Search form

You are here

Home » Faculty & Staff FAQs

Faculty & Staff FAQs

Azure Dev Tools For Teaching

How do I get an account to login to Azure Dev Tools for Teaching (formerly Microsoft Imagine)?

Microsoft Imagine is now Azure Dev Tools for Teaching

If you are currently registered in a technology course, you are eligible to download software from the Education Hub Store. Technology courses start with CIS, CSC, CST, ELM, ELT, ERG, and EUT.

Students sign in to the Azure portal with their Azure Dev Tools for Teaching credentials (Microsoft Account), open the Education Hub Store, and access the available software downloads.

Go to the Azure Dev Tools for Teaching Login Page

Click on the blue “Sign In” button

To Create an account, next to No Account? click Create One!

Note: Please use the email (Qmail) provided for your previous Microsoft Imagine subscription access when creating a new Microsoft Account.

What kind of software is available to download from Azure Dev Tools for Teaching?

You can download developer products like Visual Studio, operating systems like Windows 10, Windows Server, and other products like Microsoft Access, Microsoft Visio and Microsoft Project. You cannot download Microsoft Office.

Does Azure Dev Tools for Teaching include Microsoft Office?

No. Azure Dev Tools for Teaching doesn’t include Microsoft Office. It provides tools to expand the study of software development and testing. These tools include such technologies as Platform SDK, SQL Server, Visual Studio .NET, and Windows Server.

To obtain Microsoft Office for Free go to The Q

Scroll down the page to view and click on the link: Discounted Deals for QCC Students, Faculty & Staff

Note: you must login to the Q portal in order to go to the discounted deals page.

Blackboard

I sent an email to my instructor/student, but can't find it. Where is it?

Blackboard Learn doesn't keep a record of emails sent or received. To locate an email message you sent, do the following:

  • Student: Login to your Qmail account and check messages in the Sent folder

  • Faculty: Login to your QCC account and check messages in the Sent folder

As an instructor, which criteria should I use to design my newly-approved online or blended course?

 QCC's courses benefit when criteria established in the Quality Matters Rubric, 6th edition are used. QCC expects all online courses to meet this criteria. 

How do I set up and use the Qwickly Attendance tool?

Please see this job aid for detailed instructions.

The Qwickly Attendance tool doesn’t appear on my course menu. How do I add it?

Please see the attached Qwickly Attendance job aid for detailed instructions.

How do I find and/or enable the ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring tool for students?

We are no longer using Smarthinking at QCC, we have transitioned to ThinkingStorm as our online tutoring tool.  You can use the attached job aid to do either of the following in your Blackboard course:

  • Enable the "ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring" tool in your Blackboard course shell
  • Create a link to the new "ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring" tool 

Also be sure to hide or delete the old Smarthinking link in your course to avoid confusion for the students.

How do I set up LockDown Browser and monitor for my Blackboard test?

For Students:

If your instructor has informed you that you need to download and install the Respondus LockDown Browser (and Monitor) to take a test, click here to access a job aid with the download link and instructions.

For additional details and information, you may download the Respondus Student Quick Guide by clicking here.

For Instructors:

If you are just getting started using Respondus LockDown Browser in Blackboard for testing, click here to access a job aid to assist you in the process.

For additional details and infomation, you may download the Repondus Instructor Quick Guide by clicking here.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Click here to review some common issues and troubleshooting tips.

How Do I Set Up Respondus LockDown Browser (and Monitor) for my Blackboard Test?

To learn more about Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor for your Blackboard Tests, click here to learn more and get started.

For additional information, view the Respondus Quick Start Guide for Instructors by clicking here.

For troubleshooting tips, click here.

What is ReadSpeaker and How Do I Support Students When Using in my Blackboard Course?

For general information about the ReadSpeaker tool, visit their website.

You may find our YouTube video playlists beneficial:

What does ReadSpeaker do? 
"Instantly create an audio version of courses, textbooks, assessments, research, training materials, personal documents and more, allowing learners to listen while following along with the highlighted text."

What support materials are available for my students when learning about, and utilizing this tool?

What are some of the tools available in the Content Editor?

Review the feature overview document to learn the major features and functionality of the new Blackboard Content Editor (Nov. 2020).

Blackboard Content Editor - Updated Nov. 2020

How can I learn more about the Blackboard Inline Grading Tool, Annotate?

You can view the Blackboard Help site for additional information and a video about the tool.

