Student at computer MSVU

Transitioning to online learning

Whether you’re brand new to online learning, or you have taken online courses in the past, we’re here to support you as you navigate this process. If you have any questions, please contact us at online@msvu.ca.

New Moodle environment

A new Moodle server has been launched for academic courses which has a different URL address from the former Moodle environment that you may be used to and have in your bookmarks. Please update your bookmarks so you can easily access the new Moodle environment at learn.msvu.ca.

Course delivery modes

The first thing you need to know is that not all online courses are delivered in the same way! Some are synchronous, while others are asynchronous, and then there’s Multi-Mode. Learn more about the various course delivery modes. Learn more about the various course delivery modes.

Are you ready for your online class?

How Online Classes Work
Online courses are offered using a variety of course delivery modes. For full descriptions of all delivery modes visit Course Delivery Modes.

Mount Online Learning Platform
Moodle is the Mount’s Learning Management System used in the delivery for all courses.

Blackboard Collaborate is our virtual classroom software for online classes. To practice using Blackboard Collaborate before your class begins, and to test your audio/video settings on your computer, click here. Please visit Take Online Courses to learn all about Moodle and Blackboard Collaborate, the Mount’s virtual classroom platform.
Important Dates
It is the responsibility of all students to familiarize themselves with the University’s academic regulations and policies, including add/drop dates. To review the academic calendar and important dates, go to MSVU – Academic Calendars.

Examinations

All examinations are administered by the Registrar’s Office. Review the Exam Information webpage to learn more, or, email exams@msvu.ca

myMount Student Portal

Use myMount to learn more about Moodle and Blackboard Collaborate, register for courses, view your financial account activity/statement, access Moodle course sites, read Mount news and events, access Office 365 and more.

Bookstore

The MSVU bookstore remains open virtually. Currently, students are able to order their textbooks online for either shipping or curbside pick-up. The bookstore is covering shipping up to $10 per order or sending Digital Access Codes via email. Our shipping partner, UPS, has been quick and reliable throughout the pandemic and is providing us with reasonable rates. Check the bookstore’s social media pages for updates (Facebook / Instagram), or contact bookstore manager Karen Mathieu with questions: Karen.Mathieu@msvu.ca.

Ebooks and Online Articles

Online e-books and articles are available to all Mount students via the Library website as are virtual library support services (live chat & in-depth online Library research appointments). Access to the Library and its physical collections are via the EMF Communications Centre. See the Library’s guide to services and resources for an overview of what is currently operational on-campus.

Technology requirements

An online course requires you to be actively engaged, which means you will benefit having the following:

  • Internet connection. We highly recommend high speed internet, particularly for courses with a synchronous meeting requirement.
  • Regular access to a computer or mobile device. Courses are designed for computers, and not all features will be optimized for use with a tablet or mobile device.
  • Access to web browsers. Chrome, Firefox, Safari and possibly Edge. Different educational technologies may be optimized for specific browsers.
  • Headset with microphone. This is recommended but not required as it can provide a better audio experience for all in synchronous classes.
  • Mount email address. All Mount classes require that students correspond with their instructor using their Mount email address.

Please contact your instructor if you have specific questions about the technology (computer, audio, video, software, etc) you will need to actively participate in your courses.

Mount online learning platform

Moodle

Moodle is the Mount’s Learning Management System (LMS) and provides the ability for faculty and students to participate in personalized learning environments for on-campus and online courses.

Blackboard Collaborate Ultra

Blackboard Collaborate is a web conferencing platform designed for use in online teaching. At MSVU, we add Blackboard Collaborate Course Rooms to all online Moodle course sites to create virtual classrooms where faculty can connect with their students synchronously online. Blackboard Collaborate is not just for online courses. All faculty can add this tool to any of their course sites and use it as their virtual classroom, virtual office hours, or even as a social space for their students.

What is required to get started?

