ISSUE

12

1. New E-learning System: Moodle 2.3 Update

Following the success of pilot run for the new version of Moodle during this 2nd semester and summer term, ITU is pleased to announce that Moodle will be upgraded from version 1.9 to 2.3 in the coming 1st semester of 2012/13. The following list highlights some enhancements and new features:

Change to overall screen layout and existing features

• Integrated assignment feature: In 1.9, there are four types of assignment feature which cannot be used interchangeably. In 2.3, it is integrated into one single interchangeable feature for multiple file upload, online text editing and offline activity.
• Consistent teacher menu: In 1.9, some teacher functions are placed in right-hand side while some placed in middle of the screen. In 2.3, a menu with teacher functions is consistently appeared on the left-hand side of the features.
• File organization: Files no longer separately stored in centralized file manager like 1.9, which need additional effort to maintain the file manager. In 2.3, files are directly associated with that course activity.
• Multiple file attachment on forum post: In 2.3, any post created in "News and announcements" or "Discussion forum" allows uploading multiple file attachment.

New features

• Mobile version: A mobile website of Moodle 2.3 is displayed on any HTML5-compatible browsers in nowadays mobile platforms such as iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
• Timed access control to course materials: Teachers can determine a period of time when students can access any course materials.
• Duplicate of any course material within course: This would save teachers’ time from having to recreate a new activity if you only want to slightly change the wording.
• Display description following a course material: A description will be displayed on the course page just below the link to the activity / resource.
• Display course layout in one or split page: The whole course can be displayed on one page or split over several pages.
• New survey feature: It allows teachers to create and conduct surveys to collect students' feedback.
• New book feature: It allows teachers to easily create multi-page resources with a book-like format.
• Upload file with drag and drop: Files, links or hyperlinks can be easily created in a course when teachers drag them from the desktop or file manager into Firefox / Chrome / Safari browsers.
Upload file with drag and drop: Files, links or hyperlinks can be easily created in a course when teachers drag them from the desktop or file manager into Firefox / Chrome / Safari browsers.

ITU will organize various training workshops for staff in this August and September, all teaching staff are strongly suggested to attend the trainings in order to understand new features of Moodle 2.3. Details will be announced in due course.

2. PolyU HKCC/SPEED IT Mega Sales 2012

After communication and negotiation with a number of suppliers, ITU is pleased to announce that three brands namely, Apple, Fujitsu and HP will jointly offer their notebooks and mobile devices at special discount to staff and students in PolyU HKCC / SPEED IT Mega Sales 2012 event. Same as last year, rounds of roadshow will be organized from late July until September in HHB and WK campus. Online ordering will be available to facilitate students and staff members to join the event.

Updated information will be sent through ITU notice and placed at IT Mega Sales page in CPCE Portal (http://portal.cpce-polyu.edu.hk.)

3. IT Mega Sales Tip 1: Importance of Battery Life

One of major improvements of notebook computer this year is the extension of battery life. While most models in last year can work for 3-4 hours, this limit is upgraded to 5-6 hours this year. Some models can even run for 8-10 hours.

Having a notebook computer with longer battery life eliminates the need to charge battery during day time. Besides, user can save the effort of bringing power supply if notebook battery is strong enough for daily use.

User may refer notebook leaflet or sales counter for battery information.

4. IT Mega Sales Tip 2: A New Type of Notebook - Ultrabook

User may hear a new term "Ultrabook" in notebook leaflet this year. Ultrabook is a new kind of notebook defined by Intel which sets some requirement on hardware specification. Generally Ultrabook is thin, embedded with a powerful CPU and have good battery life. As is to meet stylish requirement, Ultrabook may not be cheap as economy models and user may decide on one’s requirement.

5. Update on HHB PC Upgrade Project

HHB PC upgrade project is now in full swing on July and affected areas are now closed for service by phrase. There are some highlights in this upgrade,

IT Lab

• CPU (3rd Generation i7) with 8G Ram to facilitate the use of Virtual Machine and high end software
• Bluray Writer is setup on Teacher PC to allow High-Definition media playing (DVD Writer for Student PC)
• USB 3.0 is provisioned to allow rapid materials
• Ultra Small Form Factor PC case for student PC to release table space for classroom activities

CPCE Libraries

• CPU (3rd Generation i5) with 8G Ram to ensure good user experience
• DVD Drive is retained to play multi-media materials
• Ultra Small Form Factor PC case to release table space

Interested staff are welcome to contact ITU helpdesk for details and new possibilities on learning and teaching activities with better facilities.

6. New Campus License Software

ITU is pleased to announce two software are added to campus license, they are

Microsoft Project Professional 2010 (MS Project Pro)
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2010 (MS VS Pro)

MS Project Pro is a project management tool, intended to assist different tasks in projects, e.g., project plan, resource assignment, progress tracking, budget management and workload analysis. User may check more information of MS Project Pro at
http://www.microsoft.com/project/en-us/project-professional-2010.aspx

MS VS Pro is a software development tool which supports different programming language. User can check the details at
http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/products/2010-editions/professional/overview

MS Project Pro will be installed on all Campus classroom / Lab PC on coming September and MS VS Pro can be installed on request. Please contact ITU helpdesk for further enquiry.