Tech Check

Get to know your computer.

One key to success in online learning is developing a basic understanding of the most important tools you’ll need for this course: a computer and the Internet.

Being able to answer basic questions about your computer and software will help you experience course success, especially if you need to troubleshoot a problem. Be able to answer the questions below:

What kind of device are you using? Example: IBM (also called PC, Windows), Mac, Chromebook, Android tablet, iPad, smartphone...something else?
What is the device's operating system? Example: Windows 8, 7, Vista, Lion, Google Chrome, iOS, Android...other?
What Internet browser are you using? Example: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer...or something else?

Make sure Internet browsers are up-to-date.

To get the most out of your online experience, you'll need to make sure your Internet browser is updated. Use the Is My Browser Up To Date site for a quick way to know whether or not your browser is up-to-date.

Create your course profile.

This course utilizes an online learning management system called Canvas. In the upper right corner of the page near your name, click Settings to begin building your Canvas profile. For more information, use the Canvas Student Guide.

Need more tech knowledge?

Consider taking Micro-computing (MIC) classes at SCC. MIC 101 is an intro class that covers basics of using the internet, and the Microsoft suite of Word, Power Point, Excel and Access.

Review these videos to help you learn more about digital literacy skills.

Which web browser is the best?

Why use Google Docs?

Technical Skills

No advanced technical skills are required for this course; however, you should be familiar with operating your computer and know how to check your web browser for updates. To review how to check your computer for updates, visit the How To Get Started page.

If you would like to brush up on essential digital literacy skills needed for online learning, then try The Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium's self-paced Basic Online Skills course to assist you in building a foundation in computer, e-mail, word processing, and web skills.

Navigating the Course

There are several ways to navigate the course. Selecting pages, such as Home, Modules, Assignments, Grades, etc., on the left-side of the screen will link you to the corresponding area of the course.

You may also choose to move through the course by selecting the Next and Previous buttons near the bottom of the page.

The dashboard in the upper right of the screen allows you to access your profile preferences, the course messaging system, seek technical assistance, and logout of the course.

Modules

This course is divided into Modules, or units of study. Each Module includes learning outcomes, content, and activities in the course. Access the course module listing by selecting Modules in the left-side navigation. Since this is not an actual course, it does not matter which module you access first. Visit the pages that interest you first. If you don't know where to start, Advising is a good place.

Hyperlinks

You've probably noticed that hyperlinks are blue in color. Hyperlinks assist you in learning more information by directing you to an important page within or outside of the course.

If a hyperlink does not seem to work, alert us as soon as possible by copying and pasting the URL of the page with the broken link in a message.

This page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License and contains content from a variety of sources published under a variety of open licenses, including:

The video of Computer Software in Plain English was created by CommonCraft.com. This video is copyrighted and is not licensed under an open license. Embedded as permitted by YouTube's Terms of Use.
The video of Which Web Browser is the Best? was created by Jon Paula for John's World. This video is copyrighted and is not licensed under an open license. Embedded as permitted by YouTube's Terms of Use.
The video of Google Docs in Plain English was created by Google. This video is copyrighted and is not licensed under an open license. Embedded as permitted by YouTube's Terms of Use.
Original content contributed by Lumen Learning

If you believe that a portion of this Open Course Framework infringes another's copyright, contact us.