The following is information from South Texas College, you may also view this information on their page by clicking here. You can also get STC Blackboard instructions for dual crredit students here.
This toolkit was developed to provide students resources and support as they keep learning in the event of rapid changes due to emergencies. The tips, tools, and resources below are here to support students with unexpected transition to remote learning and promote course completion.
As outlined below, STC aims to approach all aspects of academic continuity with flexibility, care, compassion, kindness, creativity, and positivity.- Be well - Our main priority is your health! Please check out the CDC health tips and FAQs on our Coronavirus info site: southtexascolleg.edu/coronavirus
- Be proactive - The more you prepare in advance, the easier the transition. Update your contact information with STC, check your STC email and any course communication tools (for example, Blackboard) for updates.
- Stay calm - Even though you may feel quite stressed or uncertain, staying calm can help you focus, make a plan, keep yourself organized, and make logical decisions.
- Seek support from your classmates - We encourage you to stay in communication with other students in your own classes and across the college.
New students will need to activate their accounts before using blackboard. This also includes setting up your Jagmail email account (Office 365). Already have an account but forgot the password? Follow the links below to get squared away.
Activate Jagnet Account
Activate JagMail Email
Reset Password
NOTE: Students will receive their JagNet user name and temporary password via mailing address on record or contact 956-872-8311. For technical questions, like how to reset your password, contact Distance Learning support 956-872-2598 or 956-872-2111 or email support@southtexascollege.edu. Faculty have been encouraged to send updated course completion directions to all enrolled students via Blackboard or email.
It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor their STC email and Blackboard course site to learn about updates and next steps to completing their classes on-line/remotely.Stay up-to-date about COVID-19
We want you to stay informed with accurate information regarding STC and the current COVID-19 situation.
Our COVID-19 information website will be regularly updated to keep you up-to-date with the latest coronavirus news. Just because you're not in the same room doesn't mean you can't collaborate. A variety of tools open up options to keep working with other students and facultyThe Microsoft’s Office 365 suite allows you to keep working no matter where you are and is free to all students and STC employees.Details- Access to ALL Microsoft products (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- Available online or can be installed locally to your PC or Mac.
- Free Cloud storage and access.
ResourcesSouth Texas College’s official Learning Management System (LMS), you can login and attend class from the comfort of your home.
Details- Blackboard Login
- Students who are new to online learning will have a link titled Blackboard Online Student Orientation that is available on each student’s Blackboard to assist them in becoming familiar with the College’s web-based learning platform.
ResourcesProvides a mobile resource for students to react quickly to their changing course needs and participate in your courses on their mobile device. With Blackboard app, students can view new content available and see course assignments and test grades, as well as to stay on task with push notifications.
NOTE: It is NOT recommended for students to submit assignments or to complete test (apart from mobile compatible test) on the Blackboard App.
If students access Collaborate sessions on their mobile phones, it is recommended that they use the Chrome or Firefox browser on their phone instead of the Blackboard App for Students.
Install App:Pronto is a great tool for communication in your classes, both directly through direct (oneone) messages and whole class streams.
Resources
Technology & Academic Support
Most laptops now have integrated webcams and wireless headphones usually have integrated microphones in them, which can be used for remote learning. Windows and Apple computers fully support Blackboard and Office 365.Students can use the external (3rd party) resource below to search for all the free Wi-Fi hotspots near their location. The complete address of the Wi-Fi location is also given to you so you know exactly where to go.
http://www.freewifinearbyme.com/City of McAllen FREE Wifi Hotspots
The following report from ConnectedNation.org also provided locations with free Wifi hotspots.
ConnectedNation.org report – Hidalgo County
Telecommunication companies are offering both reduced cost and increased bandwidth options. (Updated 3/16/2020)- Tutoring: All STC students begin the semester with 3 hours of free online tutoring, available 24/7: Learn more about Online Tutoring
- Academic Advising: Log into our online advising system, Degreeworks, and stay on track to graduation.
Student Accommodations
Your instructors are making every effort to address accommodations proactively. For students with approved accommodations, there may be some changes to how these are implemented. This will become a collaborative process between you, your professors, and the Office of Counseling & Student Disability Services. - For courses with labs as a component of the course, please speak with your instructor about the plan for lab work in a remote or online format.