Services

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Classroom Technology Sessions: January 2024

Empty classroom

The DTS (Digital Technology Services) Audio-Visual team are offering staff sessions in the new year to demonstrate how to use various classroom technologies.

These sessions are aimed at new teaching staff plus existing staff who want to have refresh or closer look at how the AV classroom technology (i.e., microphones, cameras, screens) works. 

When and where:  

Note each session starts at 12 noon. Each session will last 40-50 minutes depending on the amount of questions we get.

Wednesday 3rd January  12:00 to 13:00  G10, Edith Morley 
Thursday 4th January  12:00 to 13:00  102 at L22, London Road
Friday 5th January  12:00 to 13:00  G10, Edith Morley 
Monday 8th January  12:00 to 13:00  GL22, Agriculture 
Tuesday 9th January  12:00 to 13:00  G01, Palmer 

What will I learn? 

The rooms chosen are typical teaching classrooms with standard equipment. Technicians will be on hand to demonstrate and show you how to: 

  • Switch on equipment 
  • Perform basic operations, e.g., using multiples screens, how to end a session 
  • Use the document camera 
  • Use Microsoft Whiteboard 
  • Check microphone and sounds levels for Yuja Learning Capture (there are separate Yuja software sessions held by TEL, book through UoR Learn) 
  • Use Teams as part of a session, e.g., calling or conferencing 
  • How to get help if something goes wrong with the equipment in a session 

You will also be given the opportunity to try things out for yourself. Come along to a session and find out something new! 

Can’t make these sessions? 

If you would like a demo and can’t make any of these sessions, there is limited availability for 1-2-1 sessions by booking through this form. 

Academic Computing Drop-in Sessions for Students and Staff 

The DTS Academic Computing team also offer fortnightly drop-in sessions, where they will be around to offer informal help for all things academic computing related.  The sessions are open to anyone, student or staff, who is using our research computing services.

Wednesday 10th January   13:00 to 15:00  GL20, Agriculture 
Wednesday 24th January 13:00 to 15:00 GL20, Agriculture 
Wednesday 7th February 13:00 to 15:00 GL20, Agriculture

For the full schedule, please see our webpage. 

What topics can I seek help for?

The sessions are aimed to help with research computing related questions and problems, focused on our Linux platforms. Here are some example topics (the list below is not exhaustive):

  • Logging in and using our research computing servers (RACC, NX, arc-ssh)
  • Loading and using research software on the cluster
  • Interactive computing and batch jobs on the cluster
  • Python environments and packages
  • Linux command line computing
  • Compiling and running research code

Can’t make the sessions?

If you’d like assistance in any of these topics or related issues but can’t make the sessions, please raise a ticket (report an incident) through the IT Self Service Portal.

Using Yuja lecture capture software  

Yuja logoThe CQSD Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team run various sessions on learning capture and how to use Yuja software throughout the year. The Essentials webinar covers an overview of how to access the recording software (YuJa) in the classroom or personal devices, how to use it to create video resources to be accessed through Blackboard, and practical advice about how to use YuJa effectively when teaching.  

Please see UoR Learn for TEL Learning Capture sessions and how to book (search for “Learning Capture”).

Contact and further information 

For general IT related questions, the IT Service Desk is your first point of contact.  

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LapSafe laptop loans reach significant milestone

1000Digital Technology Services are very pleased to announce that the new LapSafe laptop loan service for students has reached a significant milestone of 1000 loans since the start of Welcome Week (15th September). This is a fantastic uptake for the new service and shows how vital it is to our students that they have easy access to computing facilities.

Digital inclusion for students is a high priority at University of Reading. One way to help bridge the digital divide is to help students who cannot afford essential technology, such as laptops, gain access to them.

Digital parity for all students using LapSafe

Free!

LapSafe makes laptops accessible to every student. There is no need to complete a form to be approved, or provide details of financial circumstances. Any student can take out a laptop from the LapSafe lockers.

For example, we have several students who are borrowing laptops every day or nearly every day, which suggests that they rely on the service to be able to complete their studies.

All LapSafe laptops are set up to use Eduroam free Wi-Fi on campus, and each student has a free subscription to Microsoft 365 and curriculum software with AppsAnywhere.

