Getting Started with Online Teaching
Resources for Online Learning
As a student taking courses in the School of Mathematics, we assume that you will have:
- Computer
- Digital writing device
- Smartphone
- Good internet connection
Further details are available in this guide:
Equipment for studying in the School of Mathematics
School of Mathematics students
Students on programmes run by the School of Mathematics can request devices from us.
Please see this guidance from the University's Institute for Academic Development:
Some of the most important tools for online teaching will be
- the University VPN service
- Teams
- Zoom
- Blackboard Collaborate
The following sections will have more information about each of these platforms or services as well as relevant links to getting started with them.
University VPN
Depending on where you are, you might not have access to all the online platforms you will need for online teaching. If you find this to be the case, the university offers a VPN service through which you can connect your own device from your current location to the university network and can use the internet as if you are in Edinburgh.
The VPN service also allows you access to any files you might have stored on a university computer in the last year that you might want to access during the upcoming year.
For more information on how to set up the VPN on your device, visit the IS Services website
Microsoft Teams
Teams is a platform for working in groups. Some of your workshops might use this platform and it can be used to work on group projects as well. The university has a getting started guide and more information on Teams provided by the IS Service.
Zoom
Zoom is a video communications tool which you might encounter for teaching sessions as well as social interactions within and outside the school. Find the quickstart guide as well as more information on Zoom on the IS Service website. Zoom can also be used to have live presentations or pre-record your presentations. More information as well as another quickstart guide, can be found in the document above.
Blackboard Collaborate
Collaborate is a university-supported online classroom. Some of your synchronous teaching might happen on Collaborate and it can also be used to schedule and hold meetings with other participants within the university via MyEd. For more information on how the interface looks for students, IS Services has more information:
You might find it necessary, to access library resources online. More information about the current status of the library services and help with getting online access to the resources you need can be found on the Library Website.
Find out more about our Making the most of IT (Information Technology) presentation which introduces new students to the University's IT, library and learning technology services, and find out how to request one for your school.