• Many instructors send emails the week before class begins.  Check your DVC email and/or Canvas Inbox.  (Learn how to set up Insite email forwarding and Canvas notification preferences.)

• Although some courses have mobile-friendly content and the Canvas app is useful, you will likely want to work on a laptop or desktop for many of your online learning experiences.
• Make sure your web browser is up-to-date.  Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all work well with Canvas, (though some Canvas tools like Proctorio will require Chrome and Chrome extensions).
• You may wish to brush up on your basic tech skills with our Technology Basics for Students printable guide.

• Learn about our Canvas Expert and Online Success Badges to help you prepare for using Canvas and taking courses online.

• Log into Canvas the first day of the semester.  There may be assignments for you to complete early in the week, and some instructors may drop students who don't complete work as "no shows."  
• If your online course has required synchronous meetings, you will find information about accessing those meetings 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.

• 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 instructors when questions pop up and take advantage of virtual office hours.
• Learn about online counseling and student support services.
• Take advantage of online tutoring!
• Connect with peers virtually.  Learn more at DVC Sync.

Our online classes take place through Canvas. 

• Learn how to navigate Canvas by getting your Canvas Launch Badge.
• Find help in the Canvas Student Guides and FAQ.
• Download the Canvas Student via apple or google play for convenient access to Canvas.  (Please note, while the app is convenient and students can manage much of their coursework from a mobile device, some Canvas features only function on a laptop or desktop computer.) 

• Download the InSite app via apple or google play for convenient access to DVC course scheduling, email, and more.

• Access your free version of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and more through InSite.  

• All DVC students have free access to tutoring. From the course navigation menu of your Canvas classes, click DVC Tutoring to access campus tutors during typical business hours, or NetTutor to connect to additional tutors with extended hours.  Learn more about DVC Tutoring or NetTutor.

Zoom - or "ConferZoom" within Canvas - is a video-conferencing tool that instructors may use for hosting remote lectures, small group sessions, or for online office hours.  This tool allows for screen-sharing, live discussion, live chat and more.  Get familiar with Zoom:

• Zoom Guide for Students  

•  Use Cranium Cafe to book online counseling appointments.

• Ally is now integrated into Canvas to improve your learning experience.  By clicking the downward facing arrow next to files in your Canvas courses, you can choose an alternative format that best fits your learning needs. Formats include tagged PDFs, audio, electronic braille, BeeLine Reader, and more.  Explore the benefits of these options at Ally: Alternative Formats or watch Ally in Canvas to learn more.

• Do you find it easier to retain information when you hear it?  Microsoft Immersive Reader is now available on pages in Canvas.  Clicking the Immersive Reader button on the top right of any page allows you to listen to the content and enable additional features like translation or grammar identification.  To learn more, check out the Canvas Student Guide: How do I use the Microsoft Immersive Reader when viewing a page as a student?

• Proctorio gives students flexibility with online, secure exam proctoring within Canvas.  Note: this tool currently works with Google Chrome.  You can downloaded Chrome for free if not already on your computer.

• Many instructors use Hypothesis for social, digital annotation of readings within Canvas.  Learn how to annotate with Hypothesis if your instructor uses this tool.

 Studio is a video platform within Canvas.  Learn more:

• How do I submit Canvas Studio media as a Text Entry assignment as a student? 
• How do I submit Canvas Studio media as a File Upload assignment as a student?
• How do I add comments or replies to Canvas Studio media in a course?
• How do I take a Canvas Studio video quiz in a course as a student?

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.

•  Learn how to record your name and designate pronouns within Canvas.