FAST FIVE for week of March 25, 2012

MunMail Exceeds 3,800: The new Memorial University email system for students now exceeds 3,800 users. MUNmail, as it is called, was set up as an alternative to the existing student Webmail. The service goes beyond email and includes GMail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs. Existing email addressed are maintained, as are existing email messages. The interface uses the Memorial brand and there are no advertisements. Check it out on FaceBook at: MUNmail

Western University Picks Sakai: Western will be replacing WebCT with Sakai as its new learning management system. The first phase of the implementation started with a small pilot of 10-12 courses. The pilot is designed to allow instructors, students, and the support team to test the interface, tools, and functionality of the new system. The first phase of the pilot will be held over a four-month period running from January through April. A larger pilot will run through the spring and summer, with the goal of having all courses running on the new platform in September 2012. Training and migration support started in February. Further details can be found at: Sakai at Western

Queen's University IT Engages Students: A new Student Advisory Committee was established at Queen's to discuss Information Technology and Services. The students will set the agenda and discuss issues important to them with the Queens IT department. Students will also share where they want go in the future with IT at the university. Queen's Student Committee

Guelph Names New Chief Librarian and CIO: Rebecca Graham has been named the University of Guelph's new Chief Librarian and CIO. She starts her 5 year term at the end of May. Rebecca comes to Guelph from Harvard College Library. In her new role, she will be responsible for the overall strategy and policy administration of the University’s information technology, information services, and information resources. She will also oversee the administration of the library as chief librarian. Guelph CIO

Ryerson Introduces Blackboard Mobile Learn: Blackboard Mobile Learn has been introduced by Ryerson's Computing and Communications Services to provide mobile access to wireless-enabled Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch). Access is currently limited to iOS devices and it is free to both Ryerson staff and its students. It can be used to access updates to course announcements, grades and course documents (depending on file format), as well as add discussion board posts, blogs, and journal entries. Ryerson Mobile Learn