DoIT Alerts

Showing items tagged library. Show All

DoIT x AOK Library: Streamlining Transcription: How DoIT and the AOK Library Leveraged AWS to Enhance Media Accessibility at UMBC

A collaborative leap forward for campus-wide accessibility

The UMBC Albin O. Kuhn Library recently partnered with the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) to solve the challenge of accessing information for all. There is a need for rapid and high-quality transcriptions. An automatic transcription is an AI-powered process that converts audio or video recordings into text in minutes. The library wanted to find a way to automate the transcription of recorded meetings, lectures, and other forms of audio media that are not already transcribed. An automated service would be beneficial for providing immediate transcripts, eliminating the need to wait for someone to manually transcribe each recording. This type of service would ideally allow a user to upload a recording of a lecture or talk and receive a transcript as a PDF or Word document. Another use case would be helping to differentiate multiple speakers in a recording by identifying "Speaker 1", "Speaker 2", and so on. 

Solution

During one of his Internet2 Cloud meetings, DoIT's own Associate Director of Research and Enterprise Computing, Tim Champ, learned of an open-source transcription program from Indiana University (IU) that was shared for testing at other institutions. Tim, having heard of the library's problem a year prior, decided to experiment with the program as a possible solution. Tim's coordination with the technical setup and creating an AWS account for the library has offered a successful process for transcripts. Additionally, there is no regular maintenance needed for this application as it uses AWS-managed services. 


The collaboration has since proved successful with the library transcribing media in their archives and on UMBCScholarworks, as well as with two weekly podcasts, I Hate Politics and I Hate the News, created by UMBC Shady Grove Political Science Faculty Member Sunil Dasgupta. At the moment, this tool is only available to the library; however, Tim sees this as a tool that could be implemented in other departments at UMBC to support increased accessibility. 

Future Opportunities

For any department or researcher interested in learning more about accessing and using this tool, you can Request Help under AI tools. 


Improving accessibility at UMBC is a major priority, both towards UMBC's mission and recent federal accessibility standards. Everyone has different needs, and it is our responsibility to adjust and adapt our existing methods to meet the needs of our community, whether in lecture halls or virtual environments. This ongoing commitment is strengthened by the collaboration between faculty and staff to improve tools and resources. 


Learn about the Indiana University Automated Transcription Service.

Tags:

Posted: February 25, 2026, 12:14 PM

Read Original Post in myUMBC
A black background with the Maryland flag pattern. There is yellow text reading "DoIT x AOK Library" and below that text reading "Automated Transcriptions" To the left of this text is an icon of an audio recording and and arrow showing it being transformed into text.

Repost: Exploring the Gadgets & Gizmos In Your AI Toolkit: Dr. Roberto Yus

The Privacy Paradox of GenAI


The Privacy Paradox of GenAI: What It Knows, Why It Matters, and How We Fight Back


Generative AI (GenAI) systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are transforming how we work, communicate, and create, but they also pose serious privacy concerns. These systems often absorb sensitive inputs, operate atop opaque training data, and may retain more than users realize. The real paradox is this: while GenAI can compromise our privacy, it can also be harnessed to help protect it.

This talk explores both sides of that paradox. We begin by examining what these systems "know", from how everyday prompts may reveal personal or proprietary information to how models process, store, or share data. We then discuss why these risks matter, both for individuals and institutions navigating a rapidly shifting AI landscape.

But this is not just a critique, it's a call to action. We'll share practical recommendations for using GenAI tools more safely and privately. Then, we'll turn to new research from the DAMS Lab that flips the script: using GenAI to interpret and explain complex corporate privacy policies, empowering users to make informed, privacy-conscious decisions.

This talk is for anyone who wants to benefit from GenAI without surrendering control over their data, and who sees privacy not as a casualty of AI progress, but as a challenge AI itself can help us solve.

