3 Learning Platforms You Will Use at NC

Technology is an important part of your academic success. Visit The Learning Portal for helpful tips on navigating educational technology. At Niagara College there are a number of online platforms that you will use throughout your studies. Here are three of the most important:

Blackboard

Blackboard Learn is an online learning environment and is the Learning Management System (LMS) that Niagara College uses. Almost every course you take at NC, whether it’s online, face-to-face or hybrid, will have a site in Blackboard where you can find important course documents, submit assignments or check your grades.

You can access Blackboard through the MyNC portal. Later in this resource, we will give you an in-depth overview of Blackboard and all the different tools available through the system. You can also download the Blackboard Learn student app on your phone through the Apple Store or Google Play. 

Microsoft 365

Through Microsoft 365 (O365) you can collaborate for FREE with online versions of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote. Use this service to store documents and access materials from multiple devices. O365 will come in handy if you’re working in a group and want to share documents for editing.   

The service can be used on your PC or Mac and on your Android, iOS or Windows device. With your account, you can install the O365 application on up to five devices.

To download and log-in to O365, follow these steps. For detailed instructions on how to use various O365 applications online, including Excel, OneDrive and PowerPoint, visit this page. 

AppsAnywhere

AppsAnywhere is a FREE service that allows Niagara College students, staff and faculty to access software, on-demand, anytime, from anywhere. It can be accessed through the MyNC Portal. Much like the app store you use on your mobile phone or tablet, AppsAnywhere is a catalogue of all Niagara College lab software available that you can download and run directly on your personal Windows-based computer. This will require a one time download to your device to be able to access software.

Important Note: Anyone that doesn’t have a Windows computer can use an additional tool called Splashtop in conjunction with AppsAnywhere to remotely access a College lab computer, and run their required software using AppsAnywhere. For more information on AppsAnywhere and Splashtop, visit this page.