Sakai 2.9 Help for Students

In Fall 2010 semester, three online classes (CIS-110, CTS-130, and OPH-141) at Durham Tech are being taught using a product called Sakai. Instead of logging into Blackboard, students in these classes will log in to a Sakai server to access all assignments, submit their work, and communicate with their instructor and classmates.

To learn more about Sakai and why we are using it, see the Sakai Pilot Overview for Students.

To find out how to getting started using Sakai, see below.

What computer hardware or software do I need to use Sakai?

The requirements are pretty much the same as for Blackboard. You will need:

• a computer (PC or Mac) with high-speed Internet access
• a ConnectMail email account (provided by Durham Tech)
• a reasonably current web browser (Internet Explorer 7 or higher OR Firefox 3 or higher)
• current version of Java installed (how to get the current version of Java)
• JavaScript and cookies enabled (how to enable JavaScript and enable cookies)

Note to Mac users: Use the free Firefox web browser instead of Safari.

How do I log in to Sakai?

• Go to http://mysakai.rsmart.com
• Enter your Sakai user name and password:
  • Your Sakai user name is your complete Durham Tech ConnectMail address.
  • Your initial Sakai password is a long number that was sent to your ConnectMail address.

Note: If you can't find the email with your Sakai password, don't worry -- just follow the steps below for forgotten passwords.

What if I forget my password?

• Go to http://mysakai.rsmart.com
• Click on the "Forgot Password?" link. (It's in the lower right area. You may have to scroll down to see it.)
• Enter your complete Durham Tech ConnectMail address and click "Send Password".
• You will receive an email (in your ConnectMail account) that gives you your Sakai user name and password.

What do I the first time I log in?

Immediately after your first login to Sakai, be sure to complete these important steps to finish setting up your account:

• Change your password and enter your name
  • In the My Settings box on the left, click "Account" then click "Modify Details".
  • Enter your first and last name, and then type in a private password that you can remember. Type the password in a second time for verification.
  • Click "Update Details."

• Set the time zone
  • In the My Settings box on the left, click "Preferences" then click "Time Zone".
  • Scroll down in the list and select America/New_York.
  • Click "Update Preferences."

• Complete your profile
  • In the My Settings box on the left, click "Profile2"
  • To add a picture or other personal info, point your mouse to any area of the profile screen and an option to edit or change information will appear.

Note: Profiles2 works similarly to facebook. With this tool you can add "connections" (like friends on facebook), and you can post status updates that your connections will see. If you are a Twitter user, you can set your Preferences to send these status updates to Twitter.

How do I access my course in Sakai?

After you log into Sakai, you are taken to your private workspace, called "My Workspace". In the green band across the top, you should see a "Quicklink" to your course(s). Click the course link to go into the site for your course.

How can I get help?

There are several ways to get help with Sakai:

• Online help resources: In your Sakai course, you can click on HELP to search the extensive online help resources.
• You can send an email to sakaihelp@courses.durhamtech.edu. Please cc: your instructor on the email!
• During normal business hours (M-F, 8-5) you can call Durham Tech's Instructional Technology staff at 919-536-7213 x 5904, 5903, or 5902

Blackboard Help Desk and the Durham Tech Help Desk are NOT able to help with Sakai issues. Also, please do not contact rSmart for assistance.