from Information Technology Services
Foursquare is a location-based social networking game. Use your smartphone or SMS (text message) to “check in”, share your location with friends, and collect points and virtual badges.
You can also bookmark information about places (venues) that you want to visit, read tips that others have posted, and post your own tips. You can even become the “mayor” of a location!
See what students are saying about Foursquare.
Ever took an anatomy class and wished you had your very own 3D model of the human body? Well, wish no more! Check out “Google Body” by the great folks at Google Labs.
Here’s a short blurb from Google about Google Body:
Google Body is a detailed 3D model of the human body. You can peel back anatomical layers, zoom in, and navigate to parts that interest you. Click to identify anatomy, or search for muscles, organs, bones and more. You can also share the exact scene you are viewing by copying and pasting the corresponding URL.
Note:This only works in Google Chrome.
Links to Blackboard 9.1 tutorials for students and faculty are available on the Help Desk web site. Instructions for faculty on how to migrate courses from Blackboard 8 are also available.
Need more help? Click the Tech Talk button to chat with an IT Assistant or leave a message wthen Tech Talk is offline.
What is file-sharing and why is it bad for the network?
File-sharing is the transfer of files over a computer network, usually via a peer-to-peer (P2P) program where files are stored on individuals’ computers rather than a central server location. Common P2P programs include Limewire, BitTorrent, uTorrent, eMule, Bearshare, and others. What this means is that people with the above listed programs can share files from their computers and download files on other users’ computers.
Problems arise because as long as the program is running, a large number of users can be connected to that computer at one time, all downloading. So even though a single file might be small and of little consequence, the number of people connecting to get that one particular file can be a big detriment on the network and use up a large amount of bandwidth. In addition to that, some programs may route local traffic through a user’s computer, even when no files are shared from that computer, compounding the problems listed above.
What legal concerns accompany file-sharing?
While the sharing of files from one computer to another is perfectly legal, the sharing of copyrighted material without the consent of the copyright holder is illegal. This includes most music, movies, and television shows that are played on the radio and television. If the copyright owner or an entity representing them discovers that someone is sharing their material via a P2P program, they are within their rights to pursue legal action against that person, which may include suing the individual for monetary damages. If you are unsure of whether or not you have permission to share a file, we recommend that you err on the side of caution and avoid doing anything potentially illegal.
What does this mean for students using personal computers or Wi-Fi – enabled personal electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc.) while connected to the Missouri State University network?
Should a student sharing copyrighted material be reported and the student’s illegal activity be confirmed, the student will be notified of the infraction and asked promptly to rectify the situation. A record will be made of the infraction and the student will be submitted to student conduct for further action. Multiple infractions may lead to termination of the student’s access privileges.
Due to the potential problems that accompany using file-sharing programs, we recommend that all students uninstall them. Since many of them start automatically with the device and will share files without the user’s knowledge, refraining from use of the program may be insufficient.
Are there legal ways to discover new music?
Fortunately, there are many legal alternatives to discover new music available that won’t damage the network, won’t put you at risk for viruses and malware, and don’t use up a lot of bandwidth. We have compiled an extensive list of worthwhile, legal music services. Please follow the link to check out our list of legal alternatives.
If you would like to learn more about the legal issues surrounding file-sharing, check out http://www.campusdownloading.com.
Students will soon have the opportunity when dropping a course online to indicate why they are dropping the class. In future semesters this service will begin after the first full week of classes each semester.
New screens students will see are shown below:
Flash Drive 101: The Do’s and Don’ts
As you all know, there are only a few classes which you take that won’t require using a flash drive on which to save your homework assignments. If you’re new to using a flash drive, here some helpful tips:
Do – rename your flash drive!
This can be done in a few simple steps:
1) Plug your flash drive into the computer and wait for the computer to recognize it.
2) If the ‘autoplay’ screen pops up, just hit cancel.
3) Click the start button and then click on ‘My Computer’.
4) Under ‘Devices With Removable Storage’ you should see your flash drive listed (sometimes it will be listed by the brand name of your flash drive)
5) Once you find your flash drive in the list, right click the name and then choose ‘Rename’.
6) Simply type in the new name you wish to use – a good idea would be to use your first name.
Renaming your flash drive ensures that in the event you misplace it, whoever finds it will have an easier time identifying to whom it belongs.
Don’t – leave your flash drive in extreme temperatures!
Below freezing temperatures or excessive heat can do major damage to your flash drive, leaving it unusable. Always keep it in a safe place, preferably at room temperature.
