Lesson 5 - What If I Am Not Tech-Savvy?

Minimum Technical Skills and Requirements

So what are the minimum technical skills required to take an ACCESS class? To take an ACCESS class, students must be able to

• use a web browser
• save files
• attach files

If you have gotten this far in the orientation, you can use a web browser. You’ve also learned how to attach a file in email. We will go over attaching files to Dropboxes as well. So what about saving files?

Beyond these basic skills, most courses have no additional technical skill requirements. You can check the Course Information >> Course Prerequisites to make sure.

You should also make sure that your computer meets the minimum technical requirements.

File Types

While D2L accepts many filetypes, it does not accept all filetypes.

If you are using Google Docs or Pages to complete your work, make sure to download or save your files as .docx files before submitting them to D2L. This will guarantee that your teacher can open and grade your work. Go to Student Technology Resources for instructions on downloading and saving files as .docx files.

.docx is not the only filetype that can be submitted to D2L, but it is the one you will use most frequently.

File Storage and Organization

As you work through your class, you will create a lot of assignment files. You should keep these files organized. Two things you can do to keep your files organized is to name them clearly and to save them in folders.

Naming files is important. You don’t want to open every file to find out what is inside! So, we suggest that all of your ACCESS filename include three things.

1. The course name or abbreviation.
2. Your name (first or last)
3. The assignment or lesson and task number

You cannot use the following characters in filenames: ” * / : < > ? \ | –

So, if Joe Smith saves the 1.03 Triangles assignment in Geometry, he would name it geometry_joesmith_01-03. You don’t have to name your files exactly like this, but following a regular pattern will help you stay organized.

Folders also play a role in organization. Depending on your school, you might save your files to a flash drive, your user account, the computer desktop, or a cloud drive, like Google Drive. Make sure you always save your files to the same drive or device, if possible. No matter how you save your files, you can make sure that they are organized.

Start by making a folder for your class. This is especially important if you are taking more than one ACCESS class. If you do not know how to make a folder, choose the appropriate tutorial below.

• Organize your files in Google Drive
• macOS Sierra: Organize files in folders
• Create a folder in Windows

Within your class folder, create a folder for each unit. Save all of your work for your unit within the unit folder.

With good file naming and organization, you will always be able to find your work.

Technical Support

So we have gone over the basic skills needed to complete an online class. But what if you have a technical problem you cannot solve? Who do you contact for help?

The first person you should ask is your facilitator. If your facilitator cannot help, your school may have someone else who can help.

If you still cannot resolve your problem, contact your ACCESS Support Center’s Technical Support. You can reach them by telephone or email. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help.

• Madison City
• University of Alabama
• Troy University

If you do not know your support center, look at your course title.

• MC – Madison City
• UA – University of Alabama
• TU – Troy University

You will also find contact information for your support center’s technical support under Content >> Student Resources >> Contact Technical Support.

When reporting a technical problem, you should include as much information as possible. That includes

• the device and browser you are using
• the name and number of the lesson, assignment, or activity
• a description of the problem
• the wording of the error message (if appropriate)
• a screenshot of the problem (if appropriate)

This may seem like a lot, but it will help tech support to properly diagnose and solve your problem. You might want to also let your teacher know that you are having difficulties.  

If you find a broken link in your class, you can report it through the Report Broken Links link in your course. This is also found under Student Resources. 

Other Resources

You have access to some additional help besides your support center. In your course, there is a module in Content titled Student Resources. Here you will find information on how to complete some basic tasks, like

• finding and using images online
• creating and uploading audio files
• taking a screenshot
• inserting special characters (like accented letters in foreign languages) into text

You will also find information on common problems for Chromebooks, iPads, Apple products, and other devices. Students who use Macs or Chromebooks should look over these tutorials for important information on how to save files to the correct file type. Use these tutorials as needed to help you complete your work. 

Submitting Files to the Dropbox

Resubmitting Files to the Dropbox

On occasion, your teacher may ask you to resubmit work. To resubmit an assignment, follow the same steps as you did when you originally turned in the assignment.

1. Go to Assessment >> Dropbox.
2. Click on the appropriate dropbox.
3. Select Add a file.
4. Upload your file and click Add.
5. Submit.

Dropbox Grades and Feedback

Remember - check your feedback on Dropbox assignments from the Dropbox area, not the Grades. Otherwise, you might miss out on any attachments your teacher gives you for help.