Vassar Student Guide to Distance Learning
Computing and Information Services • Vassar College
Last updated September 2020
With the need to adapt to Vassar College's current position, you will find below the information and technology you need to create a successful distance learning environment to ensure you can stay connected to classmates and professors.
Essential Apps & Services
Already know what you need? Need additional help and info? Read on for more about required and recommended software and hardware, best practices, and FAQs.
The Basics of Distance Learning
This section covers the basic technical equipment and access most Vassar College students need to distance learn. Certain courses may require specialized hardware, software, or access. If in doubt, consult with your professor.
A Stable Internet Connection
You'll need to have an internet connection that is stable and fast enough to support Zoom classes, email, Moodle, file uploading and sharing, and all other work required of you and your classes. A good way to test your ability to conduct a Zoom meeting is by joining a test Zoom meeting from your telework location. You may also test your speed here. 10-20 Mbps upload and download speeds are considered fast enough for typical work activities. Please keep in mind that other devices on your network will impact your speed (e.g., if a family member is streaming Netflix or playing online games).
If you are in need of internet service during this time, see these special offers below:
Verizon Will Waive Overcharges & Late Fees; Announces Two Months Waived Internet and Voice Service Charges for Current Lifeline Customers; Adds 15GB of High Speed Data for Wireless Consumer
Still having difficulty gaining access to the internet? Please fill out this form to request access from Vassar College.
Also, if you choose to tether to your cellular phone or use your cellular phone for school work, reach out to your cellular provider for temporary data adjustments as many are accommodating on a case by case basis.
A Distance Learning-Ready Computer
To work successfully from off-campus, you'll need a reasonably recent computer (defined below) and operating system to ensure software compatibility and security protections. Tablets and cell phones can be useful as supplementary equipment, but they are not adequate standalone equipment for working remotely.
If you plan to use your personal computer: We recommend using a system with:
Hardware: 2.5 GHz Dual Core i5 or higher, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage
Operating system: PC - Windows 7 or higher, Mac - OSX 10.10 or higher
If you do not have access to a capable computer: If you do not have access to a capable computer for distance learning, please fill out this form to apply for a temporary computer.
If allowed or available: Download the Zoom mobile app to join into classes via your mobile device. Be aware, that the visibility will be much smaller than a computer screen, but may be a good option depending on your current situation.
A Secure Environment
To protect your data and Vassar's network, you must install or have access to each of these security and productivity tools and services and use them whenever you telework:
Security features: To find the security features and systems that you need to keep your computer safe and protected, see this solution.
You should never store restricted data on your persona computer or on Google Drive. Restricted data is anything that, if disclosed, could cause severe harm to yourself or others. This includes data that would constitute a violation of law, regulation or contract.
After using AskBanner, particularly from a shared computer, be sure to fully quit the browser to ensure nobody can access your personal information.
Do not use public wifi. There are solutions available to students who do not have access to wifi [see the FAQs below]. If you must use public wifi, you must use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. If you must participate from a public space, use a VPN. We recommend expressvpn.com/order ($8.32/month). Do not use a free VPN service as that can create security vulnerabilities.
Familiarize Yourself with the Tools
In a situation such as this, that may be making you feel nervous or uncomfortable, the best thing you can do is make yourself comfortable and confident in your ability to do your work. Please see the following links to familiarize yourself with the appropriate platforms:
To learn how to join a meeting with Zoom, click here.
To learn how to join and configure your audio & video, click here.
To learn your meeting controls, click here.
Zoom Tip: You do not need to login to Zoom separately or have/sign up for a Zoom account to participate in any Zoom meeting! However, to go back and view recorded sessions you do need a Zoom account. You can sign in with your Vassar credentials after going to https://one.vassar.edu/ and selecting Zoom.
Distance Learning Tips & Etiquette
BE PREPARED
Know you can access Zoom: Before classes begin on Monday, use this test link with your computer equipment to make sure your Zoom is functioning properly. You do not need a Zoom account to participate in your course, however you will need your account to view recorded sessions (how to mentioned above).
Do your homework: Read through this site, follow prompts, and have everything prepared so you can be comfortable and confident with distance learning. Contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@vassar.edu if you have questions or need assistance.
Learn about distance learning: Digital learning can be intimidating at first, but with these tips, you'll be feeling comfortable in no time. Click here to view the LinkedIn Learning curriculum on tips and tricks to learning remotely.
BE CONSIDERATE
Stay connected: Regularly check Moodle and your Vassar Email for urgent matters.
Use shared drives: Create shared Google Drives for use with your classmates and project teams as an easy way for everyone to have access to what they need when they need it.
Be patient: Remember this is a new process for everyone on campus. Give faculty time to respond to issues, respect office hours and help each other navigate this new learning environment.
Conserve resources: Vassar's network is a shared resource, and usage will be higher than usual during a state of emergency. If you are working remotely from campus, avoid using the Vassar network for anything besides work, particularly during business and class hours. This includes video or audio streaming and online gaming.