Tags:

Posted: November 5, 2025, 10:34 AM

Read Original Post in myUMBC

May 2023 Blackboard Tool Integration Upgrades

Updates to ALEKS, Library Reserves, Pearson, & Qwickly tools

Four Blackboard course tools--ALEKS, Library Reserves, Pearson, and Qwickly--are undergoing updates, taking a significant leap forward by transitioning to the latest Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standards: LTI 1.3 and LTI Advantage. Each tool will be updated in late May. Please see below for information about each tool, where to find it, and new features.


ALEKS (McGraw-Hill)

The updated ALEKS Math tool will include enhancements to Blackboard gradebook synchronization and integrations with McGraw-Hill connect tools. Instructors will find ALEKS in the Blackboard Ultra Content Market and Original course content tools. 


Image 1. ALEKS Math Blackboard Content Market item.


Library Reserves

The Ares Library Reserves upgrade will allow instructors to link to their course reserves home, as before, but will also let instructors link directly to specific reserves items. This new feature supports module- and unit-based course organization by giving instructors more flexibility with content placement in Blackboard. Following the update, instructors will find the Library Reserves options in the Blackboard Ultra Content Market. Blackboard Original users will find the Library Reserves home link in course tools and the new deep link tool in Blackboard Original "build content" menu. Please see the Library Reserves FAQ for detailed information.

Image 2. Library Reserves Blackboard Content Market items.


Pearson

The new Pearson LTI 1.3 integration will enhance the Blackboard experience for Pearson MyLab, Mastering and Revel courseware. This update is scheduled to occur on May 25th. Note: This upgrade does not impact the "My Textbooks & Course Resources" links in courses using CMI materials with VitalSource, shown below for reference. If, in addition to VitalSource links, your course includes Pearson links, please see below for more details. 


Image 3. My Textbooks & Course Resources VitalSource Content Market item


In prior terms, instructors may have linked Pearson Content from the Blackboard Partner Cloud. Please do not replace existing links in Blackboard courses from prior terms, as we cannot retroactively link them to the new tool.

Image 4. Blackboard Partner Cloud Content Provider Links.


For Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 courses, instead of selecting the Pearson tool from the Blackboard Partner Cloud, please find the updated Pearson tool in the Blackboard Ultra Content Market and Original course tools. 

Image 5. New Pearson Blackboard Content Market Links.


If you have any questions regarding your summer course and Blackboard, please submit an RT request. For CMI-related questions, please reach out to Jocelyn Ochoa-Garcia (ochoa1@umbc.edu) in the UMBC Bookstore.


Qwickly Attendance

Qwickly's upgrade offers improved integration with Blackboard to support the security requirements of LTI 1.3. This transition to LTI 1.3 should not affect current or existing courses, and existing settings should remain the same. Qwickly will remain available in the Blackboard Ultra Content Market and Original course tools.


Image 6. Qwickly Attendance Blackboard Content Market item.

Connect with Instructional Technology

As always, if you have any questions about teaching, learning, and technology at UMBC, consider the following options:

UMBC is committed to providing a consistent learning experience for everyone. The last day we will support Blackboard Original is December 31, 2024. Please check out our training and support:umbc.edu/go/ultra

Post thumbnail: Blackboard Icon (decorative)

Tags:

Posted: May 16, 2023, 12:57 PM

Read Original Post in myUMBC

Laptop Loans Location Has Moved Within AOK Library & Gallery

Available at Circulation desk on 1st floor of AOK

With support from DoIT in Fall 2015, the AOK Library & Gallery expanded its equipment loan program to include laptops. The location to request these laptops has moved to the 1st floor Circulation desk. Any UMBC faculty, staff, and students with a current UMBC ID may borrow the laptops. 

For this semester, DoIT has expanded the program to include twice number of available laptops at checkout. There is a choice of requesting a Macbook Pro or a Dell Latitude. Included with the laptops are their respective chargers and carrying bag.

Mac and Dell laptops that are available to borrow and their listed specs. 

It’s important to note that the laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be checked out until the library closes the next day. You can find more information regarding the laptop loan program here.

Tags:

Posted: October 4, 2016, 8:26 AM

Read Original Post in myUMBC