PREPARING FOR ONLINE LEARNING

Apple iMovie

• Main functionality: It offers many options for editing video and audio plus adding photos, music, and narration to your videos.
• Free version features: Full video editing.
• What students need to do: Download from Apple App Store.
• Website: iMovie  

• 12 Free Online Study Tools Every Student Should Know About  
  Wignall, A. (2019, December 18). Retrieved from College Raptors.
• 11 Digital Education Tools For Teachers And Students  
  Chauhan, A. (2018, March 31). Retrieved from eLearning Industry.
• 25 Important Apps And Digital Learning Tools For University Students  
  Romaniuk, S. N. (2018, April 18). Retrieved from eLearning Industry.
• 17 Tech Tools for Online College Students: Boost Productivity and Better Manage Your Time  
  Global, P. U. (2018, June 28). Retrieved from Purdue University Global
• Adjusting your study habits during COVID  
  University of Michigan (2020, March 12). Retrieved from University of Michigan.
• California colleges are going online. How ready are they?  
  Vanessa Arredondo, F. M. (2020, MARCH 17). Retrieved from CalMatters.

Blackboard.com has a great site available for any issues you may have with Blackboard Collaborate.

• Blackboard Collaborate site  
• Getting Started in Collaborate  
• Troubleshooting  

Blackboard.com Student Help

Main functionality: Blackboard is Humber's Learning Management System. It is an online classroom where your instructor will provide learning materials, assignments, assessments, group collaboration and online communication etc. For assistance or tutorials, visit the website below.

Website: Blackboard Videos  

Blender

• Main functionality: Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, and computer games.
• Free version features: Full open source program.
• What students need to do: Download free software from website (donation option also available).
• Website: Blender  

Google Sites:

• Main functionality: Create a website, no programming or design skills needed. Uses your Google Drive account to store images and files you share on your site.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: Google Sites  

Humber Libraries’ Idea Lab - Creating Simple Websites

• Main functionality: This website is designed to help you start creating simple websites, guiding you through each step of the process, from initial planning, creation using free tools, to publishing the finished product.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: Idea Lab  

Weebly

• Main functionality: This free website builder makes it easy to create a website, blog, or online store.
• Free version features: Free SSL security, advanced site stats and sites search etc.
• Website: Weebly  

Wix

• Main functionality: This website gives you a platform to create your own website. Easy drag n’ drop.
• Free version features: 500 free designer-made templates.
• Website: Wix  

A member of the Open Learning Centre (OLC) Team is happy to help you.

Email us at olc: olc@humber.ca and one of our team members will be in touch with you.

OR if you would prefer to get support by phone, please call the following:

416-675-5049 or ext. 5049
1-877-215-6117

Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 7:00 pm)
Saturday (9:00 am - 4:00 pm)

The chat tool is also open/available during these hours.

We're all in this together!

Embracing Unexpected Change

Improve how you deal with change in your professional and personal life. Learn how to put change in the proper context, create the right perspective, and become more resilient.

Embracing Unexpected Change  

Adobe Creative Cloud

• Main functionality: Temporary access to Creative Cloud desktop apps for Humber students.
• What students need to do: Fill in the Sign In section with your Humber email address. It will then take you to the Humber login page, use Humber credentials to log in.
• Website: Adobe Creative Cloud  

Blender

• Main functionality: Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, and computer games.
• Free version features: Full open source program.
• What students need to do: Download free software from website (donation option also available).
• Website: Blender  

Canva

• Main functionality: Canva is a graphic design platform that allows users to create social media graphics, presentations, posters and other visual content. It is available on web and mobile, and integrates millions of images, fonts, templates and illustrations.
• Free version features: Access to free graphics, images and templates.
• What students need to do: Create a personal account on the platform.
• Website: Canva  

Easel.ly

• Main functionality: Easel.ly is a simple web tool that empowers anyone to create and share powerful visuals (infographics, posters)... no design experience needed.
• What students need to do: Create a personal account on the platform.
• Website: Easel.ly  

Piktochart

• Main functionality: Piktochart is a web-based infographic application which allows users without intensive experience as graphic designers to easily create infographics and visuals using themed templates.
• Free version features: Unlimited creation, intuitive editor, access to all images and icon; and downloads with sharing capabilities.
• What students need to do: Create a personal account on the platform.
• Website: Piktochart  

NOTE: If your instructor has not allowed multiple attempts, you can submit your assignment only once. Before you click Submit, be sure that you have attached any required files to your assignment.

