Technology for Students

Welcome College of Education Students!

This page contains information about technology resources and tools available to you to support with your learning.
 

Technology Help Desk

The Technology Help Desk (THD), the leading technology help desk on campus, can help with password resets if you are locked out of your account, email issues, MFA, and other campus-wide services.

  • In-Person: Visit Horn Center Lobby or 5th Floor Library [map] 
  • Email: helpdesk@csulb.edu 
  • Web: Technology Help Desk 
  • Phone: 562.985.4959 
  • Phone Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is required to access your SSO and other campus services.  

 

Academic Technology Services (ATS)

ATS can help with Canvas support, Zoom, and technology in the classroom.

 

Here is the list of available campus software for students. 

Software Depot

Software Depot supports CSULB students by providing access to software licensed by the university. Students have access to many different applications such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office 365, and many others.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud a large variety of professional applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro. See what is included in Adobe Creative Cloud Pro Edition.

 

Canvas Support 

Access by clicking on the Canvas chiclet: Single Sign On (SSO)  

Tools to Support Students with Canvas

  • Passport to Canvas is an optional, self-paced, online course inside Canvas that gives a student's overview of the platform. This course is available to all students in Canvas and can be found on your Dashboard or Courses list. 
  • Student Canvas Guide: a series of instructions for using the features implemented in Canvas. This guide goes into detail about the different tools accessible in Canvas.  
  • Canvas Video Tutorials: a variety of videos pertain to Canvas's interface and how to navigate throughout the courses. 
  • Getting Started with Canvas as a Student: A series of videos instruct students how to use Canvas, set their notification preferences, use the Canvas Student app, navigate the dashboard, and access and submit assignments. 

Zoom Support 

Horn Center Open Computer Lab

The Horn Center offers an open computer lab where all students can study, print, and access the Technology Help Desk. The Horn Center has 10 Active Learning Classrooms, 2 large lecture halls, a Luxor locker system for classroom equipment checkout, and an outdoor seating area. 

  • Location: South Campus [map] 
  • Web: The Horn Center 
  • Hours: Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Weekend: Closed 

Spidell Technology Center, University Library

Located on the 1st floor of the University Library, the Spidell Technology Center is an open-access computer lab available for all current CSULB students. CSULB users can sign into any computer in the Spidell Technology Center or the Sign-Up Express computers, which have a 15-minute time usage limit, available throughout the library.  

  • Location: 1st Floor, University Library [map] 
  • Web: Spidell Technology Center 
  • Phone: 562.985.7820 
  • Hours: Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 

University Express Lab

The University Express Lab at the Student Success Center gives students quick access to computers and printers in a central campus location. There are 9 working Windows PCs, 2 Apple iMacs, and 2 Printing stations available for students to use.

  • Location: Shakarian Student Success Center, Room 20 [map] 
  • Web: University Express Lab 
  • Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC)

BMAC serves as a resource for student disability aid and is dedicated to advancing disability awareness and services by incorporating innovative technology and principles of Universal Design, evolving practices while utilizing a human-centered approach. Serving as disability advocates, BMAC embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to the campus community.

  • In-Person: Visit SSSC-110 [map] 
  • Email: bmac@csulb.edu 
  • Phone: 562.985.5401 
  • Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Web: BMAC 

The AIM Center

The AIM Center is a technology and accessibility resource lab that provides support and services for students with disabilities. The AIM Center is part of the Bob Murphy Access Center. The Center is an open-access computer lab for students with disabilities registered with BMAC and provides alternative formats and assistive technology accommodations and support for BMAC students. 

MyCED is a system being developed by the College of Education and our partners. It is being built to support our CED students throughout their entire time with the College from program applications through coursework, clinical practice, and program milestones.

Access the system at https://csulb.edu/myced.

Find out more details about using MyCED here.

Laptop Loaner Program 

The CSULB College of Education has a limited number of PC laptops for College of Education students who have financial need and need access to a computer to use for their coursework. Please complete the application form in Qualtrics to be considered for a laptop loan.  

Based on your financial need and laptop availability, those approved will be contacted with details on where to pick up your laptop from the CED Technology Team. 

CED Student Application for a Laptop 

Communicate with Instructors

When students build a relationship with their teacher or instructor, they have the opportunity to ask for help and provide meaningful feedback to the instructor. Asking for help and support is a common desire among online students. Students can access the professor’s online office hours to ask more questions about assignments, exams, and scheduling.  

Create a Study Schedule

Creating a schedule will allow students to develop a set of study habits to be successful with time allocation. Along with the time you set aside to complete assignments, it’s also suggested to have a set time to look over the tasks for every one of your classes for upcoming due dates so that you can set up an agenda for each week.  

Engage with Classmates

Researchers have found that a sociable learning environment results in increased learning satisfaction. When fellow students ask a question or share content in a discussion board, try to engage and create a dialogue. Working alone can lead to social isolation. It is important to check in with fellow students and spend time engaging in discussion about your learning. Consider setting up online study groups outside of class or a group chat with friends. 

Practice Using Technology

Learners of all ages can struggle when they need to use a new tool or software for the first time. Researchers recommend that students familiarize themselves with online teaching tools and platforms by completing low-stakes activities before moving on to more critical work. If a course requires the use of new software or technology, spend time using the tool to practice on a low-stakes assignment or a personal task with fewer learning consequences. Remember, asking for help is normal! 

Take Breaks: Taking breaks is important for numerous reasons. It prevents burnout and mental fatigue. Many online courses may be asynchronous and require students to be at their screens for an extended period of time. Taking breaks will allow each of the minds to rest and recharge. Additionally, breaks give students a chance for physical movement and relaxation. Having the opportunity to stretch, move around, and allow blood to circulate is just as important as someone's education. Taking breaks can be added into a study routine optimizing the learning experience and enhancing their overall success in the course.  

Additional Resources

The links below give more ideas on how to take online courses efficiently and successfully: