Virtualizing

So I'm sitting here tasked with checking out virtualization. Sure I've used MS Virtual PC's and Servers for my MS Training courses. I was pretty good at loading them and using them. But really not the ideal platform for real life use. So off on the search I go!

So what to use? Xen, Citrix, VMWare, Microsoft or other? Wow, who just through the bag of skittles into my search?

So what am I looking for? Free, inexpensive, easy to learn, setup and manage Virtualization Desktop that can manage Windows XP-7, Mac Tiger-Snow Leopard, and Linux Ubunutu, SUSE, Red Hat and most others, not including FreeBSD. Really I don't think I'm asking for too much. This is only going to run a small section but hey I want what I need!

Film Making in New Mexico

Yesterdays guest lecture Karen RedHawk Dallett presentation on "Let's Make Movies: New Mexico's Coolest New Industry" was packed. Over 100 people and not just students showed up. The theme, write write write then collaborate. Pretty cool deal and we can't wait to see what else they bring to campus!

New happenings

Lots of new stuff here on Valencia Campus to add to the huge raise in new faces.

Room C-108 is live and overflowing with Math Students. Check out the new podium in there, it is nice! B-111 just had it's new podium delivered and we will be installing it on Friday to go along with the new Organic Motion Graphics Stage. More new podiums are on the way. Rooms B-124 & B-118 will be getting new podiums installed on Friday as well. Wow I told you lots of new stuff!

& Man lots of new faces on campus!

Lecture Capture Systems In place

We now have Media Site Capture systems in place throughout campus. Are you ready to add a new dimension to your teaching repertory? With more labs to have Lecture Capture installed this coming month we hope you try out this new system. The Teaching and Learning Center will be offering classes on the Capture Technology through out the Fall semester.

Wondering which rooms are wired with the Media Site systems? Well here is the list of rooms that are ready to record:
A124
A125
A127
A129
A131
A133
A140
A141
C101
C103
C111
C113
H101
H103
H105
H108
H111
V111
V120
and our lab LRC141

With close to another 15 rooms to be installed. So we hope your ready to try out this cool new tool that can benefit you and your students.

Classroom Capture part B

How many classrooms do you have lecture capture in? Besides finances what else is holding you back? When we are done this summer we will have 33 of 43 classrooms setup for classroom capture in some configuration. We plan to use it as a study tool and a distance education enhancement. Are we headed down the right road?

Transparent Communications with employees and employers

I've been seeing lots of workshops and post about have transparent collaborative communications between Employers and Employees. Question I have is that such a good thing?

Sure we want great communication streams between the hired hands and the bosses. But, rarely is that the case. So when corporate gets on their high horses and demands more transparent communications I think they're missing one very important element. If employees are telling the companies what they think and their immediate bosses either do not communicate why ideas or bad or why ideas can not be implemented or show disdain for employees who speak up then it is my thought that by the nature of the beast you will only create a larger rift between management and employees. Remember it is the employees who are the engine of the company. You might do the steering but you're not going anywhere without a water pump or carburetor.

Now if they do not want that rift leave things as they are and forget all about the transparent communications. Or if they truly want to move communications through the channels as quickly and as smartly as possible, then you need to review each and every management person and cull out those who are still in the ancient mode of shut up and work or leave. Just my thoughts.

TLC Classes Nearing End of Semester

The Teaching and Learning Center classes are nearing the end of the semester. Next Tuesday myself and Najib will be in Albuquerque for a full days worth of Microsoft training. Najib will also be out of the office the last week of the month. He will be at a Sonic Foundry seminar learning more about our Media Site systems. The Media Site Systems are staged and should be live before the summer semester starts.

In topics classes on the Podcasting class remains. It will be held next Monday (4/20/09) only!

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 is still in full swing, however the Outlook 2007 class has been canceled. Currently it is under discussion whether or not we will have summer Microsoft classes. If you really need them let us know.

Reminder Photoshop CS3 does not end until May 7th. We will be upgrading our Adobe suite after that class.

Only three Seminar classes remain, they are: Adobe Connect, Web CT and Developing an Online Class. Have you completed these classes yet?

Lastly, OSET will be on campus April 30th to do some training. Get with Jami Huntsinger if your interested in more information.

Good Morning from the Blogging 101 Class

Say good morning class.

Child Care Center Closing

News yesterday that the Child Care Center here on Valencia Campus will be closing due to lack of funds. I know it may be one of the most used services on this campus. Too bad seeing the kids (best students?) leaving campus I know lots of our students needed their services.

One bright point with it is our nursing program (new) will be moving into the child care center after it is refitted.

What Classes?

So I guess no one likes MS Outlook 2007. Dang, cool program. So we will be running a "very" abreviated course schedule this summer. What classes are you interested in seeing?

Too many tools?

2nd life, Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, are there too many tools out there? I know we can use them but how? Then you add blog's and wiki's, sometimes to much to keep up with!

Burning DVD's

Burning DVD's of the multi-media presentation I put together for Miriam Gustafson. How come Vista does not like to burn DVD's? Been through 3 already and not one "good" copy yet!

Class'

We have a few classes that have just started. Have you signed up for your classes from the Teaching and Learning Center?

Also, anyone interested in specific topic classes next fall please let Philip know. leimbach@unm.edu or 5-8556 on campus.

Distance/Online Education

With new markets needing to be explored how many of you are interested in developing skills for teaching Online and or Distance Education courses? How many of you are working on these very issues now?

Did you know?

The Teaching and Learning Center has staged 27 Sonic Foundry Capture systems in classrooms throughout campus? With the goal of having them ready for lecture capture by the Summer semester.

In addition there will be additional rooms wired with cameras an microphones for mobile capture systems!

Are you ready?