Get Connected

Zoom Team Chat channels for Summer Term courses

Zoom has released a new feature called Zoom Team Chat channels, which will be available for use in all Summer Term courses. In addition to using Zoom for Video Conferences and face-to-face lecture recordings, instructors can now use Zoom Team Chat channels as a collaboration space for students.

Internal search feature on PolyU home page

To facilitate staff and students to search internal documents that are made available to all staff and students, a new “internal search” function has been added to the PolyU home page (https://www.polyu.edu.hk). When using this new internal search function, staff and students are required to log in with NetID and NetPassword. Search engine will show search results only after successful authentication in the identity of PolyU staff and students.

Latest update on Microsoft Office 365 Stream (Classic) function

Microsoft has announced that the permanent retirement of Stream (Classic) for O365 will be 15 August 2023. Microsoft O365 Stream (on SharePoint) will replace Stream (Classic) to save, share, and manage video content. Effective from 15 February 2024 onwards, all users will not be able to download video content from O365 Stream (Classic).

End of Support for Windows Server 2012/2012 R2

Microsoft has announced the end of support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will be 10 October 2023. To ensure the continued security and performance of the servers, it is important for users to take appropriate actions before this date.

CLO meeting held in May

ITS regularly briefs Departmental Computer Liaison Officers (CLO) on the latest development of central IT services and technology directions.

Preview release of Turnitin’s AI indicator available

The preview release of Turnitin's AI indicator is now accessible to all existing Turnitin customers - including PolyU, until the end of 2023. Turnitin Similarity Report of English documents submitted to Turnitin after 7 April 2023 shows a new AI writing similarity detection indicator (a blue percentage in the side panel).

Easy access to PolyU Campus for Alumni

To ease the access to the PolyU campus, alumni can get an access QR code in advance by using Alumni Campus Access Registration (ACAR) application. From this May onwards, alumni will also be able to obtain individual QR codes in ACAR for their guests, so as to access the campus together on the same day.

Blackboard Ultra Course View updates

Several useful updates have been applied to Blackboard Ultra Course View which make the course experience user-friendly. Students can view their course contents easier, while instructors can have flexible grading, and to track students’ course activities effortlessly.

Security enhancement on Microsoft Authenticator software for identity verification

Microsoft Authenticator software has introduced “number matching” for users who select push notifications as multi-factor authentication (MFA) method when logging into an online service. This service update can protect users from accidentally approving sign-in request initiated by a third party.

Manage installed software on office desktop/ laptop

The PolyU Desktop Management System (PUDMS) is a platform that automates the submission and reporting of software inventory running on PolyU domain joined workstation and notebooks. It is designed to help users and department administrators manage software licenses and compliance required.