Canvas - What should I do to prepare for the start of my course? (Students)

Finding Courses in Canvas

• All of your courses will be listed on your Dashboard, or in your Courses list. You should adjust favorites so the desired courses are on your Dashboard.
• Help! I'm missing a course!
• Student guide to using Collaborate Ultra
• Student training and support for Canvas including "Canvas Made Easy" starter guide

Prepare Your Computer

• Make sure your computer’s software is up-to-date.
  (Update Windows 10, Update Mac OS)
• Use the latest version of Chrome or Firefox.
  (Download Chrome, Download Firefox)
• Conduct an internet connection speed test. If your internet connection is slow (< 5Mbps) or fluctuates, consider contacting your ISP for assistance. 
• Is something not working on the web?
  • First: check your site’s permission
    Chrome: Change settings for a specific site
    Firefox: Change settings for a specific site
  • Second: “hard reload” the webpage and try again.
• Consider installing apps on your computer if the web app isn't working
  • Office apps for your computer are free for students!
  • Install OneDrive
  • Install Microsoft Teams
  • Canvas and Collaborate Ultra are designed to work on the web exclusively.
• Is your course using Proctorio? Set-up and install Proctorio for Chrome.

Setting Up Your Webcam and Mic

Always test your webcam video and mic audio when using Collaborate Ultra or Teams.

• Set-up video and audio for Collaborate Ultra
• Set-up video and audio for Microsoft Teams - see "Make a Test Call"

Prepare Your Mobile Device

If you are using mobile devices to access your course, use apps to access university services as a best practice.

• Canvas Student apps
  • Canvas Student from Google Play
  • Canvas Student from the Apple App Store
• Microsoft Office apps
  • Microsoft Office from Google Play
  • Microsoft Office from the Apple App Store
• Microsoft Outlook apps
  • Microsoft Outlook from Google Play
  • Microsoft Outlook from the Apple App Store
• Current browsers:
  • For Canvas, use an app unless KB/documentation call for a browser.
  • Chrome from Google Play
  • If Safari doesn’t work for iOS, try Chrome from the Apple App Store

Check with your instructor to determine if other mobile apps are needed or suggested.

Where to go for assistance

• Canvas support for students
  Contact Canvas Tier I Support
• Outlook, Office 365, Microsoft Teams, passwords and other IT issues
  Contact the UWM Help Desk
• Pearson, McGraw-Hill, Cengage, Macmillan, W.W. Norton and other third-party tools
  Contact customer support for these tools.