3.7 IT and software
Over the coming weeks it will be important for you to spend some of your time familiarising yourself with all of the digital tools and software that you’ll need to use while studying. Digital literacy is a vital area for you to develop during your university studies, in preparation for careers that will require an agile approach to embracing new technologies.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to depend much more on technology in our work and study, and we are proud that we were able to adapt our programmes to offer high quality online learning during lockdowns. This involved a great deal of fast learning for both staff and students about the wide range of technology and tools available to us, and has led to a legacy of enhanced digital resources to support on-campus study.
Your Exeter IT account
Your first step is to activate your Exeter IT account. Please see your welcome email for details of how to do this. You’ll need to change your password when you first access our services, so choose something secure but memorable, and don’t pass it on to anyone else, or write it down! To change your password at any time, follow the instructions on the change your password website.
When you set up your account, you will need to set up Multi-Factor Authentication to keep your information secure. You will get information about this in your welcome email, but can also find out more on the Multifactor Authentication page, including how to get help with the process. At the bottom of this page you’ll also find a useful document that talks you through the initial set-up.
Your account gives you access to your University of Exeter email account, internet access (with ‘eduroam’ wifi), server storage (via OneDrive), and a Helpdesk, known as ‘SID’ (Student Information Desk). Once you have your IT account, you can access support through the Digital Hub and IT Support.
MyExeter: University in your pocket - stay connected, stay informed
Access the University's MyExeter app on your browser and download it for free from the Apple or Google Play Stores when it is available for real-time data and information. View your personal academic timetable and get real-time information on class times, locations, and durations, register your attendance, find bookable and drop-in study spaces on campus, discover what's on at the University, and get easy access to ELE, SRS, email, and student support services.
Software and tools
As an Exeter student you have free access to all of the software and tools you’ll need throughout your time with us, including Office365 - just log in via a web browser using your Exeter IT account either via iExeter or the Office365 website. You can also download desktop versions of the apps to your computer, tablet or phone.
During the first week of your course, your tutors may also introduce you to additional software and collaborative digital tools that they’ll use during their modules, such as Padlet, Mural, and Mentimeter. You will be given opportunities to familiarise yourself with how they work, but it’s worth exploring them now if you have the time. You do not need to purchase access to any of these tools. You can find guidance on how to use the digital tools you'll be using during your studies on the Digital Hub and Study Zone Digital websites.
Make sure you’re familiar with Microsoft Office apps, including Teams as your tutors may use this to stay in touch and even to offer meetings when you’re not on campus. We also sometimes use Zoom for meetings or whole-cohort online sessions, so it’s good to know how to log into your university Zoom account. Remember you’ll need to log out of your personal Zoom account first, if you have one, so that you don’t get stuck in a waiting room when joining university sessions.
If you have any online classes, you’ll find links to join these in your MyTimetable - there’s help with how to use this system in the MyTimetable help website. Please make sure you’re logged into Teams or Zoom with your university IT account before joining any online classes, as your tutor may not be able to grant you access otherwise.
Exeter Learning Environment (ELE)
As well as scheduled classes, all of your modules will have their own site set up on our virtual learning environment, which we call ELE (pronounced ‘eh-lee’). Here, your tutors will provide everything you need to succeed on the module, including a module handbook, assessment information, and lots of resources to supplement and support any lectures and seminars. There will normally be recordings and slides from lectures, materials to read, activities to complete, and opportunities for you to ask questions and even participate in discussions with other students. Using the module ELE pages is just as important as attending your timetabled classes, so make sure you familiarise yourself with what’s available and make the most of the resources. Most of the hours you spend studying for your course will be done independently outside of timetabled sessions, and ELE is the main way you’ll gain access to the right resources to do this successfully.
Once you have your IT account set up, you can access more information about ELE on the Study Zone Introduction to ELE.
Computer and printing facilities
You will have access to computers and printing facilities.
Some of our IT rooms may be used for classes so you’ll need to check notices on the door before entering, and there are a few rules such as not eating and drinking or unplugging cables, but in general our computer facilities are usually open 24/7.
Although almost all assessments are submitted electronically, there may be times when you want to access printing facilities. You can find full instructions on how to access these on our printing information website.
The message from our IT team is that inevitably technology sometimes goes wrong, and usually at the worst possible moment. Please don’t leave printing or submitting work electronically to the last minute! It’s also important to constantly back up your work, and not just onto a USB stick. Usually there’s no need to panic when something goes wrong - our team is there to help and support you to succeed! Most IT queries can be resolved via SID.