Monthly maintenance updates will occur on Thursday, March 20, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm. This includes our monthly mandatory security patches for all services. Users may experience intermittent downtime
Help Desk Spring Break Hours
Sunday, March 23rd: Noon - 5:00 pm
Monday, March 24 - Friday, March 28: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, March 29: Return to regular hours
RingCentral
The RingCentral AI Assistant provides features that transcribe and summarize your phone calls. To learn more about this feature, visit this article. The AI assistant is only available in the desktop, web, and mobile apps; it does not work on the desk phone.
Microsoft Teams Premium is Available!
The Office of Information Technology Services is excited to introduce Microsoft Teams Premium for faculty and staff. This enhanced version builds on the familiar, all-in-one collaborative experience of Microsoft Teams, making meetings more intelligent, personalized, and secure - whether for one-on-one interactions, large meetings, virtual appointments, or webinars. Learn more about the benefits of Microsoft Premium.
Security Tips for Using AI
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a powerful tool that can enhance productivity and efficiency, but it can also place data security and privacy at risk. Here are some things to consider when choosing and using a public AI platform (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini):
Only use AI applications and tools from reputable sources. As with any software, avoid downloading from unverified sources. Threat actors embed malware into applications and publish them on the internet. This article highlights a recent example of this type of threat.
Be cautious with data sharing. Always be mindful of the data that you share with AI, and never use sensitive data, PII, or regulatory protected data (e.g., FERPA, GLBA, HIPAA, PCI) into any AI platform. Data you share with the platform can potentially be used to train the models. Any data used with AI platforms should be considered shared with the public.
Review privacy policies. Read and understand the privacy policies of the AI tools you use. Always know how and where your data will be used, stored, and shared.
AI Resource available across UT System. The University of Tennessee has partnered with Microsoft to develop the UT Verse AI Assistant. This chat-based, AI-powered platform is designed specifically for UT faculty, staff, and students. It offers a secure environment with protections to help ensure that data confidentiality is maintained for all users. However, sensitive and/or protected data should not be used with UT Verse.
Please contact the Help Desk at 731-881-7900 if you have any questions about the proper use of AI.
Tools and Tips for Spring Mid-Terms
In preparing for Spring Mid-Terms, check out these tools and suggestions for setting up your assessments for a successful experience
Preview your Canvas Quiz prior to publishing it.
Randomizing questions is one of the most effective ways to address academic integrity. To learn how to build test banks efficiently with the Akindi Test Generator, contact the ITC.
Add additional time to your test if you plan to use Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor' strictest settings. Note that Proctorio recommends that faculty not choose the Quiz Setting option of presenting one question at a time.
If your mid-term will take an hour or longer to take, consider dividing it into separate parts (e.g. essay questions in one Quiz and objective questions in another Quiz). Communicate with students ahead of time to let them know what to expect.
If you have questions about improving your online tests, contact Chad McDaniel or Bonnie Daniel at itc@utm.edu or 731.881.7877.
Instructional Technology Center: March Training Calendar
Log in to Runway to see the schedule of available trainings and to register. Can't meet at the available times? Contact the ITC for an appointment at itc@utm.edu or 731.881.17877.
