Resources for Studying Remotely - Students

UTRGV Information Technology provides online resources as part of UTRGV's business continuity plan to support learning, teaching, and working remotely. Students may need to complete the following tasks to prepare for remote studies.

Personal Computer and Mobile Devices

What will I need? 

  • Enroll in Microsoft Multifactor Authenticator (MFA)  
    • MFA is required to access many UTRGV resources such as ASSIST for registration and your email account through Microsoft Office 365 from off-campus.  
    • Some resources may require a VPN connection, such as certain research servers.
  • Install Software Updates
    • Be sure to apply the latest updates to operating systems, software, and antivirus/security applications.
  • Test Audio / Visual Equipment 
    • Conduct a remote test to ensure that your internet, webcam, speakers, and microphone are working properly and you can connect to UTRGV resources. When participating in Microsoft Teams or Zoom meetings, if you do not have a microphone, call in using the conference call number provided in the meeting notice. You can also host or join a Meeting using your mobile phone using the camera and headphones.

UTRGV Online Resources

Communication and Video Conferencing Resources 

Learning Resources 

Collaboration and Storage Resources  

Creativity and Productivity Resources  

Research Resources  

UTRGV Campus WiFi and Computer Labs

The UTRGV campus WiFi (eduroam) is accessible from all locations including:

IT Computer Labs are available to provide computer and internet access to students who do not have access at home to technology resources.

 

Virtual Labs are available 24/7. Log in using your UTRGV email address and password.

Work from Home Tips and Etiquette

  • Find an Area Where You Will Have Minimal Distractions
    • If you have a study area, this is probably ideal, but make sure family members know you Are "in class or studying" and not available for random tasks.
    • If you do not have a study area, find a quiet area (e.g., a bedroom may be a good choice).
    • Think out of the box. A laptop and a chair on the front or back porch may be the quietest spot around.
  • Set a Schedule. Get up at a regular time; take a lunch break at a regular time; wrap up your school day when classwork or assignments are completed for the day.
  • Do Not Sit in One Position for More Than 30 Minutes. At the very least, stand up and stretch or walk around the room. 
  • Stay Connected. You have several methods of communication available to you, (e.g., chat, email, text messages, etc.). Make it a habit of regularly checking each or you might miss valuable information. It is easy to become absorbed with schoolwork or tasks and forget to check-in. Remote learning may require that you be more disciplined in breaking away from immersive schoolwork to communicate with or respond to others. 
  • Never Underestimate the Value of Talking on the Phone. It may be old-fashioned, but one 10-minute phone call can easily replace 30 minutes of chat or text messaging.

 

Source: Educause Email 2020

Virtual Class Meeting Guidelines

  • Mute or disable video and microphone if not needed. 
  • Assume you are always on camera and that you are always audible.
  • Avoid distracting side conversations if you are physically next to someone.
  • Politely wait your turn to talk. If you are talking, pause to let others ask questions or seek clarification.
  • Advise your family members not to wander through; some home attire may not be appropriate for on-camera meetings.
  • Prepare notes on what you want to say before, during, and after a meeting starts. 
  • Do not ramble on. Be concise.

 

Source: Educause Email 2020

Training and Additional Technology Assistance

For additional assistance, search the client portal of the IT Support Center.