Review the information below to learn more about some key technology resources and services that are available to help you keep learning both when taking classes on-campus as well as online.

In addition to the information provided below, the Technology HelpDesk is available to answer your technology questions and provide assistance with technology-related issues.  More information about contacting the HelpDesk is available at the bottom of this page.

Be Informed and Stay Engaged

It's important that you stay informed regarding all aspects of your classes and that you effectively communicate with your course instructors.

Canvas Announcements
Your instructor may use Canvas Announcements to share information with you regarding course schedules, the addition of new course content, and other course-related information. Review the Canvas Announcement Student FAQ to learn how to view and manage Canvas Announcements.

Ball State Email
Be sure to regularly check your Ball State email for official University correspondence. Log into your Ball State email account from anywhere by visiting www.bsu.edu/webmail.

Canvas at Ball State

Your professor may choose to use Ball State's Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) to conduct class. Below is a list of common things you may do in Canvas, along with links to additional information to help you do them.

Access Course Content
To access Canvas, go to myballstate.bsu.edu and select the Canvas link from the Academics dropdown menu. You are strongly encouraged NOT to look solely at the "to do" list, but rather look through the full course site. 

Submit an Assignment
Your instructor may ask you to view or submit assignments via Canvas. Review the Canvas Assignments FAQ to learn how.

Participate in a Discussion
Discussions are a great way for students and faculty to interact online. You may be asked to add comments to the Discussion and respond to comments made by others.  Learn more about participating in a Canvas Discussion.

View Grades
If your instructor records grades in Canvas, they may give you access to view your grades from within the Canvas course.

Taking Exams Online Using Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor is a tool that provides a way for students to take monitored Canvas tests and quizzes from any location using a computer and a web cam.  Watch an introductory video to learn more about using Respondus Monitor.  Review key facts for utilizing Respondus Monitor for taking your Canvas quizzes and tests. If your instructor is using Respondus Monitor for a quiz or test, they will provide additional information you need to set-up and use this tool. The Lockdown Browser is available from the help menu found in Canvas, by clicking on the Help icon at the bottom left of the navigation bar.

Online File Storage and File Sharing

Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a cloud storage solution from Microsoft. As part of your Ball State Office 365 account, all Ball State students, faculty and staff have free online storage on OneDrive. Utilizing OneDrive provides you with an easy way to store and access your Ball State work as well as share files with others.To find out more about OneDrive, visit www.bsu.edu/onedrivehelp.
 

Attend Class Online with Zoom  

Some faculty may choose to use Zoom to facilitate hosting class. If your faculty member is using Zoom, they will provide you with the information you need to join.You can also look for "Zoom" in the class navigation bar, as sessions can be scheduled directly in Canvas.  From a computer, tablet or Smartphone, you will join for a complete audio, video, and collaborative experience. You may also choose to join via a standard phone for an audio only connection. Learn more about using Zoom at Ball State.
 

Connect to Online Library Resources

Even if you cannot visit the University Libraries, we provide online access to a wide range of library resources and services, available 24/7/365. You can always access research databases, full-text articles, e-books, reading lists/course reserves, streaming video, and more.  You can receive virtual research assistance from library professionals, and online document delivery and interlibrary loan services are also available.  Get started here.
    

Access to Technology Resources

Having access to the appropriate technology is important when studying on-campus and is also an essential part of online learning. When learning online, students will need access to the internet, the ability to participate in video conferences, and have access to basic applications such as email and Microsoft Office 365. Specific courses may require additional technology resources.

Be sure to review the Computer Recommendations web pages to learn more about technology needs for students. If you have questions, the Technology Store staff is available to help. The Technology Store is pleased to offer a wide-range of laptops and accessories, often at educational discounts. Dell laptops starting at $373 and Apple laptops starting at $899 are in stock for purchase on-campus and can also be shipped directly to your home.

As a Ball State student, you also have access to free or reduced cost software applications as well as free technology support.

Additional Important Resources

Free Wi-Fi Lot Hot Spots
Ball State is providing free high-speed wireless internet access, for all K-12 and higher education students from the surrounding community, via free Wi-Fi Hot Spots that have been set up in the parking lot near the Bethel Recreation Fields, along Bethel Avenue, just west of Tillotson Avenue. To maintain social distancing and for the safety of all, please remain in your vehicle with engines turned off and never leave children in unattended vehicles.  These designated “lot hot spots” allow internet access from within vehicles.

Ball State students can connect using the bsuconnect, eduroam or bsusecure network.

Guests can access this free Wi-Fi service utilizing the bsuguest network. 

Adobe
Ball State offers Adobe Creative Cloud applications to currently enrolled Ball State students at no charge. Learn more about how you can request an Adobe Creative Cloud license. Licenses are available to currently enrolled students, on a per semester basis.

Udemy
Udemy is an online teaching and learning platform that provides self-paced training courses that help you learn a new skill or expand your knowledge on a wide-range of topics. Free access to Udemy is available to all Ball State students and employees.

SPSS
IBM is granting free access to SPSS for home use for the duration of our current agreement, anyone needing SPSS for work, research, or study can obtain SPSS for home use, free of charge.
 

Getting Technology Help

Contact the Technology HelpDesk
If you have any questions or technical issues, please contact the Technology HelpDesk through a support ticket or by calling 765-285-1517 to speak with a HelpDesk representative. Our staff can provide remote support in almost all cases.

For 24/7 Canvas support phone press option 2 when calling.  Alternatively, you may choose to request assistance with Canvas by submitting a support ticket.  Support tickets will be responded to during HelpDesk business hours. 

Digital Accessibility Services - Accessible Technology Lab
Digital Accessibility Services provides a variety of resources to all members of the Ball State community, living with disabilities, to accomplish career objectives and coursework. Please contact Digital Accessibility Services (ACT Lab) by phone at 765-285-8275 or send an email to actlab@bsu.edu.