Online Learning

Cardinal Apps is your central hub for everything you need during your UIW journey. Bookmark it and keep it handy—it connects you to all the tools, sites, and resources you'll use throughout your time at UIW.

Cardinal Apps

Canvas is the main platform we use at UIW for managing classes. It’s where students can find course materials, submit assignments, check grades, and communicate with instructors. Getting familiar with Canvas is important since it's used for almost everything related to your courses.

You can access Canvas through Cardinal Apps by clicking on the 'Canvas LMS' tile.

Canvas Resources

• Learning with Canvas at UIW - Get familiar with Canvas features and participate in an orientation course.
• Download the Canvas Student app for iOS
  • How to use the Student app for iOS
• Download the Canvas Student app for Android
  • How to use the Student app for Android

As a new student at UIW, or if you're learning remotely, it can be tough to know what software is provided by the university. Visit the Available Software for Students page for a detailed list of educational tools you can use to boost your productivity as a student or educator.

Available Software for Students

No more being limited by physical computer lab hours. The virtual computer lab (vLab) gives you access to UIW’s site-licensed software, like Adobe apps, from anywhere with a wired or Wi-Fi connection. If your device options are limited, vLab can run university software for you.

Get Started with the Virtual Computer Lab

UIW Library Services is an essential resource for online and remote learning. With access to off-site resources, instant chat with a librarian, and research guides, it's a valuable tool to bookmark.

You can find the UIW Libraries app in Cardinal Apps or access the library website directly using the link below.

UIW Libraries

Microsoft 365 is available at no cost to all students. It includes essential apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook (for student email), and OneNote, allowing you to work and collaborate from anywhere with an internet connection. To explore these apps and services, visit the Microsoft 365 page below.

Get Started with Microsoft 365

OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud service that connects you to all your files, allowing you to store, protect, and share them from any device. Here are some key benefits of using OneDrive:

• Automatically back up your files from anywhere
• Access your files from any device
• Easily switch between different devices
• Share files with anyone, anywhere
• At UIW, you get 5TB of storage space to use freely.

OneDrive can be accessed through Cardinal Apps. Use the resource below to get familiar with the platform.

Get started with OneDrive

Canvas offers several collaboration tools designed to enhance communication and teamwork among students. These tools facilitate active participation and collaboration, helping you connect with your peers and instructors more effectively in an online learning environment. Here are some popular choices:

Groups

Create small groups for collaborative projects and discussions. You can share files, hold discussions, and work together on assignments. For more information, visit the Canvas Groups page.

Inbox

The Canvas Inbox allows you to communicate directly with classmates and instructors. You can send and receive messages, making it easy to stay in touch throughout the course. Learn more about using the Inbox in the Canvas Inbox Guide.

Discussion Boards

Engage in class discussions through topic-based boards, where you can post replies, ask questions, and share resources. Explore how to participate in discussions on the Canvas Discussions page.

Outlook is the email platform used at UIW for all student communications. It provides a user-friendly interface for sending and receiving emails, managing your calendar, and organizing tasks. Benefits of using Outlook include:

• Organized Inbox: Use folders and filters to keep your emails organized and easy to navigate.
• Collaboration Tools: Easily connect with classmates and instructors through email and shared documents.
• Access Anywhere: Access your emails and calendars from any device with an internet connection.
• Stay in the know: Notifications from Canvas, UIW, and instructors are all routed through your email inbox.

Outlook is a vital tool for staying connected and organized during your studies. Use the resources below to get started with Outlook.

• Visit the Outlook Help and Learning Portal for a comprehensive space to learn about Microsoft Outlook.
• Complete the Outlook LinkedIn Learning training courses for either Windows or macOS, free to all UIW employees.
  • A LinkedIn Learning account is required to participate in the course above. Learn how to get started with LinkedIn Learning.

Microsoft Teams is an essential platform for real-time collaboration and communication in online learning. It facilitates meetings, file sharing, and connectivity among students. One of its key advantages is seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Stream for meeting recordings, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Key features beneficial for students include:

• Asynchronous chat or calls with anyone at UIW, allowing easy communication when needed.
• Visibility of classmates' availability status to help coordinate group work.
• The ability to create dedicated Teams with 'channels' to organize discussions by subject is great for student organizations.
• Options to schedule, join, or start video or audio meetings at any time, enhancing connectivity with instructors and peers.

To learn more about Teams, visit the resource below to get familiar with the platform.

Microsoft Teams at UIW

Social networking tools you use daily can enhance connections with classmates in online courses. Canvas offers a suite of communication tools that enable you to reach out to both classmates and instructors in one place. Utilize these tools to create study groups, form class discussions, or meet via Microsoft Teams to collaborate on assignments or prepare for exams. Even without in-person meetings, you can actively engage with your instructor and peers through these channels. Increased participation fosters a sense of connection to the learning experience.