Author: Ashley Tschakert Foertmeyer

Tech Tip of the Week: Add Another Language to Video Captions

Video captions in Illinois Media Space are added in English but there may be times that you wish to add captions in another language, too. You can do this by downloading the captions file from Media Space and then paste them into Word or a similar text file to translate. Once you are done translating the captions into the desired language, go back to the video page in Media Space and click “edit” under the “Actions” heading. Click on “captions” and then select “Upload captions file.” You’ll be able to select the language of the translated captions to be added to the video. After you save the captions to the video file, users will be able to select the language of the captions when they view the video.

Tech Tip of the Week:Embedding Picture in Discussion Posts

Embedding a picture in a Canvas discussion post can be completed in three simple steps. First, make sure the image you want to embed is saved as a jpeg file on your computer. Second, within the discussion post reply, click the image button to add your picture file. Finally, after you add the accompanying text within your post, click the reply button. You can find additional information on using image files in a discussion post in the Canvas Student FAQs.

Tech Tip of the Week: Accessible Links

Whenever you need to include a link in an email or on a webpage, make sure you follow accessibility guidelines to ensure easy access for all. Creating accessible links helps those using screen readers determine exactly what information they will find by choosing a link. When links do not have meaningful associated text, those using screen readers might be unsure of where a link leads. The following tips avoid this issue. 

  • Embedded hyperlinks should be included within meaningful text. Avoid wording such as “learn more” or “click here.” 
  • Do not display the URL as the hyperlink. 
  • If directing someone to email for more information write, “Questions about [topic] can be directed to [written out email address]” and attach link to the written out email address. 

For more accessibility tips, check out the accessibility training on the iSchool Technology Training page located on Canvas.

Tech Tip of the Week: Canvas Mobile Apps

Whether you are an instructor or a student, there may be times that you need to check Canvas away from your computer. You could use a browser on your phone but you know that many functions are not mobile compatible and those that are can still be difficult to navigate. Fortunately, you can download the Canvas Student App or Canvas Teacher App instead. From participating in discussions to seeing or posting grades, the Canvas mobile apps allow users to access their courses easily while on the go.

Tech Tip of the Week: Installing Printers and Using Papercut

Have you ever needed to print something and not known where to do it? Never fear! The iSchool has some printers that you can use!
Location:
We recommend the use of public printers Optimus, located conveniently right next to the Help Desk on the second floor or Chip who resides next to room 12 on the first floor, both located in 501 E. Daniel St. In the new building, we recommend using Luna, located next to the Help Desk on the 4th floor. To learn more about the public printers and where they live, check out this Wiki page. We will do a second Tech Tip in the future regarding printers to use in the new building once everything is set up there!
Printing Cost and Quota:
iSchool Masters and CAS students have $21 a semester for printing costs. You must be currently enrolled in an iSchool course to use this budget. School Faculty, Staff, and PhD students are not charged for printing, although it is tracked. Both black and white and color printing costs $0.07/page. Color printing is available on Optimus, located on the 2nd floor near the Help Desk. Check your printing balance on the Illinois Papercut page.  Unused printing quotas do not carry over. Additional printing quota can be purchased on the IlliniCash website. 
 
Undergraduate iSchool students have access to printers across campus, including the ones in the iSchool. Undergraduate printing cost is $.10/page on monochrome printers and $.40/page on color printers. Color printers charge $.40/page even if monochrome documents are printed.
Printer Installation for your computer:
Though we do have self-service kiosks for both Chip and Optimus where you can log in and print from, there is also the option for you to download the printers on to your computer, so when you are in the building you will be able to print. Instructions for how to install the printers on Mac are here and PC here! Always feel free to drop by the Help Desk if you need assistance with installing printers or have any other questions!
 

Tech Tip of the Week: Loanable Technology

Did you know that you can borrow equipment as well as books from the University Library? Both the Grainger IDEA Lab and the Media Commons have loanable technologies, including game consoles and virtual reality headsets. 
 
The iSchool Help Desk has some loanable technologies like Windows or Mac laptops, dongles, and more!
 
At the iSchool Help Desk, equipment may be borrowed by faculty, staff, and graduate students of the iSchool, whereas the University Library can lend to our undergraduate friends as well! The iSchool Help Desk has a first come first serve basis, so when we are running low on equipment, you can contact us ahead of coming to verify that the Help Desk has what you are looking for. 
 

Tech Tip of the Week: iSchool Wiki Zoom Resources

Welcome back, iSchoolers! Getting back into the swing of Zoom classes and meetings can be overwhelming, but the Help Desk has you covered with all the Zoom documentation you could need. The iSchool wiki has a dedicated page for Zoom resources and documentation, including tips on how to sign in to Zoom using SSO, navigating breakout rooms, and adding Zoom meetings to your Outlook calendar. Check out our Zoom documentation on the wiki here! 
And as always you can ask the Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns about Zoom! We are currently working in the iSchool building on the 2nd floor, and you can also reach us at 217-244-4903 or 800-377-1892, ischool-support@illinois.edu, and on our TechChat.

Tech Tip of the Week: Fall Technology Workshops

The iSchool Help Desk is planning to host several workshops throughout the semester to provide iSchool students with opportunities to build their tech skills. But before we schedule them, we would like to hear from you about what you would like to see! 

To access previous workshops hosted by the Help Desk, visit the iSchool Technology Training page on Canvas. You can watch recordings and review course materials, as well as get ideas about what else you’d like to learn.

Tech Tip of the Week: Clearing Cache and Cookies

Clearing cache and cookies is the first troubleshooting option you should try when encountering browser issues, such as slow load times or error messages. By doing this, you can help optimize your computer’s performance and verify if the issue originates in the website or app you are using. The Help Desk has links listed on the Wiki on how to clear the cache on popular web browsers. If you still have have issues after clearing cache and cookies, contact the Help Desk to troubleshoot further!

Tech Tip of the Week: Trick for Recording Audio

Whether you are recording audio for a podcast or a class presentation, mistakes are bound to happen. When you make a mistake, clap your hands or make a loud noise. That way, when it’s time to edit, you will see a spike in the audio waves and can quickly locate errors you need to remove.