• 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  

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?

Gradescope is a widely used tool for delivering assessments remotely and enables instructors to provide better and more timely feedback, resulting in improved learning outcomes.  To learn how to use this tool as a student, see the DVC Student Gradescope Guide.

Proctorio is an online exam proctoring tool that some instructors use to help ensure academic integrity when assessing student learning outcomes.  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. To use Proctorio, you'll need to 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.  If you need assistance getting a device, please fill out a Student Technology Loan Request form.
2. You'll also need to use Google Chrome. You can downloaded Chrome for free if not already on your computer.
3. You'll need to install the Proctorio Chrome extension.
4. Find a quiet place with solid internet access when it's time to begin your test.  
5. When you click to 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.
8. 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 it's 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 may be able to 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.

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.