IDT Knowledge Base for Students

Prince William Sound College and the University of Alaska Anchorage provide students with a variety of technology tools and resources to aide in your academic work.  Some resources are available to anyone, though many require that you log in with your student username and password.

Technology Resources

PWSC provides free on-campus wi-fi internet access at the Growden-Harrison Building (GHB) for enrolled students. Residents in student housing also have free access to the PWSC network.

To access, navigate to the PWC-WiFi network on any device and use your UA Online username and password to log in. 

Enrolled students have free access to the PWSC student computer lab (GHB 165).

Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8am-5pm, unless otherwise posted.

The lab currently contains 14 Dell All-In-One desktops. All computer lab desktops have internet access and common software applications used for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation. Additional software applications can be installed upon request for specific course requirements. Most desktops feature a dual-monitor setup.

Note: Due to COVID-19 risk mitigation requirements, the computer lab capacity is restricted to 7 simultaneous student users seated in alternating workstations.

 

  • Elmo (Account Management)
     ELMO (Easy Login Maintenance Option) provides an easy way to manage your university identity, activate your account, and reset your password.
  • UA Online

    UA Online provides previous and current students immediate web access to:

    • locate courses of interest
    • register and pay for courses online
    • run a degree audit and check on program progress
    • request official transcripts, or obtain unofficial transcripts
    • check the status of student financial account and make payments
    • review career resources
    • and more!
  • Blackboard
     Distance and face-to-face courses often use Blackboard as a virtual classroom. This learning management system is where course syllabi, materials, assignments, and often exams are housed.
  • University Email
    Each student is provided a university email account for academic purposes. Instructors will communicate information to you through this official account. 
  • Available Software

    As a student, you have access to some software for free through PWSC's connection to UAA.  All you need to access and install is your university username and password.  

    • Office 365: Microsoft Office cloud service and products that can be used on up to 5 different devices (including mobile devices). Products include Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and more!
    • G-Suite: Google cloud service and products that can be used on any device.  Products include Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Sites, Calendar, Drive, and more!
    • Premier Literacy Productivity Pack:  The Premier Literacy Suite contains the Internet Toolbar in addition to several other applications including Text to Audio and Scan and Read Pro. UAA's Disability Support Services encourages the use of these programs and can provide training and support for those interested in learning more. Find out more at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/dss 
  • Academic Technology Resources
    • UAA Learning Commons: Live, free tutoring help from the UAA Writing Center, Math Lab, Communication Center, and Academic Coaching Center! All PWSC students are eligible to use these UAA tutoring services.
    • SLED Tutoring: Live, free homework help offered 7 days a week, 12pm-2am Alaska Time (provided by the State of Alaska and Tutor.com)
    • Statewide Library Electronic Doorway (SLED): Free access to a wide range of research article databases. Follow instructions at the top of the SLED weblink to obtain access.
    • Consortium Library: Print book for loan catalog, digital journal article databases, and virtual research help 
    • Grammarly: A free chrome extension that helps you eliminate writing errors and gives writing feedback with weekly reports and identified improvement areas.
    • Easybib: Free website that aids with research citation creation, plagiarism checks, and grammar error review.

 

*Coming Soon* Check out the information and video tutorials below to learn how to effectively use a variety of digital applications.

 

E-Learning

Prince William Sound College's distance education offerings are a unique alternative to traditional on-campus learning. Online & distance courses allow students from around the world to learn without the limits of place, using the latest interactive web and video technologies.

 
  • 1. Compare the differences between online (distance) and face-to-face courses

    Many PWSC courses are delivered via distance education.  The format of these courses varies: some are entirely online and asynchronous, while others require that students participate in live classes by computer or video conference.  Students should understand the general difference between these options before they register.  Please consider the comparisons below and ask questions if you need more information. Contact Student Services at 907-834-1600 or by email to pwsc.student.services@alaska.edu

     

    Face-to-Face Classes Distance (Online) Classes
    Synchronous scheduling – students are expected to regularly attend class in-person at a specific designated time in order to learn course content and participate in the class. May be synchronous (live virtual attendance expected) or asynchronous (no scheduled meeting times). 
    Class time used to present content required to complete assignments and exams. Students receive content primarily by reading course material or viewing recorded lectures and videos.
    Students participate in classroom activities with other students, listen to lectures, and take notes. Students engage in coursework on their own schedule, around other work or life committments.
    In-class reminders and the physical presence of peers helps some students stay on track with their coursework. Independent learning that typically requires more time and self-management skills. Instructor sets intermittent deadlines and students must plan how to meet them.
    Class discussions are live, verbal conversations. Class discussions are most often held virtually in online course forums, asynchronously.
    Students can study together or work in groups for support. Group work may or may not be an option.
    Various forms of media may be presented during class. Lectures are usually the primary method of delivering course content. Students must utilize a wide variety of computer skills and programs and have the ability to use current technology for course success.
    Communication and connection with instructors and peers occurs in many ways including in person, on the phone, and over email. Communication with instructors and peers may be restricted to email or video conferencing.
  • 2. Take the Smarter Measure Self-Assessment
    *Coming Soon* If you are still unsure if distance courses are right for you, sign up for the Smarter Measure assessment. It will assess your technical skills, learning styles, lifestyle factors, and basic computer knowledge.
  • 3. Talk with an Advisor
     After you have thought about the choices and reviewed the course schedule for classes that meet your needs and interests, it is always a good idea to check with your advisor for additional guidance and advice. Contact the PWSC Student Services team for course and program advising.
  • 4. Register for a distance education course
    Most students register for classes by logging in to UAOnline. Contact the PWSC Student Services team for help with online registration. Paper registration forms will be accepted the week before classes begin each semester. Senior citizens and High School Students have additional requirements for registration.

 

 Before the first day of class, every student should complete six steps to be prepared.

  • 1. Obtain your UA username and password.
    You need your University of Alaska username to access your Blackboard account, university email, and other online services. Look up your username and set your password at the ELMO site. If you have questions about your account, contact the UAA Technical Support Center at (907) 746-4646.
  • 2. Login to your UA email account.
    Official communication from UAA, PWSC, and your instructors will be sent to your University of Alaska email account. To access your student email account, navigate to http://www.alaska.edu/google and log in with your UA username and password.
  • 3. Login to Blackboard.

    Blackboard is the learning management system for most PWSC courses. To log in, navigate to https://classes.alaska.edu/ with your UA username and password.

    Blackboard will show your courses as the instructor makes it available to students.  All courses should be made available by the first day of class. Once you see your course, you will find the course syllabus, announcements, assignments, and instructor contact information. 

  • 4. Review the Blackboard Orientation course.

    Online students have access to a practice course each semester. Log on to Blackboard and select Blackboard Orientation for Students located under "My Courses". Here you can practice the common Blackboard tools and connect with other students. You can also schedule a meeting with PWSC staff if you would like additional support.

     
  • 5. Complete the Browser Check.
    Make sure you complete the Blackboard Browser Checker. This tool highlights potential issues with your internet browser in regards to using Blackboard. We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox with Blackboard. 
  • 6. Get Software.

    As a student, you have access to some software for free through UAA. All you need to get started is your university username and password.

    Most students need basic word processing, spreadsheet, or slideshow presentation applications. PWSC students can use their Single Sign-On credentials to access the browser-based Google Suite products (Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides) for free.  Students can also access a cloud-version of Microsoft Office products with Office 365. Once logged in, students can choose to download Microsoft programs on up to 5 different devices - including mobile devices!

 

 

 

 Check back here soon for technology tips and tutorials!