  • A quiet work space
  • reliable network connection
  • PC/Mac/Tablet/Phone
  • Head-set, Webcam

How to join a Collaborate course from your PC or Mac

  • Do you have a microphone and speakers connected or built in to your device? Check that the speakers are working. (Try clicking on a YouTube video)
  • Using Google Chrome, open your Moodle course site
  • Click on the green puzzle piece
  • Click on the “Course Room” name below the black bar or click “Join Course Room” from the little menu on the right.
  • The teacher for the course will have a moderator role in the Collaborate Course Room (which includes full permissions) and students will have a “participant” role.
  • The Google Chrome browser bar will ask if you allow permissions to use audio and video. Click “allow”.
  • When you have joined, you will see a black page with a small menu in the top left and a purple tab on the bottom right. Click on the purple tab to see the chat (text) room, the attendee panel, the menu for sharing content and the settings. Click on settings to adjust your audio and video.
How to join a Collaborate course from your smart phone or tablet
  • From your tablet or phone, access the Blackboard app from the appropriate app store
  • Search for Blackboard
  • Install the Blackboard app on your mobile device
  • Ignore the prompt to put in your institution name.
  • Using Chrome or safari, login to your course site on Moodle
  • Click on the green puzzle piece that you had added to your course site.
  • Click on the “course room” or click the small circle to reveal the menu to join course room
  • The collaborate course room will use your phone or tablet’s built in microphone and speaker
  • Get Started with Collaborate for Moderators
  • Get Started with Collaborate Ultra for Participants

Collaborate Teleconference Feature

The Teaching and Learning Centre and Online Learning is launching a new feature in Collaborate Ultra for the upcoming summer terms called Collaborate Teleconference.

  • This feature will allow you to establish a dial-in audio connection to your MSVU online classes with your telephones when you are unable to maintain a consistent internet or audio connection through your home internet.
  • Please be advised that if you use this feature to join your online Collaborate session, you may incur long distance fees on your telephone bill. The number you will be dialing is a local Halifax number so depending on your long-distance calling plan, will determine if you will incur fees.

Support Chatbot Feature

Blackboard Collaborate is excited to introduce its new Chat Support feature! It has integrated a support chatbot within the Blackboard Collaborate session experience to provide faculty, students and staff a way to get immediate answers to the most common questions. This new feature is to allow you to troubleshoot common issues yourself first, and then contact online@msvu.ca after if you still need further assistance.

Here’s how it works:

  • Now, attendees can get support troubleshooting common issues while still in their session.
  • With the new access to support, attendees can troubleshoot first and contact online@msvu.ca for support after, if they still need to.
  • You can find the new Chat Support feature at the end of the My Settings panel.

Nearpod

Office 365

If you require further assistance navigating the Mount Online Learning Platform please reach out to our Educational Technology Specialists.

Evening and weekend support

Urgent requests are those that concern your ability to teach or participate in a class that same evening (after 8:00pm) or weekend. Only urgent requests will be responded to immediately, and others will be responded to the next business day.

Please email online@msvu.ca and explain if you are not able to teach or participate in a class, and your request will be responded to accordingly.

Troubleshooting tips and resources

Troubleshooting tips

  • Always use Google Chrome as your browser when using Collaborate Ultra.
  • Check your internet connection (Ethernet/hardwire is preferred over Wifi).
  • Ensure your speakers/headset are plugged in properly and not turned off.
  • Close all tabs on Chrome, “Leave” the Collaborate session, close Chrome down, then try to rejoin.
    Try restarting your computer.
  • Note: If your tablet/PC/Mac is not working properly, try downloading the Blackboard Collaborate app on your Apple or Android device.
  • If you cannot join an online class, please contact online@msvu.ca.
  • To join your session now, click the “Door icon” below to access the “Course Room” then click the “Join Course Room” link.
  • Please note that this session may be recorded.

Helpful videos

Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Experience System Requirements (Mobile users need to download the free Blackboard App)
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra – Help for Participants
Troubleshooting steps for Chrome, Firefox and more
Get Started with Collaborate Ultra
Collaborate Ultra Student Orientation (log into myMount required for access to Stream)