Technology@Wooster

Persistent problems with the technology in Kauke 243 were tracked to the room’s scaler.  That unit was replaced yesterday.  Similar problems have been encountered in Kauke 141 and that scaler will be replaced as soon as possible.  The scaler in Kauke 037 was replaced two weeks ago. As reported earlier, the problems with the scalers are the result of a manufacturing defect. The units taken from Kauke are being repaired under warranty.

Colleague will be unavailable between 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24 and 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 25. (ScotWeb will also be unavailable.) During this period IT will be working to copy data from the legacy administrative software system to Colleague. This process is a critical part of the implementation of Colleague Advancement- -the Datatel module dedicated to the Development and Alumni Affairs Offices. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Questions can be directed to Tabby Conwell at x2304.

Each of the learning spaces in Kauke Hall includes a scaler as part of the multimedia equipment. Kauke 037, 141 and 243 have experienced persistent problems with their scalers. Faculty members teaching in these rooms have reported problems with the projection of video from the classroom computer and the DVD/VCR combo unit. At times no images from these devices could be projected and the input source could not be changed via the Pixie Pro control unit. These issues stemmed from the problems with the scalers. Booting the scaler, which required the intervention of an IT technician, typically restored normal operation.

The scaler manufacturer has now acknowledged that the issues we have experienced are associated with a known manufacturing defect. The problems occur when the scaler’s main control unit is not properly seated in its socket. The manufacturer will repair these units under warranty.

As previously reported, the scaler in Kauke 037 has already been replaced by a unit from a different manufacturer. The original unit has been shipped back to the manufacturer for repair. Its return is expected within the next few days. When it arrives, it will be installed in Kauke 141. The scaler in Kauke 243 will also be replaced witin the next few days.

We very much regret the difficulties associated with the defective scalers.

IT has committed to extending wireless network access to Armington, Holden and Stevenson Halls over the upcoming summer. These three residence halls have been chosen because their existing infrastruture will most readily support the wireless service. Additional halls may be added to this list, but IT is unable to make additional commitments at this time. IT plans to schedule installation in additional residence halls once the budgeting process for next fiscal year is complete. Prior to extending access to these three residence halls, IT will upgrade the central wireless network infrastructure.

Among residence halls, wireless service is currently only available in Luce. The wireless service is also available in all academic buildings, Lowry Center, Galpin Hall, and the Douglas Quad.

Additional information will be posted to the blog as it becomes available.

In an effort to increase service to member institutions OarNET, the College’s internet service provider, will be performing maintenance 11/21/2007 between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Connectivity issues are expected when connecting to sites on Internet2. Internet and IntraOhio connections are not expected to be interrupted.

We regret any inconvenience this important service may cause.

Faculty members teaching in Kauke 037 reported problems with the projection of video from the classroom computer and the DVD/VCR combo unit. At times no images from these devices could be projected and the input source could not be changed via the Pixie Pro control unit. After firmware updates to the multimedia equipment and reprogramming of the control unit failed to resolve these issues, the problems were traced to the audio/video scaler. That unit has now been replaced with a scaler from a different manufacturer. IT will take careful note of the performance of the new unit.

In conjunction with the replacement of the scaler, IT has installed a new equipment rack inside the media cabinet in Kauke 037. The rack provides for better organization of the multimedia equipment and cabling. The rack slides out from the media cabinet and can be rotated to provide easier access for technicians servicing the equipment.

The Office of Information Technology has identified an issue with the MacBook line purchased for faculty and staff last year. Some of the Seagate hard drives installed in MacBooks that have matching model numbers (ST96812AS and ST98823AS) and firmware versions of 7.01 may lead to failure or data loss. Users can locate the firmware revision for their hard drives by going to Mac OS X’s System Profiler program, looking under Serial ATA.

According to a November 6, posting by Powerpage.org, “In test cases, ‘The read/write heads are detaching from the arm and plowing deep gouges into the magnetic platter,’ said Retrodata Managing Director Duncan Clarke. ‘The damage is mostly on the inner tracks, but some scratches are on the outer track — Track 0 — and once that happens, the drive is normally beyond repair.’”

Apple and Seagate are currently investigating the problem. There is no word yet on a recall from either group.

More information on the problem can be found at the following website:

http://www.techworld.com/storage/news/index.cfm?newsid=10532

The Office of Information Technology will be closely monitoring this problem and will alert users of any changes.

In the mean time, regular data back-ups are recommended. Each faculty and staff member is provided network storage space on Wooster’s file server. Important data files should be saved to the network storage space. Files stored on network storage spaces are routinely backed up by IT. Information on how to access these spaces can be found at the following web site:

http://www.wooster.edu/technology/help/networking/NFA.pdf

Bacause network storage space is limited, users are discouraged from storing personal MP3 or Wav files, Photos, and other multimedia files on these storage drives.

Questions can be directed to the Employee Help Desk at 330-287-3000 ext. 1111.

Amber Garcia and Michael Casey, both of the Psychology Department, recently authored a successful Hewlett-Mellon grant proposal to equip the Human Interaction Lab (Morgan 117) and the Learning Lab (Morgan 119) with digital video cameras and digital audio recording equipment.  The two labs are separated by an observation room (Morgan 118).  One-way mirrors allow unobtrusive observation from this space of activities in each of the labs.  The proposal included equipment for the observation room–a computer to control the recording devices, and storage units to store the generated content.

The grant authors anticipate that this new equipment will greatly facilitate the use of labs for undergraduate research, allow a greater range of Independent Study theses to be undertaken, result in increased student-faculty collaboration on observational research topics, and provide additional support for courses in research methods. The equipment will also allow activities in the labs to be recorded, edited and stored for further analysis and research.  The resulting files can be brought into the classroom for presentation and discussion.

The Office of Information Technology’s Media Services group consulted with the grant authors to select appropriate equipment for the labs and the observation room. Equipment installation was overseen by Vince Di Scipio, Director of Networks, Telecommunications and Systems (NTS). This role fell to Vince as a result of the shift of Media Services into NTS. IT is very pleased to have played a supporting role in this project and congratulates Amber and Michael on their successful proposal. We wish them the best as they begin use of the enhanced labs.

The Office of Information Technology seeks to hire a Presentation Technology and Event Support Specialist.  The job description, desired qualifications and application instructions appear below.

---

The Presentation Technology and Events Support Specialist maintains the installed base of audio and video presentation equipment for the College of Wooster, including but not limited to presentation technologies installed in classrooms, public venues, meeting spaces, loaner equipment, and spares inventory and assists in the design and installation of presentation electronics in renovated or refreshed spaces. He or she supports events by discussing the needs of the client, scheduling the reservation of the equipment, setting up prior to the event, tearing down after the event, and providing deliverables for the client.

Qualified candidates will have two to three years experience in presentation technology installation and support. Must have familiarity with classroom control technologies. Ability to work independently and good organizational skills are required. Applicants must have good writing and strong interpersonal skills. Bachelor’s degree preferred; Associate’s degree and/or experience acceptable.

This opening is a full-time salaried position with benefits package. Application review begins immediately and will continue until position is filled. Please submit letter of application, current resume, names of three business references, and salary expectations to:

The Department Human Resources
The College of Wooster
536 E. Wayne Avenue
Wooster, OH 44691
or
humanresources@wooster.edu

AA/EOE/Drug Free Workplace