Where we started

1969

It’s hard to imagine Trinity today without a computer on every desk, a smartphone in everyone’s hands and IT Services on hand to help out with all the IT. But that wasn’t the case 51 years ago. In 1969 Trinity had just opened its newest addition - The “Computer Laboratory”, College’s first incarnation of IT Services.

Our History

Trinity had created its first central computing service department that would run the Trinity computer, an IBM System/360 Model 44, which was due for delivery in early 1969. John Moriarty was appointed as the first Director of the Computer Laboratory. The first location for the Computer Laboratory was a prefabricated “Terrapin” building, a bit like a portacabin, which was constructed in the Fellows Garden, now known as Fellows Square.

Part of the Computer Laboratory was modified with the installation of air-conditioning, a raised floor to accommodate cabling, and an automatic fire protection system – this was the first College Data Centre. The Terrapin buildings also provided accommodation for the Departments of Computer Science and Statistics and were also used as a Lecture Theatre by these departments.

The new Trinity Computer was delivered and officially opened by the Minister for Education, Brian Lenihan (Senior), in January 1969. The Trinity computer remained in the Terrapin Building in the Fellows Garden until construction of the new Arts Building in September 1972, when the Trinity computer was evacuated to 200 Pearse Street.

Photo: Minister for Education Brian Lenihan (seated) at the official opening of the TCD Computer Laboratory on 9th January 1969. John Moriarty, Computer Laboratory Director, staff member Rosemary Murphy and Professor William Wright are standing beside the minister. Also featured in this photograph are TCD architect Ian Roberts (behind John Moriarty), Professor John Byrne (behind Minister), and TCD Provost, Dr AJ McConnell (back row, right). (Photo courtesy: John Moriarty, source “Terrapin of Ireland News” June 1969 from Techarchives)

 

IBM 360/44

The IBM 360/44 was a mainframe computer system family initially launched by IBM in 1964 and delivered to the market between 1965 and 1978. It is said to be the first family of computers designed to cover the complete range of applications, small to large, commercial and scientific.

Trinity chose the IBM 360/44 because it was supplied with 128KB of memory rather than the standard 64KB. The original configuration that Trinity purchased had a 1MB capacity internal "biscuit" disk drive, two disk drives of 7.25MB capacity each, two magtape drives, a card reader, a card punch and a line printer.

A collection of computing items, including subsystems from the Trinity’s IBM 360/44, is retained in the display cases in the foyer of the O'Reilly Institute.

IBM 1620

The IBM 360/44 was not Trinity’s first computer. Trinity’s first computer was an IBM 1620 machine installed in Engineering in the early 1960s and used to deliver the original MSc course in computer applications in the Academic Year 1962/63.

Photo: IBM 360/44 Console. Credit: Photo source: SCSS Treasures Catalog

 

Photo: Vivian Killeen and Neville Harris with the TCD IBM 1620 in 1962. IBM commissioned this photograph. Credit: Photo courtesy of John Moriarty

 

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Ken Gordon, who worked a lifetime in IT Services up to his recent retirement in 2016, for providing us with information for this article. Ken started his 4 Year Engineering Degree in Trinity in 1969 and was one of only seven students who picked Computer Science as their main Engineering subject. Ken started as a programmer in the Computer Laboratory in October 1972.

Thank you to John Moriarty, first Director of the Computer Laboratory, for his article on Techarchives and to The John Gabriel Byrne Computer Science Collection for details and photographs relating to this item.

1970

Staff

Departmental Developments

The Computer Laboratory had 26 staff in its first year, including development staff, operations staff, Director, Assistant Director, Operations Manager, and a Secretary. Today, in 2020, there are 120 staff working in IT Services.

1971

Introductory Courses

Training & Communications

In October 1971, the first introductory courses for users of the Trinity Computer were held with 44 staff & research students attending. The course covered non-numeric PL/I programming and data processing.

1972

Student Registration Enhancements

New Systems/Services

The Student Record computer system was modified to automatically produce special self-adhesive cover labels for student files and pre-printed registration cards to speed up the registration process.

Punch Cards

New Systems/Services

Did you know that in the 1970s users of the Trinity Computer needed to engage a Systems Analyst to use punch cards (a piece of card paper to which holes were punched to input data to the central computer). Trinity introduced this practice in 1972 until computer terminals (a device with a display unit and keyboard allowing data entry and display) came along. The use of punch cards was at its peak in Trinity in 1974 and from 1976 the use of the punch cards started to fall thanks to increasing use of terminals for data entry. In 1977 it was reported that the use of them had nearly ceased and the formal end of the punch cards was recorded in 1979. 

