IT Services
Welcome to UCD!
This guide is designed to introduce the key IT services available and help you get started using IT at UCD. Technology can help make study easier and save time. UCD IT Services would like to wish you every success on your journey and invite you to Discover IT at UCD!
Tip 1: Before you come to Orientation download the free UCD Mobile app as it has a schedule of all the events taking place as well as an interactive map of the campus to help you get around. You'll also have news updates, access to your virtual learning environment, an events calendar, dining options and much more. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Tip 2: Check out the Discover IT @ UCD module when you login to your virtual learning environment (VLE). This has been designed to help you get started using your VLE plus there's a chance to win 100e One4all voucher! Please note that UCD is currently transitioning from the 'Blackboard' VLE to the 'Brightspace' VLE. A number of Early Adopter modules will be using Brightspace this semester with the remainder of modules following in two phases. See more info on this below.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @ucditservices for the latest news and service announcements and make sure to keep an eye out for some exciting competitions during Orientation week!
Take a look at our IT Induction video introducing you to IT @ UCD!
UCD Connect - your gateway to IT Services
UCD Connect provides access to Google Mail, Blackboard and Brightspace, Calendar/Timetable and Google Drive together with software applications and other services such as Office 365, your library account, online file storage, UCD noticeboard and news. Once you have wifi, UCD Connect is available 24/7 whether you're on or off campus.
Your account at UCD
This is known as your Connect username and password and gives you access to a number of important services including your computer account, SISWeb for reports and personal information, your eLearning platform (Blackboard and/or Brightspace) and UCD Connect so you can study and stay organised wherever you are.
Your user id is your CAO number. The password* is your date of birth.
(*if you have already created a SISWeb password, use that to log in).
You need to change your password on your first login as your temporary password will expire. Use the Password Self Service tool in UCD Connect on the top right hand side of the menu (also available at https://www.ucd.ie/password) to set a new stronger password. Please do this as soon as possible.
Your email address and account will remain open for the duration of your academic career here in UCD. Once you graduate, you will retain access to your email and associated Google applications including Google calendar and unlimited storage space through Google Drive.
Did you know at UCD you can access most online services on your mobile phone?
Email at UCD
UCD email is provided in partnership with Google and provides each student with a personalised email address for life. Your UCD Connect account integrates with Google Calendar, Google Drive and Google+, all of which can be synced to smart phones for easy access.
Check your UCD Connect email regularly as it is the official channel through which administration related information is communicated to students. You will receive regular updates about registration, fees and exams, a monthly student e-zine, information from your Students’ Union as well as academic information.
To access your account go to UCD Connect and click on the mail icon.
Wireless Services
Wireless access to the UCD network is available campus wide in all the main buildings and in the student residences.
There are two wireless networks you can avail of: UCD Wireless and eduroam (authenticated access).
Before connecting to the UCD wireless network on your laptop you will need to have the correct anti-virus and security software installed.
Check that your web browser options are not manually configured to use any other internet settings you may use elsewhere.
Office 365, Google drive & Special deals
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Office 365 in UCD
As a registered UCD student you can download Office 365 for free. Office 365 can be used on PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones and downloaded copies of Office remain active as long as the associated UCD account is active.
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Google drive
Google drive gives you unlimited storage space for all your files and the ability to share files and folders easily. Google Drive also gives you mobile access as you can sync files from your computer to My Drive which can be downloaded to your Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad or Android device.
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Special deals
UCD IT Services has partnered with a number of IT providers to offer best value for staff and students on software and hardware. If you are thinking of buying a mobile broadband contract, MS Office and other software or a new computer - take a look at the deals on offer here first.
Virtual Learning at UCD
At UCD students have access to a virtual learning environment to support their studies. This is where lecturers will post announcements, online content and notes and you can submit assignments and join discussion threads. UCD is currently transitioning to Brightspace, the new virtual learning environment (VLE), which is replacing Blackboard (and Moodle) at UCD. Please bear with us during this transition, as both Blackboard and Brightspace will be running concurrently for a period of time. There are approximately 100 Early Adopter modules which are the only modules using Brightspace this semester, so you may end up using Blackboard for some modules and Brightspace for others, depending on your electives. Your lecturer will let you know which VLE they are using.
