ONLINE LEARNING - HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Learning online is very different to learning in-person using a course textbook and making handwritten notes. You can access more information provided in this section by going to: uelac.sharepoint.com/sites/celt/SitePages/studying-online-all-students.aspx

What hardware will I need?

– A good, stable internet connection. Advice for a strong internet connection at home can be found here: Advice for strong internet connection at home (sharepoint.com)

A quiet space at home with a desk, if possible.

– A web enabled device (laptop or desktop).

We recommend a laptop with Core i5 8th gen or above, or Ryzen 5; 8GB of RAM; currently supported 64-bit Windows 10 OS; SSD storage of 128GB min.

For a full online experience, a webcam with integrated microphone or separate microphone is recommended but are optional, as you can still communicate through other methods such as Chat (Teams) / Forums.

– Your lecturers may hold a meeting where you may be asked to contribute through a microphone.

– A webcam if you want/need to hold a discussion face-to-face online.

Mobile devices such as a tablet or smartphone could be used. However, they are not recommended and should be considered as a last resort.

What software will I need?

As a UEL student and once you have enrolled, you will receive the most up-to-date Office365 for free. You can download desktop versions of the Office365 applications.

You will be able to download Microsoft Teams desktop client although you can also access it via Edge or Chrome browser. Please sign in using your UEL username and password. The desktop version offers users more functionality.

Please note, all departments operate differently. Your lecturer will confirm with you their favoured delivery method.

Lectures

Lecture presentations will be made available at the discretion of the lecturer. Lecturers will use their chosen delivery method:

– Microsoft Teams synchronously (during a Teams meeting) or asynchronously recorded in Teams.

– Recorded using PowerPoint, then circulated via Teams / Moodle / email.

– Video files will remain online. Videos will be available to download, where possible

If you are an International Student on a Student Visa, you must attend classes in-person.

Top Tips for Going Digital - getting ready for the lecture

– Make sure your equipment is working.

Ensure you have a quiet environment free from any distractions.

– If using a webcam, ensure you have no personal information on show in the background that you don’t want to be seen.

Open application windows on your computer, so you can take notes and follow the action.

– Place your mobile phone on silent. You may be using it as a study aid but remember incoming calls will override a Teams meeting.

Complete any pre-lecture activities in good time to get the most out of the experience.

– Ensure you know how to access the lecture if synchronous (live) so you start on time. Your lecturer will circulate the link.

Participate, and enjoy the experience. Your lecture may set a task mid-lecture or ask for questions at the end when delivering a live synchronous lecture. Please be aware, questions may be directed via chat posts on Teams or there might be a time to verbally ask questions.

Netiquette – ‘network and etiquette’ - is defined as a set of rules for acceptable online behaviour. Respect others, listen and speak as directed by your lecturer.

– If you have time, upload an image of yourself to your Office 365 account, so your fellow students and lecturers can identify you.