Photo: ICT manual card punch and punch card from The John Gabriel Byrne Computer Science Collection

 

Photo: Graph of punch card usage in Trinity per year. 1972 - 276,075 cards punched, 1973 - 811,000 cards punched, 1974 - 1,258,000 cards punched, 1975 - 1,212,800 cards punched, 1976 - 1,179,100 cards punched, 1979 - formal end of punched cards.

 

1973

Computer Laboratory newsletter & Computer Laboratory Users' Guide

Training & Communications

To improve technical and administrative information to users about the Laboratory facilities the Computer Laboratory Newsletter as well as the users' guide were introduced.

Library Cataloguing System

New Systems/Services

The Library cataloguing system was extended in 1973 to include non-copyright acquisitions.

New Salary & Wages System

New Systems/Services

Work commenced on the new Salary and Wages System, the UNIPAY package. The system was expected to be operational in early 1974.

1974

Hot News

Training & Communications

The 'Hot News' service was introduced in 1974, where important news were appended to each user's computer printout.

Statistical Software

New Systems/Services

In 1974, the Department of Statistics acquired new facilities which included SPSS (a Statistical package designed for social survey data), MINITAB (a statistical teaching package), RADASS (Radioimmunoassay interpolation program used in biological and medical work), ECTA (Everyone's contingency table analysis), and MALAMUTE (Multivariate and Univariate Analysis of Variance). We still have SPSS and Minitab as site licensed software today.

Computer Laboratory

Central Computing

Photo: This image shows what the computer laboratory looked like in 1974 with the IBM 360/44 in full action. (Image by Prof.J.G.Byrne from The John Gabriel Byrne Computer Science Collection)

 

1975

New Student Record & Alumni Systems

New Systems/Services

In 1975, a joint working group on information systems was established by Trinity and University College Cork to make student record data available on computer produced microfiche. The system also extended into the area of archival records.

1976

Internal Data Transmission Lines

New Systems/Services

Data transmission lines to the Department of Business Studies & College Accountant's Office were introduced in 1976. Further data transmission lines to East and West Theatre for recording of fee payments were set up in 1977. In 1978 four further internal transmission lines were also introduced.

1977

DECsystem-20

New Systems/Services

The new DECsystem-20 went live in 1977 and performed its first administrative task in the Admissions application, where it was used to provide access to the CAO file of applications for recording decisions.

1978

Data Transmission Line to UCD

New Systems/Services

The data transmission line installed to the UCD Computer Centre did not go into regular operation during the year because of the delayed delivery of the DEC communications controller. However, a courier service was organised so that TCD users had access to the plotting equipment in UCD.

1979

Computing Access for Trinity Administrative Areas

New Systems/Services

An accommodation booking system for conference delegates residing in College, a Buildings Office stores application, and a computer based Graduate Register went live in 1979.

Source: IT Services Annual Reports Archive

1980

TCD Hardware Catalogue

Central Computing

The TCD Hardware Catalogue was first produced in 1980 to formally record the growing amount of computing equipment across College.

Entry Ports

Central Computing

The 32 entry ports to the main system were frequently engaged due to a growing number of terminal users in College attempting a connection.

Link to UCD and Breakdown of Computer System

Internal and External Links

In 1980, Trinity was able to access University College Dublin’s IBM computer via a high speed link. In 1981 UCD helps Trinity during a breakdown of Trinity’s main system via this link. To repair the breakdown, DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) delivered and installed the upgrade from a model 2040 to 2060 processor which solved the problem and provided a much needed increase in processing power.

Terminals

Internal and External Links

A terminal room opened in the Arts building in 1980 which saw the amount of terminals across College grow to 80. By 1982 there were around 120 terminals in Trinity. 

Photo: Lear Siegler ADM-3A terminal (Photo by Pat O'Byrne from the The John Gabriel Byrne Computer Science Collection)

 

Fortran and Pascal Training Courses

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Training courses on the programming languages Fortran and Pascal were running regularly in 1980.

1981

Time-tabling Program

Central Computing

In 1981, a pilot of a time-tabling program was introduced and experimentally used for accommodation planning purposes.

