IT Use and the Internet

There is a variety of information and communications technology available to help you through your study.

All Argyll College students have access to computers in the centres, and this will be discussed at induction. You will be given a student account with a unique password, which will allow you access to your own folder. No other students will have access to this folder and you can use this for all your work.

Do not give out your password to anyone else, or try to access another student’s personal folder.

Increasingly your tutor will encourage you to send your assessments by email. We can set up an email address for you as required.

Your email account is for college use only and should not be used to send out unsolicited emails to others.

We have short courses available which will help you to gain the skills in word processing, email and the Internet if you feel that you do not have the skills necessary.

Please ask your centre manager about these courses or any other issue relating to using computers in our centres.

Video Conferencing
All centres are equipped with video conferencing equipment. Increasingly video conferencing is being used to support and enhance the learning experience for students at a distance from their tutors. This may be used to deliver lectures, provide tutorial support and specific course induction. If required for your course, you will be given training in the use of this facility.

Internet Use
All Argyll College students have free access to the Internet in the centres, but there are strict rules that students must adhere to. The following covers some of the basic rules of accessing the Internet in the College, however, our full ICT and Internet policy is on display in each centre.

• Our computer system logs all Internet use and our systems administrator is able to check on what sites have been visited, when and by whom.
• The reason for this is system security and to ensure that access to the Internet is not used for illegal purposes.
• Downloading material that could be considered pornographic is illegal.
• Downloading such material may result in your enrolment as a student being terminated immediately.
• Students may not access chat rooms.

Whether you are using computers in the learning centres or at home, the following guidelines will help prevent strain or injury to you.

Ergonomic Tips
To help prevent strain to your neck, shoulders and back, use these simple tips in any chair. These can be done whether you’re at home or at work.

Computer area
Keep your computer area organized. Avoid placing things under the desk so you can stretch your legs.

Check equipment
Before working, make sure that all cables are safely out of the way and that there are no loose or hanging cables or broken equipment. If you are in the learning centre and notice any potential problems or dangers, immediately inform your tutor or learning centre staff.

Sitting down with good posture
Sit back in your chair. This should start you off in a good sitting position. Sit up straight and try to keep you hips and shoulders in a straight line.

Feet should touch the floor
If your feet don’t touch the ground you can lower your chair or if your chair can’t be lowered or if it puts you in a position where you are looking up at your monitor, consider a foot rest. A more costly enterprise would be to have your legs lengthened.

Support the lumbar area
Make sure you have the lower back supported to help maintain the lumbar curve.

Tip seat forward
For additional help in maintaining the lumbar curve adjust the seat angle forward.

Position monitor
The monitor should be placed where the top of the screen is at eye level and directly in front of you. The distance away should be between 15”-30”. Use the length of your arm as a general guide.

Use a document holder
Using a document holder near the monitor will help keep your head in a neutral position and avoid awkward straining.

Take breaks and shift your position
Shifting around can take the stress and strain off tired muscles. Mini-breaks with gentle stretching and exercises can make a big difference in how you feel. Make sure that at least once an hour you stand up and move around.

Use wrists supports at the keyboard and with the mouse
Wrist pads can avoid excess strain; please ask if you feel that you would benefit from using one. Make sure the supports are comfortable and there are no sharp edges. Arms should be relaxed and at about a 90° angle.