Student Resources for Working and Studying Remotely

Use Google Chat or Zoom to bring your group work and study sessions online.

• Google Hangouts Meet is a videoconferencing service allowing U-M students, faculty, and staff to connect and collaborate with live video, audio, and screen sharing. With Meet you can work from home or abroad and join meetings, conference calls, and group discussions from any computer or mobile device.
  •  For instant messaging for individuals or groups, use Google Classic Hangouts.
  • Zoom includes functionality for online meetings, chat rooms, webinars, and mobile collaboration.  

Check your University email often for important information and instructions from UM-Dearborn and your instructors.

Expand your knowledge of Canvas

• Make sure you understand your instructor’s expectations around the class’s use of Canvas.
• See Canvas information for students.
• Download the Canvas app to view class materials and participate online from your mobile device. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.  Please note: Some Canvas functionality may not be available through the App. Submitting assignments and taking quizzes should be done through the Canvas website on a desktop or laptop computer whenever possible.

Access licensed software that you would normally use in a UM-Dearborn lab

• AppsAnywhere
  • You can get access to some applications in AppsAnywhere. After a quick installation of AppsAnywhere, you can:
    • Find the desired software title in AppsAnywhere and use your personal computer to run it remotely. Some applications may require the use of the campus VPN (this is indicated in AppsAnywhere when it is the case). 
    • Some software titles in AppsAnywhere have direct links allowing you to download and run them for free on your personal computer. Examples include Microsoft Office 365 and Matlab.
  • Software details and availability.
    • AppsAnywhere: Application Availability Matrix - Personal Computer
    • AppsAnywhere: Application Availability Matrix - MiDesktop
  • Please visit our service desk portal to access knowledge bases about how to use and troubleshoot problems related to AppsAnywhere.
  • ITS is working on expanding the list of software packages available and will be releasing information as it becomes available.
     
• MiDesktop
  • ITS Dearborn in partnership with Ann Arbor ITS has implemented the use of MiDesktop to access lab computers remotely. This will allow students to use licensed software that they may need access to without coming to campus. Students with Macs will also be able to use Windows software remotely.
  • Students can visit midesktop.umich.edu and log in with their university account. Instructions on how to sign in and use the resources can be found in this Knowledge Base Article.  Once you have logged in you can select from one of the pools of computers. You will be logged out of the computer if you are idle for 60 minutes.   More computers will be added to the pool as the demand increases.  
    • CB3065 (Language Arts Lab)
    • FCS 192 (COB General Purpose)
    • FCN 138 (General Purpose)

Use my phone to create a wi-fi hotspot

• Many smartphones can be turned into instant wi-fi “hotspots” which can allow you to connect to wi-fi on a laptop. Here are a couple of links; you may need to search the internet for information on your individual phone.
  • How to use your iPhone to create a hotspot
  • How to use your Android phone to create a hotspot
• Keep in mind that the hotspot will use up data in your data plan.

Use campus wi-fi

• Wi-fi is available in all campus buildings
• Outdoor wifi is available in the Fairlane Center parking lots, the Fairlane Center courtyard, and the Chancellor’s Pond courtyard.
• See connection instructions if you need help connecting to Wi-Fi.

Install Adobe or Microsoft Office products on your personal computer

• You can download, install, and activate Microsoft Office products to your computer from this web page. Scroll down to "Downloading the Local Applications" section of the webpage.
• For instructions on using Adobe on your personal computer, visit its.umich.edu/adobe

Get help

• The University has a wide variety of resources to help students during this time of remote learning.  For example, students may be experiencing unreliable internet connections, lack of access to an appropriate device, or a variety of other concerns. Any students who are experiencing challenges are always encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students’ Office, [email protected].
• The ITS Support Portal will connect you to phone, email, remote or walkup support, as well as helpful knowledge articles.