CiCS News 27th October 2010
myCiCSnews
CiCS is pleased to announce the publication of the latest edition of myCiCSnews - the twice yearly newsletter from CiCS to keep you up to date with new CiCS services, security advice and emerging trends in IT. There is a link from the CiCS home page, or it can be accessed directly from the link below.
The newsletter is produced in electronic and paper form, and in order to keep costs to a minimum we have reduced the number of paper copies produced - a small number will be circulated to departments, especially to those departments who have staff without access to a computer.
If further paper copies are required, in particular for staff with limited access to computers please email cicscustomerservice@sheffield.ac.uk and we will be happy to supply them.
myCiCSnews October 2010
Recording Lectures with myEcho
myEcho lets you record your lectures and make them available on the web. The recording includes the audio and video of your lecture, alongside your PowerPoint presentation or any other computer-based material shown. The recording is viewable in a user friendly web page which allows easy navigation to specific points. Recorded lectures can also be integrated within MOLE courses and in uSpace.
For further information about using myEcho along with analysis of the pedagogical considerations please see the web pages at:
About myEcho
Assistive Software on the CiCS Managed Desktop
Two new assistive software packages are now available on all PCs running the CiCS Managed Desktop.
- Inspiration is a mind mapping application useful for planning substantial pieces of writing.
- Texthelp Read & Write provides reading and writing support for people with dyslexia.
In addition, these other applications are installed on single PCs in the Information Commons, Western Bank Library and St George's Library.
- JAWS reads aloud text that is displayed on the PC screen.
- ZoomText is a screen magnifier and reader.
- Easy Converter creates large print, mp3, DAISY and Braille versions of learning materials.
Further details can be found under the software section on the following web page:
Accessing CiCS Services
Office 2010 Available for Purchase from the Computing Centre
CiCS can now supply Office Professional Plus 2010 to departments. Unlike its predecessor, Office 2010 does not represent a step-change in the Office brand and there are no compatibility issues. The decision whether to upgrade is a purely personal one depending on your taste and requirements. Office 2010 comes with free online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, which work in web browsers, and in addition a mobile version of Office 2010 will be available for Windows based mobile devices.
Office Professional Plus 2010 is available for Windows PCs but there is not yet a version for Apple Macintosh computers. There are currently no plans to make Office 2010 available on the Managed Desktop service. CiCS can supply Office Professional Plus 2010 to departments for £15 on an Internal Trade Order to Vendor 9022.
Buying Microsoft Software
IT Services for University Staff Booklet
CiCS has produced a new handbook for University staff. It contains useful information about connecting to the Univeristy network, using telephone and email services, and handling personal information. It also contains information on MUSE, printing, data storage and the CiCS Helpdesk.
Although the booklet is aimed at new staff joining the University, being handed out when they register for their UCard at the Computing Centre, the information contained will be of interest to existing staff. Please take a look at the PDF version, viewable online at:
IT Services for University Staff
Refurbishment of Student Computer Rooms
The student computer rooms ME03 and ME04 in the Sir Frederick Mappin Building, and Perak room A04, have been redesigned to facilitate excellent, innovative teaching and learning, with multiple plasma screens positioned around the rooms for the display of electronic content.
The rooms have been refurbished with new, high-spec PCs with large monitors; brand new desks and carpets provide the finishing touches to these excellent new learning and teaching spaces.
ME03 and ME04 have had the their joint capacity increased and a newly installed roller shutter allows 188 students to be taught at once or the facility for smaller classes of 116 and 72. The rooms are open from 9am to midnight, seven days a week and are reserved purely for student use evening and weekends.
Perak room A04 has been completely refurbished and its capacity increased to 91. The audio visual equipment in the room has been updated to improve the student experience.
Student Computer Rooms
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