You can also view and download a job aid by clicking here.

How can I make my content more accessible in Blackboard?

We have created a job aid with five quick tips to help you improve the accessibility of your course content, click here to download and view. 

As an Instructor, how do I export a test from one Blackboard course and import it into another course?

Instructions on how to export a test from one course to import into another course, click here to review the job aid.

How do I copy a Blackboard course into the new semester?

For instructions and information on how to copy your existing course in Blackboard Learn, click here to view and download the job aid.

Should you require assistance, please contact an Instructional Designer in the Center for Academic Excellence.

What is Blackboard Ally?

Blackboard Ally is an integrated part of our learning management system (LMS) and helps build a more inclusive student experience by improving accessibility of content materials in Blackboard.
For more information, click the links below:

Students

What is Blackboard Ally? (for Faculty & Staff)

Blackboard Ally is an integrated part of our learning management system (LMS) and helps build a more inclusive student experience by improving accessibility of content materials in Blackboard.
For more information, click the links below:

Faculty & Staff

What is Hypothesis, and how do I use it?

 “Hypothesis is an easy to use pedagogical tool that enables students and teachers to have conversations in the margins of digital texts. Using social annotation gives you new ways to foster student success by building community, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of readings” (Hypothesis website). You and your students can use the Hypothesis tool in Blackboard to annotate and/or highlight the following: websites/web-based readings or .pdfs stored in Blackboard, your Google Drive, or your OneDrive.

For more information about how to use Hypothesis see these how-to guides:

Blackboard Collaborate

What is Blackboard Collaborate Ultra?

Collaborate Ultra is Blackboard’s online platform that creates a synchronous learning space for virtual classrooms and meetings with audio, video, and desktop sharing capacities. See Collaborate Ultra Video here.

To view and download a Blackboard Collaborate Student Guide, click here.

What should I know before using Blackboard Collaborate for the first time?

Before using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra for the first time, be sure to review information on the Blackboard Help Collaborate website which will help you become proficient in using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Blackboard recommends using the Chrome browser with Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.

You may also view and download the Blackboard Collaborate Moderator Guide.

Does the Blackboard Collaborate mobile app have the same features as the desktop app?

No, the mobile app doesn't have the same features as the desktop app:

Available Web Conferencing Functions:

  • Viewing the Whiteboard.
  • Viewing an Application on another user's desktop.
  • Access to breakout rooms.
  • Sending and receiving chat messages with the entire room.
  • Listening to other speakers and speaking to the room.
  • Responding to polls.

Web Conferencing Functions not Available for Mobile Participants:

  • Private Chat
  • Live Video
  • Annotation on the Whiteboard
  • Moderator Controls
  • Recording Playback
  • Localizations
How can the moderator help participants who are using the Blackboard Collaborate mobile app?

Moderators must join the session from a desktop or laptop computer. Moderator tools are not available from a mobile device.

 

How can I get technical help with Blackboard Collaborate Ultra?

Blackboard Collaborate Ultra support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

You can access our help by one of the following ways:

  1. You can use our Blackboard Help Knowledge Base to search for an answer to your question.
  2. You can get help by submitting a “help” ticket or through "chat" by clicking on Contact Technical Support.  
    1. To use “chat”, click on “Chat with Agent”.
    2. To create a help ticket, please "Create a case" and fill out the web form with as much information as possible.
  3. You can call the QCC Help Desk (508.854.4427) and follow the prompts for Blackboard Collaborate Help.
What are the accessibility features of Blackboard Collaborate?

Blackboard lists the accessibility features of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra on the Blackboard Collaborate Assistive Technology page.

Blackboard Mobile

As a teacher, I want to grade assignments on my iPad, can I do that?

Yes, we recently upgraded Blackboard to allow for instructors to grade assignments using an iPad.  Blackboard is working to increase the grading capabilities and make this available for other mobile devices.

You can find more information on the Bb Grader app at iTunes.

Do grades look the same to students on the Blackboard mobile app?

No, the students see a slightly different view of their grades when they look at them on the mobile app. You may want to have them check their My Grades area from a regular computer if they are confused by what they see in the mobile app. The main difference is that the mobile app has a percentage field in front of each item even if you assign points, not percentages, for their grade.

For example, a student takes quiz 1 worth 20 points and gets only 5 points. When they view this in My Grades on the mobile app, the first column will show 25% and the second column will show Quiz 1 points: 5/20. If they look at this same item on a regular computer, they would see Quiz 1 Grade 5.00/20 and there wouldn't be a percentage listed.

