Technology Guide for Working Remotely

If a public health crisis, weather emergency, natural disaster, or personal circumstance requires it, you may have to work remotely for an extended period of time. This guide provides an overview of technology-related needs to consider prior to working remotely.

This is a recommended list of essential technologies to ensure a functional remote work environment.

Essential Technologies

Computer

If you have a College-owned laptop computer, you should plan on taking that home to work remotely. If you do not have a College-owned laptop computer and have a personal computer that has access to the internet, please review your needs and ensure that your personal computer is adequate for the tasks. Otherwise see your supervisor to evaluate additional options.

Phone/Voicemail

The Unified Communications FAQ provides information related to the College phone systems such as, forwarding your phone extension, enable voicemail notification in email, and checking voicemail remotely.

Internet/VPN

Sufficient Internet access is necessary to access the online resources available from the College to be able to work remotely.

College-owned computers are pre-configured with the Global Protect VPN client to allow access to file shares. Users are strongly encouraged to use VPN when accessing any Lafayette service from a public wired or wireless network such as an airport, coffee shop…

More information about VPN can be found on our VPN at Lafayette page.

Two Step Login

You may need to set up another device for your two-step login if your authentication method is currently your office phone. For more information on adding another device, see the My Devices & Settings FAQ on the Two-Step Login FAQ.

Access to File Shares/Google Drive

It’s common for the College community to use File Shares and Google Drive to store files and data.

Available Software

Information about available software for personal and College-owned computers as well as Lafayette’s virtual lab offered through Amazon AppStream can be found on our Apps and Device Support page.

Adobe Creative Cloud

The College’s Adobe Creative Cloud license permits the download and use on personal computers. For information on how to get Adobe on your personal computer, see Access to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Faculty Advice

Academic Continuity During Disruption

Please review the recommendations to consider related to Academic Continuity During Disruption.

Writing, Drawing, and Demonstration Options While Remote

To convey text, drawings, or demonstrations when on campus one might use a document camera or a whiteboard. However, while remote, these options are not likely available. Here are a few options to consider for creating pre-recorded mini-lessons or for during live sessions.

Remote Collaboration

Google Meet

Google Meet is a web conferencing service that integrates with other Google Workspace services such as Google Calendar and Google Drive. Information about Google Meet can be found at Getting Started with Google Meet.

Zoom

Zoom is a web conferencing service with a combination of tools such as video, audio, and screen sharing. Information about Zoom can be found on our Zoom FAQ. For those concerned with the security of their Zoom sessions, see How to secure a Zoom session.

Panopto

Panopto is a lecture capture service that can be used to record webcam, screen, and/or audio to be shared within or outside of Lafayette College on media.lafayette.edu. Information about Panopto can be found on our Audio/Video help page.

Get Help

Is training available for software and hardware?

ITS provides virtual training sessions on a broad range of topics, many of which are recorded and available anytime on media.lafayette.edu. Check the ITS calendar for upcoming events.

In some instances, it may be possible for the Learning and Research Technologies team to work with you to develop or offer limited training or targeted help documentation or resources, depending on your needs. For more information, contact the Help Desk at help@lafayette.edu.

Help Desk

For nearly all support needs that involve a problem with equipment or services, such as your desktop computer, email, or course website, you should first contact the Help Desk at help@lafayette.edu or (610) 330-5501.

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