Technology Updates for Classroom & Work Continuity

March 23, 2020

JT Singh

The Information Services and Technology team is committed to assisting WCU community as we navigate through this unique and unprecedented situation. Based on your responses to faculty and student technology needs assessment surveys, here are some updates as you continue preparing for remote teaching and learning activities.

Adobe for Students

Adobe has provided temporary at-home access for students, so that students using Adobe can continue their work remotely. Instructions to enable access to Creative Cloud Desktop Apps on your personal device are available under the FAQ section of the Work Continuity website. All faculty already have access to Adobe on both university and personal devices.

Reserving Loaner Equipment

If you have an outstanding need for technology (laptop, webcam, or hotspots for internet access) and have not already done so, please log in to ServiceNow to make a request. There is a limited supply still available, and orders are being filled on a first come first serve basis. Instructions for making requests can be found under the Get Equipped section of the Work Continuity Website. IS&T team has been in communication with faculty and students that completed the technology surveys with loaner requests and shipped out equipment using FedEx along with tracking information. 

Training

D2L Services, The Office of Distance Education and FAST (Faculty & Staff Training) continue to offer webinars on topics that will help faculty transition to alternate modalities. The training schedule, and recordings of the webinars are available under the FAQ section of the Work Continuity website. All faculty and students also have access to Navigating Digital Learning content using D2L. 

Software Access

Besides Microsoft Office and Zoom, a vast majority of software used in computer labs like ArcGIS, SPSS, SAS, Matlab, Mathematica, eViews, MiniTab, SolidWorks, etc is already available for remote access on devices using RamCloud for all faculty and students.

Internet Access

In addition to WCU making Verizon & AT&T Wireless hotspots available to faculty and students for Internet Access, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) recently announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative.  This initiative ensures that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of the exceptional circumstances related to COVID-19.  As the result, a number of ISPs (Internet Service Providers) have opened up their networks for a limited time. Further information can be found on the Keep Americans Connected FCC website

Please let us know if you have any questions.