Online Learning

Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) where your online courses are found. In an online course, instructors post course material: 

• lectures
• presentations
• assignments
• readings
• quizzes/tests

Engage with your instructor and your fellow classmates anywhere you go!

student guide to canvas

Student’s computer should meet the minimum suggested specifications:

• Windows 7+ or Macintosh OS X 10.10;
• 2.5 GHz Processor;
• 8 GB RAM;
• Graphics Card: l GB GPU with 29 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant;
• A high-speed Internet connection (minimum of 512kbps);
• Webcam and microphone;
• Android and iOS both support the two most recent versions of their respective operating systems.

Student’s computer should meet the minimum software requirements:

• Latest version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome
• Adobe Flash Player
• Java

Note: Courses that utilize webcast lectures may require Windows Media Player and Microsoft Silverlight. Additionally, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is used by all faculty on campus and is required for select courses/programs. Please see your course syllabus for course-specific technology requirements.

To be successful online, students need the ability to:

• Use Windows operating system or Macintosh operating system
• Use a web browser (such as Firefox or Google Chrome)
• Use word processing software
• Download and upload files
• Manage files and folders
• Download software

The Guides provide you with valuable information, directions, and insight to support your success in using Canvas and as an online student. Be sure to read through them and refer to them when you have questions.

Student Guide to Canvas

There is no classroom, but there is a Learning Management System

Online courses will be conducted in the Canvas Learning Management System. Canvas enables instructors to deliver and rnanage course materials for distance learning courses; the online course is where you will 'take' your classes. You will use Canvas to receive instruction, submit assignments, communicate with classmates, and complete quizzes/exams. Traditional and blended courses will also use Canvas, but in a limited capacity.

Online classes are not easier than traditional classes

Online classes demand every bit as much time and attention as in-class lessons. They often include more written correspondence with teachers and classmates, as well as extra quizzes or written coursework to measure progress. Expect to spend 7-8 hours on coursework per week for a three credit hour course. Additionally, online courses are not self-paced, there are deadlines that you will need to meet. Online courses provide you the flexibility in how you meet those deadlines.

You are still able to interact with your instructor and fellow students

The Canvas Learning Management Systern provides the opportunity for instructors to provide grading feedback, schedule virtual class sessions, or conduct one-on-one video chats with students who need more personal guidance. Canvas also provides the opportunity for class discussion and online collaborative projects, which will allow you to interact with fellow students.

You need to have access to a computer (and be comfortable using it)

You should own or have full-time access to a well-maintained and up-to-date computer with a reliable Internet connection. It's also a good idea to have access to a workplace that is relatively free from distractions. You should have a back-up plan in-case your primary computer has an issue. Additionally, you should feel comfortable doing these things:

• Using Windows or Macintosh operating systems
• Sending and receiving email
• Accessing the Internet
• Using a Web browser
• Using an Internet search engine
• Using word processing software

Attendance is tracked

Although online courses allow you to work from home, attendance is still tracked. However, instead of roll-call at the start of class, your attendance in an on line course will be tracked through the completion of assignments. This means that you must be actively working on all courses in which you are enrolled. So, make sure that you turn in assignments by their due dates, and contact your instructor if you're falling behind.

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a voluntary, national initiative established to allow member states to offer on line courses outside each institution's state by seeking and maintaining state approvals via a streamlined process.

Learn More

Online courses provide:

• Flexibility in learning;
• Coursework 100% online;
• Fit it around your work schedule;
• No reason to come to campus;
• Receive all the support you need from counselor, advisors, faculty and more.

Take your course with you wherever you go!

Hybrid/Blended courses provide:

• Fewer trips to campus;
• Assignments completed online;
• Meet face-to-face with instructor;
• Balance work and coursework;
• Receive all the support you need from counselor, advisors, faculty and more.

Combines the best of both online and hybrid delivery.