ITS Blog

Helpful IT Resources for Students Preparing for Online Classes


Helpful IT Resources for Students Preparing for Online Classes

Information about how to prepare for a Virtual Academic Experience is available at: https://www.binghamton.edu/students-online.


There are a number of technical resources available to help you succeed as an online student. It is recommended that you try using the tools that will be used in your classes ahead of time to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you experience any problems, first check the ITS Self Service Knowledge Base  and then contact the Help Desk at 607-777-6420 as soon as possible so we can resolve them. 


In addition to the Help Desk, the ResCons will be available in Residence Halls as long as the Residence Halls are open. 



TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE CLASSES:

  • myBinghamton- my.binghamton.edu portal

    • myBinghamton provides a convenient portal that can be accessed using any device with an internet connection. myBinghamton provides easy access to University resources with links to many resources such as Gmail, Google Drive, myCourses, BU Brain, Universal Search, etc.

  • myCourses- myCourses.binghamton.edu

    • Most faculty will be using myCourses as they transition their courses online. myCourses has a variety of tools that your faculty may be using including Announcements, Gradebook, Assignments, Tests, etc. myCourses is also integrated with a number of third-party tools such as Turnitin, Zoom, etc. 

  • Gmail- bmail.binghamton.edu

    • Gmail can be accessed from any device with an internet connection using a web browser (Firefox, Chrome, etc.). 

  • Google Drive- drive.google.com

    • Files stored in Google Drive can be accessed from any device with an internet connection using a web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.). 

    • In Google Drive, you can access and edit Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Slides, etc. You can also edit files created in Microsoft Office.

    • Google Drive allows you to collaborate with individuals and groups inside and outside the University. 

  • Microsoft Office 365- office.com

    • Microsoft Office 365 is available for download and installation on personal devices from office.com.

    • Additional information and instructions are available at: Microsoft Office 365.

  • Google Chat- chat.google.com

    • Google Chat is available within Google Apps for Education and can be used for instant messaging classmates. 

  • Google Groups- groups.google.com

    • Google Groups can be used to share information with a team or group. Anyone can set up a Google Group. 

    • Additional information and instructions are available at: Google Groups.

  • Web Conferencing- binghamton.zoom.us

    • All students, faculty, and staff  are licensed for Zoom. To set up your account visit https://binghamton.zoom.us

    • Zoom will be used in some classes, but can also be used for group/team meetings, presentations, meeting with faculty, and keeping in touch with friends.

    • A webcam and headset are optional if you would like to have video in your meeting. 

    • Zoom also has a mobile app that can be used instead of a computer. 

    • More information is available here.

  • BingView- bingview.binghamton.edu

    • BingView provides access to specialized applications that are needed for some classes. 

    • Install the Horizon View Client on your computer for the best experience. 

  • SSL/VPN- ssl.binghamton.edu

    • Pulse Secure VPN can be downloaded from ssl.binghamton.edu and allows you to access some campus resources from off-campus. Below is a list of the resources that you will need VPN to connect to from off-campus: 

  • Free & Discounted Software- binghamton.onthehub.com

    • Students can get a variety of software for free or with significant discounts through onthehub. 


**The following tools require VPN:** 

  • H/U Drive Shares


**These tools do not require VPN:**

  • Panopto

  • MyCourses

  • MyBinghamton

  • BU Brain

  • BMail/GMail

  • Google Drive/Apps

  • Office365

  • BingView

  • Zoom


Other Helpful Resources

COVID-19 Security Resource Library
A compilation of tips and recommendations from NCSA (National Cyber Security Alliance) and its partners on ways to stay safe online, as well as how to avoid cyber threats and scams during this pandemic.

Educause: Transitioning to Remote Work - As colleges and universities transition to online courses and remote work because of COVID-19, the author shares some lessons and tips for working virtually.


You can visit the
CDC website and the University’s website for additional information on the actual virus at - https://www.binghamton.edu/health/coronavirus/. The University will continue to share information via this website and “Dateline” on a regular basis. 


If you receive any Coronavirus-related email and phishing scams, report them to security@binghamton.edu


Please contact the ITS Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu with any questions.