Grammar Made Easy

French professor and CIAT collaborate to create interactive, online tutorials

Dr. Katia Sainson eased her French students' difficulty at learning grammar by developing interactive tutorials for Blackboard.

Learning English grammar is tough enough, but imagine the difficulty of acquiring and successfully using a foreign language's grammar.

Dr. Katia Sainson's Intermediate French II class poses this challenge. The class, which reviews grammar learned in elementary French courses, depends on students to refresh their memory out-of-class so that they can use class time to expand on their comprehension of the language rules.

Thanks to a tool created with the help of the Center for Instructional Advancement and Technology (CIAT) students now have a useful tool to prepare for class.

Sainson and CIAT staff member John Perrelli developed interactive grammar presentations for Blackboard. Students review lessons that correspond to information in their textbooks, and complete activities and assessments that let them and Sainson know if they are on the right track. Each presentation contains explanations of the grammar lesson in English, supplemented with audio and text.

"Previously, when my students only used the textbook, I found that they might glance at the page and say, 'Oh, I remember that,' and not really delve into the lesson," she says. "The online grammar presentations' format is more efficient in conveying the information.

"Using the textbook was a passive experience. The online experience is more interactive."

In addition to aiding students with grammar, Sainson says the presentations, which were recorded with her voice, also help with French pronunciation.

Perrelli worked closely with Sainson over spring semester 2004 to translate her ideas into a finished product using Macromedia FlashMX. FlashMX is authoring software that allows designers to create animation and special effects, adding sound and interactivity.

Sainson says her students are benefiting from the tutorials, and the flexibility they have in accessing them is a plus.

"They make students feel more secure when coming into class because from the presentations you immediately get a sense of if you understood or not," she says. "Students can also use them anytime--off campus, on campus, at 2 a.m. if they want."

Sainson says these benefits are part of the reason she has made all of her classes Web-enhanced. Over the past four years CIAT has also helped her create online listening comprehension exercises, videos of native French speakers and pronunciation recordings.

"CIAT has been one of the single greatest resources I've had at Towson," she says. "[It's] a phenomenal resource."

For more information about CIAT, go to the center's home page at www.towson.edu/ciat, or visit its Faculty Lab, located in Cook Library, room 405.

Wired for Wireless

New core network paves the way for wireless

The upgrade to Towson's wired network provides a reliable foundation on which to build Towson Unplugged. The wireless network will provide Internet access almost anywhere on campus, including the "Beach."

Everyone's talking about it.

By the end of fall semester 2004, Towson Unplugged wireless networking will allow students, faculty and staff to access the Internet from almost anywhere on campus.

But what you might not know is that the university also boasts a completely new, state-of-the-art wired network.

The upgrade to the core network infrastructure, which was completed throughout summer 2004, was commissioned in part as a prerequisite for the upcoming wireless component. Wireless networks depend on traditional wired networks in order to work. As such, the wired network will provide a reliable foundation on which to build Towson Unplugged.

"Towson's core network is more reliable, manageable and secure than ever before," Jim Monroe, assistant director of Networking and Communications Services, said. "It's the backbone for Towson Unplugged, and I'm excited about the new opportunities that will become available to the Towson community from these enhancements."

Currently, OTS is working collaboratively with Northrop Grumman Information Technology engineers to install radio transmitters called access points throughout campus. These access points will serve as base stations that broadcast radio signals for the wireless network.

Over the next few months, OTS will configure the wireless equipment for use by the general campus, as well as test it for stability and performance. Security systems will also be tested and validated to ensure the maximum level of security is employed.

For more information about Towson Unplugged, go to www.towson.edu/unplugged.

I Spy with My Little Eye

Spyware causes problems for your PC, annoyance for you

At first, it isn't obvious. Your computer seems sluggish, and a few more pop-up ads are littering your screen than usual.

By the time you figure out that a guy named Fred in Montana is using spyware to monitor your Amazon shopping preferences, your computer is as slow as a snail, and your Web browser crashes every time you try to go online.

If it's free, beware

Spyware programs are applications that collect personal information about you without obvious notification.

Most tag along with free software you download from the Internet. The installation program for the software not only installs the program you want, but also installs additional tracking software.

The spyware monitors your Web browsing habits anytime you're online and sends data about it to the spyware's publisher without your knowledge. They use this information to present pop-up ads and banners that supposedly match your interests.

The most common source of spyware is file-sharing software, such as Kazaa. It is also packaged with free download utilities, games and media players. In fact, if you come across any software offered for free on the Internet, it is best to assume spyware is attached.

