ANGEL Upgrade Planned for May 2009
On Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15, 2009, the ANGEL course management system at Michigan State University will be upgraded to a new version. During this time, the ANGEL will be unavailable.
As is the case with all upgrades, an "adjustment period" may be needed for users to familiarize themselves with the improved features. The new version of ANGEL will feature improved grading rubrics and a more accessible layout and appearance.
New in this Upgrade Cycle
New in this upgrade cycle was the addition of a limited field trial (LFT) to test as many aspects of the system as possible before the upgrade is released campus-wide. As part of the LFT, four classes at MSU have been using the new version during the Spring 2009 semester. Classes participating include a 25-student graduate class, blended courses, and a large undergraduate online class. Many issues traditionally identified after an upgrade is rolled out have been addressed during this LFT.
Preview Sessions
The ANGEL team has planned special sessions to help familiarize the MSU community with the new version of ANGEL. Previews will be provided as follows:
- Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in the Erickson Kiva from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During this session, the presenter will review the differences between the previous version of ANGEL and the upgraded version. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Staff and faculty scheduled to teach in Summer and Fall of 2009 are encouraged to attend this lecture-formatted session.
- Wednesday, April 8, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the North Conference room on the fourth floor of the MSU Main Library. During this session, the presenter will review the differences between the previous version of ANGEL and the upgraded version. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Staff and faculty scheduled to teach in Summer and Fall of 2009 are encouraged to attend this lecture-formatted session.
- Friday, April 17, 2009, 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. in room 105 of the Natural Sciences building. New features will be discussed with a question and answer period. Staff and faculty scheduled to teach in Summer and Fall of 2009 are encouraged to attend this lecture-formatted session.
- Wednesday, April 22, 2009, a hands-on, drop-in, sandbox session will be held in the Library Basement Instruction Room from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon. During this session, participants will have an opportunity to work in the upgraded environment with subject matter experts available to answer specific questions. Staff and faculty scheduled to teach in Summer and Fall of 2009 are encouraged to attend this lecture-formatted session.
- Monday, April 27, 2009, a hands-on, drop-in, sandbox session will be held in the Library Basement Instruction Room from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. During this session, participants will have an opportunity to work in the upgraded environment with subject matter experts available to answer specific questions. Staff and faculty scheduled to teach in Summer and Fall of 2009 are encouraged to attend this lecture-formatted session.
- Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13, 2009: Faculty Seminars in Instructional Technology will feature half-day and full-day training sessions. Planned topics include Gradebook, Assessments, What's New, and an Introductory session. Specific details on enrolling for these sessions will be communicated in April. Staff and faculty scheduled to teach in Summer and Fall of 2009 are encouraged to attend this lecture-formatted session.
- May through August 2009: Regular training programs through the Libraries, Computing, and Technology Training Program (LCTTP) will be offered. Visit train.msu.edu for a complete schedule or call 353-4420 ext. 311 for information.
- Additional information is available at help.angel.msu.edu
We STRONGLY encourage faculty and the staff who support online instructional efforts to participate in these programs and to learn as much as possible about the new version of ANGEL before tackling the next round of course creations and improvements.
Help and Support
For more information call the ANGEL Help Line Toll Free at 1-800-500-1554 or local at (517) 355-2345.
by Katherine Ball, Technology Services