Infobase

How Do I Add Learning Modules from Infobase Learning Cloud (formerly Hoonuit)?

For instructions on how to add learning modules to your Blackboard course, review the job aid. 
Please note that you may see content referenced as both Infobase and Hoonuit while they are in the process of rebranding.

IT Service Desk

What is my username for The Q?
  • Your student id number is your username for The Q. Your Microsoft account is used for universal login to The Q. The initial password is set to the default of: The first two letters of your last name in lower case, followed by the last four digits of your SSN, then Qc. Ex. ab####Qc.
  • If you need help resetting your password please contact the IT Service Desk at 508.854.4427. Give them your name, your phone number or email address, your id number and a brief description of your problem. Mention that you have a problem logging in. Do not send your password.
What is my username for The Q?
  • For new faculty/staff the first part of your email address is your username. Contact the Registrar’s Office.
  • To reset your password, enter your username and click on the "I forgot my password" link. A new password will be sent to your QCC email. If you are still having trouble, contact the IT Help Desk. Give them your name, your phone number, email address and a brief description of your problem. Do not send your password information.

Microsoft Office

What is Office 365?

Office 365 is a subscription based version of the Microsoft Office suite. It includes the latest full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher*, and Access* as well as cloud services and 1TB of OneDrive storage.

Faculty and Staff

You can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. You'll be able to use Office 365 on up to FIVE devices/computers at a time. Follow these steps:

  • Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Email address if you need to register.
  • Follow the instructions on the website.

 If you require assistance, these are your options:

  • If your password doesn’t work at the Microsoft site, you should go to SSRPM (Password Reset) and either enroll or reset your password.
  • If you have trouble loading onto your personal computer (not QCC owned), you can call 508.854.4427, select 2 then 3 for BlackBelt Technical support.

Students

For the web-based version of Office 365, you will need to know and have access to your QCC Student Email, Qmail. 
You can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. Follow these steps:

  • Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Student Email address as the username. Your default password will be:
    • the first two letters of your last name
    • followed by the last four numbers of your Social Security number
    • and then Qc (Example: John Smith would be sm1234Qc)
  • Once you login, you will be prompted to set up your password recovery questions and method. This only takes a minute! Follow the instructions on the website.
  • If you have not received the email or would like password assistance, please call the QCC Help Desk at 508.854.4427, press 1 then 4. We are available Monday -Friday 8am -5pm.

*Microsoft Publisher and Access for PC only.

Student Job Aid on how to Access and/or Install Office 365 when online or on-campus.

Office 365

What is Office 365?

Office 365 is a subscription based version of the Microsoft Office suite. It includes the latest full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher*, and Access* as well as cloud services and 1TB of OneDrive storage.

Faculty and Staff

You can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. You'll be able to use Office 365 on up to FIVE devices/computers at a time. Follow these steps:

  • Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Email address if you need to register.
  • Follow the instructions on the website.

 If you require assistance, these are your options:

  • If your password doesn’t work at the Microsoft site, you should go to SSRPM (Password Reset) and either enroll or reset your password.
  • If you have trouble loading onto your personal computer (not QCC owned), you can call 508.854.4427, select 2 then 3 for BlackBelt Technical support.

Students

For the web-based version of Office 365, you will need to know and have access to your QCC Student Email, Qmail. 
You can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. Follow these steps:

  • Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Student Email address as the username. Your default password will be:
    • the first two letters of your last name
    • followed by the last four numbers of your Social Security number
    • and then Qc (Example: John Smith would be sm1234Qc)
  • Once you login, you will be prompted to set up your password recovery questions and method. This only takes a minute! Follow the instructions on the website.
  • If you have not received the email or would like password assistance, please call the QCC Help Desk at 508.854.4427, press 1 then 4. We are available Monday -Friday 8am -5pm.

*Microsoft Publisher and Access for PC only.

Student Job Aid on how to Access and/or Install Office 365 when online or on-campus.

How do I Install Office 365?

