Emerging Technology & Research

News

Pronto becomes Blackboard Instant Messaging!

This message is for Pronto users connected to the University of Alabama and others affected by Pronto changes. Please be aware that Blackboard, the vendor that supplies Pronto, will be applying changes to the tool on July 24. These changes will rebrand Pronto as Blackboard Instant Messaging (BbIM) and may result in interruptions in service. In the coming weeks, the University of Alabama will also be applying changes to this tool that will add new functions to the instant messaging service. While users will need to download and install the new IM client, they will not have to register again for IM accounts. Users will be notified by the program when the new version is ready for download and will be stepped through the upgrade process.  Those who manage labs or office computers that include Pronto and need lab installation files, please contact rshuttle@ua.edu.
 
Questions? Please contact Rachel Shuttlesworth Thompson at rshuttle@ua.edu.
About ETR:

Part of the Center for Instructional Technology in the Office of Information Technology, this unit has been developed to assist the University of Alabama with evaluating and implementing new instructional technology tools. These range from new-to-UA tools, like enterprise wiki solutions, and recently invented projects, like Microsoft Kinect and iOS app development. As technology use grows in UA classes and other learning environments, it becomes vital to have resources devoted to what is coming down the pike, ensuring that we ask the right questions, are prepared for support,  and make good decisions to aid UA in its continued growth and success.

Stay tuned for more information about these and other exciting projects!
Research Technology and Resources:

• High Performance Computing:
  Follow the progress of the RC2 installation and migration at http://rc2-docs.ua.edu/ 
• Visualization, Virtualization, Simulation, and Gaming
  Do you know what areas on campus are using these and other exciting technologies? From Social Work to Engineering, emerging technology capabilities are breaking new ground at UA!

Current Projects:

• Learning Management System Transition:
  What comes after eLearning? It has to be BIG, secure, stable, and ready to meet UA faculty and student needs!
  
• Lecture Capture Tool Evaluation:
  How does UA use its lecture capture tools? What can be done to make lecture capture more successful at UA?
• Blackboard Collaborate Rollout:
  Taking meetings online? Helping students with greater speed and ease? How can this new suite of tools help this happen?



Future Prospects

• Enterprise wiki tool
• ePortfolios

Contact ETR: Dr. Rachel Shuttlesworth Thompson at rshuttle@ua.edu.