Students: Online Learning

Learning online @ OISE is made easy. You have access to various tools and services to be successful and productive.

The University of Toronto has prepared a list of technology requirements for remote/online Learning.

You will need regular access to a computer – preferably a personal computer – with administrator privileges, and you should be comfortable managing software and hardware. While much can be done with tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices, they are not guaranteed to work in all areas of the course. For an optimal experience you must have a laptop or desktop computer (Windows 10 or higher or Mac OS X 10.14 or higher is recommended).
High speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) is highly recommended for an optimal learning experience.

A web browser is required for access to Quercus (Canvas), U of T’s learning management system, and OISE’s Pepper system, to access online courses. In some instances, it may be necessary for some users to upgrade their web browsers. Canvas has published a list of supported browsers.

Many courses will have synchronous (live) online meetings using webinar or videoconference software such as ZOOM or MS Teams Video Meeting. It is preferable to use headphones with an attached microphone for these sessions.
As OISE student, you may request a loaner laptop for a duration of up to seven days. Simply send a request to Education Commons at oise.help@utoronto.ca and we’ll get in touch with you to make necessary arrangements and an onsite visit.

At OISE, you have access to a virtual computer lab with specialized software the Institute provides for your learning.

Our virtual computer lab is an online Windows desktop environment powered by Apporto. You best place to begin is our Virtual Computer Lab information page.
You can drop in on the Virtual Computer Lab any time. Learn how to make the most of it in the V C Lab Guide for Students.
You may find that you have a class or workshop scheduled in the Virtual Computer Lab. In the V C Lab, you will be able to interact with your instructor while working together with specialized software.

Learn about it in the V C Lab Guide for Students.

In the Virtual Computer Lab, you have access to the Windows desktop and the following software.

  • SPSS
  • MPlus
  • Nvivo
  • Stata
  • R Studio
  • Covidence
  • MS Office Pro
  • RedCap
  • IRTPRO
  • Access to OneDrive

And more to come.

Learn more at our Virtual Computer Lab information page.

If you are connecting from mainland China, you may now use Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network to get a more predictable access to UofT learning tools such as ZOOM, Quercus, Pepper and many others.

In order to use Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network, please download Fortinet client for the operating system of your device from the University of Toronto Libraries’ Fortinet download page.
University of Toronto Libraries provides an Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network support page, with step-by-step installation instructions and a survey to improve the service.