Online IT help and information

Using email and forums is a great way to make contact with other students on your module, especially as OU students work or study at different times, or may live at the other end of the country from each other. By being online you can get hold of information and materials, read messages and discussions, and contribute if you choose.

These are your key places for computing information.

• The OU is updating its module websites and so we currently have two versions of the Computing Guide. The Computing Guide explains the software and systems the OU supports, such as forums (or see the forums page for the newer websites) and explains how to get software downloads (or see the software downloads page for the newer websites).
• Computing FAQs  are available through StudentHome, and answer commonly asked computing questions.
• The Computing Helpdesk  can help with
  • installing and running module software
  • other OU IT services and applications
  • usernames or passwords
  • access to module websites and other online facilities
  • How to videos.
• The OU Library also runs scheduled training sessions on Library online training and for a basic introduction to using online rooms (Elluminate), watch the video on Online training sessions.

If you have a disability, health condition, mental health difficulty or specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), there is advice and information on Services for disabled students. The section on Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) will tell you about possible funding that can help your study, including paying for equipment such as assistive technologies.

The Get Safe Online website is also useful. It is a joint initiative between the Government, law enforcement, leading businesses and the public sector giving advice on using the internet confidently.