IT information for instructors - Spring 2025

Thursday, May 1, 2025
by Natasha Jennings

About this communication

A term-based communication highlighting IT-related information that may be relevant to you as you prepare for the upcoming teaching term. The communication may identify IT-related news, changes, availability of tools and services, etc. that may impact, support, and/or enhance teaching and learning activities at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.Ìý

Projects and initiatives

Vevox

  • °Õ³ó±ðÌýVevox platform has been renewed for another year. Vevox is a simple to use platform for real-time polling, Q&A, and interactive quizzes that can support both academic and non-academic uses.

Piazza

  • The site license for Piazza has been renewed for another 2 years.ÌýPiazza is an online question-and-answer platform that blends the functionality of a discussion forum with that of a wiki. Piazza helps students ask and answer their own questions, under the guidance of their instructor or TAs.

iClicker

Turnitin AI detection

Teams Premium

  • Microsoft Teams Premium is available for purchase.ÌýTeams Premium is an add-on to the Teams license available with your UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Microsoft 365 account. It is an offering that builds on the current Teams experience with additional features that help make Teams meetings even more personalized, intelligent, and protected. Teams Premium offers: 
    • More personalized and intelligent meetings
    • Enhanced protection for meetings.
    • Advanced management and reporting capabilities for IT.
    • Advanced Virtual Appointments.

For additional information and details on how to purchase Teams premium please visit .Ìý

Creator+ pilot

  • Creator+ allows creation of interactive digital course content directly in LEARN (D2L Brightspace). Spring 2025 is the last semester Creator+ will be available for pilot testing. Please fill out the expression of interest form if you would like to participate. We welcome and encourage your feedback about Creator+ as your input will help inform the recommendations.

Performance+ pilot

  • Performance+ is a data and analytics tool in LEARN (D2L Brightspace) that provides insights into course and student learning analytics. Please fill out the expression of interest form if you would like to participate. We welcome and encourage your feedback about Performance+ as your input will help inform the recommendations.
Teaching and learning tools and resources

Responsible use and development of AI tools

Guidance on AI use

IST supports the innovative use of technologies to solve problems and optimize processes which support the mission and business operations of the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. Modern technologies which fall under the umbrella of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are becoming more accessible to a wider audience and due to the nature in which they work, require extra caution to be used responsibly.

While the University works on developing its policy on Artificial Intelligence, IST urges proceeding with caution and due diligence while using University data to train, prompt, or interact with AI systems that are not yet licensed or vetted.

All existing University policies still apply to the usage of AI, in the same way they do to all information systems. Ensure an understanding of the following policies:

Available tools

While the University does not currently provide licenses for any enterprise Generative AI tools, Microsoft Copilot is available for use through your UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ account. Use your University username and password to log in to , which can be used for experimentation and to boost productivity. Accessing this service with your UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ account will automatically provide you with .

Non-UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ accounts should never be used in conjunction with University data.

Learn more

Consult the Associate Vice-President, Academic, website for resources supporting use of AI at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.

View IST's Guideline on Artificial Intelligence use to learn more about the responsible use and development of AI tools.Ìý

Self-service options for start of term

Instructional Technologies and Media Services (ITMS) offers the following self-service options to help you prepare for the start of a new term:

Find additional .

Electronic classrooms (E-classrooms) | Fobs, testing, room views

Podium fobs

Podium fobs will not be required for the Winter 2025 term.

Testing technology in centrally supported classrooms complete for Winter term

Complete system tests in all of the centrally supported classrooms has been completed as of December 16. The week before classes start, there will be a second set of tests done on randomly selected classrooms, for as many rooms as possible.

Please note, many of the rooms are in use between the time that ITMS performs any system tests and the start of term; ITMS can only ensure that the systems are completely functional as of the time they are tested.

E-classroom information and training resources, including a 360° view of rooms

Did you know? We have an that includes information about the e-classroom spaces available, training resources, podium instructions, and a 360°Ìýview of the rooms? Have a look today!

Additional classroom technology resources

EdTech Hub

Educational technologies, or EdTech, are digital technology tools used to deliver and facilitate learning, learning activities, and aid in creating or disseminating content.

Visit the EdTech Hub for information about:

  • centrally supported educational technology tools (list tool by CategoryÌý´Ç°ù A-Z), projects and more
  • steps for requesting or renewing a tool
  • status of existing tool requests and/or pilots
  • teaching and learning related projects/initiatives
Training opportunities

New faculty orientation

Our provides valuable information regarding IT services and support to help you prepare for start of term. Information and support resources are available, including:

  • the Educational Technology (EdTech) tools available to deliver and facilitate teaching and learning
  • General IT help and support options
  • Collaboration tools, event, and À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ studio support
  • wireless network (Eduroam)
  • exam scheduling and marking tools

Training course available via LEARN

This information, as well as other key resources like the new faculty orientation site on LEARN, is available via the Faculty Association website.Ìý

LinkedIn Learning

Did you know? is available to all University employees and students. Learn more about the service and how you can integrate content into your teaching and learning initiatives.Ìý

Information and support for IT services

Other teaching and learning services available to you including media production and classroom technology.

Includes Media Resources, assessment tools, and learning management system.

A member of IST will review and respond to your support request or inquiry.