High Tech Center

Technology Support and Training  

The DSS High Tech Center (HTC) lab offers in-person and Zoom-based training in DVC computer-based systems like Insite, Canvas, and DVC email, as well as assistive technologies such as Kurzweil, speech-to-text, and screen magnification. It’s also a great place to study and connect with other students.  We have PCs and a Mac for student use, as well as table space for students to use their own devices. 

HTC General Info 

  • Location:  Student Services Center, room 250 (down the hall from the DSS office) Pleasant Hill campus map  
  • In-person drop in hours:  Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
  • Zoom drop in hours:  Mondays/Wednesdays 9:00-11:00 am, Tuesdays 3:00-4:00  Zoom link  
  • Appointment scheduling: Please email dsshightechcenter@dvc.edu or call/text 925-322-1176 to schedule a Zoom or in-person appointment. 

What can we help you with?

Assistive tech for all students

  • The Assistive Tech for All Students resource is a great place to start to learn about educational tech tools to support your learning.  All you need is a DVC Insite account to access them!   Tools include:
  • screen text read out loud
  • having the computer type what you say (dictation)
  • customizing your online reading experience (adjusting text size, line focus, and more) 

DVC systems

Canvas:  Learn how to access your online course content, submit assignments, reply to discussions, take your quizzes and more in our college's learning management system.  Resources:  Canvas student guides, Canvas student training badges, Student tech help. 
Insite:  Learn how to search for and register for classes, access DVC email, check your course schedule, and more.

Resources:  Canvas student guides, Canvas student training badges, Student tech help. 
DVC email:  Your DVC email is the main way the college will contact you.  Learn how access and use your DVC email account and set up forwarding from your DVC account to your personal email.   
OneDrive:  Save your files and photos to OneDrive and access them from any device, anywhere. Resources:  Learn more about OneDrive.

Free Microsoft Office 

  • Access your free Office account:  All DVC students have access to the full suite of Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.  We'll show you how to find it!  Resources:  Student tech help.
  • Word:  Need to write a paper?  Learn basic word processing and well as advanced features to add sophistication to your documents. 
  • PowerPoint: Create powerful visual presentations (like digital slideshows).  Learn to create a basic presentation as well as how to add more complex features like animations. 
  • Excel:  Create databases which can be used in a variety of ways, including filters, calculations, and much more. 
  • Accessibility Features:  Office has many features already built-in for users with specific needs, such dictation, keyboard shortcuts, and more. 

Reading support

  • Immersive Reader:  A tool available in Canvas, Microsoft products, and web browsers.  Hear text read aloud, customize the visual reading experience, and more. No account set up needed - available immediately as a DVC student.
  • Resources:  Using IR in Canvas, Using IR in Word, IR Interactive Training, Use IR in Chrome, Use IR in Edge.  
  • Kurzweil 3000: A comprehensive reading, writing, and learning software solution for any struggling reader.  Text can be read aloud while highlighted on screen.  Kurzweil 300 offers a full suite of annotation, notetaking, and writing support as well.  This software requires an account to be created through DSS. Please fill out an Alternate Media Services contract to get started. Resources:  Kurzweil Academy training videos. You can access Kurzweil 3000 in two ways:
    • By visiting https://www.kurzweil3000.com/KLogin and entering your Kurzweil username and password.  This option requires an internet connection.
    • By downloading the full program to your personal computer.  This option provides more features and is available to use offline. For the download link, refer to the email you received from "Kurzweil Education Customer Service" when your account was activated.  Please contact Rose Desmond at rdesmond@dvc.edu if you need assistance with downloading the program or retrieving your Kurzweil username and password.  

Alternative formats for Canvas content 

  • Ally: In Canvas, Ally allows you to convert Word docs, PowerPoints, and PDFs into other formats, such as audio, BeeLine Reader (for reading efficiency), electronic Braille, Immersive Reader, and more.  Resources:  Ally alternative formats, Ally in Canvas.
  • Speech-to-text (dictation) No matter what you're typing in (Word, Canvas, GoogleDocs, etc.) there is a way to have the computer type what you say.  We'll show you how!  For those who want to take speech-to-text to the next level, we offer training in Dragon NaturallySpeaking as well.

Screen/document magnification

  • ZoomText:  A screen magnification program that allows users to customize cursors and color scheme, as well as enable a speech function that helps with navigation.  Resources:  ZoomText training videos.
  • Windows and iOS magnification:  Both PC and Mac operating systems have built-in magnification tools with customizable features.
  • CCTV (hardware in the lab)

Typing skills

Want to break the "hunt and peck" cycle?  We have programs to help improve your typing speed and accuracy.  Specialized typing instruction is also available for students with visual impairments.

Other technologies available for training and student use

  • Google Docs, Slides, Sheets
  • JAWS screen-reading software
  • Kurzweil 1000
  • MindView mind-mapping software
  • And more!  Don't see something listed here that you need help with?  Just ask!