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Amridge University will be changing our Learning Management System (LMS) to Canvas – Starting Summer 2017!

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Amridge University will be changing our Learning Management System (LMS) to Canvas – Starting Summer 2017!

Canvas Implementation - Dr. Kenyetta McCurty

Amridge University is excited to announce that we will begin using Canvas starting Summer 2017. This decision was made to enhance the online learning environment for our students.

Canvas Implementation - Canvas Logo

We believe Canvas is a great learning tool for doing just that! Making a change like this can be a challenge, and we want to assure you that we will help you learn the new layout and tools needed to be ready to use Canvas. Students will need to be proactive, as well, to understand the basics of the system before they begin their first classes this year. And the information you need to get started is all here!   

If you plan to enroll for Summer, look for more details to come!

CANVAS TIPS FOR STUDENTS

DASHBOARD

The Dashboard is the first area you will see when you log into Canvas. The Dashboard contains the courses in which you are enrolled. It also helps you see what is happening in all your classes and allows you to figure out what to do next. From time to time you may also see global announcements from the University posted inside your Dashboard. More Information.

YOUR SYLLABUS IS YOUR “HOME” PAGE

When you select your course from the dashboard, you will be taken to your “Syllabus” page which is your designated “Home” page. The syllabus helps your instructor communicate course expectations and information you will need for completing your assignments. Enclosed within the page will be a “Welcome to Class” section that includes your instructor’s contact information, your course description, a link to a pdf copy of your syllabus along with section II of your course syllabus that contains academic policies you will need to read and review. Beneath the syllabus section, you will see a Course Summary page that matches your syllabus. This summary is populated from the Modules tab, which is where you will complete all your assignments. More information.

INBOX

The Inbox is the communication area you will use to connect with your instructor. If you have any questions or if you need to see any recent announcements and notifications from you instructor.

MODULES

Your instructor will use the Modules tab to list all of your assignments. Within the weekly sections of the Modules page, you will find all the assignments you need to complete the course.

DO NOT USE INTERNET EXPLORER

Use Chrome, Firefox, & Safari for Canvas! In Internet Explorer and Edge, you may not be able to see the “submit” button when you are trying to submit an Assignment. If you’re not able to see the submit button or upload an assignment through the submit button, that will be an Internet Explorer issue. Have at least two browsers installed on your computer. Always keep browsers, Adobe Flash, and Java updated.

SET YOUR PREFERENCES

Do you want a text notification when your Instructor grades your assignment? Do you want an email sent to your Gmail account when a due date changes? Do you want these notifications ASAP or only once a day? Canvas allows you to set things up exactly the way you want them so take advantage of it! Click on Account (your photo) then select Notifications. More information about setting your preferences.

GO MOBILE

Canvas has a FREE app for Android and iPhone that works extremely well for mobile devices. The Canvas app will look much better than the internet browser on your phone or iPad. More information on using Canvas on your mobile device.

NOTE: Do not take quizzes by using the mobile app. Not all exam settings or question types are compatible with the mobile app yet.

TYPING A SIGNIFICANT RESPONSE TO A DISCUSSION, ASSIGNMENT, QUIZ, OR TEXT BOX

Always make sure to copy what you’ve typed and pasted it into a word document (or notepad) before clicking the submit button. Why do this? There’s always a chance that you could lose what you’ve typed. By saving it before you submit it you’ve got a back-up of all your hard work.

If using Word or if the formatting of the text looks wrong, you can use the clear format tool in the text box editor.

ERROR MESSAGE OR PROBLEM WITH CANVAS

Take a screenshot of any errors you receive inside Canvas. Email this picture to your Instructor, Canvas Support or an Amridge technician when you report the problem. Having the picture of exactly what you are seeing or the exact error message can help when trying to troubleshoot an issue.

WHERE TO GET HELP

You have several options for getting help getting comfortable with using Canvas.

First, try the MyAmridge icon in the lower left of your Canvas window. Here you can search for topics, submit a trouble ticket, or ask questions via live chat support.

You’ll find up-to-date student guides for all the main features in Canvas here. If you prefer videos, check out these student video guides here.