Technological Resources

The Information and Technology department at Princeton Seminary offers an array of digital resources that allow students to continue their learning and employees to manage critical operations from any location. See below for a summary of tools and correlating tutorials to get students and employees up and running virtually.

Blackboard

Blackboard is a tool that can be used to hold content, share links, and facilitate communication among class participants.

For support, email [email protected].

Webex Meetings

Webex Meetings offers the ability to host virtual meetings with no time restrictions, and is a great option for holding classes and office hours. With Webex Meetings, you can schedule meetings ahead of time, host impromptu meetings, share computer screens, share documents, conduct internal meeting chats, and record meetings for later use and sharing.

Learn more about Webex Meetings and get technical support at [email protected].

Webex Teams

Webex Teams couples the meeting capabilities of Webex Meetings with a collaborative workspace for individuals and teams. It is based on an interactive instant message platform and allows you to meet with individuals or groups, directly message, schedule upcoming meetings, host impromptu meetings, share files, and even post and share digital whiteboards.

Learn more about Webex Teams here.

Office 365

Microsoft Office 365 provides nonstop online access to Microsoft Office applications and tools, and the ability to share and collaborate on documents in real time. Once uploaded, you can edit, review, comment, and share documents.

Learn more about Office 365 here.

For additional training videos, visit Microsoft’s Office 365 online training center. For general technical support on Office 365, email [email protected].

OneDrive

Part of Office 365, OneDrive offers each user up to 1 TB of online storage space. You can set OneDrive to automatically upload files from your computer, sync and download cloud-based documents, and back up important documents. You can also use OneDrive to share files and folders to collaborate with others — simply select a folder or file, click share, and set the permissions a person or group should have. All of this takes place in real time and is backed up continuously.

Learn more about OneDrive here.

For additional training, visit Microsoft’s OneDrive online training center.

RDSH

Since Jenzabar EX requires continuous connection to on-campus resources, Princeton Seminary IT provides a remote computer users can connect to in order to run EX-related tasks while off campus. This configuration does require some additional configuration in order to work correctly. Please contact the Help Desk for assistance accessing this service.

Best Practices for Hosting Video Conferences

When hosting a video conference, it is important to choose a space that is professional, quiet, and private. Here are some tips:

• Choose a professional space. Avoid spaces designed for personal use, and keep in mind that anything behind you will be visible to others. A professional bookshelf or blank wall is a good backdrop. Dress as you would for a face-to-face meeting.
• Choose a quiet space. Avoid noisy spaces. Even if you use a headset, other participants will hear the noises around you through your microphone. Be aware of environmental noises like appliances, wind, or pets. It is better to record or participate in a video conference inside, since environmental noise outside can be unpredictable.
• Choose a private space. If you are participating in a video conference from home, warn family members or roommates. Remember to protect the privacy of the other participants; people who are not in the video conference should not be able to see your screen or hear the conversation.
• Be consistent. Use tools in a consistent manner. For example, the Office of Digital Learning recommends that Blackboard be used as the digital space for participants to access lectures, keep track of assignments, and participate remotely in courses. Webex Meetings will be integrated into Blackboard.

For general computer support, contact [email protected] and email [email protected] for teaching and learning support.