Mitel Teleworker

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Alice Curham

What’s Happening?

IT Services have recently introduced the Mitel teleworker system which allows an LSHTM handset to be connected to the LSHTM voice network regardless of its physical location.

All that is needed is an internet connection, an RJ45 port on the router or switch and electricity, and then the handset can be plugged in and used as an LSHTM extension. This means access to facilities such as voicemail and call forwarding, as well as the twinning of existing LSHTM numbers to a Teleworker handset, regardless of where the handset is plugged in.

Access to outgoing calls is obtained by dialling ‘9’ followed by the full telephone number. Calls to numbers outside the UK need to be prefixed with the appropriate country code as the Teleworker handset is linked with a London number and not a number local to the country in which it is situated.

What Does It Mean For Me?

If you spend a large part of your time at LSHTM working overseas (or you know someone who does), then the Teleworker handset is the best way to communicate quickly, easily and cheaply with colleagues based at the School. All calls to other LSHTM extensions are free of charge, and calls to UK-based numbers are charged at local rates. Allowing your existing extension number to be twinned to your Teleworker handset also means that you can answer calls wherever you are!

Conferencing Solutions

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Alice Curham

What’s Happening?

IT Services have developed a range of conferencing solutions to make collaborative working easier.

AWC allows LSHTM staff to arrange and hold audio and/or web conferences from their desktop. Attendees can dial in directly or have the conferencing system, based here at the School, call them. The web element allows users to turn their webcams on or off, allowing for poor bandwidth, and enables the sharing of documents and applications.

 Fixed video conferencing is available in LG4 in Keppel St and LG5 in Tavistock Place. (The unit in Tavistock Place can also be used in other teaching rooms, and there is a mobile unit in Keppel St which can be used in teaching rooms or lecture theatres). This option works with other fixed video conferencing kit – something most universities, hospitals or NGOs now have – and also allows for the sharing of documents and Powerpoint presentations.

Video conferencing phones work in a similar way to the fixed video conferencing kit, in that they require the remote site to have some kind of video conferencing kit themselves, but these can be borrowed from the IT Helpdesk and plugged into a network point in offices or meeting rooms.

Elluminate is a web conferencing solution ideal for seminars and large meetings.  It allows users access to a virtual ‘classroom’ which includes tools such as a whiteboard area for the sharing and annotating of documents; the ability to share desktops and applications; video and audio of the participants; and the ability to record sessions.

What Does It Mean For Me?

Need to give a speech at a conference but don’t want to travel? Use the fixed video conferencing solution in Keppel St or Tavistock Place. Based overseas but plan to give a lecture or seminar at LSHTM? Use the fixed video conferencing solution or Elluminate in one of the lecture theatres or teaching rooms. Want to organise an audio conference with a range of research partners? Use the AWC. Have to attend a meeting overseas but want to stay in London? Use the video conferencing phone in your office.

These conferencing solutions can be used in a wide range of different ways; if you’re interested in using them yourself email conf@lshtm.ac.uk and we’ll be able to discuss your requirements.

Moodle

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Alice Curham

What’s Happening?

A single, integrated distance learning and taught course Moodle service will be going live in October 2012, replacing Blackboard as LSHTM’s virtual learning environment. Moodle will provide online communities for tutors and students and a platform for professional development and open educational resources.

What Does It Mean For Me?

Moodle offers a range of options for your use, whether you’re a student or a tutor: podcasts, forums, blogs and wikis, assignment handling, plagiarism reporting and interactive tools and activities such as virtual ‘cafes’ for discussion. The e-Learning Team are developing Moodle now, ready for the October 2012 roll out – follow their progress on Twitter (@lshtm_elearning).

Email Archiving

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Alice Curham

What’s Happening?

A new email archiving solution for staff is being rolled out, following a pilot phase from November 2011 – January 2012. The new archiving system will archive items automatically after three months, and those items will be retained for seven years by default. Users will also be able to move mail to ’25 Year Retention’ (kept for 25 years) and ‘Personal’ (not archived) folders.

The roll out will be supported by widely available and publicised training materials, including lunchtime briefings, handouts and interactive podcasts.

What Does It Mean For Me?

You will be able to access your archive from outside LSHTM (via Webmail), and it will free up space on your H drive as your archive will no longer be stored there.

The new archive will allow for proper management of email, and the ‘quick search’ function is accurate and fast (all items are fully indexed, including attachments).

New Storage

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Alice Curham

What’s Happening?

IT Services are currently implementing a new storage system and retiring the old one. New email post offices have been established, and users’ mailboxes are being moved over to them on an ongoing basis. Home drives and shared drives will be moved next, and it is hoped that all users will be on the new storage (for email and data) by June 2012.

What Does It Mean For Me?

These moves will mean that you will see an increase in performance: both your GroupWise account and your file access will be quicker.