Some facts and figures

Now we’ve got some data we can get an idea of which lockers are being used and when. This will help with future planning and investment.

Day to view calendar page displaying October 23

On October 23rd we had the most laptops borrowed on one day, with 56 being taken out. We have 100 available so this is well within our capacity.

How many are being borrowed, and where from

Two thirds of the laptops are borrowed from the first floor lockers. The remainder are equally split between the second and third floor lockers.

Pie charts illustrating the split of borrowing, showing two thirds from the first floor and an equal split of the other third between second and third floors

The most frequently used locker is the first one you come to in the Library, perhaps unsurprisingly!

When is the most popular time?

Calendar highlighting Monday, Thursday and Saturdays.

Our most popular days are Monday and Thursday, and the least popular day is Saturday.

Enlarge the graph below to see how many are borrowed each day. Every Saturday there’s an obvious dip.

Line chart of the borrowing pattern.

We’re expecting these figures to increase as word gets round about the loan laptops.

How long are they borrowed for?

The average loan period is just over 4 hours (at 4 hours and 2 minutes). The shortest loan period was for less than 5 minutes.

Overdue stamp

After 8 hours, the laptop is marked as late (and the battery has probably run out). Only 5% are returned late. The most overdue return was late by nearly 4 days.

Students get reminder emails just before their laptop is due back, and then again once the loan is overdue.

Further information

You can find full instructions (as well as the terms and conditions) on our dedicated webpage.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact DTS.

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Classroom technology drop in sessions

Audio-Visual Teaching Technology Drop-In Sessions

A classroom at university with AV equipment

No need to book!

The DTS (Digital Technology Services) Audio-Visual team are offering staff drop-in sessions to demonstrate how to use various classroom technologies.

These drop-in sessions are aimed at new teaching staff plus existing staff who want to have refresh or closer look at how the AV classroom technology (i.e., microphones, cameras, screens) works. 

When and where:  

Monday 18th September 

12:00 to 13:00 

Room 124, Edith Morley 

Tuesday 19th September 

12:00 to 13:00 

Room 124, Edith Morley 

Wednesday 20th September  

12:00 to 13:00 

Room 124, Edith Morley 

Thursday 21st September 

12:00 to 13:00 

Room 127, Edith Morley 

Friday 22nd September 

12:00 to 13:00 

Room 124, Edith Morley 

What will I learn? 

The rooms chosen are typical teaching classrooms with standard equipment. Technicians will be on hand to demonstrate and show you how to: 

  • Switch on equipment 
  • Perform basic operations, e.g., checking OneDrive, where to find your files, using multiples screens, how to end a session 
  • Use the document camera 
  • Use Microsoft Whiteboard 
  • Check microphone and sounds levels for Yuja Learning Capture (there are separate Yuja software sessions held by TEL, book through UoR Learn) 
  • Use Teams as part of a session, e.g., calling or conferencing 
  • How to get help if something goes wrong with the equipment in a session 

You will also be given the opportunity to try things out for yourself so you can feel comfortable (at least with the technology!) before the start of term. Come along to a session and find out something new! 

Can’t make these sessions? 

If you would like a demo and can’t make any of these sessions, there is limited availability for 1-2-1 sessions by booking through this form. 

Academic Computing Drop-in Sessions for Students and Staff 

The DTS Academic Computing team also offer fortnightly drop-in sessions, where they will be around to offer informal help for all things academic computing related.  If you’re confused by Linux commands, not sure how to access our systems, uncertain how to use them or have any other academic computing related questions, come along to a session!  

Wednesday 13th September  

13:00 to 15:00 

Brian Hoskins GL68 PC Lab 

Wednesday 27th September

Linux basics session 

14:30 to 15:30 

Brian Hoskins GL68 PC Lab 

Thursday 5th October 

11:30 to 12:30 

Brian Hoskins GL68 PC Lab 

Full schedule: https://research.reading.ac.uk/act/knowledgebase/academic-computing-drop-in-sessions/

Using Yuja lecture capture software  

Yuja logoThe CQSD Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team run various sessions on learning capture and how to use Yuja software throughout the year. The Essentials webinar covers an overview of how to access the recording software (YuJa) in the classroom or personal devices, how to use it to create video resources to be accessed through Blackboard, and practical advice about how to use YuJa effectively when teaching.  

