Tools You Will Use for Online Learning

Online learning is an educational process that takes place when the students and instructor are not physically in the same place. Using a computer and an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a student can work on coursework where it is most convenient. Even though online classes may be more accessible to a student’s schedule, the content and workload are equivalent.

In an online class, the instructor provides instruction and facilitates the learning environment. Students can review course materials online, and interact with other students and the instructor via email, chat rooms, threaded discussions, and virtual classroom meetings. An online course may be more demanding than a face-to-face course and requires students to have a high degree of self-discipline and motivation to be successful.

Online courses are similar in structure to classroom courses. The courses have a syllabus, weekly assignments, projects, papers, and/or tests. Students will do exercises and solve problems either alone or in small groups. Students will interact with classmates and instructors through online communication tools instead of face-to-face interaction.

For online coursework, students should possess basic computer skills. Students should be able to:

• Send and receive email

• Attach, send, and open documents from email or internet sites

• Participate in online chats

• Research topics using web resources and Internet library databases

• Find and access professional Internet sources

• Use MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs

Distance education students will need access to a computer with minimum requirements.  Take a moment to review the ASU Technology Requirements for Distance Education webpage. 

Students are required to have regular, reliable access to a computer with a stable broadband Internet connection. Any system older than 4 years may not have the processing power to work with our current version of Blackboard and its components.

Depending on your course, you may also need access to the following:

• Speakers/Headphones

• Microphone

• Webcam

As a student at ASU, you have access to the Technology Service Center to assist with technical issues you may encounter.  The contact information is:

Technology Services Center

325-942-2911/ 1-866-942-2911 (toll-free)

ITSupport@angelo.edu

Blackboard Collaborate is a simple, convenient, and reliable web conferencing solution built for education and training. You can engage with the material, your instructor, and your classmates. Thanks to the robust collaboration and conference tools, everyone feels like they're in the same room together, regardless of their location or device. 

Take a few moments to review the following information about Blackboard Collaborate: Blackboard Collaborate Participant Guide

Apps@ASU is a collection of free Google apps provided by ASU, for students.

Apps@ASU includes:

• RamMail, ASU’s Gmail-based student email system

• Google apps such as:

  • Calendar

  • Drive

  • Docs

  • Sheets

  • Slides

  • and more

In RamPort, students can access their Google apps by clicking Student Quick Links and then selecting Gmail from the drop-down list. Once in the email setting, you can click on the grid icon to see all of the apps available. You can also access these apps directly by visiting apps.angelo.edu and logging in using your ASU username and password.

Learn more about accessing Apps@ASU.

Angelo State University uses a video platform called Yuja.  This platform will be beneficial for recording and uploading video assignments in your courses.  Take a few minutes to review YuJa for Students and become familiar with the video platform. 

It is recommended you go ahead and download the YuJa Application on your computer in preparation for future coursework. 

LockDown Browser (LBD) is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment in Blackboard. When students use LockDown Browser to take a Blackboard exam, they are unable to print, copy, go to other websites, access other applications, or close a test until it is submitted for grading. Tests created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers, either. On exams where a Monitor is used, students are required to use a webcam and microphone with LockDown Browser. After the exam is complete, your professor can review the details of the assessment, even the recorded videos. Angelo State University is using Respondus Monitor to authenticate students and to deter cheating.

In preparation for your educational journey, now would be a good time to download and install LockDown Browser and can do this by using the following instructions:

If you have never installed LockDown Browser, proceed to the steps below. If you have ever used LockDown Browser at an institution other than Angelo State, you must uninstall LockDown Browser and download files from your machine before accessing your Angelo State Blackboard courses. After removing previous versions of LockDown Browser, follow the steps below.

• Begin by logging into Blackboard.

• Select the Blackboard Support for Students course.

• Navigate to the LockDown Browser menu link

• Select the Download LockDown Browser hyperlink.

• Select Install Now.

• Save File to save the LDB installation file.

• Go to your Downloads and open the file.

  • • The LockDown Browser InstallShield Wizard will launch and direct you through the installation.

    • Select Finish in the InstallShield Wizard when finished.

    • Once the LockDown Browser is opened, select the “I” button and select Check for Updates to make sure the most up-to-date version is downloaded before completing an exam. 

You can find additional information about LockDown Browser on the ASU Respondus webpage.