FAST FIVE for the week of December 1, 2013

News:

IBM donation:

IBM is contributing a multi-million dollar private cloud computing platform to seven post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia. The system provides a shared computing platform enabling the schools to create new curriculum, perform research and development, and provide graduates with analytics skills. It will become operational in early 2014, is being hosted at Dalhousie University. The service will be available to faculty and students at Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia Community College, Saint Mary’s University and St. Francis Xavier University. Clouds over Nova Scotia

National consultations:

Compute Canada is launching a national consultation process intended to develop a five year strategic plan. The plan will develop the organization's priorities, operational process, and management. CFI, Compute Canada's funding agency requires a new five year plan to be completed by April 1, 2014. High performance computing planning

New online award application system:

Fanshawe College has launched a new online student awards application system. The new system makes it easier for students to search for eligible awards and apply easily. Direct integration with their ERP system (Colleague) will speed up the validation process and donor recognition profiles will be built into the system. Application-based and selection-based awards will both be supported by the system. Awards system

Technology fee:

The University of New Brunswick is conducting a student technology fee survey designed to identify new ideas for innovative uses of teaching and learning technology. The survey identifies a series of projects identified by staff and it asks students to rank them. Questions cover the need for computer and AV upgrades, classroom based text messaging, iPad usage, peer-review software, disability assistive technology, and (most intriguing) "Hackerspace." Student survey

Student safety:

Queen's University has launched a student safety app for mobile devices. The app provides instant access to Campus Security, and Emergency Services, and other safety resources. The app was develop by Queen alumni and works on iOS, Android, and Blackberry devices. SeQure