laptop that reads DVC and a mobile phoneStudent Tech Help

Set up for success with our guides to college technologies, online learning tips, and one-on-one support! Click on any of the topics below to learn more.

Tech Guides

Tech loans

Need to borrow technology to complete your courses? Request a technology loan to borrow a calculator, headphones, Chromebook, webcam, or wi-fi hotspot.

Wi-Fi

Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi on campus. (If you need help, stop by one of our Student Centers for support from a peer mentor!)

InSite 

Use InSite to create your ed plan, register for classes, pay fees, check your grades, apply for graduation, and more! You can download the InSite app via Apple or Google Play for convenient access.

Office: email and Microsoft tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc)

All DVC students have free access to email and Microsoft tools like Word, PowerPoint, Excel and more!

  1. Log into InSite.
  2. Click the "Email" tile.
  3. Click the waffle (3x3 dots) in the upper left.
  4. Click "Office."
  5. Click "Install Office" to download the Microsoft Suite to your device for offline access.
  6. Or use Microsoft tools online. Click the icon of the tool you'd like to use (ex. Word, Powerpoint, etc) from the left navigation menu. Use this online version to save files to your OneDrive for cloud-based storage and sharing.  Learn more about OneDrive tools.
Canvas 

You'll find a virtual space for each class you enroll in on Canvas, DVC's Learning Management System (LMS).

  • Get your Canvas Expert Badge to learn how to navigate Canvas.
  • For 24-7 support, log into Canvas, click "Help" in the global navigation menu (far left), and click "Chat with Canvas Support (Student)." 
  • Find answers to frequently asked questions in DVC's Canvas Student Guides.
  • Download the Canvas Student app via Apple Google Play.  (Please note, while the app is convenient and can help you stay organized with notifications, some Canvas features only function on a laptop/desktop.)
Zoom/TechConnect Zoom

Zoom - called "TechConnect" within Canvas - is a video-conferencing tool used for online class meetings, virtual office hours, and campus tutoring. This tool allows for screen-sharing, live discussion, live chat and more. Learn how to use Zoom in our Zoom Guide for Students. Or find a "Zoom Zone" (space on campus to take your online classes) in one of our Student Centers.

Studio

With Studio, you can record your own videos, comment on instructor/peer videos, or take quizzes on videos you watch in Canvas. Learn more:

Hypothesis

Many instructors use Hypothesis for social, digital annotation of course readings within Canvas. Learn how to annotate with Hypothesis.

Ally

Click the downward facing arrow next to files in your Canvas courses to choose an alternative format such as tagged PDF, audio, electronic braille, BeeLine Reader and more. Explore the options at Ally: Alternative Formats or watch Ally in Canvas to learn more.

Immersive Reader

Do you find it easier to retain information when you hear it?  Clicking the Immersive Reader button on the top right of any Canvas page allows you to listen to the content and enable translation and/or grammar identification. Learn how to use Immersive Reader in Canvas.

Gradescope

Gradescope is an assessment tool some instructors use in Canvas.  See Using Gradescope in Canvas as a Student for tutorials or email help@gradescope.com for extra support.

Proctorio

Proctorio is an online exam proctoring tool some instructors use to help ensure academic integrity.  Instructors can enable Proctorio settings such as locking down a test-taker's internet browser, disabling copying and printing, and/or enabling web camera and audio recording.  In turn, students get the flexibility to take their exam in the place (and sometimes time frame) of their choice.

How do I take an exam with Proctorio?

