As autumn term begins, there are several updates from the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (OTDI) you should be aware of as an instructor. Learn more about new features in CarmenCanvas like discussion checkpoints and differentiation tags; changes to digital accessibility policies and how they impact your course content; Mediasite improvements and the retirement of Mosaic; the university’s AI Fluency initiative and Google AI tools; and so much more.
Tagged: Featured Stories
Technology Updates for Autumn 2025
Randi Honkonen|August 18, 2025In the news: Ohio State hires new chief information officer as the university expands its AI education
Administration and Planning Media Relations|August 15, 2025The Columbus Dispatch recently spoke with Rob Lowden, Ohio State’s new vice president and chief information officer. He officially started in the role on Aug. 1, taking over as the university's latest permanent CIO following his predecessor Cindy Leavitt's departure from the university last August.A Simpler Way to Use Workday Data in Tableau Prep
Ric Hunter|August 14, 2025Tired of wrestling with messy Workday data? If you've spent hours cleaning Journal Line data just to get it into shape for Tableau Prep, you're not alone. Now there is a certified, more plug-and-play Workday data source that works seamlessly with Tableau Prep. No extra coding or no data headaches. Read the full post to learn how this new data source can work for you.Access Workday Faster—Right from Microsoft Teams
Ric Hunter|August 12, 2025Tired of switching between apps? The Workday Everywhere app brings key Workday features right into Microsoft Teams, helping you stay focused and efficient. Check payslips, view tax information, submit and approve Workday time off requests, and more, all without leaving Teams. Perfect for managers and casual users alike! Read the full post and learn how to get started and what to expect using the Workday Everywhere help materials.Join us for Data & AI sponsored by Google at Ohio Stadium
Beth Varcho|August 11, 2025UPDATE Aug 18: Registration is closed: this event is full. In support of The Ohio State University’s recently announced AI Fluency initiative and to launch Google Productivity Services, Ohio State is partnering with Google to host a free event dedicated to advancing the role and impact of AI in higher education. Please join us for Data and AI day on Thursday, August 21 from 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium.Fresh Features, Smarter Tools: Microsoft 365 Updates
Beth Varcho|August 7, 2025Microsoft enhancements coming in the next few months include consolidating functionality into modern tools like Planner and Outlook, phasing out outdated technologies like VBScript, improving platform security, and providing easier access to AI-related enhancements and planning resources. Microsoft 365 applications continue to evolve to deliver a more integrated, intuitive, and secure user experience.Help Wanted: Attackers need you to defeat MFA
Reg Jackson|July 30, 2025A growing trend in cybersecurity is to attack victims through texting and social channels, tricking them into giving access to their accounts, files, and data.
As a refresher, multifactor authentication is the highest standard for logging into accounts and services. Simply, it means it takes -- 1) something you know: username and password, and 2) something you have: your DUO push notification on your cell phone -- to access your Ohio State account.
New Microsoft 365 Copilot Agents Available for Research and Analysis
Beth Varcho|July 22, 2025Microsoft has released two built-in agents—Researcher and Analyst. These agents are now available to faculty and staff who have purchased an elevated, fully-integrated Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
Rob Lowden Joins OTDI as New Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Hillary Lorton and Ric Hunter|July 16, 2025The Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (OTDI) is excited to welcome Rob Lowden to Ohio State as the next vice president and chief information officer (CIO). Lowden will join the university on August 1, following more than 20 years at Indiana University.“Report Phishing” button becomes “Report Suspicious” in July
Beth Varcho|July 7, 2025For several years, you have been using the Report Phishing button in Outlook, Outlook Mobile and Outlook Web Access (OWA). Beginning on July 14, the button will change to “Report Suspicious.” The new name reflects the usefulness of the button for more than phishing. Not all suspicious messages are technically phishing. “Report Suspicious” invites you to flag anything that seems off.