Please see UoR Learn for TEL Learning Capture sessions and how to book (search for “Learning Capture”).

Contact and further information 

For general IT related questions, the IT Service Desk is your first point of contact.  

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LapSafe: a new laptop loan service for students

Digital Technology Services (DTS) are pleased to announce the introduction of a laptop loan service for students, known as LapSafe.

Addressing the issue: Digital Poverty

A student survey from Reading’s Student Union in 2021 highlighted that 70% of students thought that their laptop/computer had negatively impacted on their learning with 13% of those students stating they had no regular access to computers at all.Students studying in the library

A suitable computer is necessary to access learning material in Blackboard, to access core teaching software, to participate in blended learning, and to enable students to study flexibly on campus, in halls of residence, in the library, study spaces, lecture theatres, seminar rooms and even from home.

“Digital poverty has created inequalities in the learning experience and ultimately the learning outcomes of some of our students which must be addressed to ensure they have equal opportunities to succeed.”

Our aim is to provide an easy to access, centrally located laptop loan service to give all students access to a consistent and reliable device to positively contribute to their learning.

What is LapSafe?

Using a grant from the Office for Students, we have purchased 100 laptops for short term loans to students. We have also purchased 96 lockers, which are specifically designed for this type of laptop loan service. Laptops can be loaned and returned 24×7 (or at least while the Library is open) using these lockers.

We are calling this loan service “Lapsafe”, after the lockers.

Lapsafe lockers in the Library

Click to enlarge photo

The LapSafe lockers are self service lockers (similar to Amazon or Evri lockers).  Each locker contains a laptop which is fully charged and ready to be used.

Students use their student Campus Card to log in to the console screen and then follow instructions to request or return a loan.

How to borrow a laptop from the LapSafe lockers

There is a bank of “hot desks” set up in the Library that the loan laptops can be plugged into. There is no restriction where you can use it. The LapSafe laptop can be taken out of the Library to a lecture or Halls, or off campus if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use them?

Any student with a valid UoR Campus Card. You will need a student Campus Card to be able to take out a loan laptop. This is in addition to the hardship or disability laptop loans.

Staff who need to borrow a laptop should contact DTS.

How long are they loaned for?

Laptops are loaned on a first come, first served basis, and can be loaned for up to 8 hours at a time (or until the battery runs out). If you need it for longer, return and borrow a new one.

One laptop is allowed per student card.

What is the spec of the devices?

We’ve chosen a higher spec Windows 10 device which all current curriculum software will run on. All devices are Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (i7/16GB/256GB) laptop, with a Type Cover keyboard.

Where are they?

Lockers can be found in Whiteknights Library – on the first, second and third floors. By having them in the Library, students can take advantage of the IT Service Desk counter located on the first floor if they have any issues.

When are they available?

The lockers are available now!

There will be a marketing campaign aimed at students and full launch in October. In the meantime, we hope that students will make use of the laptop loan service during the summer so we can iron out any issues before the beginning of the new academic year.

What is in the future?

We’ll monitor how the lockers in the Library are used, which will give us an indication of how we can best utilise them. We are considering:

  • A longer loan period (which will need us to supply chargers)
  • Incorporating the laptop loan app into the student app, so you can reserve a laptop for collection without having to go to the Library
  • Situating lockers in other parts of the University (e.g. London Road, Earley Gate)

Plus anything else that comes up once the lockers are in use.

Further information

You can find full instructions (as well as the terms and conditions) on our dedicated webpage.

Information specifically aimed at students is on this Essentials webpage.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact DTS.

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VPN upgrade Tuesday 27th June 1300-1700

Pulse secure logo

This has been completed

When: Tuesday 27 June, 1pm to 5pm
Where: VPN connections
Who is affected: Anyone using VPN to remote into UoR services between 1pm and 5pm during the change window.

On the afternoon of Tuesday 27th June, DTS (with support from the supplier) will be carrying out essential maintenance to our VPN service. VPN will be considered “at risk” between 1pm and 5pm on 27th June.

This means that there may be short interruptions to the service during this time. You may lose your connection or be unable to connect during the change window.

