There are specific technology requirements to use Canvas, especially if you are taking online or remote classes. Contact Digital Learning at dl@nwacc.edu if you have any questions.

It is the student's responsibility to have reliable technology, including a 'backup plan' if your technology fails. It is a good idea to identify campus computers, a local library, friends house, etc. ahead of time in case you need to use a different computer or Internet connection. This is especially critical if you are taking your classes fully online!

Student Technology Acceptable Use: A username and password to NWACC systems are provided to the individual student enrolled in NWACC classes, and should not be shared with anyone. NWACC reserves the right to monitor and/or log all network activity with or without notice, including e-mail and all web site communications, and therefore, users should have no expectation of privacy in the use of these resources.

Below are the Minimum Technology Requirements for NWACC Classes:

A Dependable Computer: Click here for computer recommendations

Please use a standard desktop or laptop computer with Canvas. Either a Mac or Windows computer will work. It does not have to be new or fancy, but it must be reliable.
A Chromebook can also work for accessing the online systems. However, there may be courses that require you to have a Windows or Mac computer to run specific software for the class. So, if you have a Chromebook, you should be prepared to locate a computer that meets the requirements of the course if needed. Chromebooks or laptops issued by high schools are generally not recommended, as they’re often restricted by the school’s IT department, which can cause problems accessing and using the tools you’ll need.
A phone, iPad or other devices or tablets may not work well with Canvas or meet the technology requirements of some classes.
If you are taking a Remote Synchronous (aka "livestreaming") class, you will also need a webcam to use with your class meetings.
Canvas apps are available for your convenience but may not have all the functions you will need, or may have issues on your device that we cannot support. This may include discrepancies in due dates, differences in the calendar, or other unavailable functions. Please use a standard laptop or desktop computer and use a compatible browser (see below) to complete your courses in Canvas.

High-Speed Internet

Almost any kind of high-speed Internet will work, as long as it is reliable.
Tethering your cell phone, wireless cards from a cell-phone provider (like Cricket or Verizon) or satellite internet (like Hughes) does not always have the speed or reliability needed for online classes. It is possible to access Canvas with these types of Internet services, but you may experience connection problems when uploading or downloading large files, loss of service during storms, etc. - so you should have an alternate way to connect to the Internet if this occurs.

A Compatible Internet Browser

Browsers are the programs you use to access the internet, like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Go to this page for more information about using browsers with Canvas, and the page will also check that your browser is up-to-date.
We recommend using the Chrome browser on a Windows or Mac computer. It is important to keep it up to date as well.
- Download Chrome
- Update your Chrome Browser
- Clear Chrome's cache and cookies (this is very important)
Making sure your browser is up to-date is essential for the functionality of Canvas. Canvas is a "cloud" based software that relies heavily on the browser's functionality. Clearing the cache and cookies is also necessary because browsers store information daily (such as images, links, and files), which sometimes causes items to display incorrectly. Clearing the cache and cookies usually helps, and the browser runs faster afterwards. We recommend to do this every 1-2 months.
Note also that sometimes browsers update automatically and settings change on your computer, which may impact your access to Canvas. Contact Digital Learning at dl@nwacc.edu if you need assistance.

Specific Software

Some classes require you to purchase special software just for that class, so check with the instructor or the NWACC Bookstore to see if this is true for your classes.
Microsoft Office is the standard software used by NWACC. NWACC offers FREE Microsoft Office to students which includes Office 365 and the Office programs as a download, and OneDrive storage. Generally speaking, you must have a Windows or Mac computer to use this software. Access to this service will remain active as long as you are a student at NWACC. To access:

- Visit https://www.office.com/ (Links to an external site.)
- Sign in with your NWACC email address and password.
- Click the Install Office button at right for the download, or you can use the Office 365 apps online.