February 2007

Welcome to the first edition of of the Division of Technology, Information and Learning Support's eNews for QUT staff. This newsletter will provide regular updates on the Division's new services and service improvements. The Division's eNews will also provide updates on Divisional projects, collaborative initiatives and events.

Tom Cochrane

The Pocket Guide for Students includes contact details, opening hours and locations for the Library, QUT Printing Services, Student Centres and the IT Helpdesk. Campus maps are also included. Copies will be available for students at key service points. You can downlaod a pdf copy of the Guide.

Any queries or suggestions regarding the Division's eNews can be directed to the Division's Communication Team: ph. 3138-1180 or email qut.tilscomm@qut.edu.au

QUT Blackboard, QUT's New Learning Management System: Two Faculties Lead the Way

QUT Blackboard, QUT's new learning management system is now in use by the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Information Technology. During 2007, QUT's online learning and teaching environment will move from OLT to QUT Blackboard. The faculties of Health and IT have commenced use of the new system for semester 1 with the remaining faculties transitioning for semester 2. For further information about the LMS project visit: www.tils.qut.edu.au/about/lmsproject and for information about using QUT Blackboard visit: www.ihss.qut.edu.au/blackboard

QUT Alumni: Lifetime Access to the Student ePortfolio

QUT Alumni now have access to the Student ePortfolio for life. This means all graduating students will now have lifetime access to QUT's ePortfolio and Resume Builder. Having access to this professional tool is a major advantage for Alumni who will be able to record evidence, plan and manage their ePortfolio and resume at the time of graduation. More information about the ePortfolio is available at: www.studentportfolio.qut.edu.au

“Ask a Librarian” Service Extended

The Library’s online “Ask-a-Librarian” service has been extended to include a VOIP (Voice over internet protocol) option, using Windows Live Messenger. This enables clients to talk with a librarian online in real time via their PC, and to share applications, to enable librarians to assist clients more effectively with their online searching strategies. More information about "Ask a Librarian" is available at: www.library.qut.edu.au/ask.jsp

Staff and Student IT Services Guides for 2007

The Student and Staff IT Services Guides (formerly called Student & Staff Computing Guides) have been revised and updated for 2007. The guides are an introduction to accessing QUT's online services. The guides are available from: www.itsg.qut.edu.au/

Who do you call? IT Helpdesk Phone Hours in 2007

The IT Helpdesk can be contacted on ph.3138-4000. In 2007 the IT Helpdesk phone hours will be:

Semester, mid-semester break, swot week & exam periods:

• 7am-9pm Monday to Friday
• 9am to 5pm weekends & public holidays
• Closed on Good Friday

Mid-Year Break

• 8am-6pm Monday to Friday
• Closed on weekends

Summer School

• 8am to 6 pm Monday to Friday
• 9am to 5 pm weekends & public holidays
• Closed for Christmas & New Year Break

IT Helpdesk phone, desk and Assignment Minder hours can be found at: www.ithelpdesk.qut.edu.au

QUT Staff Telephone Directory: New & Improved

The QUT Staff Telephone Directory has been given a new user interface. The layout of search results has been improved. The functionality of the search mechanism has been enhanced. It is now possible to search on telephone numbers and email addresses, as well as first and last name. The content of the database has been refreshed and updated to reflect the 5 digit telephone number changes which took place at the end of 2006. The new staff telephone directory is available at: www.qut.edu.au/about/university/staffdir

Copyright & Music on the QUT Network: New Advice

Recent changes to Australian copyright law (Copyright Act 1968 Section 109A) have made it legal for individuals to copy sound recordings without the permission of the copyright owners, in some circumstances. Those circumstances are:

• You must own a legitimate copy of the source recording from which you make your copy
• You may use the copy you make only for private and domestic purposes
• You may play the copy only on a device that you own

If you do not abide by all those conditions, the copy you make will infringe copyright law, unless you have obtained permission from the copyright owners.

For further information contact Margaret Robertson, QUT Copyright Officer (ph.3138-8053; email m.robertson@qut.edu.au)

Academic Skills Kit (ASK): Focusing on First Year Students

TALSS Academic Skills Advisors have developed the Academic Skills Kit (ASK) which they are trialling in semester 1 with interested tutors in a number of schools at QUT. The purpose of this kit is to enable tutors of first year units to help students gain fundamental academic skills that relate to assessment tasks in their unit, reduce student anxiety, improve understanding and independent learning and reduce the number of students contacting tutors with academic skills related issues. The skills covered in the kit include study & time management, reading & notetaking and writing academically. For further information regarding the kit email learning@qut.edu.au or phone 3138-9100.

Printing Requirements for Semester 1, 2007: a reminder

To avoid delays printing requests to the QUT Printing Services (QPS) should be submitted as soon as possible. If you are unsure of the exact quantities required, submit what you think is a minimum and Printing Services will top up the quantities when final numbers are known. Please note that as we are close to the start of semester jobs will be printed according to the date they are received. Currently, the lead time for delivery is approximately 5 working days. Remember printing requests can be submitted in two ways:

1) Remote printer

2) Campus drop off points see: www.qps.qut.edu.au/staff/photocopying/

QPS offers a wide range of services including a CD and DVD duplication service. For a full listing of services visit the QPS website at: www.qps.qut.edu.au