Digital Things To Know

The IT Services department in UCC is there to assist you with any IT issues, support and facilities. Everything from email, printing and Wi-Fi, to collaboration tools and Canvas. You can email them or call them on +353 (0)21 4902 120 for assistance. Additional to contacting them, you can visit the Tips and Tricks page on the UCC Student IT Services website for IT information and enquiries.

IT Resources

Computers for students

The IT Services department maintains computers across UCC which are accessible to all students. For more information on this, you can visit the SIT laptop loan scheme page.

Student Offers

As a UCC student, you are entitled to a wide variety of discounts and offers on products like Microsoft Office, broadband and Apple TV. For more information on these discounts, you can visit the Student Offers page on the UCC IT Services website.

Eduroam

Eduroam WiFi is available in hundreds of locations in Ireland, including on the UCC campus. Check out the Eduroam Interactive Map to find an Eduroam hotspot near you. For additional information about Eduroam, you can visit the WiFi page on the UCC IT Services website.

IT Support

Increased Support

To ensure that you receive the best possible student experience and support from IT , there are now additional support available for you as a UCC student. For more information, you can email the Student IT Support team or alternatively you can Join Student IT Support on Microsoft Teams.

Remote Learning

For additional support and resources, you can visit the Remote Learning page on the Student IT Services website.

Reduce File Sizes

During your exam period, there might come a time where you are required to upload large files or folders. Sometimes the size and number of graphics in your document may be the cause of the issue. For guidance on how to reduce the file size of a picture in Microsoft Office, you can visit the Reducing the file size of a picture in Microsoft Office page.

Student IT (SIT) - Getting a Laptop

Borrowing a laptop

The UCC Laptop Loan scheme is available to you this academic year if you need to borrow a laptop for your studies and meet the eligibility criteria. Under this scheme, undergraduate or postgraduate students may be eligible to receive a laptop, on long-term loan, in order to assist with online learning. You can visit the Laptop Scheme page on the UCC Student Financial Support and Advice website to find out everything you need to know about this scheme.

Purchasing a laptop

Purchasing a laptop is an expensive exercise, it is therefore important to ensure you buy the best possible option for your time as a student at UCC. For more information, assistance and options on buying a laptop, you can visit the Hardware Purchase page on the UCC IT Service website.

Canvas

Canvas is a course management system used to support online learning and teaching of all students and staff within UCC. All of your online learning and development will happen on Canvas. For more information on accessing Canvas, you can visit the Canvas page on the UCC Student IT Services website. If you are having trouble with your Canvas account, you can visit the Canvas Support page on the UCC Student IT Services website for assistance.

Building Your Digital Capability

Digital capability is the term used to describe the skills and attitudes needed to thrive in the modern world. As a student in UCC, digital capability will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to live, learn and work in a digital society.

Being digitally capable means something different to each person. For digital capability as a student in UCC, this will depend on your specific degree course and its requirements, the career you are aiming towards, as well as personal and other contextual factors.

There are various programmes and projects in place to assist you, as a student in UCC, in becoming digitally capable. For more information about this, you can read the following sections below about the UCC Digital Badge, Student Systems Administration Project and Digital Capability and the Library.

UCC Digital Badge

UCC Quality Peer Review 2018

For more information on Digital Badges in UCC, you can click this link.

Digital Badges or 'micro-credentials' are offered in most of the world's top ranked universities, including UCC. Many students increasingly seek recognition for non-accredited, extra-curricular contributions made during their studies and therefore, the badges refer directly to the university's nine essential values. These values are:

Creativity
Responsiveness
Transparency
Scholarship
Freedom of Expression
Integrity
Equality
Diversity
Respect

Netiquette

What is netiquette and why should I apply it?

Online communication skills are really important for you as a 21^st century learner and student. These days, the world of work, study and interacting are becoming more virtual. Since this is the case, it is more important than ever to be aware of the do's and don’ts for working and studying online. This is where netiquette becomes an integral skill. The word ‘netiquette’ is a noun derived from the words internet and etiquette. The general rule is that what is not appropriate in a classroom, is not appropriate in an online class or session either. The online classroom, just like the real classroom, should be a safe space where everyone should feel comfortable to share ideas.

Digital Citizenship

What is Digital Citizenship and how does it affect me?

To have integrity means doing the right thing. In the online world, doing the right thing is called digital citizenship. Digital citizenship is the ability to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in the online world. It is essential that you, as a student in UCC, independently navigate the online world with integrity. Below are seven key areas to keep in mind:

1. Internet safety. The internet has become an essential place to connect with people, not just in different parts of the world, but in our current daily study and work regimes as well. It is therefore really important that you consider the risks. Be mindful of the different sites you visit and possible inappropriate contacts. Keep your connections positive and report others who are in breach of the UCC guidelines and policies.

2. Privacy and security. Phishers and hackers are real and it is therefore important that you have the integrity to protect your online information and keep it secure. Make sure that you create strong passwords, avoid scams, and always read the privacy policies before you sign up to any website.

3. Creative credit and copyright. Living in a copy-and-paste culture makes it tempting to use other people's work. Sharing responsibly and giving credit to the original author takes integrity, but remember, if you don't credit the original author, you are guilty of plagiarising.

4. Digital footprint and reputation. Taking responsibility for your online reputation, respecting others' privacy, and limiting your digital footprint takes integrity. You should always think before you make a post on a social media platform and consider how your online actions will affect others.

5. Self-image and identity. With every post you make on a social media platform, you are creating your online identity. Ask yourself whether your online identity is one of integrity. This could have a serious effect on your sense of self, your reputation, and even your peer relationships.

6. Relationships and communication. Building positive relationships takes integrity and it is therefore really important to always be honest and fair towards your peers and friends.

7. Cyberbullying and digital drama. All of us have witnessed or experienced cyberbullying in some form and to be supportive towards victims takes a lot of integrity. Don't be a bystander and sit back, be an upstander by either directly confronting a bully or by reaching out to a victim.

Important To Know - Digital