School of Architecture - Distance Learning Resources (for students)

This page provides consolidated information and advice for School of Architecture students on the tools and methods available to continue learning remotely.

Table of Contents

1 Blackboard
2 Zoom & Microsoft Teams
3 Conceptboard
4 Architecture Software
5 RemoteLab
6 Digital Tools
7 Technology Support
8 Need help purchasing a new laptop?
9 Laptop not working or out for repair?
- 9.1 System Live Status
10 Additional Support Pages

Blackboard

Blackboard Learn is the recommended learning management system by Syracuse University. Almost all courses use Blackboard.

Note: Please review the guide below.

Blackboard - Students FAQs

Zoom & Microsoft Teams

Zoom and Microsoft Teams are two popular web conference tools used by many at Syracuse University. Please ask your professor which platform they are using for your class.

Note: Please review the guides below.

Conceptboard

Conceptboard is a virtual whiteboard tookit. It is the recommended online visual collaboration platform by the School of Architecture. Conceptboard allows students and faculty to mark up files, participate in online pin-ups and reviews, and collaborate on design. It can be used for project brain storming and for conducting design workshops. The platform's collaboration features include live pointers, a moderator mode, and allow users to easily share boards with external guests and critics. This platform also features over 100 templates to kickstart the collaborative process.

Architecture Software

To help with continuing your course work and projects, many Architecture software programs in the labs are available for installation on your own computer as needed. Please review the list below on how to access particular software. Software requirements by year are available on the School website.

Please see the hardware page for detailed computer recommendations.

Product	Where to obtain	Platform	Cost

Product	Where to obtain	Platform	Cost
Adobe Creative Cloud	https://su-jsm.atlassian.net/wiki/x/bhvqC	Win/Mac	Free
ArcGIS Pro	https://su-jsm.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ziXqC	Win	Free
Autodesk (AutoCAD Architecture, Maya, Revit, etc.)	http://www.autodesk.com/education/home	Varies	Free
Cinema 4D	https://www.maxon.net/en-us/learn/educational-licenses/	Win/Mac	$3
Climate Consultant	https://www.sbse.org/resources/climate-consultant	Win	Free
ClimateStudio for Rhino	https://su-jsm.atlassian.net/wiki/x/EBzqC	Win	Free
Enscape for Rhino	https://enscape3d.com/educational-license/	Win	$149/yr
EnergyPlus	https://energyplus.net/	Win/Mac	Free
Grasshopper for Rhino	Included with Rhino.	Win	Free
Lumion	https://lumion.com/studentsusa.html	Win	Free
Microsoft Office	https://answers.syr.edu/display/software/Office+365+ProPlus	Win/Mac	Free
Microsoft Windows (for use with macOS)	https://su-jsm.atlassian.net/wiki/x/2IGICQ	Win/Mac	Free
OpenStudio	https://www.openstudio.net/	Win/Mac	Free
Processing	https://processing.org/download/	Win/Mac	Free
QGIS	https://qgis.org/en/site/	Win/Mac	Free
Rhino 8	https://answers.atlassian.syr.edu/wiki/x/V4HDCg	Win	$95 upgrade, $195 new
Rhino plugins	All free: Paneling Tools, Section Tools, Weaverbird, Firefly, Honeybee+Ladybug, Kangaroo, Human+Treefrog, TT Toolbox, UMI	Win	Free
Twinmotion	https://twinmotionhelp.epicgames.com/s/article/Twinmotion-Educational-version?language=en_US	Win	Free
Unity	https://store.unity.com/academic/unity-student	Win/Mac	Free
Unreal Engine	https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/students	Win/Mac	Free
V-Ray for Rhino	Download from the G drive (G:\Student Resources\Software). See installation instructions.	Win	Free

RemoteLab

The Arch RemoteLab service offers Architecture students access to lab computers in Slocum from any location on or off campus via an Internet connection. Remoting into the lab computer is like sitting in front of it even though you are at a different location. You will have access to all the Architecture lab software.

Digital Tools

Product	Purpose	Platform	Audience	Campus Supported	Guide

Product	Purpose	Platform	Audience	Campus Supported	Guide
Zoom	Web conferencing, screen sharing	Desktop App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu )	YES	How-to
Collaborate Ultra	Web conferencing, screen sharing	Web App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu )	YES	How-to
Microsoft Teams	Web conferencing, screen sharing	Desktop/Web App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu)	YES	How-to
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC	View, edit, annotate PDFs	Desktop App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu)	YES	How-to
Conceptboard	Visual Collaboration	Web App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu)	YES	How-to
Google Suite	Online Productivity	Web App	Campus (NetID@g.syr.edu)	YES	How-to
Google Drive	File-sharing	Desktop/Web App	Campus (NetID@g.syr.edu)	YES	How-to
One Drive	File-sharing	Desktop/Web App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu)	YES	How-to
Kaltura	Video Platform	Desktop/Web App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu)	YES	How-to
Premier Rush	Video Editing	Desktop App	Campus (NetID@syr.edu)	NO	How-to
OBS Studio	Video Streaming	Desktop App		NO	How-to
Wetransfer	File-sharing	Web App		NO	How-to
Modelo	3D Model Collaboration	Web App		NO	How-to

Technology Support

Submit requests/emergencies via email to Architecture IT support at archit@syr.edu.
Visit our office in Slocum 001 from 8:30 am to 5 pm, M-F.

Online learning is dependent on individual computer set up, speed of one’s internet connection and location. Wherever possible, students are advised to use a stable, high-speed internet connection.

Need help purchasing a new laptop?

Students on financial aid who need to purchase computers for remote access because they do not have one may submit a Financial Aid Appeal to cover this cost.
Contact KC Woods, associate director of financial aid, at kcwoods@syr.edu or (315) 443-1513 if you have questions.
Additional funds may be available by filling out a CRRSAA Emergency Grant Application.

Laptop not working or out for repair?

Borrow a loaner laptop (up to 14 days) from Bird Library. Although you can't install software, the laptop can be used to reach the Architecture RemoteLab to use software there.
Visit an SU public computer lab, then remote into the Architecture RemoteLab.