May 2024’s updates bring several exciting changes and important notices for our learning technologies. We’ve introduced a new feature that allows students to view grade item feedback attachments directly from the gradebook, we’re rolling out a major update to the VoiceThread interface on May 31st, and the Webex/iCollege integration gets an update on June 2nd. Additionally, please be aware that SMS notifications for iCollege will no longer be available starting in July. See below for details, and please get in touch with help@gsu.edu if you encounter any problems or have questions.
Webex in iCollege
In an effort to prepare for an upgrade to Georgia State University’s instance of Webex, an update for the current Webex/iCollege integration will be made on Sunday, June 2nd. This new interface will look different, but all your meetings and settings will be available immediately. To use features that require Webex user authorization, such as scheduling new meetings, you will need to sign in to Webex again. Webex LTI Legacy introduces several improvements, including enhanced recording syncing, new meeting scheduling options, and a revamped classroom collaboration experience.
Please note that with the release of Webex LTI Legacy, two key changes may affect your classroom usage:
- Course Calendar – Scheduled meetings will not be available to add to the iCollege course calendar.
- Classroom Collaboration – The Classroom Collaboration tab will no longer display as a window inside of iCollege. Clicking the classroom collaboration tab will instead open your class’s team in the Webex App.
Faculty and Student guides for using the new interface can be found below:
VoiceThread's New Look
We are excited to announce that a VoiceThread design update is launching on May 31st! This new interface brings dozens of new features and enhancements designed to make your online interactions more accessible, simple, and user-friendly. Key updates include a single, easy-to-follow timeline for comments, zoomable commenting, and enhanced navigation options. You can find more information and a recorded webinar using the links provided below.
More Information:
https://voicethread.com/blog/new-voicethread-simpler-more-accessible-and-more-powerful-2023-09-07/
Workshop Recording:
Feedback files are now available in Grades for Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions
iCollege Text Notifications End in July 2024
Effective July 2024, SMS notifications will be no longer be available from iCollege. To ensure uninterrupted communication, and stay up-to-date on announcements and deadlines, please encourage students to transition to using the Brightspace Pulse app for push notifications. In addition to push notifications, the Pulse app provides an easy view of course calendars, assignments, grades, and announcements.
