A Beginner's Guide to University

Computer Literacy

The Facts

Computer Literacy is essential. Every UNSW student will need to aquire some IT skills, regardless of the program they are doing. Some will require a few, others will require a lot.

You don't have to be studying computer science or new media - even if you're studying poetry as part of an English course, you may be required to take part in an online tutorial, or access other information online.

• applying for uni online
• enrolling online
• student email. Each student is given a UNSW email address and, is the main mode of formal communication between students and the University, it is essential to check your email regularly. Important information regarding enrolment, fees, library fines, and course information is distributed to students via their student email account.
• completing assignments. Most students use word processing programs to type up their essays.
• preparing PowerPoint presentations
• using the library catalogue. As the library catalogue is online, it's not possible to find a book in the library without being computer literate.
• accessing elearning. Many UNSW courses have online components. Being comfortable with technology can really help your performance in an online learning environment.
• Many schools now put much of their course materials and administrative information online. Moreover, some courses have online assessment which means that not knowing how to use the technology means that you won't be able to do the assignments.

Access to Computers

UNSW expects all new students to have off-campus access to a standard modern computer with CD drive and Internet connectivity (e.g. via a modem).

If you don't have access to a computer at home, it's worthwhile to investigate student loans for obtaining your own computer before you start uni.

If you are intending to purchase a new computer and require guidance, please refer to the Infomation Technology Requirements for UNSW Students (RTF document).

If you need on-campus computer access, sort it out as soon as possible. There are computer facilities for students on campus, but you can't guarantee their availability. Expect to stand in a queue or make a booking.

• Find out about the facilities available to you in your faculty. Ask at the faculty office.
• Explore the library computers and familiarise yourself with the booking systems. Don't wait until an enrolment or assignment deadline to find out!

Get acquainted with basic computer skills before starting uni. TAFE, WEA and local community colleges all offer a broad range of short courses.

UNSW Websites and services you need to know about

myUNSW & Student Central

myUNSW is the online administration application and the gateway to the services you need as a student.

UNSW Student Central is the public face of the University's central student administration and it is the first point of contact for most of the administrative tasks you will need to carry out during your time as a student.

Keep up to date with news at UNSW via The Low Down.

My eLearning Vista

My eLearning Vista is a web-based learning management system (LMS) used at UNSW for online learning and teaching activities. Many courses at UNSW often involve an online component delivered through Vista. Vista is also a platform for programs like ELISE and u-connect. See My eLearning for further info, and the Vista Support for Students

U-connect

u-connect is an online orientation 'mini-course' centred around an online discussion forum for all students who are new to UNSW. Accessed through Web CT, u-connect can help you:

• make contact with other new students
• connect to WebCT Vista
• find out what you need to know about your new campus

UNSW IT Services Help Desk

UNSW IT Services Student Information Technology Help Desk is a central point of contact for assistance and support with UDUS, UniMail, UniPass and UniWide.

Student support is available via the UNSW IT Services Service Help Desk, open 7 days a week during session and 6 days during vacation periods. The Help Desk is located on level 1 in the Main UNSW Library Building, just near the UNSW Post Office.

UNSW Library

Using the Library: Online Training
Some online resources to help you learn to use the library resources database and MyCourse.

UNSW Study Skills Tutorial - ELISE
ELISE is an online tutorial to introduce students to the scholarly information landscape. ELISE is mandatory for new undergraduate students.

LOIS
Library Online Information Skills Tutorial

LILT: Library Information Literacy Tutorial
An interactive library tutorial to help you negotiate online research.

Library Computer Access