How to Submit an Assignment  

1. On the course menu, select the content area that holds the assignment. For example, your instructor might create an Assignments content area in your course.
2. Click the name of the assignment.
3. On the Upload Assignment page, review the instructions and download any files provided by the instructor. Complete the assignment using one or both of the following:
   • Click on the Write Submission button to expand the Assignment Submission box where you can type your response. You can use the content editor to format text, add files, images, links, video files or embed YouTube videos.
   • If your response to the assignment is in a separate file such as a Word document then click on the Browse My Computer button, and select a file to attach. If you attach a file, type a title for it. Follow any other instructions that your instructor provided you for naming the assignment file.​
4. It is optional to type comments to your instructor in the Comments box.
5. Click Submit.
6. Blackboard displays a Success Message at the top of the Review Submission page confirming your assignment has been successfully submitted to your instructor.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwBi9NNDrgY  

• There will be different ways for communicating with your instructor online, please check with your instructor and your Blackboard course site on the preferred method. Common methods in Blackboard are Announcements and Course Messages.
• Your instructor may hold office hours online. They may connect by either using the telephone or by holding an online session.
• For any questions you might have about content or the availability of a link, please contact your instructor by using the course messages tool in your course site.
• For more information, please visit: Humber Online  

• In the course menu on the left hand side you will see your Blackboard navigation menu, select Course Messages or email.
• For more information, please visit: Blackboard Support  

There are two ways to view your announcements:

1. On the Tools panel on your home page, click Announcements to view all announcements from all of your courses.
2. Click on your course, and click on the Announcement heading in the course menu. This will allow you to view the announcement from course selected.

As the student, you may be required to attend an online session. Follow these instructions to learn how to access the session from your Blackboard course site.

If you do not see the tool in the menu of the course, please contact your instructor to see if they will be using the tool and when it might be available.

Students can use Google products for collaborative work, such as Google docs, presentations, and sheets. Students can share edit access to their group files and folders with the instructor to provide comments when helpful.

• To access your Blackboard course site, you are required to login to learn.humber.ca
• If you are logging in for the first time, you will be given a temporary password from the ITS Service desk. After you log in, you will be ask to change your password. To contact ITS Service desk call 416-675-6622 ext. 8888 then select 0, to speak to live agent
• For more Blackboard information, visit the following websites:
  • Humber Online - Blackboard Support  
  • Blackboard.com - Student Help  

Humber Libraries’ Idea Lab - Creating Video

• Main functionality: This website has resources and tutorials to help you create videos. Explore each step of the video creation process, from initial planning, scripting, filming, editing (with free software) to uploading the finished product.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: Idea Lab: Creating Videos  

Flickr

• Main functionality: Free stock photos and videos that can be used for projects and assignments.
• Free version features: The free option is limited to 1,000 photos or videos stored, with videos limited to 3 minutes.
• What students need to do: Create a personal account on the platform.
• Website: Flickr  

Humber Libraries’ Idea Lab - Infographics

• Main functionality: This website has resources and tutorials to help you start creating infographics. Explore each step of the process, from initial planning to working on the finished product.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: Idea Lab: Infographics  

Pexels

• Main functionality: Free stock photos you can use everywhere.
• What students need to do: Create a personal account on the platform.
• Website: Pexels  

The Noun Project

• Main functionality: Diverse collection of free icons. The website that aggregates and catalogs symbols that are created and uploaded by graphic designers around the world.
• Website: The Noun Project  

Unsplash

• Main functionality: Freely usable images. Unsplash is a website dedicated to sharing stock photography under the Unsplash license.
• Website: Unsplash  

LinkedIn Learning

• Main functionality: LinkedIn Learning is a website dedicated to online learning by providing access to thousands of online video tutorials created by industry experts. The library of videos cover a range of topics including business, design, photography, and education to help you achieve your learning goals.
• Free: Available for all Humber Students.
• What students need to do: Log in with Humber credentials.
• Website: Humber's LinkedIn Learning  

The Learning Portal

• Main functionality: The Learning Portal includes tips on research, writing and study skills.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: The Learning Portal  

TED-Ed

• Main functionality: It is library of video lessons where students can freely review and search topics related to course information. Many of the educational videos are collaborations between educators and students.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: TED-Ed  

YouTube

• Main functionality: Free video upload service.
• Website: YouTube  

Lightworks

• Main functionality: Powerful video editor. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
• Free version features: Free or pro version available.
• What students need to do: Download free software from website.
• Website: Lightworks  

LinkedIn Learning is a website dedicated to online learning by providing access to thousands of online video tutorials created by industry experts.