Students

For the web-based version of Office 365, you will need to know and have access to your QCC Student Email, Qmail. 
You can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. Follow these steps:

  • Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Student Email address as the username. Your default password will be:
    • the first two letters of your last name
    • followed by the last four numbers of your Social Security number
    • and then Qc (Example: John Smith would be sm1234Qc).
  • Once you login, you will be prompted to set up your password recovery questions and method. This only takes a minute and it is strongly recommended so that you can recover your password in the future if needed! Follow the instructions on the website.
  • If you have difficulty logging in, please call the QCC IT Service Desk at 508-854-4427.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty & Staff can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. You'll be able to use Office 365 on up to FIVE devices/computers at a time. Follow these steps:

  • Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Email address if you need to register.  Follow the instructions on the website.
  • If you would like to install the Office 365 apps on your computer, log into your web-based Office 365 account, you will then see an "Install Office" button in the top right corner. Click the button and follow the instructions on the website.

 If you require assistance, these are your options:

  • If your password doesn’t work at the Microsoft site, you should go to SSRPM (Password Reset) and either enroll or reset your password.
  • If you have trouble loading onto your personal computer (not QCC owned), you can call 508.854.4427, select 2 then 3 for BlackBelt Technical support.

Student Job Aid on how to Access and/or Install Office 365 when online or on-campus.

Click the following link to view a video:

How to access the Free Microsoft 365

Open Educational Resources

What are Open Educational Resources?

The generally accepted definition of open educational resources is this one, from OERCommons:

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching and learning materials that are freely available online for everyone to use, whether you are an instructor, student or self-learner. Examples of OER include: full courses, course modules, syllabi, lectures, homework assignments, quizzes, lab and classroom activities, pedagogical materials, games, simulations, and many more resources contained in digital media collections from around the world.

Where can I access Open Educational Resources (OER)?
  1. The Open Professionals Education Network sponsors a search engine that can help you locate OER materials from various web sources and includes tips for using the different websites. It allows searches for videos, images and music, too.
  2. At the OER Commons website, you can browse to locate materials, or, if you prefer, use their topics list.
  3. The Community College Consortium for open educational resources lists open textbooks by discipline.
  4. The Open Course Library "is a collection of shareable course materials, including syllabi, course activities, readings, and assessments... Unless otherwise noted, all materials are shared under a Creative Commons (CC BY) license.OCL courses and materials have undergone testing for accessibility and have been designed using the industry-standard Quality Matters (QM) rubric for assessing the quality of online courses."
  5. Lumen Learning offers courses in Mathematics, Science, Technology, General Education, Developmental Education, Business and Education.
  6. Openstaxcollege.org, an initiative of Rice University, is a nonprofit organization "committed to improving student access to quality learning materials." Their peer-reviewed free online and low-cost print textbooks include supporting materials.
  7. Saylor Academy is a large, free and open course initiative on the web funded by the Constitution Foundation. It offers more than 300 free college-level, credit courses for transfer to accredited public and private partner institutions. Many of their online materials are creative commons licensed.
What is Creative Commons?

Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that enables the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools. This short video introduction explains Creative Commons.

Where can I learn more about accessibility in Open Educational Resources?

CAST has launched a new website, entitled On Campus: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education. This site contains information on accessibility and universal design when used with open educational materials.

More resources are listed at the Open Professionals Education Network (OPEN).

Other

Pearson - Getting Started with MyLab & Mastering

Review information to help you get started with Pearson MyLab & Mastering, click here to download.

To review the Pearson MyLab Instructor Quick Start Guide, click here to download.

How do I increase the Accessibility of shared Digital Resources like files, flyers, and infographics?

When sharing resources via email, online, or in a Blackboard course you want to ensure they are as widely accessible as possible.


One of the first and easiest things to do is to start with an accessible template.  Microsoft has free accessible Office Templates to download and use. It's always easier to begin with an accessible template than it is to go back and try to fix/edit an existing presentation to make it more accessible - easy is good!

Microsoft applications also have built-in accessibility checkers with information on how to fix and improve your files. They have lots of great tutorials and information on their website, check it out!

Do you send out infographics or flyers to students, faculty, & staff to advertise events or share information?  California State University Northbridge has great information to help you make these more accessible.

For a consolidated overview of making digital assets more accessible, view Butler University's LibGuide.

Still have questions?  

  • For faculty working with students requiring accommodations, contact the Student Accessibility Services Office.
  • For those who want to know more, cae [at] qcc.mass.edu (contact the CAE) and schedule a 1-1 appointment with your friendly Instructional Designer.
How do I increase the Accessibility of shared Digital Resources like files, flyers, and infographics?

When sharing resources via email, online, or in a Blackboard course, you want to ensure they are as widely accessible as possible.

