Respondus Logo

Respondus is a secure assessment tool designed to enhance online exam integrity at URI. The Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) restricts students from printing, copying, accessing other sites, or switching applications during computer based exams. LDB is most effective for in-person computer based exams, since students could use other devices to bypass restrictions.

Executive Lead

Michelle Rogers

Technical Lead

Michelle Rogers
rogersmd@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Teaching and Learning

About the Service:

Access

  • There is a Respondus lockdown browser (LDB) license for select departments on campus.
  • Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) is currently approved for use on Nursing department computers. The approval does not extend to other campus departments. Other departments interested in purchasing a license may submit a Service Desk ticket to request more information.

Securing Exams

  • In-Person Exams: Lockdown Browser – LDB works to secure in-person exams only. LDB alone does not secure online remote exams. LDB requires that a client be installed on the laptop/computer for it to work with the Brightspace integration, and needs to be updated 2x per year. See below for departmental approvals.

Support

Brightspace Logo

Brightspace is URI’s learning management system (LMS). It is a web-based, mobile-friendly, hosted learning platform used for delivering course content and other online learning resources. Brightspace contains a flexible suite of tools for creating custom content for online delivery. Instructors can promote student engagement and successful learning outcomes through utilization of the many Brightspace tools and features.

Executive Lead

Michelle Rogers

Technical Lead

Kevin Gray
kevingray@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Teaching and Learning

About the Service:

Access

Brightspace Pulse

A mobile app that helps students keep track of important updates. It brings news, deadlines, and grades together in one place so they can spend less time organizing and more time learning.

Learn How to Download and Use the Pulse App

Course Merging

Course shells are available in Brightspace 70 days prior to the start of a new term. Faculty wishing to design a course prior to shells being available can create a ‘development’ course in Brightspace.
Learn how to create a development course in Brightspace

Self-service Merges: faculty may choose to merge their sections of the same course. A merged course presents one set of content to all sections. Student rosters are also combined. The process may take 24 hours.

Complicated Merges : there are some cases in which the instructor cannot merge the necessary sections. In some cases it’s not possible – in other cases the TLS team can do it for you. Submit a service desk ticket to request a complicated merge.

See instructions for self service course merging for Brightspace courses
Attend training sessions to learn how to perform course merging
View YouTube tutorial to learn how to do self-service course merging
Read blog post on To Merge or Not to Merge Course Sections in Brightspace

Improvements AY25/26

  • A series of improvements to Brightspace and Engage will be implemented AY 25/26, all aimed at creating a more modern, intuitive, and engaging digital learning environment. These updates are designed to enhance usability, streamline access to learning resources, and provide a contemporary experience for the URI Community.|
    Refer to Brightspace Improvements AY25/26 to learn details.
  • Change management is the process of reviewing, testing, documenting, and implementing system edits, enhancements, and changes. For Brightspace request changes, we are required to follow the IT Change Management Process – which includes (but isn’t limited to) 1) a formal request from a department, and 2) processing it through the testing and then ETAC approval steps.
    Refer to How to Guide on Requesting Brightspace System or Setting Change

Integrations

  • IT provides robust connections in Brightspace with third-party Learning Tools Interoperability (LTIs) so your online and hybrid course can provide novel and engaging learning experiences.
  • In order to protect students, faculty, URI, and ensure system integrity, IT performs a standard review of all third party tools prior to approval for integration. URI must comply with laws and policy pertaining to faculty intellectual property rights, The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), financial risks, legal requirements, contractual policy, security compliance, and system limitations.
  • These external applications are not part of the base Brightspace software and require review prior to integration. In 2023 LTIs are being updated from version 1.1 to 1.3 and new LTI integrations require 1.3. The requestor submits an application that’s queued for committee review 3x a year: January, May, and August. The time between application to finalized integration depends on factors such as (but not limited to) tool complexity, vendor time, department availability, and the queue. Approved tools are subject to prioritization by the CIO and can take anywhere from 2-weeks to 6-months.
  • Refer to Brightspace Integrations page for to learn details.

Training & Support

24/7 Support – Live Chat
Look for the LiveChat icon on the home page as well as a bunch of other locations in the product – if you need help at any point, just click on the icon and get connected directly to Brightspace staff, even when the URI Service Desk is closed.

