Online tools
The University uses many online tools to help you learn, share files and connect with your tutor or supervisor. This page lists the most important ones.
- Canvas – the University’s VLE
- Nexus (Microsoft) 365 – the University’s documents and collaboration platform
- Nexus (Microsoft) Teams.
It also provides information on other learning resources to support your study.
If you have just joined the University as a student, we have guidance to help you get set up with all your basic IT needs. Please visit the IT Services Getting started page for information about:
- IT equipment to bring
- Your university account
- Your email
- Getting help
Tools
Canvas – virtual learning environment
Canvas is the VLE (virtual learning environment) to support teaching and learning at Oxford.
You can log in to Canvas using your Single Sign On (SSO) credentials. Go to the Canvas page for more information. If you have problems logging in please see the help page for assistance.
Help using Canvas
A Canvas at Oxford YouTube channel is available, containing some useful videos to get you up and running on Canvas. There are videos on downloading and using the mobile apps for iOS or Android, allowing you to access your courses anywhere, at any time.
Once logged into Canvas, the ‘Help’ menu provides:
- useful guidance for Oxford students
- live chat or a UK phone call to Canvas support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Help with learning-related queries
If you have any questions about Canvas related to your learning requirements or your programme of study, please contact your departmental administrator in the first instance.
Nexus365 – Microsoft Office and OneDrive
At Oxford, we use Microsoft Office 365 and OneDrive to share and collaborate on documents. All Microsoft services are labelled Nexus. All Oxford University students have access to apps and services via the Nexus Portal (Office.com) using their Single Sign On (SSO).
Nexus365 – Microsoft Teams
Teams is Oxford’s primary live communication platform for online teaching and collaboration. Most of the online tutorials and lectures you attend will be on Teams. See the remote study page for more information.
Teams is also a messaging app and a platform for group collaboration. As well as conversations, it also allows you to share content and to access other apps.
More tools for collaboration and document sharing are available. Find more information on the Collaborate page.
Resources to support learning and study
Library resources
Central library services of the world-famous Bodleian give you access to a large collection of online library resources such as online journals, ebooks and bibliographic databases.
The search portal is referred to as SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online). SOLO searches through almost all of the library collections at Oxford and many online resources.
Visit the Bodleian Libraries to search library archives, special collections and more, and see library subject and research guides.
You will often access your readings via online reading lists (ORLO) created by your tutors or course convenors.
Oxford Examinations Papers Online (OXAM)
To help with revision, search through the University archive of past examination papers by course or subject with OXAM.
Podcasts
A free collection of Oxford podcasts includes public lectures, teaching material, interviews with leading academics and more. There are many thousands of podcasts available, featuring academic speakers and expert contributors.
To look through the resources on offer and start downloading, visit the University podcasts website.
You can also search for Oxford University podcasts using your podcast player on your phone, such as PocketCasts or Apple Podcasts.
IT Learning Centre
The IT Learning Centre offers an extensive collection of IT-related courses that can help you with your studies, research, and future careers.
From fundamental courses in the use of standard Microsoft Office apps, through to programming, database design, referencing tools, online presence and digital media skills. Courses are low-cost or free.
LinkedIn Learning
All Oxford students have free access to LinkedIn Learning via the IT Learning Centre. Use your Oxford Single Sign On (SSO) to access this large online library of instructional videos covering the latest software.
LinkedIn Learning is a resource for students looking to develop skills in many areas such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, project management, social media, data analysis, programming and web development.
There are new courses added each week, and the option to watch a complete course or bite-sized videos as you need them.
LinkedIn courses are taught by experienced teachers and recognised industry experts.
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