One of the first and easiest things to do is to start with an accessible template.  Microsoft has free accessible Office Templates to download and use. It's always easier to begin with an accessible template than it is to go back and try to fix/edit an existing presentation to make it more accessible - easy is good!

Microsoft applications also have built-in accessibility checkers with information on how to fix and improve your files. They have lots of great tutorials and information on their website; check it out!

Do you send out infographics or flyers to students, faculty, & staff to advertise events or share information?  California State University Northbridge has great information to help you make these more accessible.

For a consolidated overview of making digital assets more accessible, view Butler University's LibGuide.

Still have questions?  

  • For faculty working with students requiring accommodations, contact the Student Accessibility Services Office.
  • For those who want to know more, cae [at] qcc.mass.edu (contact the CAE) and schedule a 1-1 appointment with your friendly Instructional Designer.

Respondus Lockdown Browser

How can I learn more about Respondus LockDown Browser?

You can view and download a Quick Start Guide for Instructors here.

Do you have some troubleshooting tips for Respondus LockDown Browser?

Yes, view some common Troubleshooting Tips for Instructors.

Starfish

How can I learn to use Starfish?

For more information on how to use Starfish, review the Faculty Guide.

Videos on Starfish, Faculty and Staff Demo Series:

The Q

What is my username for The Q?
  • Your student id number is your username for The Q. Your Microsoft account is used for universal login to The Q. The initial password is set to the default of: The first two letters of your last name in lower case, followed by the last four digits of your SSN, then Qc. Ex. ab####Qc.
  • If you need help resetting your password please contact the IT Service Desk at 508.854.4427. Give them your name, your phone number or email address, your id number and a brief description of your problem. Mention that you have a problem logging in. Do not send your password.
How do I enter grades on the Q?

Login to The Q. Select the Welcome Tab then select Grade and Attendance Reporting (from the left). Click on the Grade Entry link. Click on the View Course List link at the right. Follow the on screen instructions.

How do I enter Attendance?

Login to The Q. Select the My Academics Tab, then select either Initial Attendance or 60% Attendance from the menu on the left. Follow the on screen instructions.

What is my username for The Q?
  • For new faculty/staff the first part of your email address is your username. Contact the Registrar’s Office.
  • To reset your password, enter your username and click on the "I forgot my password" link. A new password will be sent to your QCC email. If you are still having trouble, contact the IT Help Desk. Give them your name, your phone number, email address and a brief description of your problem. Do not send your password information.

ThinkingStorm

How do I access ThinkingStorm?

Please see QCC's job aid for detailed instructions.

Turning Technologies

Where can I find information about Turning Technologies

Email Support: support [at] turningtechnologies.com
Email Training: training [at] turningtechnologies.com
Call Toll-Free (within the U.S.): 866.746.3015

What is TurningPoint 5? (AKA Clickers)

Turning Point 5 allows you deliver interactive lectures using polling devices.

To get started with TurningPoint you should visit the Training and Tutorials website

Turnitin

What is Turnitin?

Turnitin is a web-based product that helps check the originality of a student's work. Turnitin is available to all faculty through Blackboard by adding a Turnitin LTI in your course.  Students will be able to access the Turnitin assignment submission tool through their Blackboard course if the faculty member has chosen to use this product.

Information about the company

Turnitin is the global leader in evaluating and improving student learning. The company’s cloud-based service for originality checking, online grading and peer review saves instructors time and provides rich feedback to students.

How can I learn how to use Turnitin?

We have linked Blackboard and Turnitin, so all you will need to do is add a Turnitin LTI assignment.  You will not need to create a course and upload your class list because that information comes from Blackboard once you have created an assignment.

  • Information for faculty can be found on the Turnitin Instructor Training site.
  • The Office of Distance Education and Center for Academic Excellence offers workshops on a variety of topics. Faculty also can find tutorials about Turnitin in the Educator Instructional Resources Bb course. 
How can I get technical help with Turnitin?

If you are having trouble in Blackboard creating or accessing a Turnitin LTI assignment, please

Zoom

How do I add Zoom to my Blackboard Course?

View the job aid to assist you in adding a link to Zoom in your Blackboard course and adjusting your settings.

How can I get help with Zoom?

Check out our Zoom meeting videos and general help.

What should I include in my remote learning classroom guidelines?

Please see the QCC Virtual Classroom Faculty Guidelines for further information

randomness