The Office of Distance Education goes to great lengths to insure that the technology at each off-campus teaching location will meet the expectations of faculty and the needs of the coursework and students. Laptop carts are stationed at sites where the need has been identified. The Virtual Desktop Initiative (VDI) is installed on the computers in labs (that have been scheduled) at most sites which means that, in general, faculty can expect that any software available in a main campus classroom is available at the assigned site; however, they should identify specific software needs on the Course Request Form which should be completed as early as possible. Requested services/needs/support are reviewed and acted upon by a tech committee 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the semester to insure that needs are met.  Should a request be made at the start of the semester or after, technology & administrative support personnel will do their best to see that the need is met but cannot guarantee that resolution will occur immediately.

Incidental Computer Lab Needs:

Should your class be scheduled in a lecture classroom for regular class meetings but you have a need for access to a computer lab for one or more class meetings during the term, you should identify this need on the Course Request Form. Most sites have sign-on/security issues that must be addressed well in advance of the need so that user names and passwords can be assigned and available when you need them.  In addition, the Office of Distance Education can  place a laptop cart at most locations so that you will not need a lab.

Laptop Carts:

The Office of Distance Education has 9 laptop carts with 30 computers and 1 smaller unit with 15 laptops.  The carts are currently placed at sites according to needs listed on the Course Request forms completed each semester.  The carts have either keyed or passcode locks. For info on the location of the key or to obtain the passcode, please contact Anni Leashomb in the Office of Distance Education.

VDI Installation Instructions: 

Click here for instructions for installing the VDI client.

Log ins and Passwords:

Network security issues mean that many sites must assign user names and passwords to both faculty and students who need to use computers and/or the site's network to access the web and software. The Individual Site Information Pages have general information; however, when access needs are noted on the Course Request Form, the Office of Distance Education will insure that the instructor has the log in and passwords in advance of the first class meeting.

Technology Support:

Site usage contracts generally specify technology support and how this will occur. Technology needs are identified to the sites, in advance of the semester start date, based on the information received on the Course Request Form. Faculty are asked to be understanding when problems occur but to notify Anni Leashomb by email at leashombam@appstate.edu or phone (828-262-2904) as soon as possible after any incidents involving technology failures. Ms. Leashomb will work with the site's liaison to determine the source of the problem and to seek resolution.