Online Teaching & Learning

Online Lectures & Meetings | Access PC's & Specialist Software | Software on your Personal Device

Online Lectures - In certain circumstances, there may be a requirement for lectures to be delivered from home or away from campus. Here you can find out what methods are available to enable you to teach & learn away from campus.

One key focus is to allow students to access timetabled computer lab sessions virtually if they cannot attend campus in person. The aim is to provide an alternative learning experience and still maintain access to UWTSD resources (including specialist software) via a remote workstation connection, giving increased flexibility in uncertain times.

Open Access PCs - Our new Remote PC solution will also provide access for students to log into Open Access PCs so that students are still able to access specialist software outside of their formal study time if they're unable to attend campus or if their lecture is being held virtually.

Remote PC Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect using Remote PC?

If your lecturer has instructed you to connect to an online lecture, or you'd like to connect to our Open Access computers, the below guides explain how to connect.

You're also able to use this process to connect to Open Access computers if you need access to software not installed on your personal device.

You'll need to setup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before you're able to use Remote PC. If you don't have MFA setup already, you'll need to set this up first.

N.B. We are currently working on the implementation of our Mac Lab connection process which will enable you to connect to Mac Labs and will update the content here once available.

Can I connect to Open Access PC's Using Remote PC?

Yes, when you connect to Remote PC and login, you will see a list of campuses and room locations including the Open Access areas.

The below guides explain how to connect to Remote PC and access University Open Access computers if you need access to software not installed on your personal device.

You'll need to setup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before you're able to use Remote PC. If you don't have MFA setup already, you'll need to set this up first.

Can I Book a PC using Remote PC?

We understand that you may want to pre-book a PC to use remotely to make sure you have access at the time you need to study and therefore, have made this feature available to you.

To pre-book a PC, all you need to do is follow our MyPC Student - PC Booking Guide.

Can I connect to both Windows & Mac computers?

Currently you're only able to connect to Windows computers however, we're working hard to setup access to our Mac computers for specialist subjects. If you need to access Mac's for specialist Mac software then please speak with your lecturer in the first instance who can then liaise with IT&S to discuss the specific requirements.

Most software which is installed on our Mac computers is also installed on our Windows computers so please do use the Windows computers where possible.

The below guides explain how to connect to Remote PC and access University Open Access computers if you need access to software not installed on your personal device.

You'll need to setup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before you're able to use Remote PC. If you don't have MFA setup already, you'll need to set this up first.

Can I access specialist software for my course using Remote PC?

Yes, when you connect to Remote PC and login, you will see a list of campuses and room locations. Each room will display information confirming if the computers in that room have specialist software installed.

The below guides explain how to connect to Remote PC and access University Open Access computers if you need access to software not installed on your personal device.

You'll need to setup Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before you're able to use Remote PC. If you don't have MFA setup already, you'll need to set this up first.

Lecturer's Guide to setting up a Remote Lecture

Remote PC allows students to access timetabled computer lab sessions remotely if they cannot attend campus in person. The technology gives students access to UWTSD resources (including specialist software) via a remote workstation connection.

The solution will also allow students to log into ‘Open Access’ PC’s or Mac’s in the same way, so that they are still able to access specialist software outside of their formal study time if they cannot attend campus.

If you're a lecturer and would like to book a PC lab for your students to remotely access and use during your lecture please follow these steps:

  1. Book the lab by following our MyPC Tutor - Lab Booking Guide This will prevent people outside your lecture being able to connect to the PC's in your timetabled lab
  2. View the Remote PC - Lecturer Guide to get started

General Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the Attendance Monitoring (T) Drive?

Staff that do not already have the Attendance Monitoring (T) Drive mapped to their device can do so by following the below instructions. You can also follow these guides to access the Attendance Monitoring (T) drive from your personal computer.

If you require guidance on using the Attendance Monitoring System (AMS), please refer to our Attendance Monitoring System Full User Guide.

We are aware that some devices setup with Direct Access are currently experiencing intermittend connectivity issues. We are currently implementing a new replacement service which will be enable for staff Windows laptops very soon.

Having connectivity issues? As a temporary solution, please follow our Guide to setting up our VPN Service for Windows.

Resources for Online Teaching

The TEL Resources Centre contains guides and videos on the core technologies you will need when delivering teaching online.

If you have any specific questions or support requests, please contact the TEL team:

Tips & Help for Internet Use at Home

Digital Connectivity - Limited or no broadband options at home?

The University is looking to assist those students and staff who are studying or working from home and have either very poor speeds or no broadband provision.

If you do live in an area where broadband is either not available or the speeds available are very low (lower than 5Mb available - as can be confirmed via Broadband Checker, there are options for you via a Welsh Government grant to fund alternative broadband provision such as mobile and wireless broadband. These technologies do not utilise normal broadband infrastructure and so can provide a more flexible service to remote locations.

Find out more by visiting our webpage.

