Information Technology Learning Remotely

As High Point University transitions from our on-campus classes to online classes, our main goal is to continue learning and make the transition as smooth as possible for our students. This will help ensure that your academic progress is not slowed or interrupted during this period. Here are few things to keep in mind as you transition into online classes:
	Communication Make certain you are in touch with your professor concerning expectations, due dates, etc. They should communicate with you concerning any changes in the syllabus as a result of moving online. However, you will also need to be proactive in asking questions and seeking clarification when needed.
	Technology To access your online classes you should have a computer, access to the internet, and preferably, a microphone. Depending on the subject matter and the professor, your course may require additional resources. This should be communicated by your professor if this is the case.
	Instruction Your professor has multiple tools that they might use to provide your instruction. Depending on what they see as the most beneficial for your course, they may record lectures for you to access in Blackboard or they may choose to live-stream the class sessions (with the professor and students logging in together via Blackboard Collaborate or WebEx).
	Time Considerations As you are informed of new due dates and a new schedule from your professors, make note of that in a calendar. Additionally, set aside enough time each week for your instructional time as well as research, writing, reading, etc.

Navigating Online Course
	Accessing Your Classes Your online classes will be based in Blackboard. You will need a computer and internet to access Blackboard and we recommend using either Chrome or Firefox web browsers. Mobile devices may be used to access Blackboard, but it is only recommended to check grades, read feedback, and login to a Collaborate live session. Resource Links Blackboard can be accessed directly at mycourses.highpoint.edu
	Completing Assignments As you are working on projects for your classes, keep in mind that HPU offers Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) for free. Other services are available as well, like Kaltura (for screen-recording and webcam presentations) and OneDrive (for storing and sharing files). Resource Links Create a Video/Screen Recording using Kaltura Capture and Submit the Recording as an Assignment Accessing and downloading Microsoft Office 365
	Logging into a Collaborate or WebEx Session If your professor utilizes Blackboard Collaborate or WebEx, you will be able to join live-streaming sessions and interact with your instructor and other students. The resources below will walk you through how to connect and utilize these programs. Resource Links How to connect to a Collaborate Session How to share audio and video in Collaborate How to connect to a WebEx Session
	Submitting Assignments It’s wise to plan extra time in your schedule between finishing and submitting assignments for a course. Resource Links Common questions about assignments Submitting an assignment in Blackboard How to view Instructor comments in Turnitin
	Taking Tests and Quizzes Just like face-to-face classes, online classes may have you take tests or quizzes with a variety of different types of questions. These can be timed, so make certain you read the instructions prior to beginning. Many instructors employ Honorlock for online tests. If you are unfamiliar with Honorlock, take a moment to familiarize yourself with it by reviewing the resource below. Resource Links Honorlock Student Guide Tips for Taking a Test in Blackboard
	Grades Don’t forget to check your gradebook in your Blackboard courses to see your grades and view any feedback left by your professor. Resource Links Where are my grades?
	Software Downloads Adobe has made their Creative Cloud software free to students for this semester. Use the resource link below and follow the instructions to download it. Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and SPSS are available as free downloads to all HPU students. Instructions to download are below. Resource Links How to install Adobe Creative Cloud How to install Microsoft Office for Windows How to install Microsoft Office for Mac How to install SPSS for Windows How install SPSS for Mac
Support If you run into any issues during your course, we recommend the following: Contact your professor. Let them know the situation and see if they can help. Search Knowledge Articles. Search the most frequently asked questions online at service.highpoint.edu. Contact the HPU IT Department. For fastest service, submit a help ticket directly to the IT Helpdesk at the link below. Submit a Ticket: service.highpoint.edu Email: helpdesk@highpoint.edu