Getting Started Online

As an online student, technology will play a key role in your online experience. Know that the Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT) is here to help! Whether you need help connecting with your class, accessing software, or learning a new skill, you can reach out to our team.

Phone: 865-974-9900, available 24/7 when the University is open
Chat: oit.utk.edu/help/chat, available Monday through Friday, from 8 am – 5 pm
Online: help.utk.edu, the team will respond via email during University business hours

You can also search the OIT Knowledge Base online at any time. Visit help.utk.edu, where you can quickly find self-help articles, how-to guides, and training.

PREPARING YOUR HOME EQUIPMENT

Make sure you have tested your access to the following equipment at home:

Laptop or desktop computer.
Microphone – this may be built into your laptop or computer, or you may use an external device such as a USB microphone or headphones.
Webcam – a camera may already be built into your laptop, but you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing.
Internet – either commercially provided (ex. Comcast, AT&T, etc), or a wireless hotspot through your mobile phone.

Be prepared! Test access to your equipment and resources and contact us if you have any questions.

If your technology is giving you trouble, check out our Online Troubleshooting Guide. For updates on outages and maintenance in real time, you can check out the System Status Center.

ACCESSING SOFTWARE

Much of the software available in the computer labs is also available to you. You can install some software on your computer; other software is available on the web. Learn more about which software is available where.

Download and Sign into Zoom: If your course has set synchronous meeting times you will likely use Zoom. Connect with your class online via Zoom by signing in with your NetID and password. Use the Single-Sign On (SSO) option for the best experience.

TAKING ONLINE TRAINING

If you need a refresher on how to use software or you need to learn something new, you have access to online training through LinkedIn Learning. Sign into LinkedIn Learning and learn more about online training.

You can choose between two types of online training offered from OIT. You can check back throughout the semester to see new offerings.

Attend live training via Zoom with an OIT instructor. We offer a wide variety of classes to help you suceed. View our calendar for upcoming workshops and register to attend.

Take OIT’s self-paced online training on various topics. View the available topics and enroll in a self-paced workshop.

Staying Safe

Check out the IT Policies for using university resources to make sure you are doing the right thing! Visit the OIT website to learn more.
Pick up some tips and tricks for protecting yourself online with OIT’s Security Awareness Training. You can also review how to spot a phishing scam and more security training resources on OIT’s website.