Community Conversations: Technology Preparations

The sixth edition of the Students First: Community Conversations series was held on August 14 and featured Pennie Turgeon, M.B.A., vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Turgeon spoke with students about New York Tech’s investments and updates in technology for the fall 2020 semester, describing how the university is taking steps to enhance the academic experience both on and off campus.

Read about the technology updates being made to the New York City and Long Island campuses.

What tech enhancements have been made to support classes?
Turgeon said that the visual and audio aspects of all classrooms will be updated to enhance the student learning experience. Secondary monitors will also be installed to strengthen wi-fi signals and connections. Turgeon also mentioned that protective covers will be used on keyboards and other high-touch technology so that they may be sanitized more regularly without the risk of damage.

What platforms and software will be used in hybrid and remote classes?
Blackboard and Canvas will be used for coursework and exams, along with Zoom for virtual classes. Turgeon noted that professors have the flexibility to choose which platform they use this year, though Canvas will be the sole operating system for courses in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Students asked about the differences between Blackboard and Canvas, and Turgeon explained that Canvas is much more user and mobile-friendly. New York Tech has also pre-purchased a variety of software that students may download.

Will campuses be equipped for students to use Zoom in shared spaces?
Libraries, open labs, and other common areas will be available to students for Zoom calls and classes. Outdoor hotspots have also been added, and the number of devices and computers will be decreased in classrooms to enforce social distancing. Turgeon added that laptops will still be available in the libraries for students to take out at the New York City and Long Island campuses.

How will my professors prepare to teach remotely?
All professors have received a variety of resources and training to ensure a smooth transition, including remote teaching tools to use at home. Faculty will also be offered workshops to improve their Zoom, Blackboard, and Canvas skills.

Will students have support to help them adjust to remote learning?
Service Central is available to assist with technological difficulties and questions for both faculty and students. A list of tips and tricks for Zoom and virtual lessons will also be shared with students to help enhance their experience.

Students First: Community Conversations is a series of discussions aimed at informing students on the changes to be made at New York Tech during this pandemic and the support systems that are available to members of the campus community. Tune in on Thursday, August 20 at noon to hear from several of New York Tech’s academic deans, including Maria Perbellini, M.Arch., dean of NYIT School of Architecture and Design, Dan Quigley, Ph.D., dean of NYIT College of Arts and Sciences, Babak Beheshti, Ph.D., dean of NYIT College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, and Jess Boronico, Ph.D., dean of NYIT School of Management. View all Students First: Community Conversations Series videos.