University of Hertfordshire
Learning and Teaching Institute
ITEAM Project Meetings: Dashboard Pilot Meeting
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Date: 10th May 2012
Time:14.00am-16.00
Venue: GRS10, De Havilland Campus, UH
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Present:
Jon AlltreeDirector, LTI
Adam HarveyInformation Hertfordshire
Jane DixonInformation Hertfordshire
Pat BridgesInformation Hertfordshire
Nicky ClevelandInformation Hertfordshire
Lucy BoltonInformation Hertfordshire
Julie VuoloAssessment team, LTI
Karen RobinsAssessment team, LTI
Mitt NathwaniTurning Point Technologies
Michael JonesTurning Point Technologies
Notes in brief
The meeting was convened in-order to discuss the process for the forthcoming EVS purchase round, to resolve any outstanding user issues and to identify whether there are any upgrades or developments relevant to UH’s ongoing use of EVS.
Points of discussion are section headed for ease of reference:
Purchase:
Current contract in place for 3 years with RM. Deans/HoS to be approached by end of month for indications of purchase requirements for new academic year. It will be the responsibility of Schools to buy the handsets but the order will be managed centrally to ensure best use of contract price.
Handsets will need to be delivered close to term start (Sept 24th), however, schools will not know student numbers until post clearing.
Reivo have 3 weeks order turnaround but could potentially make 2. Some dependency on stock held in UK. There are currently 3 handsets in use at UH. The RFLCD handsets are held in reasonable stock but the NXT handsets are not and would be bought in from US if any great number was required
The XR handset (homework function)is currently used by a few people with a specific need for it. This handset will not be actively promoted by LTI in-order to simplify training and support issues for all involved.
The self-pace function on the NXT handset could be of interest to people currently using the homework function. Any off campus testing could be done via QMP instead.
New contact name at RM is Josh Ford. MN to forward contact details.
Action: JV to check with Amanda Jefferies and Jackie Willis which handsets they are using; MN to forward RM contact details
Receivers and Channel:
Channel conflict issues discussed. Receivers have 82 channels. MJ/MN suggest there is no evidence of bleed between channels so not necessary to set channels far part although there are likely to be conflicts between receivers and WI-Fi points. AH undertaking channel mapping review over summer months to maximise classroom performance.
Receivers work to 200ft, with longer range receivers available for larger venues (range 400ft). UH have some of the long range receivers but they appear to be faulty.
Possibility of using automatic channel default (e.g. at end of each day, or at close of PC) to prevent re-setting by classroom users leading to problems for subsequent users was discussed.
IH agreed responsibility to put classroom signage up regarding channel numbers and instructions for changing.
Action: Reivo to investigate faulty receivers, IH to produce channel changing signage for teaching rooms
Fault reporting process
MJ/MN suggest most problems reported relate to channel issues, which should be resolved as consequence of mapping exercise.
For future purposes the process for reporting issues was agreed as:
1)All problems reported to helpdesk in the first instance
2)Problem logged and, where not resolved locally, passed onto Reivo for further support
3)Karen Robins to be copied in so that the Assessment team remains aware of types of issues being raised/responded to.
Action: JV to ensure currency of EVS Helpdesk note and pass back to helpdesk team c/o Amanda Peters, Helpdesk Training. JV to check KE site for links to support and ensure access to current TT software. JV/KR to send out UH email re: seeking EVS support
Upgrades and developments
MJ/MN advised that a software upgrade is expected in the next couple of months and outlined its key features. It was agreed that given the upgrade is likely to be issued after the June date for completing the classroom software upgrades it would be better to remain on the current version for the present.
As staff currently download the software direct from the TPT website for use on PCs/laptops it was deemed appropriate to put a link to the current version of the software within Studynet, and direct staff accordingly.
MJ/MN advised group on the availability of a Braille handset for visually impaired users and of response system software for use with other disabilities such physical impairment. The response system enables the user to use a mobile device or laptop to participate in the same session as everyone else at the same time but using a device more suited to their needs.
Action: JV to ensure Lena Kloosis aware of alternative systems including the self pace function on the NXT handset.
JV to contact Graham Davies about embedding download link in Studynet
General
KR reported loss of data when academics fail to save the TP session before closing. The possibility of putting an automatic ‘save to drive’ operation on classroom PCs was discussed. AH advised this work is already underway.
KR advised the group that a database of all assigned handsets is managed by Paul Hudson and accessible through Studynet.
User support in the form of resources on the LTI website (The Knowledge Exchange) is available including a handout flyer for new users. MJ shared a wallet sized card information card that TPT use, a similar card could be a useful handout for students as they receive their handset for the first time.
Action: Assessment team to produce handset card