Getting Help, Course Communication, and FAQs
How do I ask a question or communicate with the instructional team? To whom do I direct questions about grades, accommodations, course content, or other private inquiries?
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Instructor: Dr. Viranga Perera (he/him) |
Email: onlinephy317k@austin.utexas.edu |
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[TA] OR [Teaching team] Email address: |
[TAResourceAccountEmail@austin.utexas.edu] |
We will check email for this course during designated email hours (M-F, 8am-5pm). |
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[TA Name]: [TA Name]: |
Office Hours: [Time/Method or by appointment] Office Hours: [Time/Method or by appointment] |
[TA Name]: [TA Name]: |
Office Hours: [Time/Method or by appointment] Office Hours: [Time/Method or by appointment] |
Do not use Canvas messaging. Primarily use Ed Discussion to post questions, but for individual questions please use the course email address listed above.
How can I get support for a technical issue? (e.g., problems with streaming video/audio, accessing activities)
If you're experiencing a technical problem, click on the "Online Course Tech Support" item in the left-side navigation bar. The Online Course Tech Support chatbot, called "LAITS Bot," will assist with technical problems and can escalate your question to a human if it cannot readily answer your question.
How can I configure Canvas to deliver Announcements from the instructor directly to my email inbox?
Follow the steps below to ensure that you don't miss any important information:
ā Ensure communications from instructors are delivered to your email inbox immediately Links to an external site. by (1) Clicking on your Canvas "Account" icon in the top-left corner of the Canvas browser interface; (2) Click "Notifications"; (3) Find the "Announcement" row and select the Checkmark icon in the column with your email address:
ā Verify that the email address listed at the top of the aforementioned column is the email account you check regularly. If not, add a new email address Links to an external site. by (1) Clicking on your Canvas "Account" icon in the top-left corner of the Canvas browser interface; (2) Click "Settings"; (3) In the Email Addresses section, click "Add Email Address" to register and confirm your email address.
To change your default email address Links to an external site., (1) in the Email Addresses section, hover over the email address you would like to select as the default; (2) a faint star icon will appear, click the star icon.
What are the technical requirements for my computer?
All students are required to have access to a laptop or desktop computer, running either Windows or macOS operating systems. (Tablets, smartphones, and Microsoft Surface devices are not supported.) Your computer should meet the following requirements:
- Modern and up-to-date operating system (macOS or Windows)
- Browser: Chrome (highly recommended), Safari or Firefox (If using Safari or Firefox, be prepared to download Chrome Links to an external site. and use it.)
- 5 Mbps internet connection speed (check your speed here Links to an external site.)
- Functional webcam and microphone
- Zoom installed and configured
Confirm that your computer is able to stream video by visiting https://www.laits.utexas.edu/tower/tech.php Links to an external site.
For the best class experience:
- Close all unnecessary browser windows and tabs and programs
- Streaming music (Pandora, Spotify, etc.)
- Social media sites
- Youtube or other video sites
- Online/Offline Gaming
- Clear the browser's cache before class (here's how Links to an external site.)
- Check your computer is free of viruses, malware, and spyware (UT recommendations
Links to an external site.)
The answers to many other frequently asked questions can be found on the Syllabus (e.g., when are the assignments due?).