For you to be able to focus on the most important thing – studying – we collected the most important instructions for using computer classrooms, remote use of software, and collaboration platforms into this handy guide.
Computer classrooms can be used remotely
The university is responsible for prevent spreading the COVID-19 corona virus at the campus and that safety is taken in account when using campus spaces and equipment. For safety reasons, teaching and operations are arranged mostly online, and also computers in the classrooms are in remote use mode.
Some of the computers for the remote use locate physically in the classrooms. Some of the computers are virtual computers.
Connecting remotely to the classroom computers
With remote connection to the classroom computer you have access to the software installed to that physical computer. Generally, all the computers in a classroom have the same software setup. For example, Adobe software are installed in some specific classroom computers. The software setups by classrooms can be found in computers.aalto.fi and booking.aalto.fi.
The computers in the classrooms are reserved for teaching during 8 am – 8 pm on the weekdays. Remote use of the computers by one’s own works also by the instructions below.
- When the teaching begins, the students who have registered for teaching connect to the classroom computer in https://mfavdi.aalto.fi. More instructions on the remote use of the computer in the classrooms can be found here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/remote-access-to-windows-classroom-computers
- After the teaching everyone (including the teacher) logs out from the computer, so that the next user can access the computer without hassle. For logout, go to Start -> click the user icon -> Sign out. For teacher: This is to be instructed to students after every teaching session to help us all in optimal use of the resources.
- In case that the student needs to get into the computer classroom physically, contact [email protected] for the permission.
Connecting to virtual computers
VDI desktops (virtual desktop infrastructure) are fully virtual. They are suitable for so called light weight computing and with VDI you have access to remote Linux and Windows operating systems. In virtual desktops you can find e.g. Microsoft Office tools and other applications. Virtual desktops are available to students to be used on their own.
Virtual desktop can be found here: https://vdi.aalto.fi/.
Instructions for using the virtual desktop can be found here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/vdiaaltofi-how-to-use-aalto-virtual-desktop-infrastructure.
Printing and scanning
There are some PrintingPoint-printers in the campus for small scale black-and-white printing and scanning. Instructions for mobile printing can be found here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/mobile-printing. Due to the corona virus situation, please use on premises printing and scanning only if you definitely must and don’t have any other options.
Locations of printing devices (PrintingPoint)
Software available for downloading
Some applications are available as downloadable software on one’s own computer. The list with the links can be found here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/softwares-for-staff-and-students-homeuse.
Collaboration platforms in Aalto
Remote teaching and remote studying in Aalto is conducted in collaboration platforms in Teams, Zoom, and MyCourses.
Teams
Both teachers and students can form teams, chat, have remote meetings, collaborate on documents and maintain common task lists in Teams. Instructions on how to take Teams in use can be found here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/microsoft-teams-meetings-guide.
Microsoft’s instructions on how to use Teams can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/microsoft-teams-video-training-4f108e54-240b-4351-8084-b1089f0d21d7.
Zoom
Both teachers and students can organize remote meetings and remote teaching sessions in Zoom. Instructions can be found here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/zoom-quick-guide
MyCourses
MyCourses is the eLearning platform for Aalto courses, with respective course workspaces. The students get access to the workspaces by registration into the course in Oodi.
More information and instructions about MyCourses: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/mycourses-learning-environment
Computers: What to look for when purchasing a computer for studying in Aalto
Laptop with core i5, 8GB ram, 265GB SSD is adequate for most students during the studies. If one has participated in Finnish digital matriculation examination, the same computer is usually quite adequate. Don’t forget to ask for student discount when purchasing.
It is expected that the students bring their own laptops. In the case that it is financially impossible to get one, please contact [email protected].