Teleworking and distance learning: best practices for a better internet connection

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Lockdown is forcing universities and their faculties to reinvent themselves. Courses are now being delivered online, and exams will soon follow suit. While we are currently conducting several load tests to ensure that all our students have optimal conditions for taking their exams, below you will find some tips on how to improve your connection quality, as well as a reminder of the procedure to follow for your future online exams.

Test your speed and interpret the results

In order to enable students to take their exams online and staff to work in the best possible conditions, the DSIN provides a tool that allows you to measure the quality of the connection between your home and the university: https://testdebit.umontpellier.fr/

Data reception (download)

Following this test, results will appear, which you can interpret using this short guide:

  • A speed between D and F is considered slow (low throughput);
  • A speed classified as C between 3 and 7 Mbps is considered "medium speed," and it is at these speeds that remote working can begin to take place under good conditions.
  • A speed of 8 Mb/s corresponds to the threshold for a "high-speed" connection.
  • Above 30 Mbps, the connection is classified as "very high speed."

Sending data (Upload)

This value represents the speed at which data is transmitted from your computer to the Internet; it is often referred to as "upload speed" or "Upload."

An average speed of 1.2 Mb/s is sufficient to transmit data from your workstation.

Response time (ping) 

This value represents the time taken for a round trip between your computer and the computer hosting the files used to measure the data reception speed; it is often referred to as "latency."

A value in the green zone is required to conduct high-quality video conferences (without interruptions).

Improve your Wi-Fi network connection

If the connection is not optimal (between D and F), you must:

  • If possible, prioritize wired connections : The connection will be more stable and Wi-Fi-connected devices will have better throughput.
  • Position your box correctly : Avoid placing it under the TV or in a closed cabinet. It is best to install it approximately 1.50 m above the floor in an open area. Never place anything on top of it and plug it in directly (do not use a telephone extension cord or power strip).
  • Stop running programs: To get the most out of your bandwidth, remember to turn off Wi-Fi on devices you are not using (phones, connected devices).
  • Disable automatic Wi-Fi search : By default, Windows constantly searches for nearby wireless networks. This feature, which is unnecessary if you always connect to your own network, consumes bandwidth.
  • Check that you don't have a virus: Whether by displaying ads or discreetly using the computer's capabilities, some malware unnecessarily uses bandwidth.

 

If, after checking all these steps, the connection is still weak, contact your academic department so that they can help you access the exams in the best possible conditions. Please also feel free to report any problems you encounter during the tests.

Take one's exams

With an optimal connection, students can take their exams.

To do this, students must log in in the same way as for exams on tablets in lecture halls: log in from your computer on SIDES + ENT identification + enter an exam code.

The codes for the boxes will be sent by email before the test.

On the day of the test, we invite students to position themselves, if possible, as they would be during an exam:

  • Start the connection at least 15 minutes before the times mentioned (to allow for any unforeseen circumstances).
  • Staying alone in a room
  • Keep only exam materials (pen, blank scratch paper, etc.)
  • Do not attempt to connect to any applications other than those required for the exam. Doing so may disrupt the connection and distort your ability to compose.

Once the challenge has begun, it's up to you! 

We wish you the best of luck with your exams!

Bonus

Also discover in this article our tips for remote revision!

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Maieutics MOOC

Maieutics: 3 educational platforms available!

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The education of our students is of paramount importance to the Faculty, which is why we provide you with three educational platforms specifically designed for students in the Midwifery program, but which may also be of interest to students in the Medicine program.

Formagyn

This platform offers educational content from the University of Brest's "Preventive Gynecological Care, Sexuality, and Birth Control" university diploma program and is free for all students from March 17 to June 17. The rich and well-developed content focuses primarily on gynecological monitoring and emergencies, contraception, and many other topics.

Access the platform

Digital Education in Healthcare

This platform brings together several MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): online training courses open to all, generally consisting of explanatory videos and multiple-choice knowledge tests. Digital Pedagogy in Health deals with women's and children's health, covering topics such as violence against women and children, breastfeeding, contraception, menopause, etc.

Access the platform

Addressing violence

This platform currently contains only two MOOCs. The first, which deals with victimology, was designed in collaboration with Gynecology Without Borders. The second MOOC on the platform deals with male domination.

