MARCH 17: COVID-19 Update

Remote Learning Resources for Students

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Hello Champlain students!

As we pivot to remote instruction and operations here are some considerations and resources to support your off-campus technology access and remote learning.

Internet Connectivity – Do you have reliable access to the internet and sufficient bandwidth to work and/or learn remotely?

• Many Internet Service Providers and Telecom Companies have signed the FCC’s “Keep Americans Connected Pledge”.
  • AT&T is removing data caps for its home internet customers.
  • Burlington Telecom [PDF] released a COVID-19 update.
  • Charter is offering 60 days of free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access to homes with K-12 and/or college students if they don’t already have Spectrum services of up to 100 Mbps. Charter Wi-Fi hotspots will also be free for public use.
  • Comcast is providing free access to Xfinity WiFi hotspots and offering 60 days of free Internet Essentials service for new customers.
  • FirstLight will not terminate services due to inability to pay and is waiving late fees for 60 days.
  • T-Mobile is providing unlimited data for 60 days on T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile plans, adding 20 GB of hotspot service, and increasing data allowances for schools and students in its EmpowerED programs (K-12 only).
  • US Cellular is waiving late fees for subscribers and providing free access to Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Verizon is waiving late fees for subscribers.

Equipment and Computer Hardware – Do you have the equipment and/or computer hardware sufficient to support your remote learning?

• Please be aware that the Rental House is closed until further notice.  If you rely on the Rental House for any of your courses, your instructors will make the necessary adjustments so you can meet the course outcomes in alternate ways.

Applications, Licensed Software, and Services – Our technology environment is a combination of cloud- and campus-based solutions. If you are not accustomed to working remotely please be aware of the following:

• Many commonly-used applications and services are cloud-based and fully accessible from off-campus including:
  • Canvas
  • GitHub
  • Google (GSuite)
  • Office365
  • THD
  • TutorTrac
  • Zoom
• Some campus-based services and licensed software applications are accessible via Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): 
  • VDI for Students
  • Virtual Labs for Students
• Some software is free or discounted for home-use for students.
• Some applications and services may require a different approach. We will provide an update later this week with additional information.

Staying Secure – When learning remotely it is even more important than usual to be mindful of security and safe computing practices.

• Keep your systems up-to-date: Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows 
• Install and update anti-virus software such as Windows Defender.
• Be aware that phishing, social engineering, and other suspicious activity has increased and will likely worsen as bad actors seek to exploit current events. 

Are you ready?

Here is a short survey to help us understand your degree of readiness for remote learning and to identify any technology needs you might have. 

Please complete the survey by Thursday, March 19 so we can be sure to have you up and running by the start of classes on Monday, March 23.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you online soon!

Jeff Brown
Vice President for Technology and CIO