Besides slowing down your computer and increasing the amount of pop-up ads you receive, spyware can also pose serious security risks. Spyware essentially opens a "back door" to your system, offering hackers the chance to secretly get in.

Reading the fine print

To prevent a spyware invasion on your computer, follow this advice:

• Only install software from Web sites you trust. If you aren't sure about a Web site's reputation, do some research, or ask friends and colleagues about their experiences with the site. Remember, if the software's free, it will usually contain spyware.
• Whenever you are installing software, carefully read all disclosures. Inclusion of spyware is often documented, but it is most likely vaguely written and buried at the end of the disclosure.
• Make sure your Web browser's security setting is at the medium level or higher. If it is on the lowest setting, deceptive software could be installed without any warning to you, using a process called "drive-by downloads."
• Be wary of tricks that attempt to get you to download software even after you said "no." If you are repeatedly asked to accept a download even after you said "no," never click "yes" just to exit the window. Instead, click the "X" in the upper-right corner.

How to remove spyware

OTS has identified two reliable programs to remove spyware: Ad Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. For a step-by-step spyware removal guide, go to wwwnew.towson.edu/knowledgecenter/article.aspx?article=252.

Who's Who at OTS

Want the inside perspective from OTS? "Who's Who at OTS" is the place to find it. 

In this issue, Gloria Holland, director of Technology Support Services, candidly discusses the future of technology at Towson and how its ever-changing role affects her day-to-day life.  

Dr. Gloria Palumbo Holland
Director of Technology Support Services

Years at Towson and positions held:
I have been at Towson for almost nine years! In January 1996, I came to Towson and headed up the summer, minimester and off-campus programs. I transitioned into the Center for Instructional Advancement and Technology (CIAT) in January 1997 as TU's first instructional designer and then moved on to become the center's director. With the reorganization of OTS, I now serve as the director of Technology Support Services.

Describe your current job.
I serve as the interface between the TU community and technology applications and support that includes CIAT, Student Computing Services (SCS), Technology Training, Classroom Technology and Field Support.

What do you see as OTS' greatest accomplishment over the past year?
Our initiative to build a stronger collaborative partnership with the Towson community to better address and support technology needs.

How will technology change Towson University over the next five years?
With the new network and wireless structure in place, we will witness a surge in students' use of technology across campus. Using PDAs, tablets and laptops, students will be able to engage in learning from any location on campus and will be classmates with other students around the world. This, coupled with the strong growth of online learning, will change the way teaching and learning happen at TU.

Describe a typical day for you at OTS.
There is no typical day! Because technology issues often come without warning, most days take me in directions I could not plan. With the constant changes and updating that comes with technology, once we find a solution to one problem another four problems appear. However, the satisfaction of solving a problem, providing a solution and exploring new options is great.

What are your co-workers like?
Bright, talented and dedicated!

Dr. Holland has more than 27 years of experience designing and developing education programs for classroom, television, self-paced, computer-based and distance learning models. She is certified in three methods of instructional design; presents at national and international conferences; teaches graduate-level students in instructional design; and has earned advanced degrees in Adult Education, Instructional Systems Development and Leadership. In 1997 Dr. Holland received the Distinguished Research Award from NSU for the work she did on her dissertation.

How to Create an Icon to Lock Your Workstation

When you leave home, you lock your door. You should also follow this common sense safety precaution with your office computer.

Locking your computer anytime you leave your workstation unattended is an easy and quick way to keep your computer safe and private. It will prevent everyone except you or a system administrator from unlocking your system and viewing any open files or programs.

Here's how to do it:

1. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.
2. Click Lock Computer. It's as simple as that!

To unlock your computer:
1. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.
2. Type your password in the Password field.
3. Click OK.

Bonus Tip for Windows XP users:
Simultaneously press the Windows key (usually found between the ALT key and the CTRL key) and the L key to lock your workstation.

To Create an Icon on Your Desktop:
Some computer users prefer to use icons instead of keyboard commands. All systems with OTS' standard image configuration have an icon on the desktop to lock your workstation that looks like a yellow and white lock. If you don't see this on your desktop, you can easily create one:

1. Go to the Start menu and select Run.
2. Type the following text into the Run field: \\csvcs\dload$\Scripting\LockWorkstation.vbs
3. Click OK. You will now have an icon on your desktop called "Lock Workstation." Double-click it to lock your computer. Follow the same steps above to unlock your computer.

