An introduction to technology and media for incoming Baylor students. In this guide, you’ll discover:
- "Literacy" in a university context
- Essential tools for startup
- Basics of digital security
- Spaces and resources available
"While media and technology formats continue to change, the comprehensive nature of information literacy prepares individuals to adapt to shifting information environments. In many ways, this is a process of learning how to learn. Information-literate individuals acquire the ability to understand information using different forms of technology. They apply information knowledge gained from a wide range of verbal, print, media, and online sources and continuously refine skills over time. This constitutes a practice of critical engagement with one’s world as active and participatory learners."
- Mackey & Jacobson, Reframing Information Literacy as Metaliteracy, College & Research Libraries, January 2011. (Emphasis added)
"Students who are competent communicators and who understand the presence and influence of media in their lives and the lives of others will flourish in our world. [...] The core curriculum will 'teach students to communicate effectively through various means...'"
- Baylor University, Core Curriculum statement on Communication and Media Literacy
TOOLS FOR STARTUP
Your BEAR ID
A Bear ID is an electronic identifier created uniquely for every student and employee of Baylor. It is used to access electronic resources like Airbear, PawPrints, Office365, Canvas, Adobe, and others. It is also considered a person's network ID.
- Bear IDs are generally in the format Firstname_Lastname and incremental numbers
- The Bear ID concatenated with @baylor.edu becomes an individual's Baylor email address
- To change your password or security questions, only use: www.baylor.edu/bearid
- Not all Baylor systems are case sensitive for your Bear ID, but your passwords are always case sensitive
- Don't share your password... ever!
- 60+ Baylor systems utilize Duo 2-factor authentication
- Get the app and receive a push notification
- Worried about data charges for Duo? Use the Passcode feature, or be on wifi
Baylor's wireless network is free to all students, faculty, and staff. Coverage continues to expand at Baylor, including campus residences and McLane Stadium. Click the link below for details and setup instructions for all your devices.
- Look for AIRBEAR WPA2
- Log in with your Bear ID and password
- Accept the certificate on first login
- BU-GUEST is for guests of faculty/staff
- Content filters to keep you (and Baylor) safe
- Don't assume anonymity ever, but especially on the Baylor network
Access your @baylor.edu email anywhere, using any Exchange mail client (like Outlook or Mail.app), Outlook Web Access (OWA) at mail.baylor.edu, and all your devices.
- Primary means of Baylor communication
- Report phishing attempts to the Help Desk
Free cloud storage from Box & OneDrive. Cloud-based storage allows you to securely store documents online so you can access, manage and share them from anywhere. You can access, share and collaborate on files using your computer or mobile device. They are compatible with browsers, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.
- Free cloud storage while enrolled
- Web, desktop, and mobile app compatible
- Open, edit, and save Office 365 files in-app
- Versioning - track revisions to a file or revert to an older version
- Collaborate, share, comment and receive notifications
- Activate your accounts today at baylor.box.com and portal.office.com
Canvas offers class content and collaboration online. All courses have online components, from your syllabus, to assignment calendars, collaborative projects, quizzes, and grades.
Canvas gives students and faculty access to their courses, content, and organizations on a variety of mobile devices including Android and iOS.
Subsidized printing with PawPrints gives students access to network printing across campus and attempts to balance rich features and access with financial and environmental responsibility.
- Install only four campus queues and access 120+ campus printers
- Free printing credit each semester (good for 800 2-sided B&W prints)
- Upload & Email documents to print
- Release your jobs and check usage from your mobile device
- Track the environmental impact of your printing
- Log in at print.baylor.edu
Tech help where you live. ResTech supports technology for Campus Living & Learning. Learn which internet devices are supported and how to register them. Staff can visit your room to help connect all your devices.
- Wireless and wired internet
- Many gaming and smart consoles OK using wired or wireless connection (with device registration)
- No cable TV option in rooms
Explore, experiment, and create using the latest digital media tools. Turn knowledge into action and make use of digital literacies to make meaningful and innovative content both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Kaltura video suite integrated with Canvas and also available at mediaspace.baylor.edu
- Audio and video recording studios available for reservation
- Adobe CC available on Baylor computers
Need software? It's probably already available! In many cases, special software needed for a course or discipline is licensed and available to students at no cost.
Additionally, Baylor partners with Microsoft, Adobe, and others to provide free or discounted software:
- Windows 10, Office 365, JMP, SAS, IBM SPSS, Mathematica and MATLAB free
- Adobe Creative Cloud available on campus computers, deep discount for personal license
- Autodesk tools free for education
- Discounts on Parallels, VMWare products, Solidworks, and more
Open workstations and custom labs in each department with wide range of academic software and discipline-specific equipment
SPACES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE
MOODY LIBRARY
BAYLOR BOOKSTORE
On-campus purchasing, computer warranties, and repair! The Baylor University Bookstore is a great resource not only for class texts, but also for your computer hardware needs:
- Educational pricing on Apple, Dell, and Microsoft. Special promotions annually (like during Orientation!). Free shipping
- Discounts on AppleCare+ and Safeware accidental damage protection
- Certified Apple, Dell, and Safeware repair center. Competitively-priced out-of-warranty repairs
- Trade-in old technology for Bookstore credit
Credits:
Created with images by blickpixel - "board electronics computer" • Tim Bogdanov - "untitled image" • Jo Jo - "untitled image" • 6689062 - "business computer mobile" • geralt - "login monitor smartphone" • jirsak - "Cloud computing" • TREGG MATHIS - "untitled image" • Gorodenkoff - "Modern Music Record Studio Control Desk with Laptop Screen Showing User Interface of Digital Audio Workstation Software. Equalizer, Mixer and Professional Equipment. Faders, Sliders. Record. Close-up " • peshkova - "Double exposure of desktop computer and technology theme hologram. Concept of software development." • Ousa Chea - "untitled image" • JaimePLopes - "quiz business conference"