First Class

First Class is the online email and conferencing system used by the Open University which allows students to access conferences on a wide range of topics and communicate with fellow students.

First class can be accessed two ways, via your Web browser or by the First Class client system.

First Class Online via Browser

The browser system is available via your students home page online by using the link available in your student home page online at the Open University.

First Class Client - Recommended

The client system requires you to install software from a CD Rom which can be obtained from the Open University together with a username and password.

Once the software is installed - full instructions are provided with the software and should take only a few minutes to set up, you can access the system from an icon (the white star with orange highlight) which should appear on your computer desktop.

Gaining Access to the First Class OUSA Southend Forum

Initially you need to ask permission to access the Southend OUSA forum which is restricted to students in this area. To do this you must send a message using first class (once logged into First Class just click new message) to the controller asking for permission to join the conference.

There are full instructions on how to do this online however it is important that you must put 'OUSA CONTROLLER' in the To: box. And in the body of the email say that you want access to the Southend branch conference and include: Your First Class user name - usually your initials and some numbers, Your First Class server number. Your PI (Personal Identifier) number.

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Finding OUSA Southend on First Class

Firstly connect to the internet via your ISP.

First Class shield icon On your computer desktop click on the First Class icon

First Class Login Screen This will open the login screen - click login.

The OU News Service window may open in front of you - close or minimise this to view the First Class Desktop Screen (see image at the top of this page)

First Class shield icon On your First Class desktop double click on OU shield

First Class regions signpost icon Then double click on the regions signpost icon

First Class Map R06 icon Now double click on the Map - RO6 shield

First Class R06 icon Double click to open the RO6 section

First Class OUSA Br Southend icon Now you can see the OUSA Br Southend icon - double click to enter.

Once on OUSA Southend if you click the right button on your mouse the conference you can add the icon to your FC Desktop and on your next login you can access it directly from your First Class desktop.

For further information about OUSA and online conferencing please email study@ousasouthend.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you there.

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