Here you can read more about how to make the best out of a digital study day using the nescessary equipment, software and good habits.

Norsk versjon - Nettbasert undervisning - anbefalinger for studenter

Equipment

• PC: To participate in digital lectures a PC is a prerequisite, preferably with working webcam and speakers - particularly if you lack a headset. It might also be a good idea to ensure your PC is updated, so you won't have to worry about updates and reboots just before a lecture.
• Headset: It might also be a good idea to use a headset as they contribute to eliminating background noise for both yourself and others in the session.

Software

• Browser: We recommend using either Google Chrome or Firefox for sessions in Collaborate. If you experience problems with audio/video, it is often a good idea to make sure that Zoom/Collaborate/Teams have access to the camera and microphone in your browser, and empty your browser cache. You can read more about how to empty the cache here.
• Zoom: Even if there is a browser version of Zoom, the best option is downloading the desktop client. That way you avoid problems relating to your browser and is guaranteed to have all functions available and working - provided the client is up to date. You can find help with downloading and installing Zoom here.
• Teams: Some teachers prefer Teams over Collaborate and Zoom. Teams is included in the Office365-package all students have access to, and which you can read more about here.

Behaviour during online class

Many experience online teaching as tiresome and monotonous – and it can be tempting to turn off the webcam and do something else while one is home. Nonetheless we encourage students to participate as actively as possible while in lecture, by having the webcam on, asking questions over microphone rather than chat – unless the teacher specifies differently – and meet on time.
It contributes to maintaining good habits for one self, and promotes a stimulating learning environment both for one self and one's fellow students. To avoid noise and disturbances it is furthermore preferable to mute one's microphone while not speaking.

The use of video

Many teacher have expressed that they wish their students to use a webcam or at least a profile picture during online sessions. Of course, this may feel uncomfortable to some, and when push comes to shove, no one can force anyone to use a webcam. That being said, it is very demotivating to teach a silent and faceless audience.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for students to request that lectures be recorded - this then includes student names and possibly video. It is understandable that this makes the use of webcam less appealing, but these recordings are usually for internal use only - no one outside the subject has access. So generally we encourage using the webcam, insofar possible.

Contact

Contact Section for Teaching and Learning Support for help with digital teaching through NTNU Help.