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Deeper Dive

Deeper Dive into Technology Tools

Take a deeper dive into a few of the technology tools you'll use during your academic journey at UNO. Whether it's your first or tenth online experience, we've got you've covered with helpful tips about the most common tools you'll use in your classes. For more resources geared toward learning remotely and online, visit keeplearning.unomaha.edu.

Canvas - Syllabus, Assignments, Discussions

Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) at UNO and your home base for online courses. In Canvas, you'll be able to view your course materials, communicate with your instructor and classmates, submit assignments, and much more. This page includes important recommendations and helpful resources to successfully participate in your courses.

Quick Tips

  • Ensure you are getting instructor notifications and announcements by checking your notification preferences in Canvas.
  • Download the Canvas Student mobile app for easy access to your classes and to communicate with your instructor/classmates when you may not have access to your computer. The app can be downloaded via the standard app store for your device.
  • Communicate with your instructor promptly if you need accommodations in terms of due dates, quiz times, or accessibility concerns.

Resources

Zoom - Web Conferencing

Zoom is a web conferencing system with full audio, video, and screen sharing capabilities. It can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux computer platforms, as well as on iOS and & Android mobile devices. All faculty, staff, and students at UNO have access to Zoom Pro accounts. To achieve the best Zoom experience, ensure you are on the latest version of the software. Update Zoom from your desktop client by clicking on your profile picture, in the upper right corner, and selecting “Check for Updates” in the drop-down menu. You can also download the latest version from unomaha.zoom.us/download.

Quick Tips

  • If you want to participate in "live" Zoom sessions for class meetings, office hours, or group discussions, you will minimally need a phone from which to call in. 
  • If possible, use a computer with webcam and audio capabilities so that you can see and communicate with your instructor, classmates, and see anything shared on screen. Phones can also be used for audio and video capabilities.
  • Your instructor will send you a link to join their Zoom meeting. To join, just click the link and it will walk you through what you need to join the meeting.  You do not need to download any software, though a mobile app is available for ease-of-use.
  • You may also want to utilize Zoom for group discussions, projects, or online presentations. To schedule your own meetings, simply sign in to your account using your TrueYou login and password and follow the steps outlined in the below videos.
Please note Zoom is best for recording synchronous discussions with groups; VidGrid is best for recording your screen or yourself for later annotations or editing.

New to Zoom? Start here

Resources

VidGrid - UNO Academic Video

UNO Academic Video is a versatile system that captures anything on your computer screen; from PowerPoint slides to web pages to complex animations. Video from webcams and document cameras can also be added. Use VidGrid when you want to record something on your screen ahead of time for playback or editing later. The system is integrated with Canvas which makes it easy to share as an assignment or post on a discussion board.

New to VidGrid? Start here

Resources

Respondus - Lockdown Browser

Respondus Lockdown Browser is a special browser for Windows, Mac, and iPad that locks down a computer when students take an assessment, so they are unable to access other applications, browsers, and computer menus.  There is also a "Monitor" feature that instructors may use where the computer webcam and microphone are used to deliver online proctoring.

Quick Tips

If you are a student and your instructor will be using the Respondus Lockdown Browser for your class, start with the following steps:

  • Install the UNO-specific version of the browser - UNO Respondus Lockdown Browser 
  • Launch the Respondus Lockdown Browser first and use it to log into Canvas when you're ready to take a quiz

Additional Resources

Need technical assistance? Contact MavTECH Help Center

MavTECH Help Center can assist you with a variety of issues, including claiming accounts, password assistance, and technical support for online tools, such as Canvas, VidGrid, Zoom, OneDrive, and Respondus.

If you need assistance with specific systems like Canvas, VidGrid, and Zoom after hours, don't forget each system offers its own Help Center. Access Canvas by logging in and clicking "Help" on the left-hand side; access the other Help Centers here: VidGrid, Zoom, and Respondus.
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