It may seem like this semester has taken an unexpected turn, but don’t worry! Believe it or not, there are many that were prepared for these temporary changes, including ITAC. As a student, I understand the confusion you may feel towards the weeks following spring break. That’s exactly why I’m typing this right now, to ensure you that we have the proper resources to make online learning a breeze for both you and your professors.
I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about Zoom from our past posts or social media. This is the online meeting application that you’ll most likely use in many of your classes for the coming weeks. The setup is quick and painless, making your transition to remote classes as easy as the ABCs.
I’ve gotten the chance to use Zoom in both the workplace and in the classroom, so I’ve been able to see its versatility. You can set your account up to be personalized to your surroundings. For example, you don’t have to use your computer microphone to jump into calls. By calling the number prompted once you enter a meeting, your phone becomes your audio input. The same goes for your visual surroundings; if your apartment is dirty or you would prefer not to share your space with the class, you can set your own Zoom virtual background.
Of course, Zoom isn’t the only resource that ITAC has to offer during these next few weeks of online classes. We strongly recommend downloading Office 365 apps (e.g., OneDrive, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) on your personal devices and make sure to pay attention to your BobcatMail over the next few weeks for important updates from your professors. This is also a good time to build your time management and organizational skills by keeping track of your calendar and making sure you aren’t missing any important deadlines.
Many resources have been made available to you throughout your time here at Texas State, so make sure to take advantage of them and assure your academic success in the weeks to come.
Eva Nobles is a freshman majoring in advertising and a student employee in the IT Assistance Center.
