Your Device. Your Education.
Your XCITE device is a tool for learning, organization, communication, and academic success. Use these resources to get started, learn essential features, explore useful tools, and get help with your iPad or MacBook Neo.
Get Your Device Ready
Start with the essentials. These steps will help you prepare your XCITE device for classes and make sure your academic work stays accessible and secure.
Set Up Your Device
Complete the initial Apple setup, choose your preferred language and region, create a passcode, and enable Face ID or Touch ID when available.
iPad + MacBookConnect to DACC Wi-Fi
Connect your device to the DACC wireless network using your NMSU credentials. Once connected, confirm that you can access college websites and online services.
iPad + MacBookSet Up Your DACC Tools
Make sure you can access Canvas, Outlook, Microsoft 365, Zoom, and other online tools used in your courses.
iPad + MacBookSet Up Cloud Storage
Use OneDrive or another approved cloud storage option to save assignments, notes, documents, and other important files.
iPad + MacBookApps & Tools for College
Your XCITE device connects you with many of the technologies you will use throughout DACC. Explore these core tools for coursework, communication, organization, and academic productivity.
Canvas
- Access your courses
- Review assignments and due dates
- Participate in discussions
- Check grades and feedback
Word, PowerPoint & Excel
- Write papers and reports
- Create presentations
- Work with spreadsheets and data
- Access files across your devices
Outlook
- Access your NMSU email
- Communicate with instructors
- Manage your calendar
- Keep track of college messages
OneDrive
- Save your academic files online
- Access work from multiple devices
- Share documents when needed
- Reduce the risk of losing your work
Zoom
- Attend online class meetings
- Join virtual appointments
- Participate in group meetings
- Use audio, video, chat, and screen sharing
Notes, Files & Calendar
- Organize class notes
- Manage downloaded files
- Track assignments and appointments
- Build a study routine
Before Installing Additional Apps
Some courses and academic programs require specific software. Check your syllabus and speak with your instructor before purchasing an app or subscription for a class.
Tips & Tricks
Small changes in how you use your device can make studying, completing assignments, and staying organized easier.
Use Multitasking
Keep Canvas open while taking notes, reading course materials, or working in Word.
Scan Documents
Your iPad can scan paper documents using built-in Apple tools. Save the scan as a PDF before submitting it.
Use Your Apple Pencil
Take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, mark up course materials, sketch ideas, and complete compatible activities.
Save Your Work to OneDrive
Keep important course files in OneDrive instead of only storing them locally on your device.
Use Search
Use Spotlight to quickly locate apps, documents, settings, email, and other information.
Keep Your Device Updated
Install operating system and app updates regularly for security, compatibility, and performance.
Manage Your Notifications
Reduce unnecessary notifications while studying so important Canvas, Outlook, and course messages are easier to notice.
Charge Before Class
Charge your device before coming to campus, especially when you will use it for class activities or assessments.
Accessibility & Personalization
iPad and Mac include built-in features that support different ways of seeing, hearing, reading, writing, navigating, and interacting with your device.
VoiceOver
A built-in screen reader that provides spoken descriptions of what appears on the screen.
Spoken Content
Have selected text or screen content read aloud while reviewing course materials or written work.
Display & Text Size
Adjust text size, bold text, contrast, color filters, button shapes, and other display settings.
Zoom
Magnify part or all of the screen to make content easier to see.
Live Captions
Use supported captioning features to display text for compatible spoken audio and video.
Assistive Touch
Customize gestures and access commonly used device controls through an on-screen menu.
Explore Your Accessibility Settings
Accessibility tools can also support studying, reading, focusing, and completing coursework. Explore the settings available on your device and choose the features that work best for you.
Need Help? We're Here.
Whether you have a question about the XCITE program or need help learning how to use college technology, DACC has resources available to support you.
XCITE Program Questions
Need help with XCITE eligibility, your device, ownership requirements, ordering, or device management?
Email:
XciteTech@dacc.nmsu.edu
Technology Training & Support
Need help learning Canvas, Microsoft 365, Outlook, Zoom, your iPad or MacBook, or other college technology? Contact Virtual Learning & Instructional Technology.
Email:
vlit@nmsu.edu
Phone:
575-527-7738