FIT IT Student Toolkit:
Remote Learning

IT Student Toolkit for 
Remote Learning

Woman in large kitchen using a laptop

About this Guide

A critical part of FIT’s strategy for learning, whether it is in-person or remote, is ensuring that you have the tools and support needed to succeed at FIT. The Division of Information Technology is committed to meeting students’ needs for a remote learning environment.

This IT Guide combines information from our Self-Service Articles, Service pages, information regarding resources available and supported by other divisions/departments at FIT, as well as our top Tech Tips for remote learning success.

Remote Learning Tools

Many of the IT resources used for on-campus learning have always been available for our remote and online students. The Division of Information Technology worked to assist with providing new solutions to respond to the new needs to help the FIT community gain access to important resources while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Adobe

Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) a collection of 20+ desktop and mobile apps and services for photography, design, video, web, UX, and more. Eligible students* get an Adobe CC subscription.

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Brightspace

Brightspace is FIT’s learning management software (LMS) for online, blended, and remote learning courses.

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Webex icon

Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex is a full-featured video-conferencing platform. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations.

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Google Meet Logo With Word Meet 250x250

Google Meet

Real-time video-meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations.

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Google Workspace Logos

Google Workspace

All FIT employees and students have access to Google Workspace. Including Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Drive, and many additional applications that enhance communication and collaboration.

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MyFIT Logo

MyFIT

MyFIT is a gateway to FIT’s online services such as registration, financial aid, bill payment, and academic course information.

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LinkedIn Learning Logo White Text Blue Background

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers more than 5,000 on-demand courses on business, creative, and technology skills, and it’s available at no additional cost to all active FIT employees and students.

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MS Office Logo

Office 365

Microsoft Office 365 is a suite of cloud-based applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Sway, and Access.

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Adobe 
Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) a collection of 20+ desktop and mobile apps and services for photography, design, video, web, UX and more. Eligible students* get an Adobe CC subscription.
Learn More

Blackboard
Blackboard is FIT’s learning management software (LMS) for online, blended, and remote learning courses.
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Citrix Webex
Cisco Webex is a full-featured video-conferencing platform. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations.
Learn More

Google Meet
Real-time video-meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations.
Learn More

Google Workspace
All FIT employees and students have access to Google Workspace. Including Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Drive, and many additional applications that enhance communication and collaboration.
Learn More

Linkedin Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers more than 5,000 on-demand courses on business, creative, and technology skills, and it’s available at no additional cost to all active FIT employees and students.
Learn More 

MyFIT
MyFIT is a gateway to FIT’s online services such as registration, financial aid, bill payment, and academic course information.
Learn More

Office 365
Microsoft Office 365 is a suite of cloud-based applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Sway, and Access. 
Learn More

More Software 
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Computer Commons Remote Access

The Division of Information Technology offers access to the Computer Commons. CC15 and CC15A Windows computers remotely with FIT Remote Labs, powered by Leostream (FRL) for FIT studentsEnabling students to work wherever they are located as long as they have (1.) a computer (tablets and mobile devices are not compatible), (2.) a reliable internet connection and (3.) an up-to-date browser.

  • Remote access to the Computer Commons is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the lab is full, you will have to check back at another time. 
  • Remote access times do not follow the physical Computer Commons schedule, access is near 24/7 with access exception times below. 
  • Each morning at 6 AM, students will automatically be signed out of FRL computers; therefore, please save your work often and be sure to log out in advance of 6 AM to avoid losing any data or project files.
  • FRL is unavailable during maintenance. For a complete list of planned maintenance activities, visit it.fitnyc.edu/system-status.
How to use FIT Remote Labs to access a Computer Commons computer
  1. Install Duo Mobile app (step-by-step instructions) Note: Duo is required for two-factor authentication. Click on the appropriate button below or search the App Store/Google Play for “Duo Mobile.”
  1. Enroll in Duo (step-by-step instructions)
    Tech Tip: If you enrolled in Duo previously and are using a new phone/device or phone number to enroll contact TechHelp now.
  2. Go to https://fitlabs.fitnyc.edu and sign in with your FIT username and password to begin using FIT Remote Labs (step-by-step instructions)
  3. Once you sign in you will be directed to the Resources window displaying the workstations you may access. The computers are displayed by the classroom location and the operating system of the computer, e.g.Common Lab: CC15 (PC). Click Connect to launch a connection to a desktop. (view next steps and more tips on using FRL) Note: You do not have to connect to a computer with the same operating system as you are using, i.e. Macs can connect to “PC”, Windows can connect to “Mac”.

Tech Tip: The Computer Commons computers will display as “Common Lab”.

FIT Remote Labs displaying Computer Commons computers

Remote Learning Tech Tips

Practice with the technology

Review the course expectations in the syllabus and emails from your Professors. Make a list of the technology (software, hardware, and learning tools) planned for use during your course. Become familiar with and practice using them.

Check Email/Communications

Check your email multiple times a day. If you are having problems with an IT-supported service, check our System Status page for alerts about known issues or planned maintenance. 

Register to use Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

To use Self-Service Password Reset, you must first register your phone number and/or a non-FIT email address. Completing the registration will allow you to manage your password even if TechHelp is closed. 

Be Cybersafe

More and more of our time is spent online and cybercriminals are looking to take advantage of any vulnerabilities. You can help protect yourself by staying informed of the latest threats, following our Cybersafe tips, reviewing past threats, and installing virus protection software on your computer.

Take a digital break

It may seem like a strange Tech Tip from IT, but even we know the importance of time away from screens. We recommend you start small with 20 minutes a day.

Ask for help

The entire FIT academic community is committed to meeting the student needs. If you need assistance speak to your professor(s) and/or one of the service areas here to help you meet your goals for your FIT educational experience. Contact TechHelp

Create your Technology Backup Plan

While we make every effort to make sure resources are available and classroom and work time are uninterrupted, there are unforeseeable circumstances that impact services, such as weather, hardware failure, or an outage from a service provider. Additionally, you may experience local power or internet outages from your remote working location. Therefore it’s always good to have a technology backup plan and communicate your plan with your instructors and other students. A few suggestions to include in your plan: 

Know where to check for scheduled maintenance or a known outage impacting services. For IT-supported service, please visit our System Status page

What is your backup service for Web Meetings

How to use your phone or another device as a hotspot

Report a Problem 

Reporting a problem to the Division of Information Technology is easy. Submit a ticket to TechHelp, and our team will attend to the problem as soon as possible.

*TechHelp is closed when the college is closed. View the FIT Academic Calendar for dates and more details.

Support Hours This Week

Monday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Report a Problem 

Reporting a problem to the Division of Information Technology is easy. Submit a ticket to TechHelp, and our team will attend to the problem as soon as possible.

Support Hours This Week

Monday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM — 10:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

TechHelp is closed when the college is closed. View the FIT Academic Calendar for dates and more details.