BE PREPARED

Always keep a backup copy of everything you submit online in case of technology problems. It is recommended to type longer discussion postings, replies or essay questions into a document first, save it, and then paste it into the Canvas text box.

A DEPENDABLE COMPUTER

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 a campus computer lab, 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!

Recommended: A computer running Microsoft Windows.

Either a Mac or PC* will work. It does not have to be new, but it must be reliable. This includes having EASY ACCESS -- preferably your own personal computer. For online classes, it must be very convenient for you to get to this computer, since you will have to be online and in the class at least 3 - 4 times per week. Important: You should not use a cell phone to take online or hybrid classes. The Canvas apps do not have all the functions you will need. You must have a laptop or desktop computer to complete the class successfully.

*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. Note that some courses use a special lockdown browser for online testing that is not compatible with Chromebooks.

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] do 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.

We recommend using the Chrome browser no matter which device you are on. 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 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, which may impact your access to Canvas. This is not a Canvas issue.

Contact Distance Learning at dl@nwacc.edu if you need assistance.

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, Office 2016 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.

Visit portal.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.