Monthly Archives: May 2017

Wireless network update a success – what’s next?

In April, the Michigan Medicine community came together to achieve a significant goal – namely to ensure that enhanced security protocols were in place on all wireless devices connecting to the mission critical network. WiFi security for more than 20,000 devices joining the network daily was the first step in a 19-month initiative to make the IT environment… Read More »

WiFi update

The WiFi Project team continues to upgrade buildings across campus. Visit the project website for additional information. Recently completed: Carver Building, Argus II, 300 N. Ingall, School of Information North, Ford Nuclear Reactor (NEL), 625 E. Liberty, 214 S. State Street, Bonisteel Interdisciplinary Research Building, Galleria, Gerstacker Bldg., South Hall Currently under construction: Dental Bldg., Cooley Bldg, School of… Read More »

HITS professional development series open to Michigan IT community

Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) is offering two workshops in June. They are open to anyone in the Michigan IT community. Competing Values in the Workplace This workshop introduces the HITS model of customer experience. It offers more than simple platitudes regarding customer service – focusing on practical skills and techniques combined with processes used to intentionally… Read More »

Greener computers

By | May 17, 2017

U-M chemists, led by Stephen Maldonado, associate professor of chemistry, have developed a greener, cheaper way to make single-crystalline semiconductor films, components at the heart of all of our electric gadgetry. Single-crystalline films of inorganic semiconductors are the bedrock of nearly all electronics, including smartphones, computers and solar panels. The fastest integrated circuits feature transistors consisting of germanium films… Read More »

Windows 10 now default for new MiWorkspace computers

After a successful soft launch of supporting Windows 10, the newest operating system is now the default for new and rebuilt MiWorkspace Windows computers. Windows 10 has improved performance, a new user interface, and enhanced security. During the soft launch phase between January and May, Neighborhood IT installed Windows 10 on 364 machines, about 20 percent more than… Read More »

Medical, dental educational tool adds new apps

The SecondLook™ Series, an award-winning educational tool that fosters self-review and evaluation, is expanding beyond histology to include mobile applications for musculoskeletal anatomy, neuroanatomy, and oral radiology. The technology behind the SecondLook™ Series was a collaboration between the Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) education and training group and Michael Hortsch, associate professor of cell and developmental biology and associate… Read More »

U-M presents at human-computer interaction conference

By | May 16, 2017

Challenges of ridesharing among low income populations, personalization of health improvement technology, and possible explanations for why we aren’t overwhelmed with choice when shopping online are among the research papers School of Information faculty, alumni, and current students shared at the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Human-Computer Interaction Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, May… Read More »

U-M not affected by worldwide ransomware attacks

U-M has not been affected by the widespread global ransomware attacks on computer networks over the weekend. Even with the U-M campuses — including Michigan Medicine — unaffected at this time, the attack remains a serious, ongoing threat. The attack that started May 12 has spread to more than 150 countries and 200,000 computers. For those affected, the attack… Read More »

Private MCommunity groups now hide owners, moderators

By | May 15, 2017

Private groups in the MCommunity Directory now hide not only the members, but also the owners and moderators. Aside from enhancing overall MCommunity privacy, this feature, which was implemented May 13, will help make the kind of email spoofing that occurred earlier this year more difficult. It stops would-be email spoofers from discovering and impersonating the moderator of… Read More »

Mythbusters: “Slow” universities vs. “fast” edtech companies

By | May 15, 2017

James DeVaney, associate vice provost for academic innovation, thinks the myth that universities are slow to embrace change and edtech companies are always agile is limiting the collective potential of the wide range of actors seeking positive change in higher education. He believes that examining the difference between partnerships and vendor relationships is the key to moving past this paradigm and… Read More »

Use lynda.com to learn on 1,000s of topics

By | May 11, 2017

There is always so much for each of us to learn. From developing our “hard” skills in technology (for example, working with widgets in iOS), to our “soft” skills (such as handling conflict with coworkers), to “fun” skills (for example, learning how to play guitar). All faculty and staff have access to lynda.com—an online training resource that provides… Read More »

Computer use can affect child speech development

By | May 11, 2017

Growing evidence suggests that screen time may have some negative consequences for young children’s development. In a new study of nearly 900 children between six months and two years old, researchers found that those who spent more time using handheld devices were more likely to have delays in expressive speech, compared to children who didn’t use the devices… Read More »

REMINDER: Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day May 17

By | May 11, 2017

Have you placed your pre-order for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day yet? If not, don’t worry. We’re still taking advance product reservations through 9 a.m. on Monday, May 15. If you prefer, visit either store between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Appreciation Day, Wednesday May 17, to shop for one-day discounts on select Apple products—on top of… Read More »

Use template to easily create digital signs

By | May 10, 2017

Want a pre-designed sign layout to get your digital signage up and running quickly? Use a pre-built ITS “Simple Sign.” The ITS Simple Sign App allows you to quickly deploy a fully functional digital sign. The sign includes six basic, customizable elements: U-M logo Scrolling RSS feed from Michigan News Date/time Background image 30-second rotation of announcements and events… Read More »

The aces of Spade

By | May 10, 2017

Growing up in Los Angeles, U-M student Jake Fleshner and his brother liked to visit a local deli, and then nearby stores before heading home. These local businesses often attracted similar customers, so why weren’t they promoting each other to their customer bases? That question eventually led to creating Spade America—a mobile app that lets consumers scan discounts as… Read More »