Student Support

The Technology Support Center provides computer support for Digital Worlds students who access Zoom, lecture recordings, student equipment, facilities and other technology-based resources.

Need Help

For computer assistance related to Visimeet, lecture recordings, student equipment, and facilities requests, please Submit a Help Ticket or email support@digitalworlds.ufl.edu.  

For support related to account services, technical consulting, mobile device services, software services, administrative support, application support center, and learning support services, please contact the UF Computer Help Desk available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 352-392-4357 or helpdesk@ufl.edu. 

All students must review and adhere to UF's Acceptable Use Policy and Computing Standards.

Student Render Machines

DW has 8 high-end VR-ready Student Machines available for editing/rendering reservations. These machines are available for both campus, and online students enrolled in at least one DIG course in any given semester. 

Each machine is equipped with: 

• Wacom Drawing Tablet
• Headphones 

Procedures: 

• Reserve: To reserve a machine, visit the Digital Worlds REVE Front Desk (RFD) with a specific future date in mind. The front desk assistant will check to see if a machine is available during that time slot and will sign you up accordingly. The max reservation time limit per machine is 24 hours. If no one has signed up to use the machine after your reservation has ended, you may continue to use it. 

• Walk-Ins: If you don’t have a reservation for one of the machines, stop by the RFD to see if one is available for walk-in use. 

• User Accounts: User accounts (based on UF Gatorlink login) will be deleted bi-weekly. Please plan to retrieve your project files and renders by flash drive / cloud storage as soon as they are completed. Do not rely on local machine storage to hold your data. 

• Availability: Student Machines will be available M-F, 8:30AM-5:30PM  

• Software currently installed: 

  • Latest versions of Adobe CC, Maya, ToonBoom, Unity, and Microsoft Office 
  • ​If you require additional plugins, please speak directly with Jared Crane. 

Student Equipment Checkout

Audio, Video, Lighting and Cable Peripheral equipment available for checkout for both campus and online students enrolled in at least one DIG course in any given semester.

(6)Canon Rebel T6 Camera Kit
(1) Canon Rebel T5 Camera Kit
(1) Canon SL1 Camera Kit
(6) Neweer Lighting Kit
(3) ZOOM Audio Kits

(Dependent upon availability) Audio Cables: XLR, 1/4 inch TRS, 3.5mm aux
(Dependent upon availability) Video Cables: SDI & HDMI

Camera Kit includes tripod, (2) 32 GB SD card x2, SD reader, (3) batteries, (2) chargers, (2) mini USB cables, (2) lenses (18-55 mm & 75-300 mm), camera and bag straps, microfiber cloth.
Lighting Kit includes (4) 7’ light stands, (2) light holders, (4) 45W CFL bulbs, (2) 33” umbrellas, (2) 24”x24” softboxes, (3) 6’x9’ backdrops (green, white, black), (6) clamps, (1) stand support system, (1) bag.
Audio Kit includes Zoom Recorder w/ Shock Mount, 32gb Micro SD w/ Adapter, Shotgun Mic w/ Foam Cover, Wired Lapel Mic w/ Clip & Windscreens x5, Stereo Cable & AAA Batteries x4.

Equipment Checkout Procedures:

All UF students granted limited permission to check out gear from the Digital Worlds must follow all established student/course access policies. Failure to do so will result in automatic suspension of DW checkout privileges (for group checkouts, the suspension applies to everyone in the group) as well as possible grade deductions on coursework ... based on the instructor's policies and course syllabus.

Checkout

• When equipment is picked up, the borrower must allow enough time to thoroughly inspect and test each piece before leaving the DW Front Desk. 
• By signing for the equipment, borrowers attest to its complete functionality, undamaged condition, and presence of all necessary parts.
• The borrower must ask for help if something they test during check-out doesn't seem to function; if the issue isn't identified until after a student checks in, they are accountable.
• ​The borrower must physically appear at the DW Front Desk to request equipment to use for project work.

