Tools

In addition to direct or in-person, communication and course materials can be disseminated by using:

Email and Cyberbear for direct communication.
UMBox for course material distribution. Instructors may share files with you containing important course documents and information.
Zoom for live communication with professors and participation in class discussions, if applicable. Professors may choose to host live lectures and classes online and will send a link to join classes.
Moodle for course announcements, assignments, course materials, lecture notes or PowerPoints, quizzes, assessments/exams, and forum discussions. Moodle is an accessible platform. Log into Moodle from your Cyberbear dashboard to stay on top of notifications and information from professors.
Ally for Moodle is a feature that creates easy-to-use file formats for students. Ally works within an online course so it's available right where needed. Alternative files include readable text for screen readers, pictures with captions, and easy-to-navigate content. Ally creates multiple alternatives from the original documents in courses. You can download these alternative formats anywhere that files are used.
University of Montana app to stay connected with fellow Grizzlies! It is available for download on the iPhone App Store, or Google Play Store.

Quick Tips for Using UM Box

Professors may share course documents such as the course syllabus, readings, resources and rubrics in the UMBox account and share the file with you.
Review the UM Box Support page for more information.
Review the box support knowledge base for frequently asked questions and troubleshooting.

To limit potential technical difficulties use Chrome or Firefox Web pages.
Review the Basic Minimum Systems Requirements for Moodle.
Please consider checking your Internet speed.
Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and save PDF files and a word processing program that can open and edit Word documents. The University of Montana provides Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for free to UM Students.
Review UMOnline's Moodle 101 for Students.

Review Zoom's System Requirements for PC, Mac and Linux systems.
Connectivity problems can happen. If you experience difficulties it's okay, rejoin as able. If problems persist, consider checking your Internet speed.
Control background noise. We know it is not always easy to find quiet space and control interruptions by roommates, spouses, children and pets. Stay muted unless preparing to speak. Use headphones and refrain from typing unless muted.
Consider using Zoom's built-in Chat feature and keeping the video feed off, which will free Internet bandwidth and allow listening without worrying about appearances.
See our video below about getting started with Zoom by UMOnline.

Note: Tips for Using Zoom was inspired by Seattle Pacific University's Wiki Page, and modified to reflect student needs.

Please contact the IT Help Desk at 406-243-HELP for help with UM box and Zoom.