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Illinois State University

Top Tech Tips for Faculty and Staff Teaching and Working Remotely

Last Modified: April 6, 2020
Service: Technology Support and Training
Article #: 6964

There are many things you can do to prepare for a smooth transition to teaching and working remotely, and technology tools to assist. Following are the Technology Support Center’s top tips based on questions from faculty and staff.

Use Zoom to teach a class or attend a meeting

  • Test your microphone and camera before the first session at zoom.us/test
  • Take a Zoom test run in advance - create a trial meeting with a colleague or friend, test joining a meeting, sharing your screen, and/or muting your microphone
  • If needed, a landline phone can be used to connect to Zoom meetings
  • Make sure your computer is connected to the charger to ensure it stays powered up until the end

Step-by-step instructions are available here: Overview of Zoom

For help with Zoom, contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357 or at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu.

The performance of web sites and University technology tools may be limited by the performance of your home Internet connection

  • Limit streaming and large downloads while you work
  • Disconnect or limit the use of non-essential devices
  • Use an audio only connection to Zoom if video performance is faltering

More tips on optimizing your home Internet connection are available here: Connecting and Optimizing Home Internet Connection

To help pinpoint the issue, contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357 or at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu

Virtual Private Network (VPN) software is required to access some University resources remotely

  • Do NOT require VPN - Commonly used resources such as email, ReggieNet or Office 365
  • DO require VPN - network drives, paychecks in iPeople, and specific applications such as Cognos, Colleague (Datatel) and Perceptive Content

More information about downloading and using VPN is available here: Overview of VPN at Illinois State University

For help with VPN, contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357 or at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu

Advanced phone features can extend your University phone virtually

  • Place and receive phone calls virtually
  • Get notifications of voice mail from your office phone to your University email
  • Automatically forward your office phone calls to another phone

More information is available at: Overview of Cisco Jabber

For help with University phone features, contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357 or at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu

Be wary of suspicious emails or Internet activity

  • Phishing attacks are likely to utilize any crisis to trick you into revealing personal information
  • Never send your password in email
  • Be cautious when asked to log in with your ULID and password

More information about phishing scams is available at Overview of Phishing

Information on Zoom bombing and how to protect your meeting is available at An advisory on Zoom “Bombers” and “Raiders”

Tips on how to stay secure online from the ISU Information Security Office is available at Staying Secure while Off Campus

For help or to report suspicious activity, contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357 or at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu

Other Resources