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.
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 students. Enabling 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.
- 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.”
- 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. - 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)
- 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”.
Remote Learning Tech Tips
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: