May 23-24, 2006
K-State Student Union
Manhattan, Kansas 66506


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Contact:
check2006@ksu.edu

Abstract: Federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, states that institutions receiving federal funds must provide equal access to all services and programs for students with disabilities. At Kansas State University, these
accommodations are provided through the Disability Support Services office. Accommodations frequently provided for students enrolled in the “traditional” classroom may include sign language interpreters, note-takers, use of audio books, and test taking accommodations.

Abstract: Spurred by accreditation requirements, faculty in the Kansas State University humanities departments joined with representatives from university information technology departments, facilities, and the libraries to plan and design a collaborative learning space with an emphasis on digital technologies.

Computer Security Roundtable
Presenter(s): Larry Havenstein, Network Engineer & Technical Support Manager, Information & Educational Technology, Department of Communications, Kansas State University, Marin Dowlin, College of Human Ecology, Kansas State University

Abstract: A discussion of computer security issues moderated by K-State Security Incident Response Team. Discussion of current threats, what are the current popular security software, and how universities are dealing with security issues.

Designing for Reusability: The Axio Learning LMS
Presenter(s): Rob Caffey, Director of Mediated Education, Kansas State University, Scott Finkeldei, Assistant Director of Mediated Education, Kansas State University, Bryan Rall, Software Architect for Mediated Education, Kansas State University, and David Young, Axio Learning.

Abstract: As Kansas State University developed and expanded its own
learning management system (Axio Learning) for both true distance as well as face-to-face education, it became apparent that others wanted to use Axio Learning at their institutions. For this to be successful, Axio Learning needed to be able to handle custom configuration, branding and integration with various existing systems via an instance management interface to allow for maximum flexibility.

Abstract: From nearly identical legacy systems (IBM, Cobol, CICS) Fort Hays State University and Wichita State University have taken very
different and successful paths to providing new ERPs. Pittsburg State University and FHSU have quickly built out campus-wide wireless coverage with different but equally effective methods.

Disaster Recovery - A Real-Life Experience from the University of Kansas
Presenter: Donna Liss, Associate Vice Provost for Information Services, University of Kansas.

Abstract: The session isorganized into three areas: 1) an overview of the day’s activities, 2) lessons learned, and 3) steps for mitigating problems.

Help Google Find Kansas Universities
Presenter(s): Amy Hartman, Electronic Document Librarian, Department of Agronomy Communications, Kansas State University

Abstract: University web authors want their pages to appear prominently in search results for Google and other search engines, but they are competing with millions of other pages for the top of the list. When a web page reaches the top of search results, it’s like winning the Olympics. Many University pages could be improved to win a high search rank. Authors can improve their chances of winning by using metadata and by knowing what types of content can improve the rank of a web page. Mutual links among universities help improve page ranks. A descriptive title for the web page with lots of key words is beneficial. Update frequently, and use keywords generously in content (but avoid overuse). Site maps help too. Improving a page to improve search results is called search engine optimization.

Abstract: Universities face many challenges as they address issues in software licensing. A round-table discussion entitled “We are not alone in this!” will ensue to elicit ideas and solutions that have been successful for other institutions. This will also provide a chance to network with other institutions doing similar work.

Implementing and Promoting an Institutional Repository
Presenter(s): Martin Courtois, Computer Information Specialist, iTAC, Kansas State University, Holly Mercer, Coordinator of Digital Content Development, University of Kansas

Abstract: Nearly all scholarly and administrative output of colleges and universities is “born digital,” which presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of providing access to and preserving this content. An emerging tool for addressing this is the “institutional repository,” a system to capture and make available scholarly and research materials such as articles authored by faculty, student papers, and data sets.
Repositories might also include digital content from other aspects of campus life, such as administrative documents, online courses, or records of artistic performances. The main idea is that the products of the college or university are more readily available to faculty, students, and the community, and are preserved for continued access and use.
In this panel session, presenters from the University of Kansas and Kansas State University will provide an overview of issues to consider in establishing and promoting an institutional repository. The presenters will also report on the development of repositories, using DSpace software, at their respective institutions. The University of Kansas’ KU ScholarWorks has been in production since March 2005; it contains scholarly work created by the faculty and staff of the University of Kansas. At Kansas State University, initial efforts have focused on establishing a program where graduate students submit electronic versions of their theses and dissertations to the institutional repository.
This session will help other campuses identify major issues to consider in establishing their own digital repositories and highlight areas for possible collaboration among Board of Regents institutions.

Abstract: Internet2 is a research-only network among the 207 largest universities tasked with developing the next generation Internet protocols, security, applications, etc. The Internet2 K20 initiative brings together Internet2 member institutions, primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, libraries, and museums to get new technologies into the hands of innovators, across all educational sectors in the United States, as quickly and as “connectedly” as possible. Kansas has an education network (KanREN) that is an Internet2 education group participant.

