No matter where you are, ITS is here to help with the technology you need to continue your academic endeavors. Here you will find information on how to prep and maintain your computer, which tools allow you to collaborate remotely, and how to organize your files, so you can be part of the BC community from anywhere.
Accessing BC Services From Anywhere
Get Support
ITS Training offers live, online classes on Zoom, Google Meet, and Google Drive, tools to help you collaborate remotely.
Computers & Accessories
Computers
- Ensure you have a computer with antivirus software installed.
- Faculty/Staff:
- If you do not a have a computer, speak to your supervisor.
- If you bring your BC-provided laptop off-campus, remember the charger.
- If you do not a have a computer, speak to your supervisor.
Accessories
- Webcam. If your computer does not have a built-in camera, you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing.
- Headphones. Have a set of earbuds/headphones (especially ones with a built-in microphone) for attending online courses and meetings.
- Microphone. If your computer does not have a built-in microphone, use an external device such as a USB microphone or headset.
Internet Access
Off-Campus: Ensure you have access to the internet.
- Use a home ISP (Internet Service Provider). Internet is commonly available commercially through companies such as Comcast, Fios, and RCN.
- Use a wireless hotspot through your mobile phone. Be sure to check with your mobile carrier for details on hotspot costs and availability.
VPN
Install Eagle VPN on your computer so you can access secure BC services from off-campus.
Note: You do not need to use VPN for all BC Services. Due to capacity limitations, please only use Eagle VPN when it is required, or if you are on an unsecure public WiFi network, and remember to disconnect from VPN when you are done using that service.
Services That Don't Require VPN
- Agora Portal
- BC Gmail
- Canvas
- Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)
BC 2-Step Verification
Ensure you have setup BC 2-Step Verification on a device you will have access to both on and off campus.
Files & Data
- Ensure key files you need for your classes or work are available to you via Google Drive, Canvas, or shared drives
- Faculty/Staff: Determine if using Remote Desktop to access your BC computer and files from home would be beneficial for you
Communication & Collaboration Tools
Zoom
All students, faculty, & staff now have BC Zoom Licensed accounts (with no time limits on meetings & up to 300 participants), which makes it an ideal way to interact with students for classes and one-on-one office hours and meetings. It is particularly well-suited to replicate in-class group activities, with a “Breakout Rooms” feature.
Google Meet
As part of your BC GSuite account, Google Meet (meet.google.com) provides voice and video conferencing for up to 100 people. Just set up a meeting and share a link. No special software or plug-ins required. Use the service for live streaming or record a meeting/event and share with others.
Whenever you create a meeting with another person, Google Calendar will now automatically add Google Meet Conferencing to your meeting - no additional steps required. When the time for the meeting comes, just click "Join with Google Meet" in the calendar event to join the meeting remotely. Note: Meeting organizers may choose to remove the conferencing feature from the Google meeting, or they may choose to use another platform for remote meeting, such as Zoom. Please be sure to follow your organizer's instructions for joining a meeting.
Google Chat (chat.google.com) is a service that allows you to chat with BC Community members.
- Ensure you know how to communicate with your students virtually.
- Use Canvas to have discussion groups.
Phones & Voicemail (for Employees)
Keep Your Computer & Data Secure
Best Practices
- Use antivirus software.
- Personal Computers - Ensure your home antivirus program is up-to-date. If you do not have antivirus on your personal computer, BC recommends installing the free version of Sophos Home (Mac & Windows).
- BC-owned Computers - Most BC-owned computers have BC-provided antivirus (Sophos Endpoint for Mac & Windows), which is set to automatically update.
- Personal Computers - Ensure your home antivirus program is up-to-date. If you do not have antivirus on your personal computer, BC recommends installing the free version of Sophos Home (Mac & Windows).
- Keep software up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system updates on your computers and mobile devices is the best defense against online threats.
- Backup. Students: Ensure you have a backup plan.
Protect BC Data
- Data Best Practices. Faculty and staff, please continue to work in accordance with the BC Regulated Data Chart.
- Student Grades, Google Drive, & Gmail: Technology, such as Google Drive and Gmail, makes it easy to communicate with your students and other colleagues. But with so many different sharing options available, it’s also easy to accidentally over-share, or share with the wrong people. For this reason, ITS recommends you use caution, and follow these best practices when sharing or storing sensitive information such as grades with Google services.
- Drive: Don't store grades for an entire class in Drive.
- Gmail: It's fine to email students grades in one-to-one emails, but double-check the recipient email address before sending.
- Review the Google Drive Smart Sharing Tips.
Security
Ensure you're up to date on the latest technology security requirements and best practices.