QOLT Objective 6.4 Instructor provides clear information regarding access to the technology and related resources required in the course.

Important Tips for Success as an Online Learner

Begin planning now for private, uninterrupted time in your schedule to complete the assignments – preferably in at least one-hour blocks and at least three times a week. It can be easy to fall behind!
Check your email account regularly for updated information. We will be using your HSU email account for communication.
Use e-mail for private messages to the instructor and other students. The discussion forum is for public messages.
If you have questions or confusion about an assignment, take action promptly! Check the Frequently Asked Questions FAQs forum to see if your concern has been addressed already. If not, post your question in the Ask Questions Here forum.
Read directions carefully.
For posts to online discussion forums, conventions of on-line etiquette ("netiquette") which include courtesy to all users, will be observed. Please see Communication and Etiquette Expectations for detail.
Check your readiness to complete an online course: Online Readiness Self-Assessment

Attitudes & Technical Skills Required

You will find that the following attitude will significantly contribute to your success in this online class:

A positive attitude towards technology
An open mind towards online education
Willingness to share your experiences with others
Strong writing skills needed for expressing yourself in the discussion area
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for when you "get stuck"
Resourcefulness - don't be afraid to click on links and explore and ask questions
Time management

Online learning requires only basic technical skills:

Competency with file management (for example, creating a folder on your desktop, moving files from one location to another, finding a saved file)
Internet navigation skills
Download plug-ins from the Internet
Update your Internet browser
Send and receive email
Create and save documents (Word, PowerPoint, Excel or HTML)
Toggle between two open software applications on your computer
Copy text from a word processing program and paste them into another program

Note: While keyboarding at 35 wpm or greater is not a requirement for online learning, it can be a real timesaver!

Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements

You will need access to a computer and the Internet. Most late model computers have adequate processing capabilities for online courses. For specific questions about the technical suitability of your home computer or laptop, contact the HSU Help Desk (707-826-4357 or help@humboldt.edu). If you do not have a computer at home or work but do spend time on campus, you can use any of the computer labs during open hours. A laptop with wireless capability will provide maximum flexibility for accessing the course when on campus.
If you plan to connect to the Internet from home, you will need Internet access. High-speed Internet access with a cable modem or DSL is recommended. For either connection method, you will need an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
You also will need word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word). If you need a word processor, contact the HSU Bookstore for reduced pricing on Microsoft Office (includes Microsoft Word word processing software) available to registered HSU students. An acceptable alternative is OpenOffice's Writer program available at no cost. Review documentation on using this MS Word substitute. Mac users can also use Apple Pages.
Free web browsing software can be downloaded from the Internet but is usually already installed on modern computers. Firefox is the recommended web browser most compatible with Canvas for Mac Users. Windows users can use Firefox or Chrome. Your browser must have the Java plug-in enabled.

Computer Specifications

Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements.

Screen Size

Canvas is best viewed at a minimum of 1024x600, which is the average size of a notebook computer. If you want to view Canvas on a device with a smaller screen, we recommend using the Canvas mobile app.

Operating Systems

Windows XP SP3 and newer
Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
Linux - chromeOS

Mobile Operating System Native App Support

iOS 7 and newer
Android 2.3 and newer

Computer Speed and Processor

Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible
1GB of RAM
2GHz processor

Internet Speed

Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.
Minimum of 512kbps

Screen Readers

Macintosh: VoiceOver (Links to an external site.) (latest version for Safari)
PC: JAWS (Links to an external site.) (latest version for Internet Explorer 10 & 11)
PC: NVDA (Links to an external site.) (latest version for Firefox)
There is no screen reader support for Canvas in Chrome
Find more detailed information here: Tips for Students Using Screen Readers in Canvas

Supported Browsers

Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in.

As of February 20, 2016, we support the following versions of Flash and popular web browsers:

Internet Explorer 11 and Edge
Chrome 47 and 48
Safari 8 and 9
Firefox 43 and 44 (Extended Releases (Links to an external site.) are not supported)
Flash 17 and 18 (used for recording or viewing audio/video and uploading files)
Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements (Links to an external site.))

Some supported browsers may still produce a banner stating Your browser does not meet the minimum requirements for Canvas. If you have upgraded your browser but you are still seeing the warning banner, try logging out of Canvas and deleting your browser cookies. Learn how to clear your cache on a Mac or a PC.

Learn more about browsers and browser settings here: https://guides.instructure.com/m/4214/l/41056?data-resolve-url=true&data-manual-id=4214

Software Recommendations

Some online classes may use the following software:

Technical Assistance

It's crucial to seek help when you can't access Canvas or class materials. It's up to you to ask questions!

For technical assistance, contact HSU’s Help Desk at (707) 826-4357 or email help@humboldt.edu
For assistance with course materials contact your instructor (see the instructor contact block on your main course page).

Spam and Phishing Scams

Learn how to stay safe and protect yourself from hackers who may try to access your personal information: Security: Spam and Phishing Scams (Links to an external site.).
Surf via secured Wi-Fi (Links to an external site.)to protect your data.
Use anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware software.
Use pins and passwords to secure your computer and devices- don't share your password with anyone-crest strong passwords that include a combination of letters and numbers that no once can guess (like your birthdate).