COVID-19 Technology FAQ

The following information answers many frequently asked questions regarding technology resources and support in response to COVID-19.

Updated: April 21, 2022

Training

The Office of Online Learning is coordinating training sessions on remote/online learning. Some are topic-based while others are Q&A sessions. Please visit their website for information and schedules.

Learning Management System

Blackboard

Blackboard Learn 9 is a learning management system that provides an integrated set of tools for developing interactive web-based course materials. The system can be used to teach classes entirely online or to augment traditional face-to-face classes. Students can engage in online discussions with other students, take quizzes and tests online, and access course materials and grades. Faculty can post course materials, engage students in discussions, post course grades, give tests and quizzes, and more. Please take advantage of Blackboard support materials including tutorials. 

Kaltura

Kaltura MediaSpace is a cloud-based web service that facilitates the conversion and distribution of various audio, video, and image media formats. Faculty may upload media content to the MediaSpace server which is then available across various platforms and devices. Once uploaded, MediaSpace will provide links and embed code that can share the media with others. Faculty may decide to share their content publicly or restrict who may see the content. Students are able to view non—public content by logging into the system. Visit Online Trainings Recordings to start your Kaltura journey.

Online Collaboration

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform that combines persistent workplace chat, video meetings, calling, screen sharing, file storage, and integration with other apps such as Outlook. Teams provide the ability to work together and share information via a common space. Teams can be accessed either through the web or with the Teams software. You can find helpful information under the Teams section for Faculty and Staff.

Zoom

Zoom Cloud Meetings (commonly shortened to Zoom) is a proprietary video teleconferencing software program developed by Zoom Video Communications. It is a cloud-based video communications app that allows users to set up virtual video and audio conferencing, webinars, live chats, screen-sharing, and other collaborative capabilities. It is compatible with all major web browsers, operating systems, and mobile devices. Learn more about Zoom at SCSU on the helpdesk website.

WebEx

WebEx is an online conferencing tool that enables faculty and staff to meet with students or colleagues from anywhere Internet access is available. It allows users to collaborate with others online, attend or host meetings, and share data, presentations, online demonstrations, etc. Faculty can use WebEx to bring guest speakers into their classrooms, hold virtual office hours, provide one-on-one or group tutorials, participate in committee work and much more. WebEx lectures or meetings can easily be recorded, and the video files can then be uploaded into Blackboard courses. SCSU is licensed for WebEx Meetings and WebEx Training.

• To host impromptu, scheduled, or 1 on 1 meetings such as office hours          
  • Use WebEx Meetings’ My Personal Room
• To schedule a meeting where I may not be the host
  • Use WebEx Meetings
• To run an online class with features such as polling, raise hands, or break out rooms
  • Use WebEx Training

Visit Teaching Online Resources for WebEx training guides.

Software

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is available for free to faculty, staff, and students. Download instructions are available in the “Microsoft Office Work-at-Home (Microsoft Office Suite Installation)” Help Desk article.

Adobe

Adobe products are available for free to all Faculty and Staff on University-owned devices.  Adobe has made some accommodations for students to access their software. To take advantage of this, watch how you can install Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal computer.

Windows 10

Windows 10 is available for free to students. Additional software is available, typically at a discounted price, at OnTheHub.

Loan Computers

Faculty & Staff

A small number of computers were available for distribution to SCSU faculty and staff. That inventory has been exhausted. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please assist with tracking the situation by reporting your computing issues and needs to the Help Desk (helpdesk@southernct.edu) just as you did when on campus.

• If individuals are taking their equipment off-campus, they must 1) have their supervisor’s approval 2) follow Facilities procedures and complete the respective forms including CSCU-1079 and I-002.
• No DCL3 data (digital or paper) or equipment housing DCL3 data is allowed to be removed from campus per System Office policy.
• In all situations, whenever dealing with university data, systems, and/or equipment, the individual must adhere to the System Office’s Acceptable Use policy (IT-001).

Students

In some situations, students may qualify for a loaner computer/device from the Center for Educational and Assistive Technology (CEAT).  Please continue reporting your computing issues and needs to the Help Desk (helpdesk@southernct.edu) for tracking purposes.

Help Desk Resources

• Visit the Online Help Desk website to access additional Help Desk support resources.
• Visit our video library for instructional videos. For remote working, watch the following videos under Technology Support.
  
  • Cisco Jabber
  • Global Protect VPN
  • Remote Desktop Connection
  • Microsoft Teams

Internet Service Providers (ISP)

Please do not contact the SCSU Help Desk if you are having issues with your Wi-Fi or internet at your home or business. Please contact your internet service provider if you need assistance.

Additionally, please note that services including Microsoft, WebEx, Blackboard, and Kaltura may be temporarily impacted by the increased global utilization of their software.

The FCC has responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic by announcing the Keep Americans Connected Initiative. More than 700 major broadband and telephone service companies have pledged under this agreement to waive late fees and delay termination of service for any customers who cannot pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. These companies have also opened their Wi-Fi hotspots for open public access.

Read more about the Keep American Connected Pledge

Many internet service providers are offering no-cost internet for a limited time for new customers with K-12 or college students living in the household. These offers are subject to availability and other eligibility requirements. Please note that some internet service providers will not schedule new installations during the COVID-19 pandemic or until the safety of their workforce can be assured. Internet service can also vary greatly from one locale to the next.

The following internet service providers operate in Connecticut. To learn more about their availability and services, please contact them directly. Please make sure to inquire about special COVID-19 internet service options, make sure to check for additional local, regional, and national promotions, and confirm that the service is actually available in your specific location.