The Office of Instructional Resources has a variety of training resources that you can access to help you get up to speed using your computer.
These courses are short 30 minute training programs that are designed to give you a foundation to build on.
To make sure that you're ready to use the tools you have, we recommend this course. Like the computer readiness courses discussed above, this is a free 30-minute online course that will cover the basics of how you will operate as a remote student.
The first step for remote students is to make sure you can access your online courses. To do this, you're going to need access to a computer and the internet. In most cases you will also need access to a webcam and microphone.
You can use a computer running Windows, Apple's OSX, or a Chromebook to access Blackboard and do your required work for most classes. Some classes may have specialized software and special requirements, but in most cases if you are not already aware of those requirements they will not be added now.
Your computer's operating system will need to be up to date, so make sure that you
run any updates that are available to you:
Updating a Mac
Updating a Windows computer
Many students will want to use a mobile device like a smartphone, iPad, or other tablet to access their classes. The good news is, a lot of the work that you will need to do can be done using a mobile device, depending upon the device and the class you are taking.
For students who don't have access to a computer in any other way, there are a limited number of Chromebooks available. Information on requesting a Chromebook can be found at the link below under "Request for Chromebook."
To be able to take your class remotely, you will need to be able to access the internet. If your home does not have internet service, you have a few options.
There are a handful of critical tools that you'll need to have to succeed as an online student. Luckily, most are available for free, or there are free alternatives available. Please read through this list of necessary software, and also check out the software listed on the Student Resources page provided by Information Technology Services (ITS).
A "browser" is the tool that you use to view web pages on the internet (or the web). Since Blackboard is a web-based tool, you will access it by using a browser. Most computers and devices come with a built in browser:
There are other, free browsers available on all platforms. We recommend these two browsers for use with Blackboard:
You will need to be able to receive email to get reminders and announcements about your class. The Shocker mail system is browser-based, so there is no need to have any other software, but you do need to set it up. Here are instructions on setting up your Wichita State email.
All students have access to Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint and
other tools) through the university. To access Microsoft Word, go to MyWSU, log in,
and look for the "Office 365" button on the top right-hand side of the page.
Most remote learning takes place on the Blackboard platform, with additional support from Panopto, Zoom, and Respondus.
The OIR Student Training page includes sections on each of these. Click on the link for tutorials, videos, and additional information.
Blackboard is the Learning Management System (LMS) used at Wichita State. It is your online hub for courses.
Panopto is a video capture tool. Your professor might use it to record a lecture or make a tutorial video.
Zoom is a video conferencing tool like Skype or Facetime. Many classes use Zoom to meet as a group or individually.
Did you know you don't have to leave your house to go to the library? For off-campus access to many Library databases and other resources, once you locate the desired resource through online search, you will be directed to Wichita State's proxy server. This means you will be asked to login using your myWSU ID and your password. When the system has verified that you are a Wichita State student, you will see a verification screen and you will need to click a button to continue on to your digital destination. Some databases are not available off-campus due to licensing restrictions.
In addition to these online resources, University Libraries have many online services to help keep you successful:
It is very important for you to keep up communication with your instructors, your advisor, and other University staff who can help you in your remote studies. Here are some tips for communication:
The Office of Student Success has excellent study habit resources. Here are some of their suggestions:
If you need academic support and help, you can find it through these resources:
Have recent events and the pace of change led to you feeling anxious? Wichita State Counseling and Prevention has a brief and anonymous mental health screening you can take online. They also have a mental health and wellness COVID-19 page with resources for you.