ATL Pedagogical Support
Get pedagogical support from the Office of Advancement of Teaching & Learning
Tyler Hall, 9 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881
Web: https://web.uri.edu/atl

IT Service Desk
Get support for all issues related to eCampus, email, internet connections, wireless, smartphones and tablets, laptops, desktops and more.
Submit Support Request to IT Service Portal: https://rhody.service-now.com/sp

Virtual Service Desk: Via Zoom Sessions

Web (Training & Office Hours): https://its.uri.edu

Walk-in Support: Kingston Library, Second Floor 227

Email: helpdesk@uri.edu

Phone: 401-874-HELP (4357)

Additional Information

Check out this page for latest announcement and additional information on course shell creation, course merging, Brightspace integration requests, Pulse app, and more topics.
Go to More Info About Brightspace

From Ideas to Impact: A Collaborative AI Strategy Session with robot

On August 19, leaders from the University of Rhode Island—including senior administrators, IT professionals, and business unit representatives—gathered for a half-day strategy session focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in advancing URI’s mission. The session, From Ideas to Impact, featured Mary Strain, Amazon Web Services (AWS) leader for AI and Machine Learning in Education. With over two decades of experience bridging technology and education, she helped spark a practical, forward-looking conversation.

Key highlights and outcomes

  • Shared vision: Participants connected AI opportunities directly to URI’s mission, identifying ways AI can enhance teaching, research, and operations—all while aligning with institutional values.
  • Real-world use cases: During collaborative working sessions, teams developed high-impact, URI-specific AI concepts—from increasing student engagement to strengthening data-informed decision-making.
  • Cross-campus collaboration: Faculty, staff, and administrators made new connections across disciplines, laying the groundwork for a unified AI strategy.

A shared realization

Attendees shared realizations that highlighted both the potential and the practicality of AI at URI. Learning from use cases at other institutions sparked creativity and confidence. Reflecting on URI’s own data—what it is and where it resides—emerged as a key first step in realizing long-term value.

Examples from the community

Participants shared examples of how AI is already creating value at URI:

  • One director shared how his team uses AI to convert customer conversations into functional requirement documents and automate standard documentation—saving hours of manual work.
  • A faculty researcher explained how AI tools help him write, verify, and refine code—accelerating research workflows.

Looking ahead

This session marks the beginning—not the end—of a campus-wide AI initiative. Grounded in shared insights and practical examples, it represents a key milestone in URI’s thoughtful approach to AI: collaborative, mission-aligned, and responsibly implemented. With clear priorities and growing engagement, URI is well positioned to turn ideas into measurable outcomes. The next steps will be shaped by our collective creativity, commitment, and action.

its consultation services with icon of two people with their laptops talking

ITS offers one-on-one consultation services to faculty and staff on a wide range of technology-related topics. Whether you’re planning a project, exploring new tools, or troubleshooting an issue, we’re here to help. Consultation topics may include software selection, infrastructure planning, data security, research computing, classroom technology, and more.

To get started, submit a request through the ITS Service Desk with a brief description of your needs—your inquiry will be routed to the appropriate technical lead for follow-up and scheduling.

Request a consultation

Executive Lead

Varies by Request

Technical Lead

Assigned per topic area

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Service Desk

OMR Grading with image of test with bubble answers

ITS offers Optical Mark Reader (OMR) grading services using an OpScan 8 scanner and Remark OMR Classic Grading Software. This service supports instructors by processing bubble-sheet assessments and delivering a variety of analysis reports. While most users will not need direct access to the grading system, faculty can drop off grading jobs at the ITS Service Desk in the Library.

Executive Lead

Terry Wild

Technical Lead

Keith Banks
kabanks@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Service Desk

About the Service:

Features

  • Drop-off and Pickup: Blank forms, job drop-off, and job pickup are located at the ITS Service Desk in the Library basement.
  • Job Sign-In: All jobs must be signed in and out.
  • ID Required: Identification is needed when picking up completed jobs.
  • Delivery: Completed reports and data files (in Excel format) are emailed to the requester.
  • Turnaround Time: Up to 48 hours for processing.

Access

No Cost: The service is now free—no purchase order required.

Reports Include:

  • Class roster of grades
  • Histograms
  • Item analysis
  • Individualized student reports

Advanced Options:

  • Supports multiple answer keys
  • Weighted questions
  • Multiple sections

Updated System:

  • Uses built-in software grading
  • New look for grading reports

Brightspace Integration: Preparing your OMR Grading Data for Upload to Brightspace will guide users on formatting CSV files for grade upload.

Support and Training

Instructions and Forms: Paper copies are available at the ITS Service Desk; digital versions are below.

Knowledge Articles:

Future Improvements: The process will continue to be refined based on feedback.

Need Help? For assistance or consultation, email omrgrade@uri.edu or contact the ITS Service Desk.

