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 add Qwickly Attendance to my course menu?

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

The Qwickly Attendance tool doesn’t appear under course tools. How do I activate it?

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

How do I find and/or enable the Online Tutoring tool for students (formerly Smarthinking)?

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

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

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?
  • 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.

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.

Remote Instruction

What is remote instruction?

When classes cannot be held face-to-face, the college president may direct faculty to use remote instructional methodologies in order to continue instruction. Remote instruction represents a temporary shift of instruction from meeting face to face to using technology tools such as email, discussion boards, video classes/conferences.

  • Online: Offered completely asynchronously (no in person or virtual live instruction). Students log in to Blackboard to review course content and assignments. There are no scheduled meeting times, work is completed based on course deadlines as set by the professor.  These courses use online tools that include but are not limited to discussion boards, assignments, testing, web links, videos, group work, journals, etc.
  • Blended: Combines a weekly In-Person class and online course work. This type of course delivery includes a combination of both in-person and online instruction where students will meet with their instructor once a week in class (75 minutes) at a specific day and time on campus. Additional coursework is delivered asynchronously through Blackboard that meet course objectives. These courses, in addition to the weekly in-person class, use various online tools that include but are not limited to discussion boards, assignments, testing, web links, videos, group work, journals, etc. Fully vaccinated or approved accommodation required for the in-person component.
  • Remote: Real time virtual class (one zoom or collaborate class weekly) combined with additional online work. Classes are held virtually at a specific day and time, using Zoom or Collaborate once a week (75 minutes).  Additional coursework is delivered asynchronously through Blackboard that meet course objectives. These courses, in addition to the weekly virtual class meeting, use various online tools that include but are not limited to discussion boards, assignments, testing, web links, videos, group work, journals, etc. 
How do I get started with remote instruction?

Don't know where to start?

We can help! Schedule a Remote Learning Orientation with a Tutor in the General Academic Areas Tutoring Center!

  • Call us at 508.854.4279
  • Email us at gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • Find us on the Web at www.QCC.edu/GAA

For more in-depth assistance contact an Online Learning Coach

Online Learning Coaches are here to help you succeed in classes at QCC. Please use one of our contact methods listed below if you need help with any of the following: 

  • help navigating your Blackboard course 
  • accessing course materials 
  • accessing and/or submitting assignments 
  • logging onto your Zoom or Collaborate course 
  • using Zoom, Collaborate, Blackboard, Starfish, The Q, Qmail or other online tools 

If you need assistance from an Online Learning Coach, use these contact options: 

Email: OnlineCourseHelp [at] qcc.mass.edu  
Phone: 508.854.7455 
Starfish: We are listed in your success network. 

Do you have reliable access to a computer?

Does your system meet the minimum computer requirements? (Click here for minimum requirements).

I need to purchase a new system, what should I buy? (Click here for minimum requirements).

Is there financial assistance available? (Click here for emergency Assistance Grants)

How can I test my system setup for remote learning?
I'm connected, what next?

The college provides access to The Q (personal portal), Qmail (College email), Blackboard Learn (our learning management system), and Starfish (Communicate and monitor your progress) to all credit students. We recommend that you log into all college systems 7 days before classes start to ensure everything is working. 

Tour of the QCC Suite of Online Tools!

How do I access QMail?

At QCC, our student email system is powered by Google and our Faculty and Staff email is powered by Microsoft Outlook. Both systems are accessible from off campus and also allow you to receive email on your phone. 

Your full student email address is your Qmail username. You can find your username by logging into The Q. Where it displays "Welcome back your name..." in the top right, click “My Profile & Settings”

Click on Contact Information > Email Addresses  click the down arrow to view email address.

You may also contact the Registrar's Office, email is preferred at qccreg [at] qcc.mass.edu or call the IT Service Desk at 508.854.4427 (You must know your Student ID number).

e.g. John Smith - Qmail user name is jsmith [at] qmail.qcc.edu

For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk, Technical Support.

  • Phone Number: 508.854.4427
  • Email: Help [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • Help website 

We recommend that you test your QMail access one week prior to classes starting.

What is The Q and how do I access it?

The Q is Quinsigamond Community College's secure website or portal. Think of it as the gateway to the college; it's the one stop which allows current students and faculty the ability to access their personal college information twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Your student id number is your username for The Q. Your username for The Q and password information was sent to you prior to the start of your first semester here at QCC via email or mail.

You can reset your password to The Q, but you need to have access to your Qmail to do so.

If you don’t have your login information, contact the Registrar’s Office, or via email qccreg [at] qcc.mass.edu. Their office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Please note that the Registrar’s Office will not release this information over the telephone.

The login page for The Q is accessible through any internet browser.  At this time we recommend Firefox (or Chrome) as your internet browser. Visit The Q

For more information on The Q, visit The Q help section.

For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk, Technical Support.

  • Phone Number: 508.854.4427
  • Email: Help [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • Help Website 

We recommend that you test your access to "the Q" one week prior to classes starting.

How do I access my course in Blackboard?

Blackboard is the College’s Learning Management System which provides tools for teaching online as well as for on ground courses. All QCC courses have a Blackboard shell that may be used for handouts, online discussion, testing, group work, assignment submission, and grading. 

To log into Blackboard Learn simply click on the Blackboard icon after you log into The Q.

For more information on how to use Blackboard Learn, contact the General Academic Areas Tutoring Center.

