From making the best use of Canvas, UCI’s learning management system, to accessing library resources, to choosing the right laptop, to employing Zoom best practices – understanding the technology needed for remote learning has never been more important for students – especially our newest Anteaters.

As the fall quarter kicked off virtually on September 28 and students prepared for their remote courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) along with the Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, aimed to ensure that students had the right technology to set themselves up for success. The communications teams created a campaign, “What the Tech You Need to Know” in order to share information about these resources with students in a fresh way.

With videos, links to tutorials and tip sheets, resources websites, and more, OIT connected students with the information they needed to start the fall quarter off successfully. In addition, social media posts highlighted additional information for students, staff, and faculty. The theme will continue with an ongoing series of resources shared throughout the academic year.

“Educational technology is familiar to our students because it has complemented classroom instruction for years,” said Briandy Walden, OIT’s Associate Director of Student and Academic Services. “But with the move to fully online classes, OIT has partnered with units across campus to make sure that students have the resources they need to successfully and fully utilize UCI’s instructional tools. We want the focus to be on learning and not just on the technology.”

With Canvas alone seeing 2.5 million visits during the first day of instruction on October 1 – triple the traffic of last fall – students will rely more than ever on these tools to continue their academic journey.

Resource websites provide additional support and technology tools for students. Learn Anywhere is a hub for technology information that students need to know, and includes details on each of the platforms being used for remote instruction. Keep Learning on TechPrep contains help on troubleshooting technology issues, how to get assistance securing needed equipment, and important campus messages regarding technology and connectivity.