Packet-Switched Computer Network

Internal and External Links

A packet-switched computer network was developed in 1981 by the Department of Computer Science, undertaken with the Computer Laboratory machine and in collaboration with UCD, the NBST, and European researchers. In 1982, users were able to access Euronet/UCD computers via the NBST packet-switched network.

Microcomputers

Personal Computing, Training & Support

In Trinity, the first pilot of microcomputers for word processing was introduced in 1981. A microcomputer is essentially a small computer designed to be used by one person at a time, which today would be referred to as a PC or simply a computer. In the early 1980s microcomputers arrived across Trinity, which led to major interest in the course on microcomputers in 1983 and the requirement to support users grew considerably. In 1984 Trinity reached agreements with a range of vendors supplying microcomputers, including Apple, IBM, ICL, Shelton SIG/NET. 

Photo: Tandy TRS-80 microcomputer (Photo from The John Gabriel Byrne Computer Science Collection)

 

Special Extension

Personal Computing, Training & Support

A special extension phone number (x1752) was setup to provide the latest information on the current status of the computers for those experiencing problems.

1982

Apple II & Shelton

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The Computer Laboratory got the Apple II Computer and Shelton in 1982 in order to support college users.

1983

Optical Mark Reader

Personal Computing, Training & Support

In 1983, the first optical mark reader (OMR) machine was installed for marking multiple-choice exams and processing surveys. 

Photo: OMR machine

 

1984

Global IT Events: Apple released the Macintosh in 1984. Source: Enterprise Technology Through the Years.

1985

ICL Series 39

Central Computing

The new ICL Series 39 Level 80 central computer was installed in 1985 as an ultimate replacement for the DECsystem-2060.

Ethernet LAN

Internal and External Links

The Computer Laboratory’s first Ethernet LAN, the ICL OSLAN, was installed in 200 Pearse Street in 1985. Ethernet is a medium of linking computers together, while LAN is a local area network that connects computers within a specific area (such as a university campus). In 1988 a new fibre-optic Ethernet LAN linking a number of areas in College was installed.

EIRPAC

Internal and External Links

Telecom Eireann's EIRPAC, Ireland's packet-switched x25 network service, linked Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, and University College Galway in 1985. EIRPAC was a replacement for Euronet.

1986

HEAnet

Internal and External Links

HEAnet (Ireland’s National Education & Research Network) was officially launched in Trinity in 1986. In 1987 the external links to HEAnet and EIRPAC were used by many for electronic mail, the exchange of computer files and as a means of accessing outside computers. In 1988, a gateway linking HEAnet and EUNET (the European Unix network) went into operation as external network traffic continued to grow.

Enhancements of Microcomputers

Personal Computing, Training & Support

In 1986, a workstation with a microcomputer with a braille printer and voice output unit was setup for visually-impaired users. During the same year, the first microcomputer lab/teaching room was opened in the Arches. Decentralisation of admin application to locally installed microcomputers increased as well, including Payroll for the Finance Office and CAD for the Buildings Office.

1987

Computer Laboratory Services Group move to O’Reilly Institute

Central Computing

In 1987, the Computer Laboratory Services Group together with the mainframe equipment moved from 200 Pearse Street to the O'Reilly Institute.

Ericsson MD110 PABX

Internal and External Links

A new Ericsson MD110 PABX telephone exchange was introduced, which facilitated the connection of individual microcomputers.

Computer Shop

Personal Computing, Training & Support

In 1987, a computer shop was setup on campus to help administer the sale of microcomputers and related supplies. The computer shop stayed open for just over a decade and closed down in 2000.

1988

VAX System

Central Computing

The VAX system, a new line of computers developed by DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation), came online in 1988 while the older DECsystem-2060 was being withdrawn from service.

Data Protection Act

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The Data Protection Act came into effect in 1988 and the Computer Laboratory implemented the requirements of the Act during the year.

1989

ICL UNIX Machines

Central Computing

Two new ICL UNIX machines go into regular service in 1989, replacing the ICL Series 39 machine.

Source: IT Services Annual Reports Archive

1990

Computer Rooms

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The number of Trinity-owned computers continued to grow in the 90s and public access computer rooms were set up across campus. In 1990, the Beckett Microcomputer Laboratory was commissioned in the Arts Building which was popular among all faculties. Later on, in 1992, the Beckett 2 Apple Mac computer room was introduced and the terminal room in the Arts building that opened in the 1980s was upgraded with Apple Macintosh computers. In 1995, 257 computers were available across all the public access computer rooms in Trinity, supporting 10,000 students. In 1996, four new computer rooms were opened in the East End and one in the Stearne Library in St. James’s Hospital.

