Canvas BasicsMyth #3: "I don't need to learn any tech skills to take online classes."

Estimated Time: Read 5 min.

Common Myth #3

Myth #3 comes in two parts, but both center on your technical skill level.

Myth #3A -- "I spend a lot of time on social media, and I text my friends more than I talk to them. I don't need to learn technical skills to take online classes."
Myth #3B -- "I don't really know my way around a computer, but clearly, my instructors do. I'll rely on them to help me figure it out and teach me any of the technical skills I need."

Let's Clarify Technical Skills

Although experience with social media and cell phones may demonstrate an ability to navigate Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, more than those skills are needed to navigate Canvas successfully. Please take the time to understand Canvas. You will want to learn which buttons you need to click on to submit your work minutes before an assignment is due.

Online learning generally requires little technical knowledge and skills. Still, you need to understand the basics about your computer, apps like MS Word, connecting to the Internet, and how to use Canvas. While you do not need to be an expert, remember that your instructors aren't experts either. They likely know more about Canvas, but they do not know all apps and computers.

We will cover Canvas basics in the next module, but you will need to seek out information or tutorials for your computer, browser (Chrome and Firefox recommended), and operating system. You should locate and build a list of the support websites and phone numbers for your operating system, computer type, and standard apps. These will be handy if you run into a glitch.

Click on each tab to read and watch the provided information.

Heads Up

The Canvas App for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, etc.) does not have all the functionality of the Canvas desktop website. Please be sure you have access to a computer with a desktop web browser to ensure you have access to your entire Canvas course and its full functionality. If you do not own a desktop/laptop computer, previous students recommend using your mobile browser (Chrome recommended) on desktop mode to sign into Canvas and submit work on your mobile device.

If you choose to use the mobile app, here are a few resources that you should watch and read.

Canvas Student App
How do I download the Canvas Student app on my iOS device?
How do I download the Canvas Student app on my Android device?
Canvas Mobile Phone Student Guide
Canvas Limited-Support Guidelines for Mobile Browsers on Tablet Devices
Canvas Student Android Guide - Table of Contents
Canvas Student iOS Guide - Table of Contents
Canvas Student Mobile Features

Tip

Students have the option to utilize screen readers to access course content. Screen readers are text-to-speech apps that can read content aloud to you. The Chrome browser has a built-in screen reader, like most cell phones. If the content in your course appears not to be accessible via a screen reader, please get in touch with your instructor to request an accessible version.

Read the information provided; then click NEXT.