Mines Technology Training
Colorado School of Mines
Overview
Mines Technology Training provides Mines faculty, staff, and students with opportunities to enhance their technology skills through a mix of instructor-led workshops, self-paced modules, and curated resources tailored to the unique needs of the Mines community. These trainings are designed to help participants develop both broad interdisciplinary skills (collaboration, communication, and innovation) and deep expertise in essential technology tools and platforms, empowering them to excel in their roles and adapt to an evolving digital landscape.
Featured Trainings
Why Are We Moving to the Cloud?
Mines is transitioning to cloud storage with OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint to make file access easier, more secure, and better for collaboration across campus.
Microsoft OneDrive
Learn how to securely store, access, and share your files in the cloud with Microsoft OneDrive.
Alt Text
Alt text is a brief image description that makes digital content accessible for screen reader users, ensuring inclusivity.
Upcoming Workshops
MediaSpace Video Content Management Essentials
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 11am-12:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams (Virtual)
Learn how to effectively use MediaSpace to create, manage, and share your video content. This workshop covers the basics of uploading and organizing media, setting permissions, and embedding videos into other platforms. You’ll also explore best practices for curating content, managing galleries, and enhancing viewer engagement. Whether you’re new to MediaSpace or looking to refine your skills, this session will give you the tools to make the most of this powerful video platform!
Productivity Essentials with Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive
Date: Friday, May 16th
Time: 11am-12:00pm
Location: Microsoft Teams (Virtual)
Unlock the full potential of cloud storage with Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive in this practical workshop. Learn how to securely store, organize, and access your files from anywhere, while mastering key collaboration features like real-time editing and file sharing. Discover best practices for managing your digital workspace, improving file organization, and enhancing teamwork. Ideal for anyone looking to streamline their workflow and boost productivity using these powerful cloud tools!
Transitioning to Cloud Storage at Mines
Knowledge Base Articles
Why Are We Moving to the Cloud?
Mines is moving to the cloud to give you faster, more secure, and more collaborative ways to store and share your files—from anywhere, on any device. By transitioning from outdated network drives to OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint, you’ll gain modern tools that make your work more efficient and better protected.
How to Review & Organize Your Files Before Migration
Preparing for migration is a great opportunity to declutter, organize, and future-proof your files by reviewing what you have and deciding what truly needs to move forward. With a little planning and structure, you’ll make the transition smoother and set yourself up for better collaboration and file management in the cloud.
Best Practices for Organizing Departmental Content
Creating a clear, consistent structure for your department’s files helps everyone find what they need quickly, collaborate more effectively, and stay organized long-term. With the right tools and a few smart practices, your content will be easier to manage, secure, and keep up to date.
How to Archive Old Data Effectively
Archiving old data helps free up storage, maintain compliance, and improve organization. This guide is designed for users transitioning from network drives (Z:, Y:, I:), local files, external hard drives, and third-party cloud solutions like Dropbox.
Understanding File Permissions and Sharing in OneDrive and Teams
Understanding and managing file permissions ensures your content is shared securely, with the right people, and at the right level of access. With a few smart habits, you can protect sensitive information, prevent accidental changes, and keep collaboration running smoothly.
Productivity Tools
On-Demand Training
Productivity Tools: Microsoft OneDrive in Teams
Microsoft OneDrive, integrated within Microsoft Teams, offers a secure and efficient way to store, organize, and collaborate on files from any device. It simplifies file sharing, version control, and access management while eliminating the need to track down files on personal devices. With Mines IT moving away from the Z Drive, OneDrive is a recommended solution for modern file management.
Productivity Tools: Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based file management and collaboration tool supported by Mines IT. It offers powerful features like real-time file updates, easy sharing, and secure cloud access, making it easier to work with colleagues and manage projects. With Mines moving away from the Z Drive, Google Drive provides a modern, flexible solution for your file storage needs.
Productivity Tools: Team Management within Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams offers a powerful suite of tools to streamline communication and collaboration. Whether you’re faculty managing research, staff coordinating projects, or students working on group assignments, Teams can help you stay organized, productive, and connected.
Additional Productivity Training
Looking to further boost your skills with productivity tools? Check out these Percipio training courses for expert guidance on Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and more! If prompted, please log in to Percipio with your Mines Username and Password.
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft’s Cloud storage solution, a powerful tool for organizations that need to foster collaboration.
Google Drive
Explore Google Drive, a cloud-based file storage and sharing platform at the center of the Google Workspace ecosystem.
Microsoft Teams
Collaborate with your team using Microsoft Teams, a chat-based workspace designed for seamless communication and productivity.
Digital Accessibility
On-Demand Training
Digital Accessibility: Alt Text
Alt text (alternative text) is a brief description added to images to make digital content accessible for people using screen readers. It ensures that individuals who are blind or visually impaired can understand the purpose and context of images in documents, websites, and learning platforms. Adding Alt text is a simple yet impactful step toward inclusive digital accessibility.
Digital Accessibility: Link Text
Link text is the clickable portion of a hyperlink that provides context about the destination of the link. Writing clear, meaningful link text improves digital accessibility for people using screen readers and enhances the experience for all users. Avoiding vague phrases like “click here” or long, confusing URLs ensures that links are easier to understand and navigate.
Digital Accessibility: Video Captions
Captions ensure that video content is accessible to everyone, including people with hearing impairments, non-native English speakers, and those watching in environments where sound is unavailable. Accurate captions improve comprehension and usability while also supporting compliance with accessibility standards.
Digital Accessibility: Color Usage
Color contrast is crucial for digital accessibility. Proper contrast helps those with low vision or color blindness read and engage with content. Following best practices ensures your digital materials are more inclusive and accessible to a wider audience.
Digital Accessibility: Accessibility Checkers
Built-in accessibility checkers in Canvas, Word, and Acrobat help identify text-based accessibility issues. However, human judgment is needed for meaningful context. Regular checks improve inclusivity and ensure content is accessible to all.
Additional Accessibility Training
Looking to further boost your skills with Digital Accessibility? Check out these training resources for expert guidance on various topics within digital accessibility! If prompted, please log in to sites such as Percipio with your Mines Username and Password.
Percipio: Digital Accessibility
Useful and current resources about digital accessibility
Microsoft: Accessibility Fundamentals
Technology enhances inclusion, education, and work opportunities. Microsoft prioritizes accessibility. Share your achievements!
WebAIM Accessibility Articles
WebAIM provides accessibility resources, training, evaluation tools, and guidelines to improve web accessibility for all users.
Training Request
IT offers tailored training services to help Mines faculty, staff, and students build proficiency in essential technology tools. If you need specialized training for yourself or your team, you can submit a Technology Training Service Request through the Mines Help Center. Simply follow the link below, click on Request Service, and then fill out the Request Form. IT will reply to your request as soon as possible in order to begin addressing your needs.