In the meantime please see our introductory videos to Brightspace and Blackboard in the sections below. When you login to each VLE you will find a “Discover IT @ UCD” module in your module listing, which is designed to help you get started using that VLE. Remember support is always available. You can drop into an IT Centre or contact the IT Helpdesk at 01 716 2700 or ithelpdesk@ucd.ie. For more information on Brightspace visit www.ucd.ie/futurevle
Blackboard
The Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) provides e-learning services to students and staff in UCD (and will remain live during the transition to Brightspace until August 2019).
It allows module coordinators to share materials, post announcements for students, and run quizzes and surveys. Blackboard also has a Virtual Classroom facility, discussion forums and various other tools.
You can access Blackboard through UCD Connect or directly from http://elearning.ucd.ie. Your Blackboard username is the same as your UCD Connect username. See our introductory video tutorial about Blackboard here. Access to Blackboard on mobile devices is available (for Apple and Android devices) by downloading the BB Student app.
Brightspace
The Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) provides e-learning services to students and staff at UCD and will be replacing Blackboard on a phased basis over the coming months.
As part of this transition, a number of Early Adopter modules have migrated from Blackboard and will be using the Brightspace environment from September 2018. Students enrolled in these Early Adopter modules will receive a Brightspace orientation as part of this process. A second phase of modules will migrate to Brightspace in Semester 2 (January), 2018-2019 Academic Year, with the final phase to be completed in Semester 1 (September), 2019-2020 Academic Year.
Brightspace allows lecturers to share module materials, post announcements for students, and run quizzes and surveys. Brightspace also includes a Virtual Classroom facility, discussion forums and various other module tools. Click here for a quick video tutorial of the Brightspace environment. You'll find more information about Brightspace at www.ucd.ie/futurevle and remember to check out the "Discover IT @ UCD" module designed to help you get started when you first login to Brightspace.
Software & Hardware
IT Services offer a range of academic software that can be accessed in a number of different ways.
AppsAnywhere allows you - as a registered student - to access a selection of the most popular academic software (AutoCAD, SPSS and many more) without having to install the applications. Access this service from your own device through the AppsAnywhere icon in UCD Connect using your UCD Connect username and password.
Software Downloads provides access to applications that are licensed for local installation (Microsoft Office, SAS). You can access this service in UCD Connect by clicking on the Software Download icon.
Some applications can also be installed on user devices and discounts are available.
Please also note information on our Supported operating systems.
Buying a new laptop? Have a look at our recommendations for buying a new laptop.
IT Facilities plus Help & advice
IT support is available to all UCD staff and students. You can contact our IT Helpdesk at (01) 716 2700 or by emailing ithelpdesk@ucd.ie. Alternatively, you can drop into one of our IT Centres located in the Daedalus and Health Sciences buildings.
IT Services have almost 500 open access PCs for staff and student usage across campus.
Keep you and your devices safe online
Protect your Password
Change your temporary password on your first login to UCD Connect.
UCD Passwords should be Unique, Strong and Never Shared
Protect your Account
Never use your UCD email address for social or personal websites or apps
Protect your Device
Apply software updates when they are due and install Anti-Virus software
Enable remote find and lock features
Protect your Information
Beware of Phishing, Encrypt your files and Backup frequently
Protect your online identity
Check your privacy setting and remember 'whatever you put online stays online forever'
Download Our Apps!
UCD Mobile
UCD Mobile is a free app which gives you really handy access to key online services.
Download this app before you arrive on campus - you can use the campus map feature to find your way around and check out the Orientation section where you'll find your own personal schedule! If you have an iPhone - tap into use the 3D interactive view to find whatever building you are looking for. There's registration information on it, and you can look up library journals on the bus and check class notes and announcements.
Download UCD Mobile from Google Play or the App Store
Blackboard
Bb for Student (known as Blackboard), Bb for Staff (known as Blackboard Mobile Instructor)
Blackboard App is a feature of UCD Mobile but can also be downloaded separately. You can access course updates and content and there's an activity stream logging events and actions as they happen so you can keep up to date with your class. You can view, complete and submit assignments, partake in virtual classrooms, blogs and wikis and even take tests and check your grades using this app! Read more about Blackboard Mobile Apps
Available to download from Google Play Store, Apple AppStore or Microsoft Windows Store.
Brightspace Pulse
Pulse is the mobile learning app offered by Brightspace available on IOS and Android devices. It is a mobile app that helps students keep track of important updates. It brings news, deadlines, and grades together in one place so you can spend less time organizing and more time learning.
Available to download from Google Play and Apple AppStore.