technology FAQs
- How computer savvy do I need to be to learn online?
- Do I have to install any special software or download anything?
- I have a Mac. Will it work with Blackboard?
- What if only have a dial-up connection?
- Do I have to be online at specific times?
- How do I get my work to my instructor?
- What kind of files can I send?
- Can I change my password?
- What if I forget/loose my login information?
- When can I get access to my course?
- Isn't myNipissing connected to/the same as Blackboard?
- Can you help me with my Nipissing student e-mail?
- How do I get into the library e-Resources?
How computer savvy do I need to be to learn online?
Not very. If you can surf the Internet, use search engines, use e-mail and send/receive file attachments, you already have the basic skills needed to become comfortable learning online.
Do I have to install any special software or download anything?
Any computer you use to interact with your course needs to have the Java Runtime plug-in installed. This is a free, safe, commonly-used download from Sun Microsystems which is required in order to attach files to Mail messages or Discussion postings. It is also needed to interact with the Chat and Quiz tools.
I have a Mac. Will it work with Blackboard?
This version of Blackboard interacts successfully with Mac systems running OS X or higher and using either Safari or Firefox for Mac.
What if I only have a dial-up connection?
Using a standard dial-up connection signficantly increases the time necessary to download pages and use interactive tools such as Discussions. A DSL-type connection is strongly recommended.
Do I have to be online at specific times?
No. The Nipissing University AQ courses are deliberately designed to be asynchronous, i.e. they do NOT demand that students be online according to any schedule. While instructors are free to encourage their students to get together and use the Chat tool for instance, participation in such live (synchronous) discussion is strictly voluntary and may not be made a course requirement.
How do I get my work to my instructor?
Within your course, you can send and receive attached documents via the Discussions, E-mail or Assignments tools. Most assignments indicate how the work is to be submitted. Your instructor will indicate method which he/she prefers.
What type of files can I send?
Blackboard can accept all types of files. HOWEVER, we recommend that students save all word-processor-type assignments as .rtf (Rich Text Format) files. This ensures that instructors can open them regardless of the word processing program used.
Can I change my password?
When you change your myNipissing password, you also change it for Blackboard (See the page To Log In for details.)
You may change your password at any time. On the myNipissing page, click the Forgot your Password? link in the Sign In area.
What if I forget/lose my login information?
You can call the UTS help desk team at 705-474-3450 or 3461, x. 4342 or message techsrv@nipissingu.ca if you realize that you can't recall your course login information.
When can I get access to my course?
The registration period for online courses tends to end just before the session start date and courses are populated after registration closes. The Comments section in your registration confirmation indicates that students will have access about one to two days before the official course start.
Isn't myNipissing connected to/the same as Blackboard?
Not exactly. As of Spring 2010, we have integrated the two systems so that both myNipissing (WebAdvisor) and Blackboard can be accessed using the same login credentials. However, the act of signing up for a course online will not give instant access to a Blackboard course - students will still need to wait until just before the course start date for that.
If you have problems getting into your myNipissing (WebAdvisor) account, contact Technology Services (705-474-3450 or 3461, x. 4342).
If you experience any other issues interacting with Blackboard itself, please contact the Centre for Flexible Teaching and Learning (705-474-3450 or 3461 x. 4343).
Can THE CFTL help me with my Nipissing student e-mail?
For help with your student e-mail, please contact University Technology Services (techsrv@nipissingu.ca) at 705-474-3450 or 3461, x. 4342 for any problems accessing your Nipissing student e-mail account.
How do I get into the library e-Resources?
You must log into the library's proxy server (using your myNipissing ID and password) in order to get access to online journal articles. If you experience any difficulty, please contact the Education Centre Library information desk (1-800-655-5154, x. 2 or 705-474-3450 or 3461, x. 4221) directly.
|
