Latest UPDATES
September 2, 2008
Smart Classrooms
We hope the first day of classes has been relatively problem free so far. We encourage you to take advantage of the student Concierge Crew who are there to help acclimate you to the new classrooms. If you have any questions about how to maximize your use of those rooms, Dr. David Feeney will be holding orientations sessions during the free period from 11:40-12:30, MWF in SP 115. The students are collecting your comments and recommendations and reporting back to us.
Fox Web
The Fox School homepage has been refreshed. You will find the following among its enhancements:
- A fresh-look typeface (sans serif),
- A new banner that “flips” to provide greater front page exposure for special events and other features,
- A Community Blogs section in the center of the page that features CSPD, FoxDen, MBA, AMA, and Alter blogs.
- Return of Temple Links in the top right corner,
- Information repositioning and gradient color changes to make information more accessible.
In the coming months, we will overhaul department and center pages to make them consistent with changes made to the homepage.
Plasma Screens
Actually, the new screens are LCDs. The crush of summer activity didn’t allow us to get the message boards online in time for the start of classes, but we expect to have them running before the end of the month. This is a bigger, more sophisticated system than we have used in the past, and because it will form the foundation for the messaging system we use in Alter Hall, it will take more time to get it right. You will notice that two new screens have been added on the2nd floor, and two in the Jazzman’s Café. We will distribute guidelines for creating slides soon.
Bloomberg Terminal
This summer we added a Bloomberg terminal and dual displays to our inventory of teaching/learning resources. Currently the terminal is located in the Fox Computer Services Office, but we hope to relocate it to the Tech Center so that students trained in its use can access it at all hours. A second terminal will be part of the new Capital Markets Room when Alter Hall opens in Spring 2009.
Missing from New Classrooms
We have removed all document cameras and VCRs from the new classrooms. Most faculty are learning to use the Sympodium Tablet instead of the document camera. If you want a VHS converted to CD/DVD, please ask Vik Singh (215-204-1476) how to get this done.
Please let me know what is and is not working for you. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we build a better Fox School Complex.
May 28, 2008
NOw you See it... Now you don't
After spending the better part of the spring semester perfecting the technology environment in Speakman 114, it is being de-constructed to build an even better smart room environment ... not only new technology but new tables, new chairs, new carpet, new acoustics, and freshly painted rooms are on their way to Speakman Hall.
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May 06, 2008
Classroom Technology Seminar
Mart Doyle introduces faculty to control systems used to operate the penultimate version of the NEW Fox Podium at today's classroom technology seminar in Speakman 114. Mart is a faculty technology user who has field tested technology systems that will be installed in Alter Hall.
April 10, 2008
Fox IT Dean Receives Award
Associate Dean John DeAngelo stands with members of the Fox IT team. Dean DeAngelo received the MIS Administrative Achievement Award at the 8th Annual Fox Information Technology Awards Reception in Mitten Hall.
(L to R) Sharaf Atakhanov, Tom Milewski, Joe Yeoell, Vikram Singh, Zeke Moctezuma, John DeAngelo, and Darin Kapanjie. April 10, 2008
April 7, 2008
Speakman 114 Technology improved Again
Just when everyone thought things had setteled in our Alter Hall technology beta room, it changed again, this time installing two projectors and screens and positioning the podium between them. Except for refinements to the podium (larger, curved work surface), this is pretty much the approach that will be used in all Speakman and Alter Hall classrooms.
February 08, 200
Technology for Alter Hall Being Used NOW ... Speakman 114
At the beginning of the spring semester 2008, faculty and students using Speakman 114 entered a new smart classroom that uses many of the same technologies that will be installed in Alter Hall:
- A Vadio motion camera that tracks presenters and students for capture and playback in thier Blackboard courses,
- Ambient mikes in the ceiling to capture classroom audio,
- A rechargeable Revolabs wireless miking system,
- A dual image projection system with 17’ screen and 16:9 aspect ratio
- A new, smaller, height adjustable podium,
- A Sympodium annotation tablet/monitor (at right below).
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Workmen install two screen projection unit and new podium. |
A look behind the new adjustable height podium. |
January, 2008
New Chairs for BizTech
Since being built as a "sandbox" for MIS students back in 2001, the computers in LL 28 have been upgraded but not the chairs. Students returning for the spring semester can now sit in comfort thanks to the addition of 30 "cache" chairs, the same ones used througout the TECH Center at Temple.
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Students enjoy the new ergonomic "cache" chairs |
A closer look. |
October 18, 2007
Topping Out Alter Hall
Today, Thirsday, October 18, from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, a “Topping Out” ceremony will be held at the corner of 13th and Montgomery Aves. The ceremony, a tradition in the construction industry, signifies the completion of steel work … a major landmark in Alter Hall’s construction.
Student, faculty, staff, and alumni donors, along with Temple University VIPs and alums, will have an opportunity to sign a beam before it is hoisted to one of the highest points in the building. Traditionally, an evergreen tree and American flag are attached to the beam as it is raised, signifying growth, renewal, and pride.
Among those expected to be present are Dennis and Gisela Alter, Richard Fox, President Ann Weaver Hart, and Dean Moshe Porat.
Faculty, staff, students and friends are invited to attend the “Topping Out” between 11:00-11:45 AM and a reception immediately following the signing at 12:00 PM in the Speakman Student lounge.