Access the platform

This set of training courses will therefore enable some students to gain additional knowledge directly related to their courses, while others will benefit from additional information that will always be useful for their future professions.

 

We would like to thank Romain PONS, a midwifery student elected to the Educational Council, for his help in writing this article.

 

 

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#COVID-19: FMC evening event to discuss best practices

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As part of the crisis management response to the coronavirus epidemic, the Continuing Medical Education (CME) department is once again offering a themed evening videoconference for doctors responsible for COVID platforms for elderly people in eastern Occitanie. Professor Blain will once again be leading the evening. More information can be found in this article.

 

A remote conference

The conference will take place via video conference on Tuesday, April 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p. m. It is open to all practicing general practitioners, particularly those responsible for COVID platforms for the elderly in eastern Occitanie. The theme of the evening will be: "An exchange of best practices with doctors responsible for COVID platforms for the elderly in eastern Occitanie." As the number of participants is limited in order to encourage interaction between the audience and the speakers, registration is free but mandatory.

Registration is now closed.

Watch the replay of the conference below!

 

On the program for the evening

The online event will be hosted by Professor Blain (Gerontology Department, Montpellier University Hospital). The event is organized in collaboration with the Occitanie Regional Health Agency.
The evening will focus on best practices with the physicians responsible for COVID platforms for elderly people in eastern Occitanie.
Detailed program to follow.

 

A conference that can be viewed afterwards on video.umontpellier.fr

Can't make it to either of the events? Don't worry, you can watch a replay the next day at video.umontpellier.fr.

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Nutrition - 5 tips

5 nutrition tips during lockdown

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During this period of lockdown, there is no shortage of temptations when it comes to snacks and sweets... Should we give in and feel guilty, or resist and feel frustrated? We asked Professor Ariane Sultan, a professor at the Faculty specializing in nutrition, and Nicolas Sahuc, a dietitian who lectures at the Faculty. Together, we have compiled five dietary and nutritional tips to follow during lockdown... but that's not all!

 

1 / Listen to your body and its needs!

Lockdown is disrupting our habits: our schedules are changing... and so are our bodies! Sometimes, we don't feel hungry at the traditional "breakfast, lunch, dinner" times. Don't panic! According to Nicolas Sahuc, we need to pay close attention to our body's rhythm, which varies from day to day and is not necessarily aligned with "social" schedules: "Don't worry if you're not hungry at 'mealtimes'; instead, eat when you really hungry. " To do this, you need to listen to your body and pay attention to your true feelings of hunger and satiety. "This does not necessarily mean eating three meals a day..." emphasizes Professor Sultan.

In summary: consider your biological rhythm and listen to your hunger cues before even thinking about nutrition! 

 

2 / Don't select or reject any foods: think about how long they will keep you feeling full! 

When you're hungry, any food will do to satisfy your hunger. However, not all foods keep you feeling full for the same amount of time.The dietitian's advice is to opt for foods that will keep you feeling full for longer: choose a banana over a cookie for your snack, or better still, if you're really hungry, eat a proper balanced meal.

 

3 / Don't feel guilty, but think globally!

However, don't feel guilty if you really want that cookie for your afternoon snack. The key is to think about nutrition in a holistic way: "Nutrition is all about overall balance. If you eat balanced meals regularly and at your own pace, there's no reason to feel guilty." Conversely, balanced nutrition is not a "one-shot" deal: a single balanced meal from time to time is not enough! Professor Sultan confirms this: "A balanced diet is more about the week than just a single day."

 

4 / Focus on balanced meals

“A balanced meal will keep you feeling full for around five hours, whereas an unbalanced meal or snack will only keep you feeling full for two to two and a half hours." It is therefore important to compose your meals with a range of foods that will satisfy your hunger over time. “Contrary to popular belief, a meal without bread or starchy foods will not help you stay slim, as you will be hungry again after 2 hours.” For a balanced and substantial meal, it is recommended to combine: bread, starchy foods, a source of protein (meat, fish, eggs, or vegetable protein), a dairy product (yogurt or cheese), fruits and vegetables for fiber, and a small amount of fat. Ariane Sultan reminds us that "this combination should be adapted to the intensity of your hunger.". As for meal variety, the dietitian emphasizes that "the composition of a balanced meal is always the same, you just need to vary the foods according to your tastes!" 

