Information Technology Services is playing an important role in the transition to new university identification cards that will also serve as proximity cards to access buildings or rooms on campus.

“Prox cards” offer higher security than keys because when they are lost, or when the cardholder leaves the university, the cards can be deactivated remotely. The Directory and Authentication (DNA) team in ITS-Administrative Information Systems is heavily involved in the project, working in partnership with UI Police, Facilities Management, and the Treasury Office.

The new Iowa One Cards converge electronic identity (HawkID) and physical identity (ID card and prox card). DNA Team leader Chris Pruess co-led the identity convergence project and participated in planning the Iowa One re-carding project. She was also instrumental in the redesign of the card and reviewing the request for proposals for the banking relationship aspect of the card.

If you’ve traveled to other schools to visit friends, collaborate in research, or take part in a conference, you’ve probably had to track down a guest ID for wireless service. You’ll have to do that less often thanks to a recent enhancement to the University of Iowa wireless network. Find the full story here.

The University of Iowa honored Information Technology Services and Research Information Systems staff members with Improving Our Workplace Awards this spring. IOWA Awards recognize UI employees who demonstrate initiative and innovation that has a positive impact in their workplace.

ITS recognized the recipients at a reception April 19. Associate Vice President and CIO Steve Fleagle thanked and congratulated the winners, noting that ITS and RIS are proud of the staff and partners involved with the projects, and that their hard work and accomplishments will benefit many people.

The layout of the proposed Learning Commons

In fall of 2013, University of Iowa students will have a tech-infused, 24-hour, comfy study space and one-stop academic help center … with good coffee.

Designed with significant input from students, the new Learning Commons will provide an “intellectual hub” with space for 500-plus students. The 37,000-square-foot space in the UI Main Library is the product of a unique partnership among Information Technology Services (ITS), University Libraries, and the Office of the Provost.

“The Learning Commons is focused, first and foremost, on furthering the academic success of students,” says University Librarian Nancy Baker. “The staff will provide students with a ‘concierge’ experience. They’ll answer common academic, library and technology questions and point students to the resources they need to succeed, like help with their research, writing, or tutoring.”

Features of the project include 18 group study spaces, 200 desktop and laptop computers, a 45-seat TILE (Transform, Interact, Learn, Engage) classroom with glass walls and sliding doors, printers and scanners, TVs and projectors, and multimedia resources.

“Our design team spent a lot of time watching how students study, and particularly noticed how much they leveraged technology in their daily work habits. This space, with its multimedia resources, collaboration technologies, and wall-to-wall wireless, is reflective of the way today’s students integrate technology into their lives,” says ITS Learning Spaces Director Chris Clark.

Of course, the design team also considered students’ stomachs, because students can’t concentrate on their studies when they’re hungry. The Food for Thought café will offer an expanded menu that includes hot Panini sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks as well as espresso and gourmet coffees.

“We want to create an ambiance that welcomes students,” Clark says.

According to Associate Provost Beth Ingram, the most important feature of the space is its flexibility.

“The Learning Commons is many different kinds of study spaces and services rolled into one,” she says. “With technology, information, and expertise combined in one location, it’s a space where students can study with a group or by themselves; where they can have a coffee with friends and then go to a workshop on stress management; where they know they can get answers to questions about information resources, technology, or tutoring services.”

Of course part of the challenge in creating such a massive space for students is minimizing the impact the construction process will have on daily student life. Associate University Librarian Hope Barton says the impact on current study spaces will be minimal. The area being remodeled was office space, and most of the construction will take place during the summer.

The total project cost is estimated at $14.5 million. The primary funding source is the UI General Education Fund, but that doesn’t cover the entire cost of the renovation. Private support is also critical to creating learning spaces for students. For more information about how private support benefits students, contact Randy Rumery, UI Libraries liaison for the UI Foundation, at randy-rumery@uiowa.edu, 319-335-3305 or 800-648-6973. You also may visit www.uifoundation.org/libraries.

“This will really be a fantastic resource for University of Iowa students,” Ingram says. “We’re excited to see the project come to completion so students can start making the most of the new space.”

Information Technology Services recently partnered with the University of Iowa’s Department of Theatre Arts, International Writing Program, UITV, and the Moscow Art Theatre to present a live transnational theatrical performance. Technology and the expertise of ITS staff members brought together actors for a collaborative bilingual performance – despite the fact that they were on two separate stages, 5,000 miles apart.

The first performance took place on March 9, and more events of this kind will be arranged as the three-year Book Wings project continues. Funded by the Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Book Wings is a creative exchange among American and Russian writers, actors, directors, and new media professionals in a virtual environment. The project aims to foster a cross-cultural conversation, spark new literary and dramatic ideas, and create an enduring body of work.

Les Finken, innovation strategy manager in ITS-Instructional Services, is leading the tech aspects of the project, utilizing high-speed IP networks, high-definition video projection and cameras, professional-grade microphones, and external audio and video mixing consoles. Audio and video signals are captured into DV format for web streaming, and videoconferencing brings performers together in a virtual environment.

“High-speed IP networks are creating opportunities for new types of real-time applications that connect artists and audiences across the world,” Finken says. “These networks were initially used almost exclusively by researchers to collect, process, and share large data sets. Now, more and more academic institutions are using professional audio and video technology integrated with high-definition videoconferencing to create high-performance virtual learning environments.”

Finken says projects like these have significant implications for teaching and learning. People who are not directly involved with a videoconference can still benefit by accessing the live stream to observe the learning exchange. During the March 9 Book Wings event, UI students were able to witness the performance at the Theatre Arts Department’s Theatre B while classes at Towson University in Towson, Maryland, and Columbia College in Chicago watched online.

Other fine and performing arts fields are taking advantage of HD video conferencing as well. Much broader audiences are able to participate in public lessons or classes in a concert hall setting. The technology also opens up opportunities for musicians and dancers who can audition affordably from their home state or country. ITS implemented this capability for the UI Department of Dance in 2011.

For more information on the project, contact les-finken@uiowa.edu in ITS, or nathanael-brown@uiowa.edu in the International Writing Program.

If you’re curious what’s happening on the University of Iowa Pentacrest at any given time, you can now tune into a live high-definition view at http://webcam.iowa.uiowa.edu/. Information Technology Services upgraded the camera to HD this month. It features a wide-angle view of the iconic Old Capitol and neighboring buildings, with west-campus structures in the background.