It is best to have a desktop/laptop computer that is less than three years old.
This is a list of basic computer system requirements to use Canvas New Tab. Canvas will still run with the minimum specifications, but you may experience slower loading times if the computer is older or not up-to-date.

If you do not have a computer, you can borrow a computer on a daily basis at the Information Technology Services office on the 5th floor (room 501).

It is important that you have stable access to the Internet in order to take an online course. If you do not have Internet access, you can access wireless internet on campus.

Optimally, Canvas runs on desktop computers or laptops.
Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of the browser on your computer, as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in.
Check to see if your web browser is up to date New Tab

The Canvas interface is designed to be used from web browsers. If you're going to access Canvas from a mobile device, we recommend that you use the browser on your phone (and not the Canvas App) for the best performance, functionality, and user experience.

For some courses, you may be required to have one or more plug-in application programs on your computer or laptop such as:

• Adobe Reader

• Windows Media Player

• QuickTime

• Java

• Shockwave/Flash Player

Often, plug-in software is already present on your computer. Your instructor should provide the minimum requirements for your class.

Note that Temple University Students have free access to the following: Zoom; Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc.); Google Workspace (Google Drive, Google Sites, Google Groups. etc. - NOT Gmail); Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, etc.).

You can access these tools and view the full list for each in the TUPortal New Tab (on the left side menu).

For some courses, such as those using Zoom, you may be required to have access to computer peripherals such as:

• Webcam

• Microphone

Your instructor will let you know what is needed for your class.

• Introduction to Online Learning New Tab
• Getting Tech Ready New Tab
• Organizing for Online Success New Tab
• Online Study Skills and Managing Time New Tab
• Communication Skills for Online Learning New Tab
• Online Reading Strategies New Tab

Participating in activities in your online classes, such as posting online discussion boards or participating in live Zoom sessions, are important learning activities required in almost all online courses. These forums offer everyone a chance to contribute their thoughts about the content being studied as well as to reflect on the ideas of others in the class.

Engaging in a healthy discussion while employing Netiquette New Tab builds community, allows students time to consider ideas and incorporate research into their response, and develops critical thinking and writing skills necessary for success in college and beyond.

Common Rules of Netiquette

1. Be scholarly. Students should use proper language, grammar, and spelling. They should be explanatory, justify their opinions, and credit the ideas of others by citing or linking to scholarly resources. Students should avoid misinforming others when they may not know the answer to something. When students are discussing something they are unsure about or supplying a guess, they should clearly state that.
2. Be respectful. The privacy of others must be respected; students should avoid sharing personal information about classmates. Students should respect diversity and opinions that differ from their own. Communication should be tactful, with disagreements based on scholarly ideas or research evidence.
3. Be professional. Everyone should strive to look their best online. Truthfulness, accuracy, and running a final spell check are appropriate expectations for university students. Writing in a legible font and limiting the use of emoticons is considered professional behavior. Profanity and participation in hostile interactions, known as flaming, is unprofessional as well as disruptive.
4. Be polite. Students should be addressing instructors by the appropriate title or requested name. Students should also address each other by name and be mindful of their written tone. Students should interact online politely, just as they would be expected to do in a physical classroom environment. Sarcasm rudeness, and writing in all capital letters (shouting) should be avoided.

Discussion Board Netiquette

Common discussion board rules, in addition to the use of proper spelling and grammar, are:

1. Read all other comments before posting. Students should contribute by adding to the discussion, not by repeating in their own words what others have already posted. In addition, other students may have posted questions about the course or an assignment that have already been answered within the discussion board.
2. Be clear and stay on topic. Be clear about what you are saying so that it is not misunderstood. Read your words aloud before posting to test the clarity of your message.
3. Be mindful of your tone. The tone of messages in an academic environment should be polite and display respect for others. The use of sarcasm, profanity, and ALL CAPS (shouting) should be avoided.
4. Be credible. Do not mislead other students by providing information that might not be accurate. If your response is a guess, state that clearly. Be sure to give credit where it is due by citing sources, providing links, or crediting the ideas of other classmates.
5. Respect diversity. Online courses bring students together from all over the world. Recognize that others may have different cultural backgrounds and skill levels with writing in the English language. Treat others with respect, regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. Additionally, be respectful when opinions differ from your own; disagree in a polite manner.