 

An example of a balanced meal: 

  • 1 portion of Basque-style chicken with vegetables (fresh or frozen), rice, and salad
  • 1 piece of bread
  • 1 yogurt or 1 piece of cheese
  • A few strawberries

 

But don't forget Professor Sultan's advice to carefully gauge your hunger: "If you're not very hungry, there's no need to eat all those starchy foods, or reduce the amount you eat!"

5 / High-carbohydrate snacks for periods of intense work

And because we know that for many, exams are approaching, we asked the dietitian for his recommendations regarding snacks during periods of intense work. According to him, “You should prioritize foods rich in carbohydrates, such as cereal bars or fruit compotes, which are balanced and convenient. Swedish Havreflarn-style cookies are also a good alternative: they don't have too much added sugar and are easy to make yourself.” Nevertheless, our dietitian reminds us: “Before even thinking about snacks, the most important thing is knowing how to manage your stress! Breathing exercises are very effective in helping you do this.” “And don't forget physical activity!” adds the professor, “Physical activity is possible in any circumstances, even when confined! You just have to adapt it and adapt yourself!”

 

Of course, we weren't going to leave you hanging: we've selected a few Swedish pancake recipes for you... : 

Recipe 1 Recipe 2 Recipe 3

…and apps to help you manage stress:

COVID-19 Support

 

We will get back to you in the next few days regarding physical activity, so stay tuned! In the meantime, get cooking!

 

Healthcare Professionals:

We thank them for their help in writing this article.

Ariane Sultan

Ariane Sultan

Professor of Nutrition

Ariane Sultan is a professor of nutrition and a member of the nutrition and diabetes team at Montpellier University Hospital, Lapeyronie Hospital. As chair of the CLAN (food and nutrition liaison committee) at Montpellier University Hospital, she teaches several courses in nutrition and diabetology at the Faculty of Medicine.

Nicolas Sahuc

Nicolas Sahuc

Dietitian

Nicolas Sahuc has been a certified dietitian since 2003, specializing in eating disorders. He regularly gives seminars to medical interns at our faculty on eating disorders and childhood obesity.

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#Coronavirus – FMC Covid-19 Evening: A new edition for general practitioners and coordinators in nursing homes

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As part of the crisis management response to the coronavirus epidemic, the Continuing Medical Education (CME) division is once again offering a themed evening videoconference for general practitioners and coordinating physicians in nursing homes. This time, Professor Hubert Blain and Dr. Emilie Million will be speaking during the evening. More information can be found in this article.

 

 

A remote conference

The conference will take place via video conference on Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A second edition of this same event will be held on April 21, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is open to all practicing general practitioners, as well as coordinating physicians in nursing homes in the Occitanie region. The theme of the evening will be: "COVID-19 prevention in nursing homes: how best to apply the ARS Occitanie recommendations of April 6, 2020 in practice." As the number of participants is limited in order to encourage interaction between the audience and the speakers, registration is free but mandatory.

Registration closed

On the program for the evening

The online event will be hosted by Professor Blain (Gerontology Unit at Montpellier University Hospital) and Dr. Emilie Million (Faculty's Department of General Medicine).
The evening will focus on the ARS Occitanie recommendations aimed at preventing COVID-19 cases in nursing homes in the region.
Detailed program to follow.

 

A conference that can be viewed afterwards on video.umontpellier.fr

Can't make it to either of the events? Don't worry, you can watch the replay below!

 

Evening of April 16

Evening of April 21

 

 

 

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Library article

Biology and Health Videos – Unlimited access until April 30

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A platform for streaming scientific videos focused on health and biology is available to students for unlimited viewing until April 30.

A video platform for research and teaching

JoVE is a publisher of scientific articles in video format. The articles are peer-reviewed, meaning they are checked and validated by scientists before publication. They are indexed on PubMed and Medline, presenting experiments and protocols filmed at the most prestigious universities and leading research laboratories around the world.

To discover the videos

Simply log in to the University's digital workspace => Click on the "Libraries" tile => Enter "JOVE" in the search engine

Your user experience will enable us to evaluate the relevance of this documentary resource for the University. Please feel free to share your opinion with us by writing to scd-docelec@umontpellier.fr

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