SmartForce Computing Update

By Dr. Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner, Student Computing Services Manager

Several new events in the area of computer-based training here at UNT have occurred this summer. A lengthy article about the new Java-based platform for SmartForce courses appeared in in the June issue of Benchmarks Online. Just to refresh your memory, there is now no need for a plug-in to view SmartForce courses online. That being said, this new format has brought with it some technical restrictions: SmartForce no longer runs effectively on Netscape and is best viewed with Internet Explorer 6.0. Users will also need to download some other plugins such as Flash, Realplayer, and Shockwave to take advantage of the animated portions of the courses. New course offerings include modules in Office XP and Windows XP as well as Linux and Oracle 9i. All information about computer setup and course offerings remains at www.unt.edu/SmartForce/.

A new Company

Additionally, SmartForce has now merged with a larger e-learning company, Skillsoft and the name of the company has become Skillsoft. Users can reach information about the new company at either the old www.SmartForce.com address or the new www.skillsoft.com. As the system administrator I do not know what kind of impact that will have on future courses and server upgrades but I do know that this change will not affect our already existing setup. I did spend some time musing over the name change: is it better to be "smart" and "forceful" or "skilled" and "soft"? Hmmm. My supervisor, who does woodworking, did point out that "Skillsoft" reminded him of "Skil Saw" and therefore he had the notion that the new company is "cutting edge". OK - works for me. I will keep everyone up-to-date on any technical changes that might occur due to the company merger.

EEO Compliance

Finally, Human Resources has determined that the SmartForce course, "Business Fundamentals II: Discrimination in the Workplace" fits the criteria for EEO Compliance. As the HR compliance Website explains, "Effective September 1, 1997, the State Legislature passed an act requiring that all new State faculty and staff attend training on equal employment opportunity law as part of their orientation (Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Section 21.010). Beginning January 1998, UNT has included this training as part of new faculty/staff orientation. The law also mandates that all faculty and staff, including TA's, TF's and lecturers, receive supplemental information every two years so that policies are clearly understood. The training program must provide the employee with information regarding the agency’s policies and procedures relating to employment discrimination involving sexual harassment."

Human Resources will be offering many options to departments about how to receive this training and one of the most convenient and efficient ways will be through the completion of this online course. The course will also be available on cd-rom. More details will be forth-coming from Human Resources and as the SmartForce administrator, I am happy to see the system expand its offerings to apply to a greater portion of the University community.

All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to visit the university SmartForce Website to learn more about the system, its setup, and its course offerings. As always, if you have any questions feel free to E-email me at ehinkle@unt.edu.