Do – save your work to your flash drive frequently!
If you’re writing an important paper, get in the habit of saving your work every 10 minutes. The sudden loss of power, or accidentally closing out the program you’re using can be extremely frustrating, but even more so if you haven’t saved your progress and then have to go back and write it all over again.
Don’t – forget to take your flash drive with you when you’re done!
If you’ve ever forgotten your flash drive somewhere, you know the helpless feeling you experience, especially if you haven’t saved your work anywhere else. Make a point to always remember to take your flash drive with you when you’re finished working.
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THE 101 – Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts |
If you’re looking for a fun class to take that partially fulfills your Humanities requirements, consider taking Theatre 101. I took this class during the 2010 fall semester. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect out of an online Theatre class, but I have to admit it was more fun than I had imagined!
This class takes you on a trip through time and history, creating a fun learning experience along the way. You’ll watch YouTube videos, be assigned musicals to watch, and even have a live performance to attend. I chose to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Vandivort Center in Springfield. I had never seen a professional live play before—it was awesome! They encouraged audience participation to the fullest by selling props for the viewers to throw onstage as well as providing a program for us to follow along and shout out dialogue during the show. There are other shows to choose from, but I’d recommend seeing Rocky (for immature audiences only)!
There is some reading to do to learn the proper terminology used in the performing arts. Ms. Bennett is a fantastic teacher and guides her students through the class with ease. There’s also some writing to do, but the papers are of interesting subject matter so the semester really flies by. Also, you get to talk to an actor/director during one of the discussion boards through Blackboard. Ask any questions you want about the performing arts—it’s an open collaboration you’re sure to learn from.
So if you’re trying to decide which classes to take to satisfy your General Studies requirements, consider Theatre 101. It’s a refreshing break from all those necessary math classes… Open your mind and sit back and enjoy this fun and exciting course in the performing arts!
“If life is just a stage, then we are all running around ad-libbing,
with absolutely no clue what the plot is.
Maybe that’s why we don’t know whether it’s a comedy or tragedy.”
– Bill Watterson (American Author of the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes)
As college students, we are asked to do a lot of research for papers, discussion boards—you name it. I’ve noticed that sometimes when I find a really good source, the page is either gone when I try to find it again or I just can’t remember how to get back to that particular page. Bookmarking can be helpful but Diigo offers so much more.
By using Diigo, you can highlight text, bookmark, and attach sticky notes to webpages. The highlights and sticky notes are nice because they stay on the original webpage, so when you access the material through your Diigo account, you don’t lose any important information! Also, you can access your account from any computer or iPhone, so you’ll always have your information easily accessible.
Features:
You can also bookmark a page to Diigo by uploading the material to your personal account. Diigo allows you to search your collection of information by tags, highlights, sticky notes, etc. Tags are better for sporadic information while lists are helpful to organize, share, and display your collected material. You can also play with WebSlides and use any list of URLs as a slideshow!
Stop losing important information today – try Diigo!
What social media tools are available that could enhance communication between you and your customers or clients? This presentation shows some options.
The awesome part of becoming a registered nurse is that when you graduate with the Associate of Science in Nursing degree, you have a broad choice of specialties in which to work. After graduating, you can start working in the emergency room, oncology unit, labor, delivery & infant special care, critical care & intermediate units, surgery room, neuropsychological unit, nursing home or flight nurse among many other specialties. The nursing department will host some educational seminars for students interested in applying to the program; this is a great opportunity to get some of your questions answered. When I first started college the seminar helped by directing me where to start in entering the program. The following are the days and times of the seminars in Kellett 101:
If you have any questions regarding these seminars you may call the director of nursing, Donna Jones at 255-7245, or email them at WPNursing@missouristate.edu.
To qualify for acceptance into the program you need to have the following prerequisites done: English 110, Math 103 and Chemistry 105 with lab. Also, you must have an ACT score that is less than five years old, and your grade point average (GPA) needs to be high enough to get a score of 55 when the ACT score is multiplied by your college or high school GPA. A score of 55 is the minimum score you need to enter the program.
Acceptance into the program is very competitive. About 60% of applications are accepted. Usually, applications are turned down because of grades or other reasons. For prospective freshmen, I would suggest to take some time to get the prerequisites and as many of the general studies classes out of the way as possible, especially anatomy and physiology. The Associate of Arts in General Studies degree is required if you want to complete your bachelor’s degree.