IT Support Documentation

Personal Computing, Training & Support

In 1990, there was a major review of existing publications which led to a production of additional guide booklets. By the end on the decade in 1998, all IT support documentation was available both online and in printed format.

Ethernet

Internal and External Links

The internal Ethernet local area network was extended to a number of new locations in the early 90s. In 1990, connections were made to West Chapel, Maths, and Physics, in 1991 to Moyne Institute, the Museum Building, Genetics, and Parsons Building, and in 1992 it was extended to Luce Hall, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Photo: Example of Ethernet cable and port. Credit: Photos from unsplash.com

 

Internet

Internal and External Links

In 1990, for the first time access was provided to the international Internet system via a private line to the Internet node in the UK at the University of Kent. In 1994, Internet and World Wide Web traffic increased to 12GB per month and the Internet link speed increased to 256kbps. Trinity were able to increase the capacity for College users to generate network traffic due to the availability of Mosaic (Mosaic was the web browser that made the World Wide Web popular).

Home Access Service

Internal and External Links

The number of direct Telecom Eireann telephone lines connected to the central system was increased from six to ten for the Home Access Service as users wished to use the facilities from home outside normal hours.

Student Administration System

Central Computing & Departmental Developments

The Student Administration System was introduced in 1990, a locally developed and maintained system using the Oracle database and fourth generation language. In 1999, this system was upgraded and replaced by a system purchased and maintained by an external supplier.

1991

Email

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Email was widely in use and email, word processing and Library resources were driving demand for computers in Trinity.

2000

Helpdesk Calls

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Over 21,000 phone calls were handled by the IS Services Helpdesk in 2000.

Student Network

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The number of student-owned computers connecting to the Trinity network grew significantly throughout the decade. In 2000, approximately 100 computers in residences connected to the College network. In 2003, over 600 personal student computers connected to the network. In 2005, the student TCDconnect wired network service was implemented to allow the secure connection of over 1100 students computers. By 2006, 2600 student devices connected to the network and in 2007 the student TCDconnect service expanded to include Wi-Fi, which enabled 4200 devices to register to the network. More recently, over 17,000 students with more than 30,000 devices registered for TCDconnect in the 2019/20 academic year.

Photo: Graph showing growth of student-owned computers/devices connected to the Trinity network.

 

IT Security

Personal Computing, Training & Support

There was increased focus on IT Security in Trinity throughout the 2000s. In 2000, the Love-Bug virus was spreading worldwide with outbreaks of the virus recorded in Trinity as well. However, due to general vigilance, use of anti-viral software and the early warnings from IS Services, Trinity was much less affected than many other institutions. During the same year, the Information Security Policy was drafted, alongside IT disaster recovery and business contingency plans and required changes related to the Freedom on Information legislation.

The following years saw a number of addition IT Security enhancements implemented in Trinity. In 2001, the SpamAssassin email filtering solution was developed to help with a notable spike in SPAM email. In 2003, the first IT Security Officer was appointed, an IT Security awareness campaign was conducted, a Security Handbook developed, and the McAfee ePO implemented to allow central management of end-user anti-virus software. During the year an increase in spyware was noted, which was a shift away from traditional viruses. The College firewall was installed in 2004 and in 2005, IT Services was centrally managing Windows Updates for PCs on the College network. The new Password Manager service went live in 2007 to allow self-service for password issues.

Gigabit Ethernet

Network Infrastructure Developments

In 2000, the core of the College network was upgraded to Gigabit Ethernet.

eLearning Centre

Other Departmental Developments

An E-learning Centre was established in 2000 as a joint initiative involving the expertise from the Senior Lecturer’s Area, College Academics, Staff Development Office and IS Services to support best practice in the use of information and communications technology. This was a significant milestone in enhancing student learning within Trinity. Today, 20 years later, it has proven possible to run Trinity nearly wholly online with multiple lectures, tutorials and assessments having been conducted online in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

2001

Email

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The email service in Trinity developed significantly during the decade. In 2001, the first Webmail email service was implemented, in 2003, the MyMail webmail service went live, and in 2007, Gmail (MyZone) was introduced as the email service for students, the first university in Europe to do so.

