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Student Resources for Virtual Learning

Students - Your Spring Classes are Online

CSUSB is working hard to keep us safe during the coronavirus by following "stay at home" orders. This guide supports you in shifting your learning from in-person to virtual courses.

Steps to Success

You will have many questions as you experience this type of new learning. It won't always be easy, but if you follow these steps, it can be as smooth as possible.

1. Your Well-Being Comes First

Self care is an crucial part of learning. Below, find resources that can help make sure your basic needs are met, both physically, mentally and emotionally during this challenging time.

 

2. Ease Your Transition with Services

The one thing we can count on during times of change is that sometimes we may need a little assistance. The services listed below will keep us connected with the resources we need to succeed.

3. Technology is Your Tool for Learning

Online learning uses different "stuff" than the in-person classroom. That means there are new strategies for success.

4. "Thrive" In Your New Virtual Classes

Your mindset and your self-discipline are going to be important now, more than ever. It may not always be easy, but education is worth it. These resources are here to support you as you take on this challenge.

 

Do

>Wash Hands Often
>Practice Social Distancing

Don't

>Meet in Groups
>Shake Hands

Find Services

 

 

 

CSUSB is committed to student success. Given the unusual circumstances that Spring 2020 quarter will be delivered in an alternative and virtual modality, this page was made to provide resources and information to ensure our student’s success in learning in a virtual environment.

Laptop Lending

In an effort to meet your technology needs as we move into virtual modes of instruction, the John M. Pfau Library has extended the Laptop Lending program so students can borrow laptops for the entire spring quarter. In order to promote social distancing and to reduce lines, students will need to fill out a reservation form at https://csusb.edu/laptop-checkout. Laptop reservations are for students who do not have access to technology resources at home.

The Library will schedule a date, time for pick up, and notify students of their pick up appointment, during which students will pick up their laptop from either the Technology Support Center located at PL-1108- The Pfau Library Wedge or at the Palm Desert Campus Library. Their pick-up location and time will be in the message they receive from the Technology Support Center.

Internet Connectivity

Being connected is an important factor for learning virtually. Mobile devices can be converted to Internet Hotspots through most carriers free of charge. We recommend that you contact your cellphone provider to explore those options.

Internet access is also available at select parking structures/lots at the San Bernardino Campus (see WiFi zone map). We are currently working on providing parking lot Internet access at the PDC.

NOTE: Parking passes are not required if you are sitting in your car in the parking structure; however, if you leave your card and the car does not have a parking permit, you will be ticketed.

In addition, several public libraries may have access to open public WiFi in their parking lots. We have curated some useful resources at: https://www.csusb.edu/its/support/covid-19-internet-access .

MATLAB Software

For a limited time, MATLAB software is providing students the ability to download and license their software on your personal device through June 30, 2020. The license allows you to use MATLAB Online via any web browser or to install MATLAB on your own desktop or laptop. Please visit https://www.mathworks.com/licensecenter/classroom/COVID-19_Access/ to get MATLAB access. You will be required to create a MathWorks account before either starting MATLAB Online or downloading the desktop version. Please use your university email address. Step-by-step instructions can be found at How to Access MATLAB.

Learn About Zoom - Video Conferencing 

As we transition to virtual classes for the Spring 2020 quarter, ITS Training Services would like to offer the campus community assistance with Zoom, CSUSB's video conferencing tool.

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and group messaging. Zoom transforms the real-time collaboration experience and offers the best video, audio, and wireless screen-sharing experience across various platforms. The trainer will guide you through set-up, personal profile settings, and basic meeting scheduling.

Upcoming sessions for students:

  • Wednesday, April 15th (9:00am-10:00am)
  • Wednesday, April 15th (4:00pm-5:00pm)
  • Tuesday, April 21st (11:00am-12:00pm)
  • Thursday, April 23rd (3:00pm-4:00pm)

In addition, ITS Training Services would also like to offer training sessions for the following tools in order to better prepare students for success in learning in a virtual environment.

All sessions will be held online, tune-in to the training virtually.

We highly encourage you to pre-register for this training before seats fill up!

Register for Training Sessions

If you have any questions please reach out to our team at itstrainingservices@csusb.edu or (909) 537-7425.

Microsoft Word Fundamentals

Wednesday, April 15 - 11:00AM-12:00PM

Microsoft Word Intermediate

Friday, April 24 - 11:00AM-12:00PM

Microsoft Excel Fundamentals

Friday, April 17 - 1:00PM-2:00PM

Microsoft Access

Monday, April 20 - 11:00AM-12:00PM

Qualtrics Basic

Wednesday, April 22 - 9:00AM-10:15AM

Qualtrics Intermediate

Wednesday, April 22 - 4:00PM-5:00AM

Qualtrics Tips and Tricks

Thursday, April 16 - 11:00AM-12:00PM

Zoom Video Conferencing

Wednesday, April 15 9:00AM-10:00AM

Wednesday, April 15 4:00PM-5:00PM

Tuesday, April 21 11:00AM-12:00PM

Thursday, April 23 3:00PM-4:00PM

If you have any questions please reach out to our team at itstrainingservices@csusb.edu or (909) 537-7425.

 

 

Be patient with your professor and your classmates

Students should recognize they may need to connect with their instructor by sending an email or picking up the phone. Online students need to have a certain amount of patience. For example, if you email your instructor, you may not get an immediate response. It may come a day later.

Even though you may be the only one at your computer, you are not alone. Just as with a face-to-face course, interactions with your peers and your instructor are critical to you having a rich, engaging experience in the course. Be sure to go out of your way to introduce yourself to others. These are the people with whom you will work throughout the quarter and it pays to build strong relationships. Don’t just say “hi” and retreat into seclusion. Stay in touch!

Basic computing skills needed

You don’t need to be a technical expert to succeed in a virtual learning environment or to navigate an online classroom. As long as you are able to do basic things on the internet such as search Google, navigate websites, and send email, you will do fine with navigating through Blackboard, the CSUSB learning management system.

Your courses may all be different

There are many different ways for your professors to deliver content and materials online.

  1. Synchronous delivery (live or real-time) delivery by Zoom: Your professor will have students join a “live” class using the Zoom web-conferencing app at the scheduled meeting time of the course. They may create breakout rooms during the sessions so groups of students can discuss course content before re-joining the main group.
  2. Asynchronous delivery: Your professor may post class materials (e.g. reading assignments, recorded lectures, quizzes, etc) on Blackboard where you can learn at your own pace. Assignments may have due dates and times to which you will need to adhere.
Be proactive about connecting with your professor

Your professors will deliver courses via different methods, so you need to be proactive on reaching out to your professor to understand their teaching method for a specific course.

You will also need to be proactive by reaching out for help. Your instructors won’t know what’s normal or abnormal for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

One major difference when it comes to online learning is being physically separated from your professor. It makes it harder for them to realize that you may require additional assistance. For example, if you are consistently receiving lower than expected grades on your assignments in a particular course, your instructor may assume that is just on par for the course for you. They don’t necessarily know you tend to perform better.