Get Connected to BW Technology!
BW Supported Academic Software
Per BW’s “Acceptable Use” policy, it is important to use BW's institutionally-supported software and systems. Faculty, staff, and students who choose to download and use other applications could be at risk for spyware, malware, viruses, or having their personal or intellectual data used by others. Unsupported programs can sometimes pose security threats to the BW network when connected to BW email accounts or other BW systems. The BW HelpDesk can only provide assistance for BW-supported software and systems.
BW is a Microsoft partner campus. To view all of the Microsoft applications and software available, CLICK HERE.
BW students are eligible to download a free copy of the latest version of Microsoft Office Suite for Windows or Mac! Download HERE.
Panopto is BW's video capture and storage application. Students may be asked to create video presentations in Panopto. CLICK HERE to log into Panopto. (From the login menu, choose to log in with Blackboard.)
Creating video content in Panopto
Panopto video tutorial for students
BW currently supports three robust video conferencing tools: Within Blackboard, you may use Collaborate Ultra, BW also supports Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Learn more about each of these options here.
Your instructor may use Poll Everywhere for interactive review & quiz sessions. You will be given instructions from your course instructor on how to respond to polls with your cell phone!
VoiceThread is used to record narration over PowerPoint slides. Your instructor may have you contribute to a Voice Tread by adding audio or video comments.
Find your BW VoiceThread account
Video: how to record in VoiceThread
Respondus is used for remote test taking. This is an optional tool that some instructors may choose to use. Respondus Lockdown Browser prevents students from navigating to any other websites or programs during an exam. Respondus Monitor uses a student's webcam to record activity during an exam. Your instructor will provide additional details. Download the software HERE.
BW's "Virtual Desktop" provides remote access to BW software including discipline-specific programs, Microsoft office, and more. Go to: labs.bw.edu. You will see two options. For optimal use, download the full VMware Horizon client to your computer. (HTML access will not download the program and only provides temporary access.)
The Cuyahoga County Public Library provides FREE access to LinkedIn Learning for all patrons with a LinkedIn account. You will need to register for a library card and create a PIN. BW students and faculty are not required to live in Cuyahoga County to apply for a library card. LinkedIn Learning is a collection of high-quality online videos tutorials on many subjects.
Click here to view all of the FREE software downloads that BW makes available to students, faculty, or staff.