Audio-Visual

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Audio-Visual Media Services (AVMS) were incorporated into IS Services in 2001. Audio-Visual (AV) facilities extended to most major lecture theatres in 2002. A few years later, in 2004, a videoconferencing suite was established in the Arts Building, and podcasting facilities in lecture theatres and a new laptop and projector loan service were introduced in 2006.

Wi-Fi

Network Infrastructure Developments

The College Wi-Fi service developed significantly throughout the decade. In 2001, the first Wi-Fi network was provided to College officers. In 2002, Wi-Fi extended into the Hamilton Building, Arts Building, Ussher Library, 1937 Reading Room, House 7 and several lecture theatres. In 2003, Wi-Fi had increased to 60 Wireless Access Points. In 2004, on average one new Wireless Access Point was added per week, covering 25 areas in Trinity. The Wi-Fi Guest Service went live in 2004 and the eduroam service, which lets you access Wi-Fi quickly when visiting other institutions participating in eduroam, was implemented in 2005. By 2006, Wi-Fi was available in most areas of College.

Photos: Different Access Point models used in Trinity throughout the years.

 

2011

Core Router

Network Infrastructure Developments

A resilient central router was installed in 2011 to allow for the introduction of new network services and with the capacity to handle increased volumes of data.

2012

Blackboard Learn

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Blackboard Learn, Trinity’s current virtual learning environment (VLE) was launched in 2012 as a replacement for the older WebCT VLE. In 2017, Blackboard Learn integrated with a number of other systems including Timetabling and Turnitin.

Photo: Blackboard Learn login page.

 

SITS

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The SITS student administration service (my.tcd.ie) was established in 2012, delivering an online portal encompassing student applications, registration, assessment, progression, awards and graduation. Later on, in 2019, SITS and related business processes underwent major improvements.

Staff Wi-Fi

Network Infrastructure Developments

Wi-Fi service provision extended to staff personal mobile devices in 2012. Wi-Fi access was established to an extended range of central services, and additional Wi-Fi access points were installed in many locations.

RPAMS System

Central IT Developments

A new Research Proposal and Awards Management System (RPAMS) was developed in 2012.

High Performance and Research Computing

Other Departmental Developments

The High Performance and Research Computing Unit (now called Research IT) joined IS Services in 2012.

Network Speed

Network Infrastructure Developments

In 2012, over 3,000 network points were upgraded from 100Mbps to 1Gbps. In the following year, the internet speed was also upgraded from 1Gbps to 10Gbps.

2013

Cisco AnyConnect VPN

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The Cisco AnyConnect VPN (Virtual Private Network) service was launched in 2013, replacing an older VPN service. Today, in 2020, this service has played a key role in the current remote working arrangements due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with approximately 700 staff connecting to the College network using VPN on a daily basis.

Connections to Wi-Fi Services

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Around 14,000 staff and students with over 20,000 devices connected to various Wi-Fi services on campus in 2013.

Green Data Centre

Central IT Developments

A new Green Data Centre was established in Áras an Phiarsaigh in 2013. The project provided Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and Private Cloud computing capabilities and was short-listed for some major awards.

Video: Overview of the Green Data Centre

 

Student System User Support TeamOther Departmental Developments

The Student System User Support team joined IS Services in 2013.

2014

Telephony Services

Network Infrastructure Developments

The Telephony Services joined IS Services in 2014. During the same year, the Cisco IP Telephony service was introduced in Trinity. Later on, in 2017, IT Services delivered an improved and enhanced telephone system for the university.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity project

Central IT Developments

In 2014, a major Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity project was completed to ensure central College IT services remain functional in the event of emergency.

FIS

Central IT Developments

IT Services helped deliver the new financial system, FIS, in 2014.

Router-Switches

Network Infrastructure Developments

New distribution router-switches were installed across campus in 2014 to cater for the growth in demand for network services by students and staff.

IT Strategy

Other Departmental Developments

A new IT Strategy (2014-19) was developed in 2014, which focused on ‘mobile-first’ and ‘cloud-first’.

2015

Trinity Digital ID and MyDay

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The Trinity Digital ID mobile app and the MyDay student portal app were developed in 2015. The photo below is taken at the launch of the Trinity ID App. The app was built by students from Trinity's School of Computer Science and Statistics (SCSS) and was a collaborative project between SCSS and IT Services.

