Welcome to the Information Systems & Technology website

In Information Systems & Technology (IST) we strive to provide effective information systems, technology and services in support of learning, teaching, research and administrative needs.

On our site you'll find information on the IT services and resources available to students, faculty and staff; IST and campus-wide IT projects and initiatives; and information on our continuous efforts to provide an exceptional IT environment on campus.

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News

  1. Sep. 17, 2019Scantron multiple-choice exam processing replacement coming soon – Sept 17
    What is happening? In November 2018, the Exam Management, Assessment and Processing Evaluation project team began investigations into the replacement of the existing exam scanning service, Scantron. The committee is pleased to announce the request for proposal (RFP) has been awarded to Akindi Inc.   
      
    About Akindi: Akindi is a web-based assessment system that automates the creation and grading of multiple-choice exams. This tool allows clients to use any scanner and sheet of paper, offering a low cost of ownership by eliminating the need for costly equipment, supplies and dedicated staff resources, while facilitating the use and accessibility of the exam scanning service across campus.   
      
    What our clients will receive  
    The new exam processing service will provide:  
    • A user-friendly interface designed with faculty and instructional team members in mind.    
    • Excellent support, with extended hours available during exam periods.   
    • Seamless integration into existing workflows. Where you once used Scantron you can now use Akindi. 
    • The ability for clients to assess exam results when they want, where they want.   
    • Actionable data that can be used to immediately identify gaps in understanding and provide feedback to students.    
      
    When is this happening? Optional use of the service will begin September 23 and continue through the fall term. Instructions on integrating Akindi with a course in LEARN will be available from both the LEARN Help and Akindi websites by this date. During the winter 2020 term (date to be confirmed), Akindi will become the centrally supported multiple-choice exam processing service. Scantron will no longer be available for use.  
     
    Important note regarding Crowdmark MC: As part of this implementation, Crowdmark Multiple Choice (MC) is no longer available for use and clients are encouraged to transition to Akindi immediately. If you have already planned a fall-term assessment using Crowdmark MC, please contact Matt Harford (mharford@uwaterloo.ca) to discuss options for use this term.  
      
    What do users need to do? Get familiar with Akindi. Review the training materials now available, and plan to attend the September 30 live-training webinar.     
      
    For more information on Akindi and the upcoming training session, please visit our Akindi website.  
       
    Questions or concerns? Please contact the IST Service Desk, helpdesk@uwaterloo.ca or ext. 44357. 
  2. Sep. 12, 2019Duo two-factor authentication (2FA) SMS delivery issue – September 12
    Update (Sept 12, 1:20 p.m.): The issue has now been resolved. Users should be able to continue using SMS to authenticate 2FA challenges.
    What is happening? Duo two-factor authentication (2FA) is investigating an issue causing SMS delivery issues and are working to correct the issue as soon as possible.
     
    What is the impact? If an individual chooses to receive a 2FA challenge via SMS text, they will receive a successful confirmation message from Duo, but the codes will not have been sent.
     
    Alternative to SMS challenge: Individuals can choose to receive a 2FA challenge via the “Call me” option until the issue has been resolved.
     
    IST will send an update when more information is known, or when the issue has been resolved. Thank you for your patience.
     
    Questions or concerns? Please contact the IST Service Desk, helpdesk@uwaterloo.ca or ext. 44357.
  3. Sep. 12, 2019Activation of employee Microsoft Office 365 accounts – September 19
    What is happening? IST will activate Microsoft Office 365 accounts for members of the following groups that have not yet activated their account:
     
    1. Member is full time faculty, or
    2. Member is full time staff, or
    3. Member is full time contract (temporary), or
    4. Member has a job with the “Job Family Group” equal to “Affiliated Colleges/Institutions Family Group”.
     
    Why is this happening? To allow employees immediate access to the suite of Microsoft Office 365 applications (removes activation wait period) and to prepare for a future deployment of Office ProPlus.
     
    When is this happening? Accounts will be activated by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 19.
     
    What do users need to do? No action is required.
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Events

  1. Sep. 20, 2019Presentation Friday: Conference Updates

    Please join us this Friday as attendees of the following Higher Ed Conferences share their conference experiences and key takeaways:

All upcoming events