OIT Guide for Instructors

OIT’s Academic Computing group is dedicated to helping instructors incorporate technology into their teaching and research. We can help you explore old and new instructional technologies with a clear focus on meeting your individual teaching goals.

This guide provides an overview of technology resources provided by the Office of Information Technologies (OIT) to UMass Amherst faculty and graduate student instructors.

Get Started

OIT Accounts: Your Passport to Technology Services

Your OIT Account NetID and password give you access to most computing services on campus, including the student records system (SPIRE), the University’s learning management systems (SPARK and Moodle), library resources, and free software downloads.
More about OIT Accounts

View Class Rosters

View or download your class rosters in SPIRE. Access your rosters with photos by completing the Instructor’s Security Certificate.
More about Photo Rosters for Instructors

Request a SPARK Course Web Site

Instructors teaching on-campus courses can create secure, interactive Web sites in Moodle, an open-source learning management system, or SPARK (Blackboard Vista). Request your Moodle or SPARK course in SPIRE every semester.
More about Requesting SPARK Courses

Moodle will be open for use by all instructors starting in spring 2012 and will replace SPARK for on-campus courses by January 2013.
More about Moodle.

Set Up An Email List, Blog & Online Storage Space for Each Course

Create course accounts in SPIRE to get dedicated class email lists, blogs, online storage spaces (UDrive), or Web sites for each of your courses.
More about Course OIT Accounts

Submit Grades

Enter your grades directly in SPIRE or, if you are using SPARK, use our grade upload service to transfer grades at the end of the term (best for large lecture classes).
More about Submitting Grades in SPIRE | More about SPARK to SPIRE Grade Upload

The process of transferring grades from Moodle to SPIRE is under development.

Classroom Technologies

Internet Access & Classroom Audiovisual (AV) Equipment

Many large classrooms feature projection, video, and audio equipment. Additional AV equipment is available by request from Academic Instructional Media Services (AIMS).
More about AIMS

Wired and wireless Internet is available in most campus buildings, including all Registrar-scheduled classrooms.
 More about Wired & Wireless Internet

Computer Classrooms & the Learning Commons

OIT maintains Windows and Macintosh classrooms across campus as well as computers in the Learning Commons and Teaching Commons. Our classrooms are equipped with high-end academic software and can be scheduled for class sessions that require student computer use. Instructors can request additional software for their courses.
More about the OIT Computer Classrooms | More about the Learning Commons

Video Conferencing

Academic Computing’s Video Conferencing Classrooms can easily be connected to similar classrooms in the Five College system or elsewhere in the world. All classrooms support common video conferencing standards. Two classrooms also offer Skype video conferencing.
More about Video Conferencing

Classroom Audience Response System (ARS)

Instructors can use i>clicker, a new audience response system, to engage students and promote interaction in large classes. To use i>clicker for your courses, contact Academic Computing (see back), then place your order with the Textbook Annex.
More about ARS

Course Content on the Web

Course Web Sites in Moodle or Spark

Choose Moodle or SPARK to share course readings, collect assignments, post grades, manage online discussions, or deliver quizzes. SPARK will no longer be available for teaching after Fall 2012.
More about Moodle | More about SPARK

Classes offered through UMassOnline, the University’s online education division, currently use Blackboard Vista, the same software as SPARK, on a platform supported by UMassOnline.
More about UMassOnline

Blogs for Public Web Sites

Blogs are the easiest way to create a public presence for your courses, research, or other projects. Blogs can be used to promote conferences and other departmental events or for course content you want to share with others. For content that needs to remain private, such as grades, choose Moodle or SPARK.
More about Blogs at UMass Amherst

UDrive for Simple File Sharing

UDrive is OIT’s secure online file storage system. Use UDrive to store and share materials with students or colleagues, including people outside the University.
More about UDrive

OWL Online Homework

Online Web-based Learning (OWL) is a homework tool developed at UMass Amherst that allows students to complete assignments, quizzes, and tests online.
More about OWL

Stay Informed

Check TeachOIT, a blog for instructors using instructional technologies.
More about TeachOIT Blogs at UMass Amherst
Attend a workshop. Academic Computing offers monthly workshops on a wide range of technology topics, as well as round-table discussions and other events throughout the year.
More about Academic Computing Workshops
Browse how-to guides on the OIT Web site.
www.oit.umass.edu
Use Atomic Learning, a collection of video tutorials, to learn new software.
More about Atomic Learning

Other OIT Services

Software Discounts

Get free security software, a free Linux operating system customized especially for UMass Amherst (Ubuntu UMass), and discounts on Microsoft and Adobe products. Windows operating systems and popular Microsoft and Adobe software are also available at no cost. Restrictions apply..
More about Software

Computer Repair & Purchasing

OIT Hardware Support provides diagnostic and repair services for computers and peripherals. We also offer competitive rates on desktops, laptops, and accessories through the U$ave program.
More about Computer Hardware Repairs & Discounts

Safe Computing

To protect your computer and identity, OIT recommends that you use security software, update your computer’s software and operating system, and use caution when storing and sharing personal information.
More about Safe Computing

Get Help

Instructional Media Lab

Schedule an appointment for one-on-one help with instructional technology or get your questions answered via phone or email.

• Email instruct@oit.umass.edu
• Call 413-545-2823 (be sure to leave a message)
• Stop by A205 LGRC Lowrise 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., M - F (except holidays)

Instructional Technologies Web Site

Access online tutorials, handouts, and articles about the instructional use of technology. More...

Multimedia Equipment Loan & Support

Call AIMS (413-545-5765) for assistance with AV equipment in your classroom.

OIT Help Desk

Your first stop for general computing questions:

• Fill out an online help request or chat with a consultant at www.oit.umass.edu/support
• Call 413-545-9400 (be sure to leave a message)
• Stop by A109 LGRC Lowrise 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., M - F (except holidays)

SPIRE Training & Support

Get help using class rosters, creating class email lists, or submitting grades.

• Email sis-train@oit.umass.edu
• See www.oit.umass.edu/SPIRE

Our Partners

Academic Computing works with many groups on campus to provide support for instructors, including:

• Center for Teaching & Faculty Development
  Supports the professional development of faculty with a wide range of programs and resources focused on teaching, mentoring, scholarly writing, tenure preparation, leadership, and work/life balance.
• UMass Amherst Libraries
  Offer subject librarians for each academic department, information literacy workshops, electronic reserves, plagiarism prevention software, and a lot more.
• Center for Educational Software Development (CESD)
  Specializes in the design, development, and deployment of instructional technology tools (e.g., OWL, customized multi-media projects).
• Continuing & Professional Education
  Provides course development assistance and support for instructors teaching University courses through Continuing & Professional Education.