How to Make a Strong Password

At Towson, your password gives you access to a number of resources: e-mail; network drives; and PeopleSoft information, like grades, financial data, grades, timesheets and personal records. Without a strong password, hackers might not only crack into this personal information, but they could also use your account to attack other computers, making the entire network vulnerable.

Although Towson's password requirements have been designed to resist hackers, follow these tips to create a stronger password:

• Make your password easy for you to remember but hard for someone else to guess
• Use numbers or symbols to replace letters in a word: "Great" could be "Gr8" or "Sand" could be "S&"
• Pick single letters from a favorite word or phrase and add some creative punctuation: "Meet Me in St. Louis" could become "mmiSt.Ls!"
• Use phonetic spelling to disguise a word: "photograph" could be "fotograf"
• Convert personal information into a nonsensical password. You could use your favorite teacher, your first date, your first pet, etc. Your second grade teacher named Mrs. Meadow could make this password: "Mrs.MeadO.2gr"

For more tips about passwords, go to http://www.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/training/july_2002.htm.

How to Temporarily Raise Your E-mail Quota

Did you know that Webmail, Towson's e-mail client for students, now has a self-service tool that lets you temporarily raise your e-mail quota in the event you use up all of your available space?

Knowing about this tool is important because if you exceed your quota, your account will become unusable and all messages sent to you will be returned to the sender as "undeliverable." An error message will also appear when you try to log into Webmail.

If this happens to you, click on the Account Management link, found under the Contents menu on the left of the Webmail login page (http://webmail.towson.edu). From the Account Management page, click Temporarily raise your e-mail quota. Finally, log in with your Tiger username and password.

You will have 48 hours to review your files to determine if they can be deleted or archived (e.g., moved to disk or CD). If you'd like to download copies of your e-mail user file from the Tiger server, click Create a ZIP backup of your files from the Account Management page. You can then download the ZIP file by clicking on the disk icon while logged into Webmail.

How to Send E-mails Via Class Roster Distribution Lists

Attention all TU faculty members: an easy and quick solution for contacting all of your students at once is now available! Class roster distribution lists allow you to send e-mails to all of the students registered in a particular class using one e-mail address that is specific to the course.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open your e-mail provider, such as Outlook.
   
   
2. In the To: field, type in the e-mail address for the course to which you would like to send the e-mail.
   
   Each class has a specific e-mail address that is based on the current PeopleSoft term code and the class identifier, followed by @towson.edu.
   
   The PeopleSoft term code, which comes first in the address, is composed of four numbers. The first number is always "1." The second two numbers are derived from the year of the current term, which would currently be "04." The last number indicates the term type (minimester=1, spring=2, summer=3 and fall=4). Therefore, the term code for a class offered during fall semester 2004 would be 1044.
   
   The class identifier, which comes after the term code, consists of the course's subject code, number and section. If the class you were e-mailing were ENGL 102, section 3, the class identifier would be ENGL102003 (no spaces).
   
   So, to get the e-mail address for fall semester 2004's ENGL 102, section 3 class, type the term code and the class identifier (with no spaces in between) followed by @towson.edu: 1044ENGL102003@towson.edu.
   
   
3. Type your message and send the e-mail.
   
   If the term code or class identifier is entered in error, or there are no students enrolled in that particular class, the e-mail will be returned to you as undeliverable.

Mac Corner

Towson's on-campus Mac community may be small, but that doesn't mean OTS won't provide users with a full range of support services. In fact, over fall semester 2004, OTS is expanding its Mac services, as well as creating several new options for support.

In addition to a Mac Corner feature in each issue of TechTalk, here's what else we're providing:

Virtual Mac Support Team
Over the next month, a Mac support team will be formed consisting of three to four OTS Field Support staff members specifically trained to troubleshoot, resolve and support the Mac platform in addition to their general support roles.

Mac Corner Web Site
The Mac Corner Web site will be designed to provide Towson's on-campus Mac users with tips and resources for successful computing.

Users Group Meetings
To facilitate better communication, OTS Field Support plans to organize two Mac users group meetings per semester. These meetings, which will be facilitated by the Virtual Mac Support Team, will be tailored to topics chosen by campus Mac users. They will be held in an open forum style, with discussion and questions encouraged.

Web-Based Mac Users Registry
In the near future on-campus Mac users will be able to register their information online at the Mac Corner Web site. This will allow OTS Field Support to quickly communicate critical information to you, providing you with better and faster support that can be tailored to your machine if necessary.