  1. Use a desktop or laptop computer.  (Mobile and tablets are not currently supported.)  Your instructor may require a device with a web-cam and speakers if he/she plans to record video and audio during the exam period.
  2. Use Google Chrome. You can downloaded Chrome for free if not already on your computer.
  3. Install the Proctorio Chrome extension.
  4. Find a quiet place with solid internet access when it's time to begin your test.
  5. Before you begin your exam in Canvas, you will see which features have been enabled by your instructor.  (Learn more about which device settings Proctorio can control during an exam in the Proctorio Overview.)
  6. Proctorio will do a quick diagnostic check to make sure the extension is running properly and that all the requirements have been met.  For example, if you have multiple tabs open, you may be prompted to close those tabs before beginning your exam.  Follow the prompts until you are cleared to begin your test.
  7. Take your test as you would if you were in a classroom setting, by following your instructor's instructions.  For example, you typically wouldn't want to answer a phone call during an exam or leave the room during the testing period.  Proctorio may flag your exam results for your instructor if it senses "suspicious behavior", so that your instructor may review your exam session.

Need some help? Visit Proctorio: Support for Test Takers or click the shield icon in Chrome while you are taking an exam for immediate 24-7 chat support.

What if I have concerns about Proctorio?

While this tool can feel invasive to some students, Proctorio adheres to students' privacy rights in compliance with FERPA.  It is also COPPA, GDPR, and California Student Privacy Certified.

You can read more about Proctorio's privacy policy, including zero knowledge encryption technology to protect your information, or watch this short video to learn more:

If you aren't comfortable installing the Proctorio extension on your personal device, you can come to campus to take your exam in one of our computer labs.  Computer labs with Proctorio installed include those in HSF-292, PS-110, and ASC (Academic Support Center): L-148, L-149, and L-150.  You may also wish to reach out to your instructor to see if other alternatives exist.

Handshake

Handshake is a one-stop shop for all your career needs - find job and internship opportunities, attend career events, schedule appointments with DVC Career Services and more! Log into Handshake with your InSite username and password, or learn more at DVC Career Services.

Folio

All DVC student's have free access to Folio, a virtual resume building tool that allows you to create an e-portfolio connecting your skills and course work to employer-facing job boards.  Learn how to set up your Folio.

Online Learning Tips

Tip 1 → Check your email.

You have 2 important inboxes to check!

  • Campus email: Log into InSite and click "Email" to check your Outlook inbox. You'll find important messages from the college - and many instructors will message you here before the term begins.
  • Class email: Once the term has started, log into Canvas and click "Inbox" from the global navigation menu (far left). This is a dedicated account for your instructors and classmates each term.
Tip 2 → Check your technology.

Although some course content is mobile-friendly, you will need a laptop or desktop to complete much of your work in college. Your instructor will let you know if there are additional requirements, like a webcam for Zoom meetings.

  • Request a technology loan if you need to borrow a calculator, headphones, Chromebook, webcam, or wi-fi hotspot.
  • Check for browser updates. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all work well, but some Canvas tools require Chrome.
  • Review our Technology Basics for Students guide.
  • Tutorials for online learning tools (like Zoom) are available under "Tech Guides" on this page. 
Tip 3 → Complete your training badges.

Complete our Canvas Expert and Online Success Badges to prepare for using Canvas and taking courses online.

Tip 4 → Check Canvas the first day of the term.

Log into Canvas the first day of the term, when your course shells will be available. There will typically be assignments to complete in the first couple days and instructors may drop students who don't complete work.

If your online course has required online meetings, you will find access information in Canvas. (Typically these are hosted through Zoom.) For help understanding if and when your online course has required meeting days and times, see the Student Scheduling Guide.

Tip 5 → Communicate with your instructor.

You may be learning online, but you still have a dedicated DVC instructor in each of your classes that wants you to succeed. Reach out to your instructor with any questions! You can find contact information in the faculty directory, your course syllabus, and/or your class Canvas site. See How to Email Your Instructor for tips.

Many instructors also host "office hours" where you can drop in for virtual support! Check your course syllabus and/or Canvas site for dates, times, and links. Learn more about videoconferencing in our Zoom Guide for Students.

Tip 6 → Connect to student support.

Connect to specialized tutors, counselors, support services and more in our Student Centers and Canvas Support Hub.

 

One-on-one support is available!

checkmarkStill need help? Drop by one of our Student Centers to get help from a peer mentor!