To access the LinkedInLearning platform, follow the steps below:

1. Go to https://www.linkedin.com/learning
2. In the top right corner, click on Sign in
3. Click on Sign in with your organization account
4. On the next page, enter “humber.ca”only and choose Continue
5. You will be redirected to Humber’s Central Authentication System. Enter your Humber user name and password (the same login credentials you use to log into Blackboard or MyHumber

Learning LinkedIn for Students - Tap into the power of LinkedIn

The LinkedIn platform is a powerful tool for students. In this course, learn about how to build a professional network, establish a digital footprint, search and apply for jobs, and much more.

LinkedIn Learning for Students  

Lumen5

• Main functionality: This is a video creation platform powered by A.I. that enables anyone without training or experience to easily create engaging video content.
• Free version features: Standard media library, 3000+ music tracks, popular themes, can download 5 videos every month.
• What students need to do: Create an account.
• Website: Lumen5  

Magisto

• Main functionality: Online video editor is a fast & powerful video maker. Turn your photos and video clips into video stories.
• Free version features: Free Trial Only. $ 4.99 per month.
• What students need to do: Download from either Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Website: Magisto  

Managing Stress for Positive Change - Welcome

In this course, learn about mastering stress rather than minimizing it.

Managing Stress for Positive Change  

Microsoft Movie Maker

• Main functionality: Converts video to MP4, WebM (vp8), Ogg Theora, or for Android, iPhone, and iPad.
• Free version features: Can create one movie project to make movies and slideshows, trim video, join video, add background music, and save your project to output video file.
• What students need to do: Download from website. Pro version is also available.
• Website: Microsoft Movie Maker  

Mindfulness Practices

Explore mindfulness practices to manage stress, expand emotional intelligence, grow self-confidence, and deal with coworkers.

Mindfulness Practices  

Miro Video Converter

• Main functionality: Converts video to MP4, WebM (vp8), Ogg Theora, or for Android, iPhone, and iPad.
• Free version features: Full open source program.
• What students need to do: Download Miro Video Converter from website.
• Website: Miro Video Converter  

Audacity

• Main functionality: Free, open source, cross-platform audio software.
• Website: Audacity  

Humber Academic Application Streaming Service

• Main functionality: Application streaming (AppStream) available to Humber students is a technology that provides users with instant access to a growing list of desktop software.
• Website: Information Technology Services  

Humber Libraries’ Idea Lab - Podcasting & Audio Recording

• Main functionality: This website has resources and tutorials to help you start creating Podcasts. Use the menu to navigate through each step of the process, from initial planning to uploading the finished product.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: Idea Lab: Podcasting & Audio Recording  

Humber Software

• Main functionality: Multiple software available to download for Humber students such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Revit and much, much more.
• Free: Available for Humber students (login with Humber credentials).
• Website: Information Technology Services  

• Blackboard is Humber College’s primary Learning Management System and allows us to transform the traditional classroom into the digital realm

• Use Google Chrome as your browser and make sure you add Humber.ca as an approved or safe site in settings

• Prepare your computer. Kindly visit the link below to ensure your browser is compatible with Blackboard https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Getting_Started/Browser_Support 


Humber Libraries’ Idea Lab - Presentation Primer

• Main functionality: This website is designed to help you create engaging presentations. Explore three components common to great presentations: storytelling, slides, and presence.
• Free: Available for everyone.
• Website: Idea Lab: Presentation Primer  

PowerPoint

• Main functionality: Presentation software.
• Free version features: Microsoft Office suite is free for all Humber students.
• What students need to do: Obtain the software by visiting Humber's Information Technology Services website or call 416-675-6622 ext. 8888 then select 0.
• Website: Humber ITS  

