Welcome Students! – 7 Tips to Get Plugged into TECH @GVSU

Welcome new students and the class of 2023!

As classes begin, here are 7 tips to get plugged into TECH @GVSU:

#1 myBanner

Log into myBanner to check or print your class schedule

#2 Gmail

Check your GVSU Gmail regularly for important campus notices

#3 Blackboard

Log into Blackboard to review syllabi, course materials, check grades, and receive instructor communications

#4 GVSU Alert / Cyber Safety

Stay safe by adding your phone number on GVSUAlert to receive important campus notifications via text or voice, and review Cyber Safety recommendations

#5 IT HelpDesk

Get tech support at the Information Technology HelpDesk in 010 Mary Idema Pew Library, 616-331-2101

#6 Technology Showcase

Experience innovative technology in the Technology Showcase located in 012 Mary Idema Pew Library

#7 Mobile Apps

Go Mobile and download GVSU Apps available on your mobile app store:

• MyGV App to access campus maps, your class schedule, Campus Dining information, and more
• GVSU Laker Mobile App to check out the real-time bus schedule
• Laker Guardian App to promote personal safety
• Blackboard App to access course information on the go

Stay up to date and access Blackboard on the go! Review grades, communicate, access course content, and more – right from the Blackboard app on your mobile device. Available for FREE download today on iOS, Android, or Windows.

  

Have a great semester!

 

 

Uncovering Student Device Preferences for Online Courses

Recently an article was featured in EDUCAUSE Review entitled “Uncovering Student Device Preference in Online Course Access and Multimedia Learning“.

In this article, Oregon State University surveyed students to learn about their device preferences around three central research questions:

1. What is the range of devices that students use to access their online courses and view video or other multimedia?
2. Why do students use certain devices to access their online courses and view video and other multimedia?
3. Are the devices that students currently use the same as what they would consider to be ideal devices for viewing video and multimedia?

There were 2,035 survey respondents who reported taking an average of just under five online classes in the past year.

Near Ubiquitous Smartphone and Laptop Ownership

The survey results indicated that all but 2 of the 2,035 students who responded to the survey own a laptop and a smartphone.

Laptops Preferred for Accessing LMS and Video

Additionally, the Oregon team reported that students preferred laptops (73%) for accessing their online course via the learning management system and viewing video content (68%). 

Smartphone Reigns Supreme for Convenience

By far, using a smartphone (87%) was preferred for convenience in accessing video content.

The full report is available on Oregon State University eCampus website.

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The OSU survey and results echo reports provided by the EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research. See eLearning blog post: “2018 Students’ Use of Technology Research Study via EDUCAUSE” whereby the following were identified:

1. Laptops are the most important Device for Students
2. More than 75% of Students indicate that an LMS (Blackboard) was used for Most or All of their Courses
3. 62% of Students Favor Online and Hybrid Courses over Face to Face
4. 67% of Students indicate that their Instructors use Technology to Enhance Learning, Engage Students, and Encourage use of Online Collaboration