Have you ever been curious about the kind of technology that is accessible to Carleton students? This is covered in Carleton’s optional computer literacy skill course in Moodle as it highlights essential resources during your time here at Carleton. Some insightful information that I found useful includes:
- Email organization + Google Drive
- Available hardware
- Assistive technology
- Cybersecurity training
- Support resources
In order to access this information, you must self enroll in the Student Computer Literacy Skills Moodle course. At the link, follow the directions to self enroll into the course. Once added the course will be available on your Moodle dashboard. Here you will have access to other helpful resources.
Email organization+ Google Drive
The main form of communication all over campus is Gmail. It’s very easy for your Gmail inbox to become disorganized quickly. In order to get around this hassle, in your Gmail settings you can customize how your inbox appears. Some helpful tips you can learn from this section of the course includes:
- Quick settings
- Labels and filters
- Tips for managing email storage
Similarly, it’s very easy for your Google Drive to become disorganized quickly. You can learn to navigate Google Drive for success as materials includes:
- Drive tutorial videos
- Quick start guide
- File organization methods
- Essential filing management principles
From this course, I was able to implement some of their tips, and now I can find email and files much faster, and I can prioritize things easier through email.
Available Hardware
The literacy course has more information than just tips and tricks. Through this course, I became aware of other resources. For example, the Gould Library offers a variety of technology, including
- Workspaces: Computer labs, printing services, large screens for group work
- Media: Microfilm/microfiche readers and scanners and viewing stations for DVD, Blu-ray, and VHS
- Accessibility: On site assistive technology
- Rentals: On site technology available for checking out
Note: More resources are available to students such as loaner laptops which can be requested from the ITS Helpdesk in the Center of Math and Computing (CMC).
Assistive Technology
Note: Students with disabilities should request accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR). However, students may utilize assistive technology with or without an accommodation.
Available Campus Resources includes:
- AzTechs: Carleton’s Assistive Technologists
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking: A speech-to-text program
- Read&Write: A literacy software to help with reading, writing and studying
- Smart pens: a pen to take notes while recording class lectures or discussions
For all accessibility resources, visit the Office of Accessibility Resources.
Cybersecurity training
This course also encourages students to begin developing good habits and judgement to keep their online accounts safe. Through the cybersecurity training (Note: you would have to self enroll into the Cybersecurity Elective Moodle course) you can expect to learn about:
- Enabling two-step verification for online accounts
- How to mange secure network connections, your laptop and other device security
- Warning signs to identify and report an incident of a cyber attack
- The different types of social engineering attacks and how to detect them
Here are additional links that can help you with any further questions:
Support Resources
I found this course very helpful in understanding the kind of resources Carleton offers for students. I would encourage students to utilize this course and implement these tips during their time here.