Technology Support for Online Classes

Please Note – Laptop Loaners Available: In light of the COVID19 circumstances, we are making laptop loaners available to students who do not have access to technology – desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone – at home. Remember that you can use a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone to access Canvas to complete your work. There is a Canvas mobile application in the Apple App Store and Google Play. If you have access to any of these technologies, please do not request a loaner laptop as the University has a limited supply.

Update to Pick-up Times

Students who require a loaner laptop to continue doing their coursework online should try to come to University Hall 5th floor to pick up a loaner:

• Sunday, March 22: 12-7 p.m.
  
• Monday, March 23: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Be sure to bring your ID card.

Note: Social distancing and disinfecting protocols will be followed for all staff and students in the laptop lending process.

Online Classes Support

The Office of Information Technology is here to assist as you resume your coursework online.

First and foremost, our IT Service Desk is available to answer your questions. Here’s how you contact us:

• Call 973-655-7971, email: itservicedesk@montclair.edu or connect through our Online Chat.
• View our Hours of Operation.
• Please Note: The IT Service Desk is available after 5 p.m. weekdays and weekends.

Guides about Online Learning

Check out these two helpful guides to familiarize yourself with taking online courses:

• Canvas Orientation Course for Students
• Student Guide for Online Learning

Internet Access

What if you don’t have internet access? Here’s what you can do:

• Cable and Phone Offers: Contact your cable and cellular telephone service providers to see if there are any free or reduced pricing internet access options being made available. Many are offering free or Low Cost internet to colleges and universities that are affected by closures due to the Coronavirus.
• Use a Hotspot: We have researched some options and listed them on the Internet Access and Hotspot page. They can be slow, but they are an option.

Hosting Audio and Video Conferences

You and/or your professor can host audio and video conferences. Here are three options:

Canvas Conferences: Participants can launch and moderate an online conference as well as incorporate tools such as webcams, document sharing and chat.

• Canvas Conferencing for Students
• Canvas Student Guide

Zoom: All Montclair State faculty/staff and students now have access to Zoom “Licensed” which does not restrict the length of meetings. You will be able to access Zoom using your Montclair Google credentials(lastnamef@montclair.edu, password).

• Zoom Information
• Zoom Support & Documentation

Google Meet: In case of bandwidth overload on popular conferencing hosts like Canvas and Zoom, the University is also licensed to use Google Meet which is turned on and supported directly by Google.

If these options are not working, try freeconferencecall.com, GoToMeeting and Skype.

Safe and Secure Computing Practices

With increased use of remote access during this emergency period, it is important to remain mindful of ways to minimize the risk to University and personal information. It’s important to review the Security Tips for Safer Remote Computing!

Updates

Be sure to check the Technology Information web page, on the University’s Coronavirus website, for updates on these and other topics.