Technical support for teachers

A stable, secure and reliable e-infrastructure is essential for the daily functioning of digital tools in higher education. This includes regular maintenance and monitoring of servers supporting learning management systems (LMS), videoconferencing systems, digital repositories and assessment systems. Regular software upgrades, implementation of security patches and ensuring high availability of services (e.g. redundancy, automatic backup) are the foundation of a stable digital environment.

For example, implementing a system such as Moodle LMS on your own servers requires regular performance checks, database optimisation and integration with authentication systems, and the engagement of IT experts to maintain such a system. Tools such as BigBlueButton, as open source solutions for videoconferencing, need a stable network infrastructure, high speed and bandwidth of the institutional connection to the Internet, and optimisation for increasing the number of participants. Also, Nextcloud can be used as a secure solution for sharing teaching materials and collaborating within courses, but care should be taken to ensure sufficient server space for all users, especially if it is a HEI with several thousand students. Therefore, some HEIs should use the resources of CARNET and SRCE and host their systems on centrally maintained MOODLE LMS servers (Loomen and Merlin systems).

Examples of good practice

An example of good practice would be for HEIs to have clearly defined server maintenance schedules, with minimal downtime announced in advance and planned for periods outside of the teaching load (while still considering exam deadlines). Also, some HEIs should implement an automatic data integrity control system and redundant storage of key educational resources, which increases resilience to data loss and disruptions.