UMass Boston

Online Learning Hub

Welcome to IT's Online Learning Hub for Students, a central place to find info about all the tools and services you may need to learn remotely or online.

What Equipment Do I Need to be Successful in My Courses?

  • A laptop or a desktop computer - preferably less than 4 years old. [What are my options if I do not have a computer? - You can borrow a Chromebook. Once you have your Chromebook, visit: umb.edu/it/cloudpc and click on 'Start CloudPc'
  • A Windows or a Mac (OS) computer with the latest version of the operating system.
  • Reliable internet access.
  • A few accessories - Webcam, Speakers - Most all laptops come with a Webcam and Speakers

Blackboard - Blackboard Learn is the tool that UMass Boston uses to make learning more effective in and beyond the traditional classroom walls. Visit the Blackboard Orientation For Students page for more information.

CloudPC - Don't have a powerful computer at home? "Stream" one with CloudPC, just like streaming a movie on Netflix! Visit our CloudPC page to learn more.

echo360 - Student GuideIf your teacher uses Echo360, learn to access tools such as note taking, bookmarking and study tools to boost your learning.

VoiceThread - VoiceThread is multimedia software accessible from within Blackboard that your instructor may use to record lectures and videos, create assignments, and more. You may be asked to listen to a weekly lecture, watch a video, complete an assignment, or participate in an audio/video discussion. Learn how to use VoiceThread from within Blackboard to participate in an assignment.

Zoom -- a video conferencing collaboration tool that faculty use for classes, meetings, remote presentations, faculty/student meetings, guest lecturer presentations, webinar hosting, virtual classrooms, and virtual office hours, etc. Visit our Zoom For Students page to learn more. 

Students do NOT need to purchase a Zoom license to participate in Zoom sessions.

LinkedInLearningLogo.png

We are very pleased to announce LinkedIn Learning (formerly lynda.com) as UMass Boston’s new online resource available to all students, faculty, and staff! LinkedIn Learning provides thousands of online courses curated based on the career interests, role, or career path of the learner. It can be a highly personalized learning experience.  Each training topic is delivered in easy-to-manage 2 to 5-minute segments. These video-based tutorials are taught by industry experts and are available 24/7 for convenient, self-paced learning.

Benefits to using LinkedIn Learning include:

  • Learn at your own pace any time of day or night
  • The option to watch complete courses or short videos as you need them
  • Up-to-date content to keep skills current or learn new ones
  • Tutorials taught by recognized industry experts
  • Many courses have practice exercises to help you learn
  • Closed captioning and searchable, time-coded transcripts
  • New courses added every week

Launch LinkedIn Learning

NOTE: Log in with your umb.edu username and password. You will be asked to link your new LinkedIn Learning account with your existing LinkedIn account (if you have one). This is optional, and you can access LinkedIn Learning either way. More info on this will be offered after login.

We recommend you start with the following course: How to use LinkedIn Learning.  Learn about the new LinkedIn Learning features and improve your professional skills with LinkedIn Learning.

Download the LinkedIn Learning app [link for iOS] [link for Android]

 
 
Information Technology Services
Healey Library, 3rd Floor
 617.287.5220
 ITServiceDesk@umb.edu