IT support gearing up for more distance learning at KTH
Hello Bogdan Andric, Team Leader for Central IT support at KTH. What technical support is available to help people work remotely?
“KTH has a good range of technology solutions for this. There are user guides on the intranet plus information on the tools available. You can access and use many KTH services by logging in to KTH.se. If you need to log in to the KTH network to use a particular service, you should use VPN or Citrix. These technologies enable you to connect remotely and access your own desktop and common department folders on the server, for example. Zoom is recommended for video conference meetings. Pexip is another alternative.
Is there enough capacity to cope with a sudden influx of remote users, as now in association with COVID-19?
“This will naturally put greater demands on KTH networks. We have sufficient capacity and tool licences right now and are looking to expand the number of licences and performance. We have never been in a situation like this before,” says Andric.
Will you offer internal training in the tools?
“Demand for courses in Zoom has increased. If you see there is a need for training within your particular area of operation, we will be happy to arrange this. Please contact IT support to book a training session. We can tailor the content to the specific needs of your area of operation.”
What is your best advice for anyone chairing or participating in a video conference?
“Rule number one is to be there in good time before the meeting to have time to test the equipment in the conference suite and call IT support if any problems arise. We will then have time to send out an AV engineer to resolve the problem on site before the meeting is due to start. If you have been invited to take part in a video conference, always read the invitation carefully to ensure you click on the right link. You should also log in in good time before the meeting to ensure the connection works.
“No question to IT support is ever stupid. If the technology is playing up or the guides on the intranet seem unclear, it is always good for us to learn about this. We can then improve the instructions and resolve the technological problems,” Andric says on a final note.
Words: Marianne Norén