Kan-Ed, KanREN, KANWIN Status Report
Presenter(s): Doug Heacock, Executive Director, KanREN, Inc.

Abstract: In 2005, the Kansas Legislature passed an appropriations bill for Kan-Ed that included a mandate for an efficiency study involving the three major state networks: KanREN, Kan-Ed, and KANWIN. Representatives from the networks conducted the study and prepared a report for the 2006 legislative session. This session will summarize the key findings and recommendations from that report, and will include updates on any pertinent activity from the 2006 legislative session, and ongoing collaborative efforts.

Meeting Changing Needs for the IT Help Desk
Presenter(s): Waldo O. Berry, III, Manager for Help Desk and Development Operations, Kansas State University, Fred W Darkow, iTAC Technology Trainer, Kansas State University

Abstract: In the last 25 years, the rise of computers, the Internet and other technology in education has created the need for an IT Help Desk. The IT Help Desk often starts at one point with specific demands and changes to meet the needs of newer technology, software and educational demands. This presentation will discuss the evolution of the Kansas State University IT Help Desk and its growth from a segmented, specialized group of Help Desks to an integrated, multi-tiered Help Desk. During the discussion, topics addressed will include the challenges of developing multi-faceted support with multiple access points, effective reference materials, self help pages, in depth training and re-training processes, contact documentation and metrics, quality assurance, IT integrity and accountability, security and confidentiality.In addition to discussing the challenges addressed in
attaining our current IT Help Desk capabilities, we will also note the
challenges on the horizon and how we plan to evolve the IT Help Desk to meet them.

Project Management – Risk Management
Presenter(s): Mike Wright, Project Manager, University of Kansas;
Gail Schaplowsky, Project Manager, University of Kansas

Abstract: We have been promoting Project Management at KU via a PM101 class. We wanted to continue the development of our PM skills and increase our maturity in Project Management. To help accomplish this, we developed a follow-up workshop specifically for promoting Risk Management as an important discipline within Project Management. Identifying and managing risks help administrators and managers make better decisions about which projects to approve, continue, or discontinue; and increases the likelihood of project success. Our workshop discusses why Risk Management is important and how to identify and manage risks during a project. Our presentation will discuss how we have structured this class and look at the course content.

Pursuit of Single Sign-On - Identity Management in the Sungard/SCT Environment
Presenter(s): Jason Holmes, Lead Technical Support Analyst, Wichita State University

Abstract: This session will describe progress towards the use of external authentication services (via the Sun Java System Directory Server) in a quest towards the holy grail of “Single Sign-on”. A more realistic goal of a single set of authentication credentials (username/password) for all systems has been achieved across core Banner 7.0(INB and SSB), Luminis 3.X, and other institution-wide applications such as Blackboard. This has required configuration changes to all components of the Banner suite as well as
external applications. In addition, custom applications have been built for ensuring password synchronization between systems that cannot leverage LDAP services. Both successes and “lessons learned” in the currently
evolving project will be discussed, along with specific modifications (and custom-code) that have been required in INB, SSB, Luminis, Blackboard, as well as our email platform (SJMS). There will be a brief discussion of future plans including the use of Oracle’s Internet Directory, the integration of reporting services via Active Directory and Microsoft Reporting Service.

Abstract: RINGS provides a complete open source system that scales to the entire campus. This system includes layered security, DHCP services, device registration, account management, security notifications, device security, and an administrator interface that provides tools to technicians, management, and IT security that they need to get their job done effectively. The recent decline in computer and network security has made the task of keeping users safe and accountable a difficult one. RINGS (ResNet Integrated Next Generation Solution) sets out to make these tasks easier. The RINGS system registers users with a device and then allows them on the network only after they have passed a preset level of security. This includes but is not limited to anti-virus installation, a virus free scan, Windows OS level, patch level and firewall requirements. These devices are then registered with ANSR (Advanced Network Services Registry), which provides them DHCP information. The system also provides device management and a way to integrate business functions, such as billing, into your networking model.
RINGS has simplified management of our 4000+ ResNet customers. Overall virus infections are down with less than 1% of student computers affected. RINGS is the centralized location for everyone involved with IT to come together for information. This presentation will be of value to
attendees because it provides an in-depth look at the security problems faced by institutions everywhere and to provide an enterprise grade, open source solution that is independent of network configuration, number of
subscribers, or the Universities’ business model.