What do I need to do?

Without VPN, you will not be able to access collab file shares, certain business systems, remote desktop, and some research systems.

You do not need VPN to access your email, Office 365 (Word, Excel etc.), Teams, and OneDrive.

You do not need VPN if you are on campus and connected to the wired network.

Will I notice any difference due to this work?

After the upgrade, you may notice a change in branding from Pulse to Ivanti if you connect via a browser. The connection address will remain unchanged, uorvpn.reading.ac.uk. The desktop client will still be “Pulse Secure”.

Further information and help

This change is being carried out under change reference: C-2306-491

For updates, please check the IT Status Hub.

If you need to speak to us about this change or would like advice please raise a ticket with the IT Service Desk or email dts@reading.ac.uk

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Emails: About Quarantine

Phish message

An email that doesn’t need to be quarantined

Now we have tightened our email security, you may find you are getting more notifications from Microsoft that an email is in Quarantine, and you need to review it. 

An email is sent to Quarantine when the email or its content is flagged to be potentially harmful to the intended recipient, whether it’s a phishing attempt or a spam or spoof email. The offending email is held in Quarantine for review by the recipient or an administrator and then either blocked or released to the user’s inbox.

Why are my emails there?

Microsoft notice of an email in quarantine

An email that is definitely spam

Some of the reasons an email might end up in Quarantine rather than sent to Junk Email folder include:

  • If the message is identified as phishing
  • If the message is identified as from a known spamming domain
  • If a message is detected as user impersonation
  • If a message is detected as domain impersonation

Sometimes genuine emails end up in Quarantine, so you are able to review and release them if appropriate. 

How to I get an email out of Quarantine?

In the majority of cases, you are able to review and release your own emails from Quarantine. You have 15 days to block or release the email. 

You can either click the link in the email, or go direct to your Quarantine. For step by step instructions and more details please read KI 0487 Email: Using the Office 365 Quarantine.

If you need help, please contact the IT Service Desk.

Important: Stay aware of phishing!

Before you open an email message, you should always check for hints that it might not be genuine:

  • Is the email unexpected? 
  • You didn’t initiate the action you are being asked to do
  • Is it the offer too good to be true?
  • The email address looks suspicious or wrong
  • There are spelling mistakes and poor grammar
  • You’re being asked to do something urgently
  • The email contains a link, especially a handy link to login to your account
  • You need to confirm or supply personal information

More information please see our Phishing webpage.

Further information and contact

We have several Knowledge Base articles about this topic:

If you have any questions or need any advice, please contact the IT Service Desk.

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Device Lifecycle News – June update

Image showing a computer with the words device lifecycle printed across the middle. An arrow encircles the computer to represent a circular process.The first six months

The Device Lifecycle team has been working with departments across the University since December 2022. In this time we have delivered and set up new Surface 5 laptops for over 350 staff members.

“My teams are thrilled as Toshibas and Pros/Gos were driving them mad. We didn’t have the budget for replacements – so thank you!”

We anticipate that as more and more areas across campus are set up to accommodate Surface devices, demand will continue to be high among staff members who decide to switch their desktops and older laptops to the standard laptop.

“I was very reluctant to lose my desktop but the whole experience was excellent and the device works seamlessly as a desktop would.”

Feedback after the first six months

Feedback from colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive, with most calling out the personalised deskside set-up support and the provision of a high specification device to all users as particular highlights.  

“Excellent communication throughout the roll out. Penny explained the process well and desk set ups were carried out smoothly by IT staff.”

Not everyone completed one, but where we received a feedback form from an area following a rollout, we can see what you think of our service:

Bar charts showing initial consultation: 7 marked as excellent and 1 as good, deskside rollout 8 marked as excellent, overall experience 7 marked as excellent and 1 as goodIn every case we have been marked as “Good” or “Excellent”.  

Bar chart of what you found most useful, 7/8 for deskside support, 7/8 for free laptop, 6/8 for being able to contact the team directly, and 5/8 for having all cables and a dock included with the new device.

We also asked what you found most helpful:

  • Deskside 1-2-1 setup support
  • Free high specification laptop
  • Direct contact with the team, without having to go through the Service Desk
  • Docks and monitor cables included

We are enormously pleased with the feedback, which we hope will help secure funding for the next financial year. 

