Remote Learning Guide
The remote learning guide can help you learn how to use virtual learning tools.
Tutorials to help you succeed in virtual classrooms
The pandemic has increased the use of learning management systems.
If you want to learn about these systems, the Remote Learning Guide provides information about these tools.
We also provide links to video tutorials on how to use digital tools and scan documents.
Most students are using Zoom to join and participate in virtual classrooms.
If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, then it’s useful to learn simple tips and tricks to use it effectively. Zoom offers great advice for students just getting started. Click the link and read Section 1, steps 1, 2, 4, and 5. These sections provide the best information for students starting out on Zoom.
In addition, here is a playlist of Zoom Video Tutorials to help you master Zoom.
Students get Office 365 for free! Office 365 Education is a Microsoft application that bundles services used in virtual instruction. Office 365 includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and now Microsoft Teams, plus additional classroom tools. Click the link above to download Office 365.
If you’d like to be taken through the downloading process, then click here for a video tutorial.
You can also download the Office 365 app on your smartphone! So, here’s a video that takes you through downloading the application onto your phone.
Once you download Office 365, get familiar with how to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams. Here’s a playlist of videos from a Microsoft employee who teaches you how to use these services.
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It may be required of you to submit written assignments via Word. The intricacies of creating documents may be lost on you.
For this reason, we link a video tutorial on how to use word above.
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It may be asked of you to complete some of your science or mathematics assignments on Excel. Excel is a digital workbook with built in formulas. If you don’t have much experience with Excel, then learning how to use the product may feel intimidating.
So, click on the link above to watch a simple video tutorial on how to use Excel.
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PowerPoint is an intuitive software that allows the user to build slide decks for presentations. If you have an assignment with an in-class presentation component, then PowerPoint will be an asset to you. So, click the link above to learn how to use this software and easily make an appealing presentation.
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Teams is an application that helps individuals and groups communicate and facilitates class discussions. It works as an instant messenger, audio and video conferencing service. You can also share and collaboratively work on assignments through the app.
If your school is using Teams and you’d like to learn more about it, then click the link above.
GSuite is a free service by Google with tools like GMail, Drive, Docs, and Sheets. GSuite is widely used across organizations because of its collaborative tools.
Simply creating a Google account gives you FREE access to all these tools. If you’d like to create a Google account, then click the link above!
Once you’ve created an account, you can use GSuite on your desktop, laptop, or smart phone! GSuite applications can be downloaded for free from the app-store on your Android or Apple phone.
Linked below are playlists of short video tutorials created by Google for users seeking tutorials on GSuite. So, we recommend you review these tutorials to be an effective in-class collaborator.
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Drive is a tool that creates and saves all files across most GSuite services. Create folders, upload or download files, share files with group members and collaborate on documents in real time.
Check out the Drive tutorials by clicking the link above.
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Docs is a tool like Word, in which you can write and format documents and easily share them with team members and teachers. You can also see and review changes made to the document by collaborators to be up to date on the progress of your project.
Click the link above to learn how to use Docs.
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Sheets is a tool like Excel. On Sheets, users can create workbooks of sheets for classroom projects. In addition, users can collaborate with classmates across workbooks on Sheets.
Click on the link above to learn how to use Sheets.
ProctorU is an exam security service used by Professors. In short, during tests, the service allows proctors to take control of student computers. By taking control of computers, proctors can ensure students are not cheating on exams.
In student reflections papers provided by UCR Graduate School of Education students, students described how ProctorU can feel distressing. Notably, students recommended educators should teach new students about remote learning tools such as ProctorU.
So, as part of our remote learning guide, we encourage students to watch this Student Experience video. After you watch this video, you’ll have learned about the pre, during and post-exam experience.
Blackboard is a learning management system similar to Canvas. With Blackboard, students can engage with activity and materials in each of their courses. Additionally, students can track their grades, take tests, and message professors and students through Blackboard.
In student reflections papers provided by UCR Graduate School of Education students, students brought up Blackboard. We learned Blackboard is an easy to use tool in regard to remote testing.
Still, BlackBoard is more than a test management tool, and we encourage students to learn more about. So, watch this thread of videos by Blackboard to learn how to use the system.
Canvas is a learning management system. Just like Blackboard, students can engage with activity and materials in each of their courses through Canvas. Students can also track grades and upload, view or watch media, such as pre-recorded lectures, in the media gallery. In addition, Canvas also integrates with Zoom, so students can watch recorded lectures.
If you’d like to learn more about Canvas, then watch this video tutorial on Canvas.
Scanning and Submitting Documents
You’ll have to scan and upload documents to submit homework or classroom assignments online. Smart phones have pre-installed software to help you do just that. If you’ve never scanned and uploaded documents via smart phones, we’ve linked three video tutorials below.