- Author: Michael L. Poe
At last week’s Healthy Families and Communities conference in Davis, participants brainstormed on communications and outreach methods. During that session, Communication Services staff noticed that participants were unfamiliar with many of the tools already at their disposal.
Here are some questions and answers about communication tools available right now to everyone in the Division.
What is Collaborative Tools (CT) and how can I use it?
CT is available on your ANR Portal. It is a discussion tool used primarily for internal projects and collaborative efforts with non-ANR users. It features discussion management tools, email alerts and roster list creation tools. Collaborative Tools is private, restricted to members only. It can be used to store notes, documents and other reference material for short or long-term projects and committees. Contact: Dave Krause (530) 754-3935, djkrause@ucdavis.edu.
Where can I store images, documents or videos that my colleagues can use?
The ANR Repository, also on your ANR Portal, is a statewide document storage system designed to collect and store documents that you want to share with others in the Division. Photographs, articles, videos and other documents can all be stored in the repository, tagged for easy searching and made accessible either only to ANR staff or to any Internet user. By using the collection feature you can share materials specifically with colleagues or have those materials feed your Site Builder website. The Repository is designed as a long-term, searchable file storage system. Contact: Karl Krist, (530) 754-3939,kakrist@ucdavis.edu.
What is Adobe Connect and how can it be used?
Adobe Connect Pro is a desktop videoconferencing solution. Anyone with a computer, browser and Internet connect can participate. One blanket fee has been paid by the Division for you to use Connect. It is accessed through your ANR Portal. As a host, you can create online meeting rooms and display any application or browser window, or specific files including PPT, PDF, JPEGs, Audio or Flash video. Contact: Mike Poe, 530-754-3905, mlpoe@ucdavis.edu.
How can I get training on software?
If CSIT created the software, such as tools in your portal, you can always contact CSIT for training opportunities and resources. If you are interested in learning how to better use commercial Microsoft software like Word, Excel and many others, you have access through your ANR Portal to Lynda.com. The Division has paid the fee for the entire Division to use Lynda.com for online tutorials in software from Microsoft, Adobe, and many other brands. Contact: Mike Poe, (530) 754-3905, mlpoe@ucdavis.edu.
Feel free to contact the CSIT staff for additional assistance.