Learning Online

Cardinal Apps is your home for all parts of your UIW journey. Bookmark it. Remember it. Never forget that it serves as a hub for all the tools, sites, and resources available to you in your time at UIW!

Cardinal Apps

It can be challenging to figure out what resources are accessible to you as a new student at UIW or if you are learning remotely from different parts of the world. You can check out the Available Software page to see a detailed list of educational software that UIW students can use to enhance their productivity as students or educators.

Each tile on the page provides information about a specific software, including how to access it, available resources, and where to get support. While not every software may be relevant to your coursework, there are many essential apps that can greatly benefit your educational journey.

Available Software for Students

Gone are the days of being tied to a physical computer lab and its limited hours of operation. The vLab (Virtual computer lab) allows easy access to UIW site-licensed software applications from anywhere, as long as you have access to a wired or Wi-Fi network connection.

To experience vLab@Everywhere:

1. Navigate to the Virtual Computer Lab (Also available as an app in Cardinal Apps)
2. Click on the vLab icon
   1. Alternatively, if you'd like a smoother experience you can use the Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) app (available for Windows and Mac). Contact the UIW Help Desk to learn about this method.
3. Log in using your UIW credentials (same as Cardinal Apps and email)
4. Allow the system to load and begin your exploration of the Virtual Lab.

UIW Library Services will prove to be a valuable resource while you're learning online or remotely. With instructions for off-site resources, instant chat or contact with a Librarian, and research guides... the library website is a great resource to bookmark and keep close.

You can find the 'UIW Libraries' app within Cardinal Apps, but may also access their site with the link below.

UIW Libraries

Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) used here at UIW. This is the environment your instructors will use to primarily exchange course information, take grades, communicate and manage students. As a student, please take some time to get familiar with Canvas with some of the resources below.

Canvas can be accessed via Cardinal Apps by locating the 'Canvas LMS' tile.

Canvas Resources

• Canvas Student Guide
  • How to navigate the course home as a student
  • How to submit an assignment as a student
  • How to take a quiz
• How to download the Canvas Student app for iOS
  • How to use the Student app for iOS
• How to download the Canvas Student app for Android
  • How to use the Student app for Android

The Microsoft 365 suite of applications is available to all UIW faculty, staff, and enrolled students at no cost. The suite includes popular apps such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook (Student mail), and OneNote. These apps allow you to edit and share files from anywhere with an internet connection. To learn more about these apps and services, visit the Available Software page and select the 'Microsoft 365' tile to get started, access resources, and find support.

Available Software for Students

OneDrive is the Microsoft cloud service that connects you to all your files. It lets you store and protect your files, share them with others, and get to them from anywhere on all your devices.

Benefits of using OneDrive

• Automatically save a backup copy of your files from anywhere
• Access files from anywhere
• Easily switch between different devices
• Share files with anyone, anywhere.
• UIW provides all users 5TB of storage space to be used freely
• 100GB Maximum single file size

How to get Microsoft OneDrive

Online (Web-browser)

The most seamless and easiest of the methods, the web version of OneDrive allows users to upload and share files from any device running a web browser with an internet connection.

• You can find OneDrive through Cardinal Apps in the 'popular apps' or the 'Office 365 apps' tiles.

To find out more about OneDrive, visit the Available Software page below and select the 'Microsoft OneDrive' tile to get started, view resources, and get support if you need it!

Available Software for Students

Microsoft Teams, also known as Teams, is a platform for real-time collaboration and communication, as well as for conducting meetings, sharing files and apps, and more. One of the key advantages of MS Teams is its integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem, which includes Stream for meeting recordings, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Some notable features of communication include:

• Asynchronous instant chat or call with anyone at UIW.
• Seeing the availability statuses of each person allows you to stay focused and know when others are available.
• The ability to create a Team with dedicated 'channels' to organize conversations into specific spaces.
• The option to schedule, join, or start a video or audio meeting at any time.

To learn more about Teams, visit the link below to get started.

Microsoft Teams at UIW

All UIW students have a Microsoft Outlook email account and can send and receive communications. Encourage them to check their emails often for communication across the university.

Microsoft Outlook Resources

• Microsoft help and learning portal - Learn everything about Outlook
• Outlook for Windows quick-start guide
• Outlook for Mac quick-start guide
• Outlook for iOS and Android quick-start guide
• Outlook for the Web (Web browser) quick-start guide

Make sure to carefully review the syllabus for your online (or any) class to familiarize yourself with the policies, procedures, and deadlines. The syllabus should explain how instruction will be given, how to submit assignments, and what is expected for participation in discussions and other activities. To stay organized, it's helpful to have a system, whether paper-based or electronic, to keep track of assignment due dates, discussions, and other class commitments listed in the syllabus. Don't forget to regularly check your course calendar in Canvas to stay updated on upcoming deadlines.

Managing your time well is crucial for online classes. It's important to set up a consistent routine for studying, doing readings, participating in discussions, and working on other course-related activities. Your routine will depend on the module cycle of your course and should include regular time blocks for completing assignments, going through new course content, and preparing for deadlines. Having a routine helps make sure you dedicate enough time to each module and project.

Research has shown that regularly logging into an online course is associated with higher grades for students. By logging in consistently, you can keep up with discussions, announcements, assignments, and course content. Moreover, logging in regularly can enhance your engagement in the class and allow you to interact with your classmates and instructor. To stay connected to the course, you may want to adjust your notifications settings to receive alerts when new content is available or when there are updates to discussion threads you are following. This can help direct your attention to new materials each time you log in.

One of the main differences between online and in-person classes is the way that students and instructors communicate. In a traditional classroom, students have the opportunity to ask questions and receive nonverbal feedback during lectures and class discussions, which is not possible in an online format. Therefore, it is important for online students to actively ask questions and communicate any concerns they have during the course. Find out how your instructor prefers to be contacted and make use of any online office hours that may be offered. Asking questions can help ensure that you fully understand the material and stay on track in the class.

Social networking tools that you use in your daily life can also be useful for connecting with your classmates in an online course. Canvas also hosts a suite of communication tools that allow you to contact your classmates and instructors in one space. You can use these tools to create study groups, start a group for your class, or meet online through Microsoft Teams to collaborate on assignments or prepare for exams. Even though you are not meeting in person, you can still actively engage with your instructor or classmates through these avenues. The more you participate in the class, the more connected you will feel to the learning experience.

Even if you are taking an online class, you should still expect to receive regular feedback from your instructor. This feedback may include comments on assignment submissions, responses to discussion threads, and course announcements. If you are not receiving this type of feedback, it is appropriate to politely request it from your instructor.

To have a successful learning experience in an online class, it is important to be familiar and comfortable with the necessary technology, and the devices you use every day. The Canvas Student Guide is a useful resource that provides detailed information on using the Canvas. You can also find tutorials and guides for other technologies used in the class on the Available Software for Students page.