Top 10 Technical Tips and Tricks to Know

The online learning environment can be a demanding one. In Thomas Edison State University’s evolving effort to balance challenge with support, here are ten foolproof technical resolutions to your issues:

1. Not using Internet Explorer.
   Have you ever experienced a myEdison log-in fail, the inability to submit/upload course assignments or drag and drop; a spinning loading icon, a page stuck loading or a missing submit button?
   
   This problem is normally caused by the compatibility of Internet Explorer and is a known issue for MoodleRooms. It is recommended that you switch browsers to either Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. These browsers tend to function better with the University Moodle system.
    
2. Gaining mobile access.
   Have you tried using your mobile device to access your courses with little or no success?
   
   The Moodle App (from the iOS or Android app store) does not work with Thomas Edison State University courses at this time. However, you can still log into your course(s) with your mobile device. Please see instructions below:
   
   iPhone/iPad Users: Download Google Chrome for iPhone (this app is free), and go to “my.tesu.edu.” The mobile page will load; go to browser settings and select “Request Desktop Site.” (The browser settings icon is composed of three horizontal lines and can be found in the top right corner of your browser window.) The desktop version should load at that point. This will allow you to log in and access your courses.
   
   Android Devices Users: From the main Android browser, go to “my.tesu.edu” and log in to the portal; the mobile page will load. Bring up your browser settings, and select “Request Desktop Site.” The page will reload with the desktop version.
    
3. Login to Moodle failed error message.
   Are you able to log into Moodle but receive and error message when you click on your course?
   
   The error message that is most common is: “The login to Moodle failed. SSO credentials for user "0#.w|students\thomas.edison" could not be found in application "MoodleSSO" Enter your credentials.”
   
   Click on the link as shown in the error screenshot above and you will come to this screen:
   
   You will reenter your credentials:
   • Windows User Name: firstname.lastname (no students\)
   • Windows Password: (Your Password)
   • Confirm Windows Password: (Your Password)
      
4. Accessing your University email account.
   Are you having trouble locating your University email account?
   
   To access your student email, log in to the University portal (my.tesu.edu). Look along the top right side, where you will see a block called “My unread messages.” Click the link inside of this block, and a new window will open, taking you to your College email account (which is also part of Google Apps). Along the top of this window, you will also find the Google Apps navigation, which includes your Drive, Calendar, and more!
   
   The student email account is not currently supported outside of the myEdison portal at this time.
    
5. Course email notifications.
   Tired of receiving notifications to your email account every time your classmates post in the course discussion forum? Are email notifications overloading the wrong email account?
   
   Email notification is controlled by three options within your profile settings: email display, email digest type, and forum auto-subscribe. (Click on "Edit profile" within the Settings block to find these notification settings.) The settings control how often you receive  an email, what email account is used, what the email contains and whether or not you’re automatically subscribed to a forum in which you post.
   
   You can also unsubscribe within the individual forums. Once you're inside the forum, look along the left side for a link that says "Unsubscribe from this forum." You can click this link to unsubscribe.
   
   For instructional videos on how to manage your profile and forum settings, visit the Moodle Video Help Site.
    
6. Discussion board: Copy and Paste.
   Are you trying to copy your assignment from a Word document into your course discussion board?
   
   Using right click and selecting copy/paste will not work. When copying and pasting into Moodle, you will need to use keyboard commands. You can copy by pressing Ctrl+C and paste using Ctrl+V.
    
7. Scheduling your exams.
   Do you need schedule your course midterm and final examinations?
   
   Visit ProctorU and create an account or log in using your ProctorU user ID and password. Select the "new exam" tab and choose your semester. Be sure to pick the right semester, as that will determine the available test dates you see. Then choose the course and exam you would like to schedule. Select a date from the calendar and a time from the drop down menu. Available dates can be seen in blue and any available slots will be shown in the drop down menu. Click "add reservation" to add the appointment.
   
   If you need help scheduling an appointment with ProctorU please call the ProctorU exam line at (205) 870-8122 or you can email them at help@proctoru.com. Questions regarding the format of your midterm, final or any test-related inquiry can be sent to the Office of Test Administration at testing@tesu.edu.
    
8. Scheduling an “Academic Advising” appointment.
   Are you enrolled? Do you need to plan a degree program? Do you need course advisement? Do you want to confirm completion of graduation requirements?
   
   Login to your myEdison account with students\firstname.lastname and the same password used for Online Student Services. Scroll down to Tools & Forms and you will see Make an Advising Appointment. You will login with your TESU College ID number and last name. You can then select your degree program, preferred advisor and the type of appointment you would like to make. You can also view the Advisor's Profile at that time and select a day and time that works for your schedule to meet with your advisor.
    
9. Logging into Online Student Services
   Are you having trouble accessing your Online Student Services account?
   
   If this is your first time logging in to the new Online Student Services site, you will be asked to create your log-in information. To establish your User ID, please use your last name and SSN or Thomas Edison State University ID. Students will use firstname.lastname as their User ID. You will be emailed a temporary password, which you will be asked to change upon your first log in. The new password you create must meet the following criteria: 6 – 9 characters in length; letters and numbers.
   
   If you have already established your User ID and you do not remember your created password, you may view your password hint or reset your password under the User Account section at any time.
    
10. Purchasing textbooks.
    Are you trying to buy your course materials?
    
    You may order your textbooks and course materials through the University Bookstore and select the appropriate term. Then, enter the course codes for the appropriate session. Enter the course code in the following format: ABC123 (no spaces). The required texts will then show up and will be available for purchase through the site.
    
    Please be reminded that if you are taking a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) course or a TECEP exam, you do not have course materials.