Online Learning Resources

Primary Resources for VCU Students, Faculty, and Staff

These pages provide useful recommended IT resources for learning, teaching, and working remotely.

VCU Factor Authentication with DUO provides an extra layer of online security. DUO is required to access VCU resources.
Keep on Learning provides a library of online learning resources for students.
Keep on Teaching provides a library of online instructional resources for faculty
Telework@VCU provides a library of online resources for staff.

Additional IT Resources

Collaboration tools for remote teaching and working (Google Suite, Listserv, Massmail).
Blackboard integrated resources for online instruction.
Computer security guidelines provide tips on how to keep your personal computer safe.
Filelocker allows users to conveniently and securely share large files with others, both on and off-campus.
Home networking tips to assist in troubleshooting home internet issues.
Protect yourself from identity theft while learning to avoid phishing scams and online hacker attacks.
Remote Desktop provides advanced remote desktop service to VCU faculty and staff.
VCU Wiki is designed to make it easy for you and your team to share information with each other, and with the world.

Online Learning Resources

TheApp2Go system consists of high cost statistical and mathematical applications installed and managed on a Citrix XenApp server. When you run an application from App2Go, the application appears to be running on your local computer. Login to the App2Go server with your VCU eID and password to access the applications on App2Go.
Blackboard is a Web-based course-management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or use online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching.
Canvas Learning Management Platform provides the essential digital foundation for learning, whether students are in face-to-face, blended, or remote environments. Canvas unites all the digital tools and content that teachers and students love, for a simpler and more connected learning experience.
G Suite allows students, faculty, and staff to take advantage of Google's cloud-based services and tools, enabling easy collaboration via email, chat, video conferences, social media, real-time document collaborations, and more.
Kaltura is a cloud-based video management system that facilitates the conversion and distribution of audio and video formats online. It combines intuitive methods for recording, publishing, and interactive viewing on any device in or outside of the classroom.
LinkedIn Learning offers an easy-to-use interface, a broad range of new features, and an instructional video library that includes more than 11,000 courses.
Zoom software-based conferencing enables live participation in classes, group projects, and other collaborations from remote locations. With it, students can interact in real-time with instructors and classmates, sharing video, audio, and computer-based content from their desktop computers, laptops, or mobile devices. Zoom's recording feature allows students to review previous class meetings with full-text transcriptions and/or captions, or to create their own recordings as assigned. Accounts are available to students with valid VCU eIDs at vcu.zoom.us

Students Studying Outside of the U.S.

Overview

Connectivity to the above VCU resources can sometimes be challenging while outside the United States. VCU offers resources to assist with your access to these learning and teaching tools. Always observe local laws, and be sure that any content or services that you access are allowed in the country, region, and locality from where you are working

Zoom

Always use the official Zoom client or app; third party apps may not be secure. To use the official Zoom client from a PC or Mac, follow the onscreen instructions. From a mobile device, use the Google Play App Store or Apple App Store to download Zoom Cloud Meetings. Verify that the app you download is published by Zoom or Zoom.us. Do not use a third-party publisher. If you have trouble accessing the official Zoom client, you can try one of the ways listed below. Always observe local laws, and be sure that any content or services that you access are allowed in the country, region, and locality from where you are working.

Canvas

Canvas is accessible from a desktop computer by simply following the on-screen instructions. From a mobile device, use the Google Play or Apple App store to download "Canvas Student". Verify that the app you download is published by Instructure. Do not use a third-party publisher. If you have trouble accessing the official Canvas client, try one of the following options.

Access Options

VPN

For some types of work, like working in an application or service that can only be accessed on-campus, you may be required to use the VPN or Virtual Private Network. Utilizing the VPN allows a user to appear as if they are logging in from within VCU's network. VCU 2Factor Authentication with Duo is mandatory for the use of the virtual private network (VPN). Currently, VPN sessions will time out after 48 hours, at which point you will need to reinstate the connection.

A commercially available VPN is recommended for students (where legal) who are our of the country or using a public internet connection such as those found in airports, parks, hotels, and cafes.

The VCU VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides a secure connection to the internet through the VCU campus network. Using the VPN will help you gain access to resources that must be accessed from a VCU IP address. Visit RamsVPN for additional information.

Remote Desktop

Faculty and staff who have a computer on campus may be able to connect to it, and then use it to connect to the internet through a protocol called RDP. For additional information, visit Remote Desktop Support.