October 2, 2007
Let There Be Light in Speakman Hall
If you've been stumbling around on the dimly lighted lower level of Speakman Hall, trying to find your way to the labs or the the technology administrative offices (see below), things just got brighter. As part of the retrofit to Speakman in anticipation of the opening of Alter Hall, a new sprinkler system, ceilings, and lighting have been installed. While the work is not yet completed, you can already see a vast improvement in both the looks and lighting on all four floors. To keep up-to-date on Alter Hall construction progress and Speakman Hall improvements, visit the AlterBlog.
September 18, 2007
Fox Computer Services in New Home
Fox Computer Service has moved from LL28 and LL30 to the LL5 Suite. Our name has changed to Fox Computer and Information Technology Services. In the new suite you will find:
Fox Computer Services (LL5)
Fox Laptop Services (LL4)
Fox Web Design Services (LL3)
Fox Database Services (LL5)
Tourism and Hospitality Computer Services (LL5)
All telephone numbers remain the same EXCEPT there is now a new Laptop Services Reception number, 1-9461.
The new, expanded CITS home provides more space, a more logical arrangement, and a brighter home for this important Fox service component. We consider it the first phase of planned Speakman upgrades. Others, like new sprinkler and light systems, are well underway, and even greater changes are planned for this summer. I will keep you posted on changes as they occur.
Classroom Support Services (Steve Leopold) has moved to the former Fox Computer Services Office in LL 28. Call 1-7592
Teaching Labs
Fox computer labs 26 and 27 are being upgraded with the Dell optiplex GX 745
Biztech Lab
The trickle down PC's from Lab 27 will be used to run VmWare Server on BizTech.
Lab 06
Nothing has changed, although carpeting will be replaced during winter break.
August 13, 2007
Mobile Learning; The Tablet Experiment
Fresh start for Fall 2007 semester Honors program will receive 70 new tablet PC's IBM X60 tablets.
Newly Admitted Students : Laptop Recommendations 
Though the Fox School does not have a formal computer requirement at present, we strongly recommend that students purchase laptops for Fall 2006. Click here for specs To register your computer for use in the dorms, go to http://www.temple.edu/cs/housing/.
University Guidelines for Choosing a Computer
May 11, 2007
TUCapture
Discover the #1 Class Capture system in the world ... right here at TU. Dr. David Feeney has created a guide to the what, where and how of TUCapture.
April 21 , 2007
Visit the AlterBlog
Want to know how construction on Alter Hall is progressing? Do you have questions about how Speakman and Alter will be joined? What Alter technology will be like? If there are special spaces for undergraduate and graduate students?
You can learn this and much more by visiting the live AlterBlog.
March 26 , 2007
FOX STUDENTS: Used Laptops for Sale
Fox Computer Services is retiring several IMB laptops used in the Honors Laptop Program and selling them to Fox students for $240 as is. Here are the specs.
IBM Thinkpad A22m
Machine Type: |
2628-PTU |
Model Name: |
IBM ThinkPad A22m |
Screen Size: |
15.0 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD |
Hard Drive Size: |
10.0 GB HDD |
Memory Size: |
320MB of RAM |
Maximum Memory Capacity: |
512 MB of RAM – PC100 SDRAM 144-pin non-parity SoDIMM |
Processor: |
Intel Pentium III – 850MHZ |
CD Drive: |
24x-10x CD-ROM and Floppy Drive |
Battery: |
Li-Ion Battery |
Mouse: |
Track point |
Operating system: |
Win2000 |
Laptop age: 5 years. Also Includes: battery, charger, wireless card and laptop bag (optional). Contact Zeke in SP 30 for more information zeke@temple.edu.
November 30, 2006
Ground Broken for Alter Hall
Today Temple University broke ground on its new state-of-the-art facility, Alter Hall. With its central location, and its spectacular curved metal roof, Alter Hall will serve as the centerpiece of Temple’s main campus. At the ceremony, Temple President Ann Weaver Hart and Fox School Dean M. Moshe Porat were joined by Gisela and Dennis Alter and other community and Temple dignitaries.
See more on Alter Hall site.
October 23, 2006
Work Begins on Alter Hall
If you enter Speakman Hall off Liacouras Walk you have undoubtedly noticed the sudden appearance of three construction trailers in front of the bay window on the south side of the building. These are the first signs of construction progress since Curtis Hall was demolished in January 2006. Over the next several weeks, expect to see new fencing, signs, and activity around the trailers. In early November, the loading dock and handicapped entrance will be moved to the north side of Speakman on Liacouras Walk, and pedestrian and automobile traffic will change. Watch this site for weekly updates on construction and changing traffic patterns.
See How Your Tech Fee is Used at the Fox School
Asssociate Dean Issues Technology Report for 2005-06
In accordance with University policy requiring a yearly accounting of how student Tech Fees are spent by each school or college, Associate Dean for Information Technology John DeAngelo has released the following report that details projects completed or underway which are paid for with Tech Fee and Dean's operating funds. CLICK HERE.
October 3, 2005
Get Rid of Old Blackboard Courses
Students now have the ability to remove old courses from Blackboard. Login to TUPortal. Click on the Blackboard tab. Click on the CONTENTS button in the upper right corner. Check the box next to the "My Courses" module (you may also want to UNcheck "Courses: Quik View"). Hit SUBMIT at the bottom of the page. Once back in your courses, click on the PENCIL icon at the top right of your "My Courses" module. This is where you can uncheck old courses you don't want displayed. If you have questions, write help@temple.edu or call 1-8000.
September 23, 2005
Plasma Templates
Student organizations should use the plasma templates found at Plasma Screen Templates for SPOs.