Start the Semester Prepped for Success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Taking care of a few initial tasks will help alleviate future headaches with apps and hardware.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n TOP TIP<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a registered Miami University student, you can access Google Suite apps through your Miami UniqueID and MUnet Password.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n All your courses are hosted in Canvas, Miami University’s official learning management system. Canvas is a web-based product of Instructure. Before you get started, make sure you meet the technical recommendations for using Canvas and get to know some of its most commonly used features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canvas Guides<\/a> are an excellent resource for learning about how Canvas features work. Access student support Canvas guides in text and video formats \u2014 use what works best for you. These guides show you step-by-step how to use the features of Canvas in a course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your instructor will post announcements as a welcome, reminder, or update on course activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modules are organizational tools instructors use, similar to file folders where all the necessary materials for the class are gathered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The instructor will set up discussions, assignments, and quizzes, which can be found in the To Do list, in Modules, and in the Assignments course navigation link. Review the information below for submissions for each type of assignment. Discussions, assignments, and quizzes are all identified in Canvas as assignments \u2014 the Gradebook includes all of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rich content editor (RCE) allows you to style and draft text replies, embed media content, and add images to discussions, feedback, and assignments with text submission. The RCE will also let you style text, selecting different typefaces and colors, creating tables, and adding sources via hyperlinks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The instructor sets up the submission type for each assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your instructor may set an assignment that requires you to submit work by uploading a document, typing in a text box, recording a video, or a combination of these. Refer to this Canvas Guide, How do I submit an online assignment?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find discussion forums throughout this course, allowing you to respond to questions and ask your own. Typically, the instructor will post a prompt and require you to respond to the prompt and your classmates. Please make sure to review the instructions and in particular, the due dates included for each discussion you are assigned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will frequently take quizzes in Canvas as the course progresses \u2014 to check your knowledge of the topics covered. Quizzes may contain multiple-choice, multiple-answer, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and essay questions. Please read each question carefully. Most question types are automatically graded, with essay questions being the exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essay questions will require you to use the RCE to submit your answer. Your instructor will manually score essay questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Grades section, you can review scores on work you’ve completed in this course. You can see your grades as your progress in the course and you can use Canvas\u2019 What If? Grades<\/a> to calculate how future scores will impact your overall grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Yes! You can access Canvas using an Android phone, Android tablet, iOS phone, or iOS tablet. You can find more information on how to use Canvas on your mobile device in the Canvas Mobile Guides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about device compatibility<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Top Tip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All submissions for assignments and quizzes should only be completed on a computer with a stable internet connection. Using a tablet or the Canvas Student app may result in unexpected results such as submissions failing to go through, a quiz answer not being recorded, or even the quiz not being submitted.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n In your Canvas profile, you can upload a profile picture, add a bio, and link to your social media profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about Canvas profiles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can customize which notifications you receive from Canvas, how you get them, and how often they’re sent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about notifications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have trouble using Canvas or want more information on performing basic tasks, please follow these links for assistance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Howe Writing Center (HWC) is for all students who want support with their writing projects. Consultants are undergraduate and graduate Miami students carefully trained in writing theory and writing center practices. Consultations last 45 minutes and are scheduled on the hour. They offer virtual and in-person options. You’ll need to register for an account \u2014 this only takes a minute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit the HWC website<\/a> to easily schedule appointments and learn more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Undergraduate students may use this free resource offered through the regional campuses. The TLC provides virtual and in-person tutoring and support for various subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit the TLC website<\/a> to schedule a session or learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy your textbooks at Miami\u2019s online bookstore \u2014 eCampus, also known as Brick and Ivy<\/a>. They guarantee the right professor-selected course materials at the right price and time. Before purchasing, you may also want to check campus libraries. You may be able to borrow books and materials for no cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All students can access King Library<\/a>. Undergraduate online students can also utilize the regional libraries<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about purchasing or renting a laptop computer<\/a> with Miami\u2019s streamlined program.<\/p>\n<\/div> We spoke with Tom Mays, Ph.D., Miami University Chair and Associate Professor of Commerce, for tips on how to work well in Canvas and how to succeed as an online student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Implementing these technology strategies will help your online student journey. However, if you still have questions, don\u2019t panic. Contact the IT HelpDesk by chat or phone for additional support. You can also search the Knowledge Base for solutions to common issues through the IT Help Portal. Direct Canvas-specific questions to Miami Online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chat with IT<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Call the HelpDesk – 513-529-7900<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2025\/02\/media-top-tip-bckgrnd.jpg\")
About Canvas and Canvas Tips and Tricks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Canvas Guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Announcements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Modules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Assignments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rich Content Editor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Submitting Coursework<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Assignments<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Discussions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Quizzes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"http:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2025\/02\/miami-online-student.jpg\")
<\/figure>Grades<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canvas FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I access Canvas from a phone or tablet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"computer,](\"http:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2025\/02\/media-top-tip-bckgrnd.jpg\")
How do I customize my Canvas profile?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do I set which notifications I receive from Canvas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canvas Resources and Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Student Learning Resources <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Howe Writing Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Regionals Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do I get Textbooks, Course Materials, and Computers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Campus bookstore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Student Laptop Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"http:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2025\/02\/student-laptop-man-400.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nTop Tips for Success in Online Classes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What if I Still Have Technology Questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For General Technology Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n