Photo: Launch of Trinity Digital ID

 

Office 365

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The Office 365 suite of software were provided to staff and students in 2015. This later becomes the primary email portal for staff in 2016/17. In 2019, enhanced Office 365 support was provided for Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Two-step sign-in for Office 365 services was also introduced in 2019.

IT Services Reboot

Other Departmental Developments

In 2015 IS Services was renamed to IT Services, with the department restructured around the following areas of focus:

• Central and Distributed Support
• Management Services
• Academic Services and Operations

2016

Digital Transformation Strategy

Other Departmental Developments

The Digital Transformation Strategy (2017-20) was developed in 2016, delivering many services that have now, in 2020, come to assist in the ability to work remotely during the Covid-19 arrangements.

Mobility Project

Network Infrastructure Developments

The Mobility Project was completed in 2016, delivering an enhanced and expanded Wi-Fi service, at that point the largest Gigabit Wi-Fi network in Ireland.

IPv6

Network Infrastructure Developments

IPv6 services were enabled on the core router and edge firewall in 2016. IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol and provides many technical benefits including a larger IP addressing space needed to accommodate the on-going increase of internet-connected devices.

2017

Lynda.com

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The online training platform Lynda.com (today LinkedIn Learning) was launched in Trinity in 2017 to complement in-person training, providing students and staff with free, unlimited access to high-quality instructional videos taught by recognised industry experts.

IT Security

Personal Computing, Training & Support

The Wannacry ransomware causes significant issues worldwide. The impact in Trinity was low due to central management of security updates and anti-virus software.

2018

Huddle Spaces

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Huddle Spaces were launched in the Arts Building and East End in 2018 to boost collaboration between students.

Photo: Huddle space

 

MyTrinityApps

Personal Computing, Training & Support

MyTrinityApps was introduced in 2018 to provide improved access for students and staff to a range of popular academic software through an online portal.

Panopto

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Panopto was introduced in 2018 as the new lecture-capture service, replacing an older podcasting service.

Data Storage and Backup Project

Central IT Developments

The Data Storage and Backup project was completed in 2018 to better ensure continuity of service with sustainability in mind. The project delivered a greater-than 50% reduction in energy usage.

Web Design and Development

Other Departmental Developments

The Web Design and Development team joined IT Services in 2018. The team is responsible for the design and development of the Trinity website and supports digital communications and marketing activities in alignment with the University’s strategic plan.

2019

Trinity Live Mobile App

Personal Computing, Training & Support

Trinity Live, a mobile app designed and developed by students was launched in 2019, providing Trinity students with a simple way to access their timetables, exam results, emergency notifications, digital identification, and find college locations.

Photo: Launch of Trinity Live

Source: IT Services Annual Reports Archive

2020

In 2020, IT Services currently had 120 staff members working across 17 teams within the department – IT Service Desk, Training & User Communications, Service Delivery, ICT Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations, Teaching & Learning IT, Research IT, Digital & Web, Business Application Support, Programming & Integration, Business Intelligence, Application Design & Development, Vendor Management, Enterprise Architecture, IT Security, Programme Management Office and the Departmental Office.

Transition to remote learning and working due to Covid-19

With very little notice on 13th March 2020, Trinity campus closed for students, and staff started working remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The best protection we had was social distancing, wearing a facemask, hand hygiene, avoiding touching our face or eyes and coughing or sneezing into our elbows. During the following months while Ireland went into a “lockdown” to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Trinity delivered all lectures, tutorials, assessments, meetings, and events online. The successful switch to online service delivery for both students and staff was possible by making use of many technologies that had only been implemented in the previous decade, and even some that were put in place just in the last year. Some of these changes would have been much more challenging, and others not even possible, just five or even three years ago.

The Covid-19 remote working and learning arrangements have meant that we suddenly need to rely heavily on our IT capabilities to securely provide services online. The Trinity community is dependent on software such as the lecture-capture platform Panopto, the web conferencing programme Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, online assessment tools, Microsoft Teams, as well as training for all the aforementioned. Usage and dependence on the VPN service has increased significantly, allowing staff to work from home as if connected to the College network.

Video: How we kept Trinity connected during Covid-19 lockdown.

 

The development of consumer IT in the previous decade meant much of the world was now at home reliant on home broadband services and laptops - below shows staff running IT Services while working from home after the campus closure in March 2020.