SCTC Guide to Working Remotely

This guide covers the technology you need to create a successful remote work environment during an emergency situation.

 

If you need support, please submit an IT Help Desk ticket by visiting https://helpdesk.sctech.edu.

 

 

Be prepared to work remotely

From a technology perspective, working remotely can be quite similar to working in the office. We recommend you prepare a space in advance in order to make sure these options work for you before you actually need them. It is a good idea to go ahead and test your access to online resources at home before the need arises. 

 

Have the right equipment

Consider the equipment you may need, including a computer, display, docking station, mouse, keyboard, and work area. Tablets and cell phones can be useful, but they are not adequate standalone equipment for working remotely.

• If you use a SCTC laptop: Test it at home before you need to telework.

• If you plan to use your personal computer: The operating system should be reasonably recent (e.g. Windows 10, macOS Mojave) to ensure software compatibility and security protection. 

  • Note: access to applications that require VPN will not be accesible using a personal computer. 

• Quality internet connection: At a minimum, your internet plan should run at 25 mbps download speeds to prevent common connectivity issues.

• Using College equipment at home: All full-time staff have been assigned a laptop to provide the flexibility of remote work.  If additional IT equipment is needed, College staff should consult with their supervisor to request those needs and to ensure all College procedures are followed.

 

Have the right access

In most situations, College employees should be able to access College resources to perform your job duties. However, some applications will require additional access.

Note: When you are connected to VPN, your web access is monitored and filtered just as it would be on campus.

• VPN Access Required: VPN (Virtual Private Network) access allows you to remotely connect to College resources that are available on campus only. Some of the applications include:

  • Banner INB

  • Network drives

  • Remote desktop access

  • aXs

• Applications available via the Internet (VPN not required):

  • Banner Web

  • Degree Works

  • Office 365 (Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

  • Blackboard

  • College Web Site

  • Jabber (VoIP Softphone)

  • Helpdesk

 

Communicate and collaborate

The main differences between working in the office and teleworking may relate to how you and your colleagues communicate and collaborate. The following tools all you to work remotely.

• Software

  • WebEx: SCTC's primary business tool for remote collaboration, meetings and video conferencing.

  • OneDrive: Cloud storage is provided to all SCTC employees. OneDrive is available via Office 365. Cloud storage allows you to securely access your files from home and it allows you to share files with colleagues.

  • Outlook Email: You can use Office 365 to remotely check your email via the web. 

  • Office 365: Online and desktop versions are available to all employees via Office 365. Visit our Office 365 portal to use online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint or click on the Download link to install the desktop version one your computer.

  • BlackBoard: The Colleges learning management system (LMS) for all classes. 

  • Okta Portal:  The website https://login.sctech.edu can used used on or off campus to access these programs.

• Collaboration Equipment

  • Webcam, headset, and microphone: Most laptops will have a webcam and headset built-in. If a headeset needs to be purchased, any headset with a microphone built-in will work. If you need a webcam, make sure it is HD quailty and has a microphone built-in. The IT department recommends the following items that are available on the Staples State Contract or from other vendors:

    • Headset: Logitech H340

    • Webcam: Logitech C270

 

 

Teaching and learning

The College uses Blackboard to deliver classes and class content. All courses should have a Blackboard shell. Please contact the Distance Education Department if you require any assistance.