 

starfish logo

Starfish is URI’s student success platform designed to enhance communication and collaboration among students, faculty, and advisors. Integrated with Brightspace and Single Sign-On (SSO), Starfish offers a seamless way to schedule appointments, provide referrals, and access campus resources for student success.

Executive Lead

Linda Moffat

Technical Lead

Kathleen Randall
starfish@etal.uri.edu

Support Team

University College for Academic Success

About the Service:

Features

  • Appointment Scheduling: Students can book appointments with faculty, advisors, and campus staff.
  • Referrals and Recommendations: Faculty can easily refer students to resources and offer personalized support.
  • Integrated Tools: Works seamlessly with Brightspace to centralize academic and support functions.
  • Student Resources: Provides a single location for accessing help, advice, and other campus services.
Starfish for faculty Starfish for students

Access

Login Instructions:

  • Access Starfish via the University’s Single Sign-On (SSO) system.
  • Visit the Microsoft Apps Portal and click the Starfish tile.

Eligibility:

Available to URI students, faculty, and advisors with active SSO credentials.

Myapps Portal

Support & Training

Resources:

For immediate assistance with Starfish, contact the ITS Service Desk or email starfish@etal.uri.edu.

snagit logo

Snagit is a versatile screen capture and recording tool that allows users to take high-quality screenshots, record screen activity with audio, and create annotated instructional content. Ideal for teaching, presentations, and documentation, Snagit supports image and video capture across full screens, specific regions, or scrolling windows. It integrates directly with tools like Camtasia and Panopto, and is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.

Executive Lead

Michelle Rogers

Technical Lead

Sonia Benevides
sonia.benevides@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Teaching and Learning

About the Service:

Features

  • Screen Capture: Capture entire screens, regions, windows, or scrolling content.
  • Video Recording: Record video and audio of desktop activity for tutorials or demonstrations.
  • Editing Tools: Annotate, blur, crop, and highlight captured content.
  • Integration: Seamlessly exports to Camtasia and Panopto.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Available for both MacOS and Windows devices.

Access

Note: Please review TechSmith’s Terms of Service before requesting access.

Eligibility

URI faculty, staff, and contracted Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Graduate Assistants (GAs) in instructional roles are eligible to install Snagit on up to two devices:

  • One on a URI-managed device, and
  • One on a personal (non-managed) computer

Install Snagit

For University-Managed Devices (URI-owned)

  1. Submit a ticket via the Service Portal requesting Snagit installation. Please indicate whether the device is University‑owned or personal/home. If University‑owned, include the device Service Tag (Dell) or Serial Number (Apple).
  2. Information Technology (IT) will install and automatically license Snagit on your device.
  3. Snagit will be ready to use once IT completes the setup.

Users on URI‑managed devices are expected to join the Snagit-Users Google Group so they receive service updates, reset notifications, and are included in usage reporting. Membership is not automatic.

How to join:

  1. Go to the Snagit-Users Google Group.
  2. If you can view messages, you are already a member.
  3. If not, click “Join group.”
  4. You will see a welcome message inside the group after you join.

For Personal Devices (Non-managed)

Step 1: Download and Install Snagit
Download Snagit directly from TechSmith and complete the installation.

Step 2: Join the Snagit-Users Google Group (Required)
Access to the activation code is granted through membership in the Snagit-Users Google Group.

How to join:

  1. Go to the Snagit-Users Google Group.
  2. If you can view messages, you are already a member.
  3. If not, click “Join group.”
  4. You will see a welcome message inside the group after you join.
  5. Your access will update automatically within a few minutes.

Step 3: Retrieve the URI Activation Code
After you join the group:

  1. Go to the Software Download Portal using your URI SSO.
  2. Open the TechSmith folder.
  3. Open the Snagit subfolder.
  4. Download the PDF containing your activation code.
  5. Enter the code when prompted in the application.

If You Are Asked to Re-Activate

Snagit activation codes are reset periodically (typically once per year).

If Snagit prompts you to re‑activate:

  • Follow the instructions provided at that time to re-enter the activation code.
  • Additional sign‑in or verification steps may be required.

Support and Training

Snagit Consultations and Support

  • For 1:1 consultation or support with Snagit, please contact Casey Seitor by email at C.Seiter@techsmith.com.

Video Tutorials

TechSmith Resources

 

To support learning outside of the classroom, URI has partnered with Instructure’s Parchment Digital Badges to provide digital badging for faculty, staff, and students. Digital badges are web-enabled credentials that recognize achievements, content mastery, or new skills through non-academic micro-credentialing. These badges contain rich metadata that validates and verifies the learning outcomes they represent, offering a secure and portable way to showcase accomplishments.

