.ca

Happy New Year!

Posted by jdd623 at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Michael Wesch, an Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology from Kansas State University, will be visiting the U of S on January 11.

Dubbed "the explainer" by Wired magazine, Michael is a cultural anthropologist exploring the impact of new media on society and culture.

10:30-11:30 a.m. – Teaching Effectiveness Q & A
The Learning Commons, Murray Building

2:30 p.m. – The (Digital) Writing on the Walls (and why the walls don't matter anymore)
Feature Presentation
Neatby-Timlin Theatre, Arts Building

Posted by jdd623 at 02:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As the first semester draws to a close, Training Services continues to offer a wide variety of classes. If your brain has any room left, we would be more than happy to have you register for additional classes.

Check out our website for a complete listing of classes. Offerings for the new year are already being added!
https://taurus.usask.ca/courses/currentofferings.cfm

Specifically for students, IT4U workshops will still be available for the next few weeks. If you have some time between exams, check out our schedule. Current software workshops cover topics ranging from PowerPoint presentations to Holiday Cards in Photoshop. It's guaranteed to be fun and informative! Oh yes, it's a FREE service.

Happy Holidays and good luck on your exams!!

Questions??
its_training@usask.ca

Posted by jdd623 at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is your laptop secure? Find out for FREE at the Laptop Security Clinic!

Bring your laptop to:
- the Arts & Science Students' Lounge, Arts 239.1, on Wednesday, October 28th between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- the Agriculture Building Atrium (Ground Floor) on Thursday, October 29th between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

While you wait, ITS staff will ensure:

Anti-virus and anti-spyware software is installed and up to date
Security configuration settings are correct
Operating system patches are up-to-date
Wireless cards are configured correctly
Suggest a back-up strategy for you

Don't forget to check out some of the other events during this Technology Week.
http://www.usask.ca/technologyweek

Posted by Jonathan at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I highly recommend you come out to see Sir Ken Robinson on Thursday, October 1, 8 p.m, in Convocation Hall, University of Saskatchewan. He is very entertaining and an excellent speaker. Sir Ken Robinson is the author of numerous bestselling books and government reports, Robinson has worked with governments, cultural organizations and Fortune 500 companies around the world.

He will be travelling to Saskatoon as the keynote speaker for the Gail Appel Lectureship in Literature and Fine Arts, presented annually through the College of Arts & Science at the U of S. His lecture, entitled “Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative,” is open to the public. A book signing will follow this event.

Check out one of his talks from 2006 on YouTube or at TED.

Posted by wmw135 at 03:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Information Technology Services is "virtually" uniting many of its popular services under the newly minted, Campus Computing. Campus Computing combines the resources of the ITS Help Desk, Student Computing, Training Services and this fall's newest program, IT4U.

As the new kid on the block, IT4U is looking to establish its presence in the student population. Similar to Training Services in many respects, IT4U offers shorter workshops on a daily basis and provides students with the luxury of drop-in sessions at the IT4U office. The varied workshops and drop-in sessions can fit easily into a student's busy schedule.

The real selling feature of IT4U is that it's completely free for students!

To check out what all the buzz is about, visit the IT4U website.http://it4u.usask.ca

Or stop by the IT4U office - Murray 134. You might even walk away with a FREE 1GB USB Flash drive!!

Posted by jdd623 at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

IT4U is a new service designed with you the student in mind. We want to help you be successful but providing training on the key areas where you want support.
IT4U will provide opportunities for University of Saskatchewan students to acquire the nformation Technology skills and knowledge necessary to achieve success in their academic and professional endeavors by focusing on:

• Awareness and training within new systems (e.g., Wikis, Adobe Connect etc)
• Targeted areas (Computer Security, File management, Media & Graphic Design, Mobile Computing, Group Collaboration, Word Processing, Presentation Design, Spreadsheet, PAWS, Statistical Software, Web Site Design)
• Online and self-directed learning
• Third party applications assistance; Campus-wide distributed applications assistance; computer tech issues assistance
• Facilitation of peer help sessions (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel Graphing, Word Processing table of contents, etc)

Posted by wmw135 at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)