Information Technology Services
The University provides students with the following computer and IT related help resources.
Follow the links below to learn more about what these services offer and how to access the help available.
Did you know that you can access IT help directly from any Moodle site?
Go to the blue navigation bar at the top of every Moodle site, and click IT help in the STUDENT SERVICES menu.
Your access to the Federation web site and your online study materials is enabled by a 'web browser', which is a software application used to locate, retrieve and display content found on the World Wide Web.
The most commonly used browsers are listed below. Windows computers are automatically equipped with Internet Explorer and Apple computers with Safari. However it is easy to download and install other browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox as desired. Each of these browsers is FREE to download.
Internet Explorer (IE) - A very commonly used browser, as it is the default application for most Windows products. Can at times be unstable and links or connections 'break' easily.
Google Chrome - One of the more stable internet browsers with minimal issues. Preferred browser for Moodle and Mahara.
Mozilla Firefox - .One of the more stable internet browsers with minimal issues. Preferred browser for Moodle, Mahara and Library Searches.
Safari - The standard Apple browser, native to iPads and other 'i' devices. Can at times be unstable and links or connections 'break' easily. There are Mac versions of both Chrome and Firefox which can be installed to use as options to Safari.
Changing browsers can often resolve access or display problems.
If you are having trouble with accessing your unit or university online resources, consider using a different browser. Many 'technical issues' are often resolved just by changing browsers.
Updating your browser is important
Another issue that can commonly cause access/display issues is a browser that has not been updated to the latest version. You can check the browser web sites for information about the latest version. You can also set your devices to update your browsers automatically. Talk to staff at the ITS Service Desk if you would like some help with this.
Our estimates suggest that you can expect to use around 4.6GB /month of data for each unit you study, though it may be more. Remember this is just your study requirement and does not include your own personal social media usage etc.
This is based on the information on this web page:
https://www.whistleout.com.au/Broadband/Guides/Broadband-Usage-Guide
Interacting with online resources can be problematic if your connection speed falls below 0.5Mbps. If you are using a wireless source (3G or 4G) and having difficulties, check your speed. You may need to change location or study time to improve your connectivity.
Moodle is the official Learning Management System for Federation University Australia. It is the primary means for communicating course materials and announcements to students.
Moodle sites for your units are usually available from Orientation week.
Familiarising yourself with your Moodle courses is an important part of setting yourself up for the semester ahead.
You are responsible for identifying your own learning needs in relation to your use of technologies.
You need to actively seek ways to upskill if/where needed.
The majority of assessment tasks are now submitted online via Moodle or Mahara.
The Assessment section of your courses will normally contain the submission links and supporting details and resources for all tasks. The most common submission link looks like this:
Please ensure you follow the instructions and guidelines provided in your course about how your assessment tasks are to be prepared and presented.
You may be asked to upload a file or files, which could include any of the following types:
Alternatively you could be asked to complete a task online, using the editing and formatting capabilities within Moodle to enter information and resources including:
Many lecturers now return student work, together with subsequent feedback and marks, via Moodle. If this is the case with your unit, you just need to re-access the submission link on Moodle to view feedback and marks.
If you are having technical issues with submitting your assignment, you must the contact ServiceDesk on ph: 1800 333 864 or via the Service Desk Portal to 'log a job'.
You will be allocated a 'job number' that you must email to your Course Coordinator to verify your issue and prevent any penalties if the submission is late.