Executive Lead

Karen Lokey

Technical Lead

Catherine White
cathywhite@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Innovation

About the Service:

Features

  • Metadata-Rich Badges: Includes issuer details, criteria, evidence, associated standards, and expiration dates.
  • Real-Time Verification: Ensures credentials cannot be tampered with and are instantly verifiable.
  • Parchment Digital Badges Pathways: Design stackable, cross-disciplinary learning pathways incorporating prior assessments and external certifications.
  • Digital Backpack: Provides a free, secure space to share badges via LinkedIn, social media, email signatures, and resumes.
  • Employer Integration: Offers immediate access for employers to validate skills and accomplishments.

Access

Issuer Accounts:

  • URI departments can request accounts for non-academic credentialing.
  • Email the ITS Service Desk to set up an issuer account.

Digital Badges:

  • Badges are issued after participants meet specific learning outcomes or demonstrate mastery of skills.
  • Use Parchment Digital Badges for creating and issuing badges.

Explore Tools:

Visit the Parchment Digital Badges and URI’s Digital Badging Homepage to learn more.

Support & Training

Resources:

    For questions about digital badging or to request a consultation, contact the ITS Service Desk or the ITS Innovation team.

    Camtasia is a powerful screen recording and video editing tool available for URI faculty, staff, and teaching assistants. Designed for creating instructional and multimedia content, Camtasia offers an extensive library of customizable templates, motion graphics, and themes. Videos created in Camtasia can be uploaded directly to Panopto for seamless integration with your courses.

    Executive Lead

    Michelle Rogers

    Technical Lead

    Sonia Benevides
    sonia.benevides@uri.edu

    Support Team

    ITS Teaching and Learning

    About the Service:

    Features

    • Screen Recording: Capture your screen with high-quality video and audio.
    • Advanced Editing Tools: Add effects, transitions, and annotations using a user-friendly interface.
    • Customizable Assets: Access templates, motion graphics, and intros/outros from the TechSmith library.
    • Integration with Panopto: Upload videos directly to Panopto for easy sharing in Brightspace.
    • Cross-Platform: Compatible with both MacOS and Windows.

    Access

    Note: Please review TechSmith’s Terms of Service before requesting access.

    Eligibility

    URI faculty, staff, and contracted Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Graduate Assistants (GAs) in instructional roles are eligible to install Camtasia on up to two devices:

    • One on a URI-managed device, and
    • One on a personal (non-managed) computer

    Install Camtasia

    For University-Managed Devices (URI-owned)

    1. Submit a ticket via the Service Portal requesting Camtasia installation. Please indicate whether the device is University‑owned or personal/home. If University‑owned, include the device Service Tag (Dell) or Serial Number (Apple).
    2. Information Technology (IT) will install and automatically license Camtasia on your device.
    3. Camtasia will be ready to use once IT completes the setup.

    Users on URI‑managed devices are expected to join the Camtasia-Users Google Group so they receive service updates, reset notifications, and are included in usage reporting. Membership is not automatic.

    How to join:

    1. Go to the Camtasia-Users Google Group.
    2. If you can view messages, you are already a member.
    3. If not, click “Join group.”
    4. You will see a welcome message inside the group after you join.

    For Personal Devices (Non-managed)

    Step 1: Download and Install Camtasia
    Download Camtasia directly from TechSmith and complete the installation.

    Step 2: Join the Camtasia-Users Google Group (Required)
    Access to the activation code is granted through membership in the Camtasia-Users Google Group.

    How to join:

    1. Go to the Camtasia-Users Google Group.
    2. If you can view messages, you are already a member.
    3. If not, click “Join group.”
    4. You will see a welcome message inside the group after you join.
    5. Your access will update automatically within a few minutes.

    Step 3: Retrieve the URI Activation Code
    After you join the group:

    1. Go to the Software Download Portal using your URI SSO.
    2. Open the TechSmith folder.
    3. Open the Camtasia subfolder.
    4. Download the PDF containing your activation code.
    5. Enter the code when prompted in the application.

    If You Are Asked to Re-Activate

    Camtasia activation codes are reset periodically (typically once per year).

    If Camtasia prompts you to re‑activate:

    • Follow the instructions provided at that time to re-enter the activation code.
    • Additional sign‑in or verification steps may be required.

    Support and Training

    Camtasia Consultations and Support

    • For 1:1 consultation or support with Camtasia, please contact Scott Seitor by email at C.Seiter@techsmith.com.

    TechSmith Resources: