Virtual Learning Support

As you take classes in WPI's virtual environment, we want to provide the information and resources you need to be ready to thrive in the online space. Below are a list of resources as well as an academic-centered FAQ. Undergraduates taking online classes will receive a weekly email with suggested resources and ideas to be successful that week as well as connecting you to virtual campus resources. You may not be on campus, but all of our offices are ready to support you throughout the term.

Have questions but unsure where to ask? Have questions about thriving in a virtual learning world? Email virtual@wpi.edu.
The Virtual Learning Team is happy to support you.

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Virtual Study Hall Invitation Video

Community Check-in:
Have you attended class as a potato?
Take the 30 second community check-in and tell us what your favorite (appropriate) Zoom background is and when you use it. In class? With friends? In study hall?

Have general questions? Email us at virtual@wpi.edu and we'll gladly help.

The One Week Left Checklist

Join Virtual Study Hall! Learn about what it is. Happening THIS week.
- Today (7/1) 4-5pm EDT and Tomorrow (7/2) 9-10pm EDT
- You can choose camera/mic on or off
- Have a place to do your work either quietly or while chatting. Look at the Just in Time Tips newsletter for the Zoom link.
Make a schedule:
- Map out ahead of time when you want to study for each exam or practice for project presentations
- Share when you're doing exams with people you live with so they know you may need extra quiet
- Balance your schedule with time to have fun and breathe
We know that as we move into finals and the end of projects, stress levels and feelings of frustration will go up. We are here to support you. We encourage you to:
- Take breaks - walk away from the computer
- Reach out - to faculty, friends, virtual@wpi.edu, and anyone else who cheers you on
- Get support - from the SDCC, Academic Advising, SWEET Center, or any mentor you're comfortable with
Pass/NR or NC information was recently shared.
- Take a look at the website to learn more
- Reach out with questions or concerns (registrar@wpi.edu)
- Please note: You can choose the Pass/NR or NC option after grades are released until Friday, July 17, 2020 at 5:00 PM EDT. When grades are visible depends on when they are entered. Look at the calendar to see when they are due.
- If you are concerned you will not have access to a computer between when grades are visible and the deadline for Pass/NR or NC and are considering this option, please email virtual@wpi.edu or registrar@wpi.edu

Resources

We have many resources available to students taking online courses. From scientific or engineering software to the Global Lab (creating videos, websites, and more) to virtual activities to IT and software to project starter ideas and so much more, there is lots to check out.

Take a look at the Virtual Learning Hub!

Take a look in the Canvas Online Student Center!

Have an academic question but not sure who to ask? Email virtual@wpi.edu.

Ways to Set Myself Up for Success

How do I remember what to do and when for each class? Are there reminders in Canvas?

We encourage you to make a weekly schedule that includes study time and due dates. You can also set up notifications in Canvas to remind you about items like assignments. Take a look in the Canvas Online Student Center under Update Your Profile & Notification Preferences.
How can I handle boredom and stay active to help me focus better on classwork?

We encourage you to make a schedule for the week that includes all academic related items as well as times to be active, do something fun, connect virtually with friends, and more. Connect with Student Activities to learn more about non-academic strategies from them.
How often should I check my classes on Canvas?

We suggest you check canvas several times a day. The more routinely you check Canvas, the less likely you will be surprised by a due date or other important information. We encourage you to set up notifications from Canvas to your email so you also get push notifications (see Update Your Profile & Notification Preferences in the Canvas Online Student Center).

Canvas

My class isn't showing up in Canvas. What do I do?

If your course is not yet showing up in Canvas, it most likely means that some content is being finalized to go live. You can either check back in a little while or email your professor for more information.
Can my instructor see how often I log onto my class canvas site?

Yes, Faculty and TAs/PLAs (if your course has one) can see how often you login, if you've accessed information, how long you've spent on content, and the percentage of work you've completed, among other things.

Ways to Connect Virtually

Are there office hours?

Many faculty are holding office hours virtually. Check your course syllabus and/or email your professor or TA/PLA for specific information for your class.
If my class has a TA/PLA, will I be able to connect with them?

Yes, if your class is scheduled to have a TA or PLA, you will be able to connect with them virtually. Check out your course Canvas site to see how to best reach out.
How do I work with a partner or team or study with others in virtual classes?

Connect with your professor about expectations for partner and/or group work. Remember, WPI policies around academic honesty still apply. If you are looking to find ways to connect with peers for any of these reasons or more, consider emailing a classmate through the course Canvas site and/or utilizing WPI tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom to virtually connect. Learn more about these tools in the Canvas Online Student Center site.
What are the different ways to communicate virtually for academic purposes and which should I use when?

You can email your professor, TA/PLA, and classmates directly through your course in Canvas (see the Canvas Online Student Center for instructions). You can also connect to other resources on campus (for example, Academic Advising for tutoring or Librarians for research) virtually. Check out their websites for contact information.
How can I make virtual learning feel more personal?

Take a look in the Canvas Online Student Center under Update Your Profile & Notification Preferences and learn how to make your Canvas profile. We also encourage you to reach out your faculty, TA/PLA, and classmates to stay in touch. If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Technology and IT

I'm having trouble getting into my WPI email or other WPI sites that require your username and password. Who do I contact?

Email WPI's IT team for support at its@wpi.edu.
How can I get software for my courses now that I don’t have access to computer labs?

WPI has expanded the number of terminal servers (https://its.wpi.edu/component/77/terminal-services) available to students. View a full list of the Terminal Servers available for WPI public use at the Locations and Servers Page (https://its.wpi.edu/Locations-and-Servers). Each server listed shows the software available on the server.

Use the Software Library (https://its.wpi.edu/Software-Library) to search for a specific application. Each software entry in the library contains information about the application, and it’s availability on remote servers. Use the Advanced Filters, “License Required” and “For use on Personal Device,” to discover WPI-Provisioned software available for installation on your personal machine. Software available for install on personal machines have a related Install Guide explaining how to install and properly license the application.
Do I need the VPN to access terminal servers?

The VPN is not required to access any of the terminal servers.
What if the software I need is not available on a terminal server?

For applications that are graphically intensive (many IMGD applications, Revit, etc.), we will be provisioning virtual desktops in the cloud that can be accessed anywhere without the need for the VPN. We will have more information later this week.

If you are taking a course that relies heavily on Maple, Comsol, Ansys, or Abaqus, we are working with instructors to provide dedicated resources for the course. Check with your instructor for the necessary resource information.
How do I install software on my personal computer?

View all software available at the Software Library (https://its.wpi.edu/Software-Library). Use the Advanced Filters, “License Required” and “For use on Personal Device,” to discover WPI-Provisioned software available for installation on your personal machine. Software available for install on personal machines have a related Install Guide explaining how to install and properly license the application.

General Course Questions

Will lectures be prerecorded or streamed?

Most classes will occur asynchronously, and can be accessible when you have time. If your professor has meetings times they would like you to attend, this will be noted in Canvas and/or on the course syllabus.
Will I get to see my instructor or will I have narrated slideshows?

While narrated slideshows are common, how each professor teaches their course does vary. Many faculty will be able to hold virtual office hours utilizing tools such as Zoom. Check your course syllabus or email your professor or TA/PLA.
How will participation be monitored?

This will vary course by course. We encourage you to read your course syllabus and reach out to your professor or TA/PLA. Professors can see how often you login, if you've accessed information, how long you've spent on content, and the percentage of work you've completed, among other things.
How will time zone differences be addressed?

This will vary course by course. We encourage you to read your course syllabus and reach out to your professor or TA/PLA.