BE RESPONSIBLE
Update your devices: Updates address identified security vulnerabilities, some which may be active exploits. Be sure to install available updates to your device's operating system, applications, browsers and browser extensions.
Don't overshare: If you have to share your screen in a virtual meeting or classroom, you should choose to share ONLY the window you'd like to share and not your entire desktop to avoid allowing participants to see things they weren't meant to see or be interrupted by chat or calendar notifications. Some computers also allow you to turn on Do Not Disturb. This is a good practice when screen sharing or presenting.
Learn responsibly: The same IT policies apply whether you are learning on campus or at home. If you need to reference IT policies, they can be found here.
Beware of scams: Scammers may contact you via email, text, SMS, phone or social media, and may pretend to be a trusted colleague or someone on the executive level, particularly if it's well known that colleges are rapidly adapting to remote working. Even if you recognize a phone number or email address, be sure to confirm every request for sensitive information is via a trusted means of communication.
BE AWARE OF SCAMS
We recommend the following actions to keep your information secure and to assist the community in staying safe from online threats:
Report all suspicious emails, websites, or phone calls to catchoftheday@vassar.edu
Review our recommendations for safe computing. Remember, you can apply these to all of your devices.
Always check the “From” address and “Reply-to” address on all emails you receive. Be mindful of checking mail on mobile devices–tap on the sender’s name and their details to ensure the from address is valid
Before you click, stop and think! Many malicious links are spread via social media. Think twice before clicking on links, especially if they are not easily traced to official organizations
We recommend using multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your Vassar and non-Vassar accounts, wherever it is offered. If criminals do obtain your credentials, it provides an extra layer of security. To find out more, click here.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, ask the caller where they are calling from, and tell them you will hang up and call them back at their company’s official number.
FAQ
How do I connect to library services when I am off-campus?
How do I access the Writing Center remotely?
As Vassar moves to a distance learning model of education, the Writing Center will similarly transition to online feedback via WCOnline's e-tutoring module. For those who are familiar with WCOnline, the scheduling system will look a little different. Rather than 1-hour time blocks, you will now see "Slots." As with face-to-face consulting, simply click on the available slot and provide the information requested. You will now be able to upload a paper, which our consultants will comment upon and return to you via the WCOnline appointment page.
While online feedback is, by nature, less intensive than face-to-face meetings in the Writing Center, we hope that continuing to provide this resource to all Vassar writers will help to make the transition to distance learning more manageable for all. This means that you should feel free to seek feedback on any and all writing projects (as per usual), including more informal Moodle or blog posts. We look forward to continuing our work with you online and hope to see everyone in the Writing Center again soon.
To make an appointment, please visit WCOnline.
How do I access the Learning, Teaching & Research Center remotely?
For more information on how you can access the LTRC, click here.
How can I optimize my Zoom experience?
One way to optimize your group's Zoom experience is to have participants call in via phone instead of using their computer audio. It is also helpful to quit unnecessary applications that may slow down connection.
What if Zoom isn't working?
Keep in mind, with the nationwide switch to distance learning and teleworking, services like Zoom are being heavily utilized. If you have trouble dialing in or logging in, you may have to try a few times. If you continue to have issues, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@vassar.edu or (845) 437-7224.
How can I connect to campus services from an international location?
If you are international and have trouble accessing critical services for distance learning, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@vassar.edu and request to be added to the Vassar VPN.
Will all IT services be available?
All services that you can access from your computer from home will be accessible. IT staff are able to provide support remotely, however, some in-person services may be unavailable including but not limited to: desk-side support, innovation lab, classroom A/V operation, and poster printing.
How do I download Office if I am on a new computer?
If you need to download a copy of Microsoft Office or use Office 365 online collaboration services, you can do so by visiting http://portal.office.com and entering your Vassar email address.
How will I access course content in textbooks that I left on campus?
The library is accepting requests from instructors to either purchase or scan required readings. As not everything is available digitally, each request is being reviewed and instructors may adjust their requirements accordingly.
How do I know how each specific professor will utilize distance teaching and the impact on the syllabus?
As this is a learning process for faculty and students alike, professors may adjust their syllabus as they see fit to accommodate distance teaching and student needs, and may continue to adjust as new challenges arise. The best source of information is your instructor and you are encouraged to reach out to them as you encounter unique challenges.
How do I check my voicemail from off-campus or change my outgoing voice message?
You can access voicemail from outside the office by dialing your phone number and pressing * when your outgoing message starts. When prompted for your ID enter your extension followed by #. When promoted for your password enter your 4 digit pin followed by the #.
How do I ensure my privacy is protected through Zoom?
First, if the session is being recorded, you need to consent to the recording. Second, you may choose to not participate by video. And third, if your video is enabled and you speak, co-host, or take over as host, your video will be recorded.