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Technology and Learning Program
New to Vista?
Setup your web browser, meet a TLP consultant, learn best practices, deliver great online instruction.
What is Vista, and what can I do with it?
Vista is a learning management system (LMS) which provides a password-protected interactive web site for each class at the University. Instead of using web page code to create this website, Vista has built-in online graphical tools faculty can use to:
- post content, from the syllabus to readings to videos and more
- communicate with students through announcements, email and online discussions
- assess student learning through online quizzes and homework assignments
- keep an online grade book which posts grades privately
- link students to websites and online journals
Most Universities are using an LMS to achieve this; some other common LMSs include Moodle, Blackboard Academic Suite, and Angel.
How Do I Get Started?
- You need a portal username (contact User Services if you need assistance).
- You must be assigned to a course
- If you haven't been assigned to a course, you can request a practice class called a "prep area" by emailing vista@csuchico.edu.
- Set up your home computer and browser to access Vista: see instructions here.
- Sign up for a beginner-level training session offered by TLP.
What does great teaching with Vista look like?
The Rubric for Online Instruction is a guide to assist your design and development process for online instruction. Each year, faculty are invited to submit their course for evaluation by the Committee for Online Instruction. Courses which apply the Rubric exceptionally are recognized for Excellence in Online Instruction (EOI).
You can view recognized EOI course features at the Rubric for Online Instruction website.
How do I get help and improve my use of Vista?
- Use the Knowledge Base to find FAQs, tutorials, and search current issues
- Contact TLP for pedagogical support, one-on-one consultations, and assistance using Vista features
- Use the Vista Campus Community to exchange ideas with other faculty
- Attend TLP training
- Attend the TILT sessions or watch archived TILT presentations
- Attend relevant sessions at the yearly CELT conference