Technologies for working remotely
Moodle
Moodle is HCC's official learning management system (LMS). Using it gives students a uniform method of navigating their courses. For students just gaining tech literacy, it can be daunting to have courses in various platforms. Rather than learning to use another LMS (Google Classroom, for example), students can focus on mastering course content. Vist our Faculty Lounge 2020 for lots of Moodle tutorials and tips. Questions? Contact Moodle Administrator Kris Wiemer at kwiemer@hcc.edu.
Web & Voice Conferencing
For synchronous/real-time class meetings, HCC uses Zoom. While we have explored other platforms for meeting synchronously (such as Googlemeet and WebEx), Zoom links embedded within Moodle provide a double layer of security. Having gone through "Zoom bombing" in the spring 2020 semester, we now advise everyone to post their Zoom invitations and passcodes within Moodle, and follow Zoom security guidelines (require a passcode, use a waiting room and admit authenticated users only, etc.).
- Check out HCC's Zoom User Guide on the Staff Resources page in the IT Resources section
Video Tools
For tutorials, training videos, presentations and more.
- Loom (record your camera, microphone, and desktop simultaneously, then share your video on the Loom platform. And it's free to students and teachers.)
- Screencastomatic (capture any area of your computer screen, add narration and video)
- Screencast.com
Note: We are currently working on documentation for the document camera lecture capture option and meeting rooms. No ETA is available at this time
Accessing HCC servers
For staff who require remote access to HCC servers, IT uses two methods. Read about how to use VPN and VDI.
Chat
- Microsoft Teams: Includes a chat-based workspace for real-time collaboration. Simply log in with your HCC email address and password.
- Google Chat
Collaboration
HCC uses Google G Suite. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are very similar to Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, and can be easily accessed online and shared with others. Google Drive provides file storage that can be private or shared, and files can also be accessed wherever you have an internet connection.
- Check out G Suite for Teaching tutorials
- There is also lots of information and support at the G Suite Learning Center
Phone
Forwarding calls and checking messages
- Voicemail: Be sure to set your outgoing message and check voicemail regularly by calling 413.552.2600 and entering your extension and password.
- Call Forwarding: We are working on a more permanent solution for accessing office phones number from off-campus, but for now we recommend using Zoom or Webex to have "drop in" sessions. Zoom has a waiting room feature that allows the meeting host to admit attendees from-and place attendees in-the waiting room, in order to have private conversations.
Ongoing training and education
The Center for Excellence is offering numerous trainings and other resources for faculty and staff. Visit the CFE webpage for a complete calendar of daily sessions. Also, explore these tips and best practices for shifting to remote learning.
Remember: We're here for you! IT will do everything we can to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@hcc.edu or 413.552.2075.
