Accessing Your Online Class and Beginning the Semester
Instructors may choose to make online classes available in Canvas before the semester, and sometimes may contact students via email prior to the semester. Some will not enable their course or contact you until the semester begins.
Be sure to be engaged from the very start of the term! Some classes require you to take a certain action by a deadline very early in the class in order to ensure that students who signed up for the class are really participating. Check SURF to double-check when your online class will start if you're not sure.
Crashing Online Courses
A "closed" course is one that has reached maximum enrollment. Students may not add closed courses without instructor consent. Most online courses have the same enrollment limits as the equivalent "traditional" sections. (More information on crashing online courses)
Testing Tips
Before taking a test/quiz online there are a few precautions you must make before beginning. Ensure the following:
- Pop-up blocker disabled or on the safe list. Details
- Ensure that there are no other windows in the background.
- All other programs are turned off. That includes Instant Messengers and e-mail.
- Set aside enough time for the test/quiz.
- Let anyone in your household know that you are taking a quiz and that you need some time without disturbances to finish it.
Pop-Up Blockers
When taking a quiz/test, pop-up blockers are on the top of the list for causing problems. Before taking any test/quiz ensure that you have the pop-up blocker either disabled or have the website on your safe list.
Online Connections (Wi-Fi Networks)
If you have an wireless internet connection at home it is possible that your connection could periodically drop and come back. If you are taking a quiz or test, it is best to connect using a wire to ensure that you won’t get disconnected and locked out of the quiz/test.
Plugins
Some classes require certain Plugins. Please test your browser to see if you have all of the required Plugins. And view the plugging list to see if you may be missing any.
Technical Knowledge
Before contacting your instructor regarding technical problems please visit the Student Help Desk website. We offer Tutorials, and a Browser requirement database to help aide in fixing the problem.
System Downtimes
Periodically there are updates to the online class programs. To check for upcoming downtimes go to System Status on the Student Help Desk website.
Computer Literacy
It is the student's responsibility to be technologically capable to take an online course, i.e. you should be computer literate and Internet experienced! Check to see if you're ready for online learning.
