Using YourDMULabs during synchronous sessions
YourDMULabs was introduced in 2020 by DMU to provide secure remote access to software normally accessed via the physical PC labs on campus. By logging into the machines remotely using YourDMULabs, you and your students can have a similar experience to being on campus.
If you have timetabled sessions you will be given priority during core teaching hours. As well as the physical PC lab computers there is 24/7 access to additional applications and desktops that will include most teaching software apps and programs. You will have access to all the software options available for your faculty through your web browser. However, your students will only be able to access the software normally available to students on their programme.
Full details about how to access YourDMULabs is available on the CELT Hub at Accessing the virtual computers and desktop or through the DMU Library at YourDMULabs – Remote Access Service 2020/21i.
During synchronous teaching sessions, either provided through Collaborate or MS Teams, you may want to use YourDMULabs if you need to demonstrate or use the software applications. Guidance on this is available on the CELT Hub at: Using the virtual computers and desktop during synchronous sessions.
Best practice tips:
Synchronous sessions rely on strong internet connections, so a little forward planning will ensure they run smoothly.
- Turn off your camera and ask your students to turn off their cameras. There is no need to send data from a video feed if everyone is focussed on the shared application window.
- As sharing applications uses a lot of bandwidth, ensure you have a good internet connection. A direct ethernet cable to your router is best, but otherwise a strong Wi-Fi signal is required.
- Sharing an application window uses less bandwidth then sharing your whole desktop, but ensure that your students can see everything they need to. Remind your students that double-clicking on the shared content will enlarge it in Collaborate. You can also zoom in when using Teams, by pinching on a touch screen or using the keyboard shortcuts (Control + Plus or Minus sign).
- In Collaborate, audio can only be shared using the Google Chrome browser with the Chrome Tab option when Share audio is selected. If you are using Teams ensure you have turned on Include computer sound to share audio. Because sharing a video stream on screen requires greater bandwidth some of your students may no longer see what is being shared. However, sending video links in advance to students or through the Chat pane so that students can click the link to view a video directly is one way of overcoming this problem.
- Switching between applications can take time and cause delays, so ensure your students can see any changes to what you are presenting before you carry on with your session.