To help get the best from your home internet, follow our tips below:

  • Position your internet router as far as possible from other devices that may interfere with the signal, such as on a table or shelf rather than the floor.
  • Keep your router switched on. By consistently turning your router on and off, it can reduce overall speeds as providers will see this as line issues.
  • If you're carrying out video calls or meetings, turning the video off and using audio will require much less of your internet connection.
  • Try starting those calls at less common times, rather than on the hour or half hour.
  • For the best broadband speeds, use an ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router rather than using wi-fi.
  • Where possible, try not to use a telephone extension lead, as these can cause interference which could lower your speed.
  • Devices that can interfere with router signals include: cordless phones, baby monitors, halogen lamps, dimmer switches, stereos, computer speakers, TVs and monitors.
  • Make calls on a landline where possible, given the increase in the demand on mobile networks.
  • If you do need to use your mobile, try using your settings to turn on wi-fi calling especially in areas with low/poor signal.
  • Similarly, you can make voice calls over the internet using apps like Facetime, Skype or WhatsApp.
  • Disconnect devices, the more devices attached to your wi-fi, the lower the speed you get. Devices like tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so try switching wi-fi reception off on these when you're not using them.
  • Download films in advance rather than streaming them when someone else may be trying to make a video call, to the less expected.
  • If using Wireless connectivity, don't use the microwave when you're making video calls, watching HD videos or doing something important online.
Student Digital Connectivity Bursary

Bursaries and scholarships are available to all UWTSD students and applicants.

As a UWTSD student, you can access a number of scholarships and bursaries to support your studies and enable you to make the most of your student experience. Visit the University Student Bursary webpage to find out more.

The University is pleased to announce a number of new bursaries for the 2020-21 academic year, including a new fund to support Digital Connectivity. You can find out more below or by visiting the Student Bursary Webpage.

Digital Connectivity Bursary
Applicable to the Following Student Group(s) Full Time and Part Time students enrolled on a course at UWTSD.

Awarding Criteria:

 Bursary available to students requiring assistance with the costs of digital connectivity.
Support available:
    • A UWTSD Microsoft Surface Go (Intel Pentium Gold Processor, 64GB Solid State Drive, 4GB RAM) will be provided to qualifying students for the duration of their course.
      • Device ownership will be retained by the University and will be managed by IT&S.
      • At the end of a period of study students who have completed over 240 credits are eligible to take over ownership of the device allocated to them.
    • The Microsoft Surface Go is awarded to provide access to the University Microsoft Office infra-structure and ensure access to Moodle, the Hwb and other online University services. It is not possible to exchange this device for an alternative, and this bursary is not designed to support requests for specialist equipment. Students should discuss any requirements for specialist equipment with programme staff in their academic Institute.
    • The Microsoft Surface Go device is provided without any additional peripherals. For students wanting to add a keyboard, this can be done at relatively low cost, which an option such as this

    (Arteck Microsoft Surface Go Type Cover, Ultra-Slim Portable Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard provided as an example, other merchants and keyboards are available).

  • Up to £100 grant per annum to support the purchase and installation of home broadband
    or up to £100 grant per annum to support the purchase of mobile broadband.
  • Interim support of a loan device and access to short-term pre-paid mobile broadband where required.
  • Referral to Welsh Government grants and schemes to support high speed internet access as appropriate.
  • Device allocation will be subject to terms and conditions.

Device Eligibility Criteria:
This bursary is designed to support enrolled students who:

  • Do not have access to suitable electronic devices in order to access and utilise UWTSD Moodle, Hwb and Microsoft Office online suite of tools, including Teams
    and
  • Are able to demonstrate that cost is a barrier to purchasing a device personally.

Connectivity Eligibility Criteria:
This bursary is designed to support enrolled students who:

  • Do not have access to suitable domestic broadband (or live in areas not currently covered by UK broadband providers) to support engagement in remote learning
    and
  • Are able to demonstrate that cost is a barrier to purchasing broadband personally.
Last date for Applications:  Applications will be open throughout the academic year
Apply Now:  Digital connectivity Bursary
Can I install Microsoft 365 apps on my personal device?

Microsoft Office 365 apps are available to install on your home device which allow you to run all the Office 365 apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint when not on campus.

You can also install and use:

How can I access Adobe Creative Cloud?

Open Access PC's & Computer Labs

Adobe Creative Cloud is installed on all our University Microsoft and Apple computers. You can use our Remote PC system to remotely connect to our Open Access computers and use the Adobe Creative Cloud applications along with all the software installed on our University computers.

Personal Devices

Students... studying on eligible courses are able to access Adobe Creative Cloud suite for free which can be installed on their personal device during their studies. Eligible courses are:

  • Arch & Design
  • Art & Media
  • CBC
  • Performing Arts
  • Media

If you're eligible for free access to Adobe Creative Cloud, please complete the below steps to install Adobe CC:

  1. Visit the Adobe website
  2. Type your UWTSD email address & click "Continue"
  3. Select "Company or School Account" & enter your UWTSD password

All other students... are able to purchase a copy of Adobe Creative Cloud directly from Adobe's Website and save over 65% discount paying on a monthly basis if you would like to install Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal device.

Staff

Adobe Creative Cloud for Free... As a member of UWTSD staff, you can access Adobe Creative Cloud on your personal device for free.

To install Adobe CC on your personal device:

  1. Visit the Adobe website
  2. Type your UWTSD email address & click "Continue"
  3. Select "Company or School Account" & enter your UWTSD password

Remote PC Feedback

We value your feedback and would like to hear from you with your suggestions for our Remote PC solution. If you'd like to provide feedback relating to Remote PC please email remotepcfeedback@uwtsd.ac.uk