Return 

• The equipment must be returned ON TIME and in the same condition as when it was checked out.
• When returning equipment, borrowers have two options: leave it with the front desk staff for inspection or stay with the equipment until it is checked in.
• If the borrower is not present at check-in, they will be informed of any lost or damaged equipment as soon as it is identified.
• Borrowers forfeit their right to contest the Front Desk's check-in findings on the state of the equipment when it was returned if they are not present at check-in time.
• Borrowers are advised to stay for check-in whenever feasible, as this is their only chance to see their equipment being inspected and tested and to provide feedback or ask questions.
• Borrowers will be expected to clean or repack any equipment or cables not in proper order.
• ​The loan agreement for the borrower(s) will list any broken, damaged or missing components, and the borrower(s) will be responsible for paying for any resulting loss or damage.  The borrower(s) will be subject to an automatic suspension of their ability to check out equipment, with the same fine schedule as for late returns.

Late Return 

The following consequences will occur for equipment returned more than FIFTY MINUTES late:

• First Offense: suspension of gear checkout privileges for the individual (or all individuals in the group if a checkout for a group project) for one week
• Second Offense: suspension of gear checkout privileges for two weeks
• ​Third Offense: suspension of gear checkout privileges for one month 

Students should be aware that if they return equipment late, it may permanently impair the work of other students waiting to check out equipment. It is essential to remember that violating the rules could harm other students' academic achievement.

Other Policy Violations 

Loss of privileges may occur if equipment or equipment policy rules are broken. Other policy violations aside from late return include:

• Returning equipment in unacceptable condition
• Handing off the gear to another student (if an individual checkout) or to anyone beyond the group members listed on the checkout form (for a group checkout)
• Taking equipment out of town without authorization
• Using equipment for work other than that required by the student's instructor
• ​Providing equipment access to suspended students, to students who do not qualify for equipment, or to non-students

Length of Checkout 

• Students are granted a 24 hour checkout period unless prior arrangements were made between the front desk and your instructor. 
• Equipment is always required back by 11am on the day of the promised return in all circumstances of overnight checkout.
• There is a 24-hour waiting period after borrowers return equipment from a project shoot before you can reserve it again.
• Plan shoots accordingly; rules are strictly upheld since it ensures that every student in each class has access to the equipment available in limited quantities.
• ​If the borrower needs an exception from these rules, they must request that their instructor send an email to RFD@digitalworlds.ufl.edu requesting the exception.

Equipment Loss 

• No matter who was in possession of the equipment at the time of loss, the individual or group that signed the equipment checkout form is responsible for replacing any lost items.

Theft 

• Borrowers are required to immediately alert the police, the front desk, and the instructor in the event of theft.
• ​Keep close track of any equipment and use your best judgment to ensure that it arrives at the Front Desk securely. Whoever signed the equipment checkout form could be held accountable for any negligence.

Malfunctioning Equipment 

• When an equipment issue happens, borrowers are asked to call the Front Desk right away. 
• ​If the problem cannot be resolved immediately, please return the item to the Front Desk as soon as possible.

Equipment Safeguarding 

• Equipment should be safeguarded at all times. 
• Even though the car is locked and the equipment is hidden, no equipment may be left in or kept in an unattended vehicle.
• Without prior approval, no equipment may be kept in an office, a classroom, a studio, or any other university facility outside the front desk.
• Never leave equipment outside the front desk door, in a hallway, or in a classroom that is open to the public.=
• The equipment must be returned to the Front Desk for check-in after use.
• ​Sharing equipment with someone else, which is against the policy, does NOT absolve you of any responsibility.

Travel 

• Without the instructor of record and front desk staff's consent, the equipment cannot be taken out of town.
• To ensure that no unnecessary risks are taken with the equipment, the borrower and instructor of record must address the transportation, handling, and storage of any equipment before departure.
• ​Particular circumstances could call for prior consent from the Operations Team and the instructor.

MADE@UF

About

Mobile App Development Environment (MADE) at UF is a university initiative to provide students with the necessary equipment and training to develop mobile, virtual reality, and augmented reality applications. MADE@UF is equipped with a variety of different devices and software. Learn more about available devices and software.

Organizations may request to hold an event in the MADE@UF space by filling out the reservation request form. To see upcoming events, or to determine an available date for your event, please view the lab calendar. If you have any questions about the space, feel free to email Samuel Putnam at srputnam@ufl.edu.

Where is it located?

MADE@UF is located on the ground floor of the Marston Science Library and Infinity Hall. For library hours, visit the Marston Science Library site. Infinity Hall is open 24/7.

Who can use MADE@UF?

MADE@UF is open to all students with a valid UF ID.

How can you participate?

