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 the conversations feature (click Inbox on the global navigation) 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

Attitude

You will find that having 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

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 (Chrome is recommended)
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

Other Key Skills for Succeeding in an Online Class

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 - you are accountable for completing the class assignments within your individual schedule. Identify when you will complete your work and schedule that time on your calendar just like any other commitment you have.

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. 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.
**Note: While you can complete many parts of an online course using a connected mobile device, there are some components and activities that may require a computer.
If you plan to connect to the Internet from home, you will need Internet access via either a wired network or stable wifi connection.
A webcam and/or USB microphone. Most newer computers will have a webcam built in, but an external USB microphone is highly recommended for clearer audio content. Alternatively, headphones with inline microphones (like iPhone headphones) can also be used to meet this requirement.

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

Supported Browsers

You can view an updated list of supported browsers on Canvas's website.

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, use the Help link on the global navigation.
For assistance with course materials contact your instructor (see the instructor contact block on your main course page).