Powtoon/Vyond

• Main functionality: Cloud based animation software to create videos or presentations.
• Free version features: Powtoon - Free signup and access to free content only. Vyond - All features for a 14 day trial.
• What students need to do: Create a personal account on the platform.
• Website: Powtoon   and Vyond  

Prezi

• Main functionality: Presentation software that uses motion, zoom, and spatial relationships to bring a different look to your presentation.
• Free version features: Unlimited presentations.
• What students need to do: Create a personal account on the platform.
• Website: Prezi  

Sway

• Main functionality: Create and share interactive reports, presentations, personal stories, and more. Sway is an easy-to-use digital storytelling app for creating interactive reports.
• Free version features: Microsoft Office suite is free for all Humber students.
• What students need to do: Obtain the software by visiting Humber's Information Technology Services website or call 416-675-6622 ext. 8888 then select 0.
• Website: Sway  

Productivity Tips: Finding Your Productive Mindset

Boost your productivity by shifting your perspective. Get actionable tips for managing your time, shaking off negative experiences, adding meaning to your workday, and more.

Productivity Tips  

Quizlet

• Main functionality: Quizlet is a mobile and web-based study application that allows students to study information via learning tools and games.
• Website: Quizlet  

Humber Library Research Help Online

• Main functionality: Assistance with research for assignments is available by chat, online appointment, and email.
• Free: Available to everyone.
• Website: Humber Libraries Research Support   and the Library Website  

Time Management: Working from Home

Get time management tips to stay productive and balanced when working from home part-time or full-time.

Time Management  

• Remember your instructor and the OLC is here to support you - olc@humber.ca (8:30AM - 6:00PM)
• This is a transitioning period and adjustment for everyone, please be flexible
• Online learning can be a new and exciting experience, embrace the opportunity to develop new skills
• Make sure to check in with your course regularly, as updates will happen (Announcements, Course Messages, Emails, etc.)
• Stay organized and find a system that works best for you. Be mindful of deadlines and ensure you have sufficient time to complete your course work
• Be sure to review your course outline and critical path in your course site(s), as it may be updated throughout the rest of the semester
• For Humber Updates - https://www.humber.ca/updates/

Blackboard Collaborate is a real-time video conferencing tool that lets you add files, share applications, and use a virtual whiteboard to interact. Collaborate with the Ultra experience opens right in your browser, so you don't have to install any software to join a session.

Students have various options to create a digital presentation and upload these files to Blackboard.

1. PowerPoint
2. Google Presentation Links
3. Word Documents

Tip: Add text in the speaker notes section of each slide to share what you might have shared verbally.

On the Course Menu, select My Grades. The My Grades page shows the status of gradable items, such as tests, assignments, journal and blog entries, and discussion posts. If you don't see a grade, your instructor may not have released it to students as of yet.

There are many possible reasons for this happening. Here are some of them:

• The browser crashed. Sometimes browsers will freeze and look like it is still working but you may notice that your answers are not saving. It is likely that it already submitted. When browser crashes, internet or connection issues happen, Blackboard will submit the answers you answered to that point, automatically.
• Your internet or wifi dropped or lost connection at some point.
• You are using a browser like Internet Explorer. This browser is out of date and not recommended.

If this happens and the test is one attempt, please contact your instructor for next steps and to possibly have a second attempt at the test.

Tip: Make sure you are using Google Chrome. Try using the Incognito mode on the browser window before login into Blackboard and start the exam.

• Click on your specific course code (underlined link) in the middle of the page. When you click on this, it will take you in to that specific course site
• Look for the menu down the left side, this is your course navigation menu
• When starting your course, check for things like a Getting Started section or a Critical Path. These tools will help answer some questions you might have about what is expected or when things might happen in your course
• Want to know what textbooks might be required? Check out the Course Outline. Books can be ordered online through Humber's Bookstore or may be available through another seller (i.e. Amazon.ca or Indigo/Chapters)
• Your instructor might use Blackboard Collaborate Ultra or another type of video conference software. Make sure to test your computers microphone and webcam, as they may be needed during or throughout the course. For more about Collaborate Ultra, check out our FAQ section
• Have questions about the course content? Blackboard has an internal email system. To contact your instructor, select Course Messages/Email
• For more Blackboard information, visit the following websites:
  • Humber Online - Blackboard Support  
  • Blackboard.com - Student Help