Strategies, Challenges, and Solutions to Consider in the Design and Implementation of an ePortfolio Initiative
Presenter(s): Darrin Cheney, Director of Teaching and Learning Technologies, University of Kansas Medical Center

Abstracts: The School of Medicine requested an integrated ePortfolio to demonstrate student competency in the medical curriculum. The School of Nursing requested an ePortfolio initiative to demonstrate student competency in a redesigned, online Ph.D. program. The purpose of this session is to explore the process, the challenges and the solutions that the University of Kansas Medical Center used in the design and integration of not one, but two ePortfolio initiatives in less than 6 months. This session will explore the planning/design process, the politics, the challenges, and the technology used to support both projects. Participants will learn valuable insights to take back to their institution.

Abstract: “Getting the word out” is not an easy task in the university setting. There are a variety of reasons we need to communicate with one another: communicating within our departments, communicating with team members on a university project, educating our users on how to perform a task, and assisting library patrons remotely. Collaboration is key to our success whether we are working on a small procedure within our office, or on a major university project. There are wealth of communication tools that can be utilized to help us reach our communities.

Transforming an IT Community: Techniques for Creating a Collaborative Service Culture
Presenter(s): Mark Ferguson is Director of the Information Technology Project Services at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He has a significant role in the strategic planning and implementation of IT organizational and operational initiatives. Most recently, this has included adapting and implementing service management processes and establishing a project services office within IT. During his eight years at the University, he has also been the Health Sciences Center webmaster and the manager of the web development team. Prior to joining the University, he worked for 17 years in broadcast television and multimedia development. Mark holds a BA in Journalism and a master's degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma.
David Horton is the Director of IT Infrastructure Services at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City where he oversees the teams responsible for the campus network, voice system, enterprise servers, storage and data centers. He is driving a significant transformation agenda within Infrastructure Services including organizational restructuring, creation of a service management culture, widespread upgrades of campus IT infrastructure, internal process improvement, and staff professional development. David assumed this role in 2004 after three years at OUHSC as a Technical Architect. He has twenty years of prior technology and computing experience including software development, retail, and consulting and holds a number of technical certifications. David attended Oklahoma City University.  

Abstract: The Information Technology department at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is transforming itself by adapting service management best practices such as ITIL. Learn how we addressed problems of collaboration, information sharing and process improvement with the Huddle and the Top 70. Through these and other techniques we have cultivated engaged professionals, improved operational effectiveness and wowed our customers.

Using a Content Management System to Save Web Development and Maintenance Time
Presenter(s): Gamage Dissanayake, Information and Educational Technology, Kansas State University; Sethu Subramanian, Information and Educational Technology, Kansas State University; Roger Terry, Director, Information and Educational Technology, Kansas State University; Neal Wollenberg, Information and Educational Technology, Kansas State University; Linda Sleichter, Information and Educational Technology, Kansas State University.

Abstract: Because the World Wide Web has become an integral part of so many organizations, more and more people are involved in the Web development process. Webmasters can be overwhelmed with design and content maintenance. Content Management Systems (CMS) have been around for some time. Their popularity is increasing due to factors like the ability to separate design issues from content issues and workflow. This affects the ability to establish a common look and feel deeper into a site or across many related sites. It also makes it easier to include more people in the site organization, management and maintenance.

Abstract: A full computer tool kit was devised using Open Source and Freeware Software. Versions of the kit exist for faculty/staff/students and for the public. A discussion of licensing issues dealing with Freeware Software and how packaging the kit was addressed for computer users of all levels. There will also be a discussion of supporting Open Source and Freeware. Samples of the public computer tool kit will be given to attendees.

Why The University of Kansas Medical Center recently switched from Blackboard to ANGEL Learning
Presenter(s): Darrin Cheney, Director of Teaching and Learning
Technologies, University of Kansas Medical Center

Abstract: The University of Kansas Medical Center recently switched from Blackboard to ANGEL Learning to better support learning initiatives within the schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health. This session will explore the planning and design process, the politics, and the technology used to support this exciting enterprise level project. The presenter will discuss strategies to obtain faculty buy-in, explore course conversion issues, and discuss faculty training strategies. How to implement ANGEL as an enterprise level solution for collaboration and resource sharing among departments and researchers will also be discussed. Additionally, using ANGEL components to support the design and delivery of online instruction will be explored. The presentation will:
- share how the instructional designers and faculty use collaboration groups to help facilitate the design of online instruction and instructional
programs;
- explore how researchers and departments use ANGEL to support initiatives and accreditation processes;
- demonstrate how templates are used to design learning components;
- demonstrate how an Object Repository is used to manage curriculum, lectures, and course components; and
- discuss how Modules are created with linked content from an Object Repository to provide students access to teaching resources in a large lecture format with limited support resources. Participants will learn valuable insights to take back to their institutions.