What are we up to now?

In the lead up to the summer break, the team are working to arrange allocation of new devices to staff in several Schools, including PCLS (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences), School of Literature and Languages, SPEIR (School of Politics, Economics and International Relations), as well as UMASCS (University Museums and Special Collections Services).

The Lifecycle team is fully booked up over the summer vacation, and are now booking appointments in September 2023. 

Over the summer we will be organising purchasing new stock of Surface Laptop 5s, as all our existing devices are allocated.

Further information

If you have any questions or need any advice, please contact the Device Lifecycle team who will be happy to help.

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Removal of Windows 10 “Mail” app

What is happening?

We will be removing (i.e. uninstalling) the native Windows 10 and 11 “Mail” application from all University of Reading managed Windows computers in the next few weeks.

Windows Mail does not have the functionality or security that Microsoft Outlook provides, and for this reason we are going to remove it from all University of Reading managed Windows computers. Microsoft Outlook is the approved application for email and calendaring, and is already installed on all UoR computers as part of Office.

How do I know which I am using?

Most people will be using Microsoft Outlook. If you have a newer computer (particularly a Microsoft Surface) you may be using Windows Mail without realising. The easiest way to tell is to check your email programme icon on the taskbar, so open your email and see what the icon looks like.Taskbar with Outlook icon and Windows Mail icon. The Outlook icon is different. Outlook has an envelope icon with an “O”, whereas Windows Mail has a simple envelope icon.

Do I need to do anything?

The removal of Windows Mail will happen automatically. If you are using Windows Mail now, it would be wise to open up Outlook to familiarise yourself with the interface.

The first time you open Outlook,  you will be prompted for your email address. This will pull all the information needed for first time set up. You can find Outlook by putting “Outlook” in the search bar.

Further information and contact

DTS Outlook webpage

Microsoft Outlook training

Linked In Learning Outlook training topic

If you have any questions or need any advice, please contact the IT Service Desk.

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Update to SailPoint IIQ (myid.reading.ac.uk) – summary of changes

MyID menu

SailPoint IIQ user account menu

On April 25th 2023, a new release of SailPoint IIQ (accessed via myid.reading.ac.uk) will be going live. This release includes several new features as well as performance improvements.

The main changes are highlighted below.

  • New starters will now be prompted to change password on their first login to a University system (apart from students who set their passwords through RISIS).
  • Employee extended accounts will now need to be applied for every three months (this is an account management requirement for security credentials ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials). If you know an account is required for longer than three months, consider requesting an External account instead of an extension. Any current employee can request an external account for you.
  • We have improved acknowledgement emails. When you request a new account or an extension, you will now get an acknowledgement email with information on who needs to approve your request.
  • We’ve also added a link to RISIS Ask A Question (for student extensions) and an additional course to the Compliance section (for employees and externals).

We have updated our documentation and the User Account Management webpage to reflect these changes. 

For a full list, including bug fixes, please see change C-2304-210 (ask IT Service Desk for a copy if you cannot access the change tickets).

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Device Lifecycle News – February 2023

Image showing a computer with the words device lifecycle printed across the middle. An arrow encircles the computer to represent a circular process.New IT Equipment available to Functions

The Device Lifecycle team has been in contact with departments across various functions to arrange upgrades to standardised portable equipment, in line with the University’s Smart Working policy. The feedback from staff is that they appreciate the increased flexibility of the new laptops as well as the personalised support provided during transition from the old device. 

Anyone who would like more information on the Smart Working policy can find the details on the HR website https://www.reading.ac.uk/human-resources/working-life/smart-working

Problems with a new Surface device?

If you received a new Microsoft Surface device last year and either haven’t set it up, or have had problems setting it up, then you need to know that the Device Lifecycle team are offering any member of staff who has queries or on-going difficulties a 1-2-1 deskside support session. If this applies to you then please go to our Microsoft Surface set up webpage for details of how to request a visit from the team.

Is your team eligible for Device Replacement?

Have a look at our website to see if your department could benefit from an equipment upgrade, and contact us to discuss by emailing Device-lifecycle-DTS@reading.ac.uk