  • Phone Number: 508.854.4279
  • Email: gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • GAA website

For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk, Technical Support.

  • Phone Number: 508.854.4427
  • Email: Help [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • Help website

Courses will not be available until September 8, 2020 but we recommend that you test your access to Blackboard one week prior to classes starting.

What is a virtual classroom and how do I access it??

Your class may require your attendance in a virtual classroom. At QCC there are two tools you may need to know, Blackboard Collaborate and Zoom.

Blackboard Collaborate is part of the Blackboard Learn system. You're instructor will make the course room available at the required time. To access the virtual classroom, log into Blackboard and click on the VIrtual Meeting link located on the left of the course page. For more information on Blackboard Collaborate visit the Blackboard Collaborate help section.

Zoom can be accessed from within Blackboard or by a link supplied by you professor. For more information on Zoom, visit the Zoom meeting help website.

For more information on how to use Blackboard Collaborate or Zoom, contact the General Academic Areas Tutoring Center.

  • Phone Number: 508.854.4279
  • Email: gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • GAA website

For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk, Technical Support:

  • Phone Number: 508.854.4427
  • Email: Help [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • Help website

We recommend that you test your camera and microphone one week prior to classes starting.

What are QCC Virtual Classroom Etiquette Expectations for Students?

QCC Virtual Classroom Etiquette for Students

Here are things to think about and steps to follow as you attend your virtual classroom meetings. Following these do’s and don’ts will help you, your professor, and most of all your fellow classmates have a productive learning experience.

What is Starfish and what do I use it for?

Starfish provides a tool that you can use to stay informed of your progress in courses, take action on flagged issues and referrals by viewing your Starfish folder and keep in touch with your personal "success team".

To access Starfish click on the Starfish option  on the menu bar across the top of your screen.

How can I learn more about Starfish?  For more information on how to use Starfish, review the Student Guide. 

We recommend that you test your access one week prior to classes starting.

My class uses Cengage textbook materials, how do I access them?

What you need:

  • Your syllabus (to reference your course and section number)
  • A course ID number (provided by your professor, usually on your syllabus)
  • Your access code (on the course materials you purchased)
  • Navigate to the product page, as instructed by your professor. This is usually provided on your syllabus.
  • Click on any option where it says “Register.”
  • Enter the information as it asks you to. This might include your name, your course and section number, your course ID number, and your access code. You may also have to sign up with a username and a password.

If you have issues with your username and password, contact the product company’s customer support line. If you need a course ID, contact your professor,

Make an appointment at the General Academic Areas Tutoring center by emailing  gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu or calling 508.854.4279

Contact Cengage Directly: https://cengage.force.com/s/

Can I order Microsoft Office through the College?

Yes you can! For information on how to get Microsoft products click here: https://www.qcc.edu/help/microsoft-products

My class uses McGraw Hill textbook materials, how do I access them?

What you need:

  • Your syllabus (to reference your course and section number)
  • A course ID number (provided by your professor, usually on your syllabus)
  • Your access code (on the course materials you purchased)
  • Navigate to the product page, as instructed by your professor. This is usually provided on your syllabus.
  • Click on any option where it says “Register.”
  • Enter the information as it asks you to. This might include your name, your course and section number, your course ID number, and your access code. You may also have to sign up with a username and a password.

 If you have issues with your username and password, contact the product company’s customer support line. If you need a course ID, contact your professor,

Make an appointment at the General Academic Areas Tutoring center by emailing  gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu or calling 508.854.4279

Contact McGraw Hill Connect Support Directly

My class uses Pearson MyLab textbook materials, how do I access them?

What you need:

  • Your syllabus (to reference your course and section number)
  • A course ID number (provided by your professor, usually on your syllabus)
  • Your access code (on the course materials you purchased)
  • Navigate to the product page, as instructed by your professor. This is usually provided on your syllabus.
  • Click on any option where it says “Register.”
  • Enter the information as it asks you to. This might include your name, your course and section number, your course ID number, and your access code. You may also have to sign up with a username and a password.

 If you have issues with your username and password, contact the product company’s customer support line. If you need a course ID, contact your professor,

For General help with Pearson products: https://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/students/support/index.html

For MyMathLab make an appointment with the Math Center by emailing MathCenter [at] qcc.mass.edu or calling 508.854.7523

For all other Pearson Products  Make an appointment at the General Academic Areas Tutoring center by emailing  gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu or calling 508.854.4279

What other resources are available from QCC?

Student Resources

For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk

  • Phone Number: 508.854.4427
  • Email: Help [at] qcc.mass.edu
  • Visit the Help website
How do I contact an Online Learning Coach?

Online Learning Coaches are here to help you succeed in classes at QCC. Please use one of our contact methods listed below if you need help with any of the following: 

  • help navigating your Blackboard course 
  • accessing course materials 
  • accessing and/or submitting assignments 
  • logging onto your Zoom or Collaborate course 
  • using Zoom, Collaborate, Blackboard, Starfish, The Q, Qmail or other online tools 

If you need assistance from an Online Learning Coach, use these contact options: 

Email: OnlineCourseHelp [at] qcc.mass.edu  
Phone: 508.854.7455 
Starfish: We are listed in your success network. 

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

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 assignment in your course.  Students will be able to access the Turnitin assignment drop 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 Turitin 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.

How can I get technical help with Turnitin?

If you are having trouble in Blackboard creating or accessing Turnitin then please:

If you are having trouble with the assignment itself or uploading/attaching an assignment then 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