Every user of MADE@UF needs to check out a room key, good for a 4-hour block, at the Marston Science Library service desk (main entrance). The first time you check out a key, you will need to sign a copy of the MADE@UF agreement forms. Once you have an agreement on file, you will receive a small sticker on your ID to show that you are authorized to use the room.

Oculus Rifts to be used in MADE@UF are available for checkout at the Marston Science Library service desk.

Computers and devices currently are first come, first served. Single users are encouraged to use the individual computers to save the large tables for groups.

Equipment

The MADE@UF space has the following resources for checkout and use:

Hardware

• 2 collaboration pods with seating for 4 with a Mac Mini connected to a 55-inch 1080p monitor
• 1 collaboration pod with seating for 8 with a Mac Mini connected to a 70-inch 1080p monitor
• 2 collaboration pods with seating for 4 with connections for your own devices
• 4 single-user stations, each with a Mac Mini and 1080p monitor
• 4 Oculus Rifts with Touch Controllers
• 1 Samsung Gear VR Headset w/ controller
• 1 Google Daydream w/ controller
• 1 Microsoft Hololens
• 2 Google Glasses
• 2 Epson Movarios

Coming Soon...

• HTC Vive
• OSVR Headset
• 360 cameras (for checkout outside of Made@UF)

Student Printing Access

If DW students should need a reasonable amount of photocopies or printouts related to their studies during the semester, they may utilize printing services provided by the REVE Front Desk (RFD).

The specific hours and turnaround times may vary depending on the time of the semester, so it is best not to wait until a deadline to see how quickly your materials can be printed.

How to submit a print request to the RFD:

1. During normal RFD hours (M-F, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM), hand deliver a USB flash drive with a folder named "PRINT ME."  The “PRINT ME” folder should ONLY include the files that you need printed, along with a README text file that gives your name, e-mail address, and phone number, indicating requested print quantities​​, paper size, single- vs. double-sided, etc.  The USB flash drive should also be labelled with your name for ease of subsequent pickup.
2. E-mail an attachment to rfd@digitalworlds.ufl.edu from your UF e-mail account.  Subject Line:  PLEASE PRINT ME.  ONLY the files that need to be printed should be attached.  The body of the e-mail should include text that gives your name and phone number, indicating requested print quantities​​, paper size, single- vs. double-sided, etc.

Standard Turnaround Times:

1. In by 12:00 PM, ready at 5:45 PM same day (unless otherwise notified upon hand delivery/e-mail submission).
2. In after 12:00 PM, ready for pickup by 10 AM the next day (unless otherwise notified upon hand delivery/e-mail submission).

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online training resource partner of the University of Florida. LinkedIn’s library has over 5,000 courses, lectures and tutorials covering a wide range of general topics and software skill development. An incredible resource for faculty, staff and students, all materials are free and available 24/7. Log in below.

https://www.linkedin.com/learning

About Zoom

Zoom is an easy to use video conferencing service that is now available to all students, faculty, and staff at UF for meetings, collaboration, and just to connect with other people. Any user with a Zoom account can create Zoom meetings that can accommodate up to 100 participants. In addition to individual accounts, webinar rooms of 100, 300, 500, and 1000 "seats" are available to be scheduled. Zoom is also available in Canvas for instructors to use in their courses.

Start Using Zoom Pro

Go to https://ufl.zoom.us/

Click on "Sign In" to view your Zoom profile or;

Click on "Host a Meeting" or "Join a Meeting" to start using Zoom.

For first-time users, the web browser client will download automatically when you start or join your first Zoom meeting, and is also available for manual download by visiting https://ufl.zoom.us/download

Equipment Requirements

Video

Built-in webcams are acceptable, however in case you don’t have a built in camera we recommend the following camera.

• Logitech HD Webcam - C525

Audio

A microphone headset is a must for any real time student. We do not allow the use of built-in microphones, because they do not provide consistent clear audio. In the case you do not already own a pair of headphones with a mic, we recommend the following as an option.

• Logitech Cleat Chat Comfort Headset – H390

In addition to having a webcam and headset microphone, we recommend a dual monitor setup. Having two monitors will make taking classes online in real time much easier. Having one monitor with the class video conference and the second monitor with the program the instructor is walking through will make following along in class much easier.

We require that all equipment is to be tested and ready before the start of the semester to ensure any technical issues are resolved ahead of time.

Accessing Lecture Recordings

All video lectures are uploaded within 24-48 hours to the students Canvas, and are available for students to view by logging into e-Learning.