Río Hondo College Canvas Guide: Navigating Your Online Learning Experience

Río Hondo College utilizes Canvas as its primary Learning Management System (LMS) for online and hybrid courses. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate Canvas effectively, ensuring a smooth and successful online learning experience.

Introduction to Canvas

Canvas is a robust platform designed to support online learning and teaching. It provides a centralized location for professors to share essential course materials, post grades, and manage assignments. This guide addresses common questions and concerns, offering solutions for navigation, assignments, technical troubleshooting, and more.

Accessing Canvas

Login Credentials

To access Canvas, you will need your AccessRío username and password. Your AccessRío username follows the format: firstname.lastname followed by the last four digits of your student ID.

Login Methods

Río Hondo College Web Portal: The primary method is to log in through the Río Hondo College Web Portal. From there, you can easily access the Canvas login page.
Direct Access: You can also directly access the Canvas login page by entering the address in your browser.

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Course Access

Instructors control student access to Canvas courses. Typically, you will not be able to access your courses until the first official day of the class. Be sure to note the start date of your courses upon registering.

Browser Compatibility and Technical Requirements

Supported Browsers

Canvas is compatible with major web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Ensure you are using the most current version of your preferred browser for optimal performance.

Operating Systems

Canvas is supported under Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX operating systems.

Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is required to access and use Canvas effectively.

Mobile Access

Canvas is built on open web standards and uses minimal Flash, making most features accessible on mobile devices. However, Canvas is not officially supported on mobile browsers. For the best mobile experience, download the Canvas Student app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Safari Browser Issue

Safari versions 13.1 and later may experience issues with downloading files and displaying images in Canvas due to an update related to cross-site tracking prevention. To avoid these errors, disable cross-site tracking prevention in Safari while using Canvas. Canvas engineers are actively working on a permanent solution.

Pop-up Blockers

If you are unable to view external links while using Canvas, you may need to disable pop-up blockers. Pop-up blockers can interfere with Canvas functionality by preventing necessary windows from opening.

Navigating the Canvas Interface

Dashboard

The Canvas Dashboard provides an overview of your active courses. It displays up to 20 course cards. If you are enrolled in more than 20 courses, not all may be visible on the Dashboard. To access all courses, use the "Courses" link in the global navigation menu.

Course Navigation

Within each Canvas course, you will find a left-hand menu that provides access to various course components, including:

Announcements: Important updates and information from your instructor.
Assignments: A list of all assignments and their due dates.
Discussions: Forums for engaging with classmates and instructors.
Grades: Your grades for completed assignments and assessments.
Modules: Organized content, including readings, videos, and other learning materials.
Quizzes: Online assessments and exams.

Key Features and Functionality

Assignments

All online courses require adherence to due dates for assignments.

Grades

Instructors use the "Grades" page to post your grades in Canvas. This page is accessible via the left-hand menu in your Canvas course. The "Grades" page displays your scores on graded work.

Important Note: Canvas is not the official repository for student grades. The official college site for student grades is Banner, managed by the Office of the Registrar.

Turnitin SimCheck

Your instructor may use the Turnitin SimCheck anti-plagiarism tool to check assignments submitted online in Canvas. This tool helps ensure academic integrity.

Textbook Access Codes

Your instructor may select a textbook publisher that requires an access code. To access content from the textbook publisher, purchase the assigned textbook and register your access code. Access codes are typically bundled with new textbooks. If you purchase a used textbook, you may need to purchase the access code separately. Contact your instructor if you have problems with your access code.

Proctorio

Proctorio is an automated test proctoring software that may be used during online exams in Canvas. However, not every course requires Proctorio; always check with your instructor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

File Upload Issues

If you are experiencing issues uploading files to Canvas, ensure your file is in a supported format and within the size limit. Check your internet connection and try clearing your browser cache.

Video Display Problems

If videos are not displaying correctly (e.g., no play/pause button), check your browser for security alerts related to Adobe Flash. Most current browsers are security-conscious and may block Flash files. Look for a small shield icon or a text alert in the browser window.

Course Not Started Yet

If you cannot access a course, it may not have started yet. Course access is typically granted on the first day of class.

Browser Cache

To ensure you are viewing the most recent version of Canvas pages, clear your browser cache regularly. Cached pages can sometimes display outdated information.

Forgotten Password

If you have changed your password but forgotten it, follow the password recovery process outlined on the AccessRío login page.

Additional Support Resources

Office of Distance Education

The Office of Distance Education at Río Hondo College provides support services for online students. Visit their website for additional resources and information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Canvas FAQ page offers quick answers to common questions about Canvas.

24/7 Chat Support

Río Hondo College offers 24/7 chat support for all students. Use the provided link for after-hours support for Canvas issues (e.g., a quiz will not load or Canvas is giving you an error message).

Business Lab

The Business Lab, located in LR 118, may offer additional support for Canvas-related issues.

Printing from Canvas

Because Canvas is web-based, printing is handled through your internet browser. Use your browser's printing function to print content from Canvas.

Dropping a Course

Once you have officially dropped an online/hybrid course, you will be removed from your Canvas course.

Reporting Technical Issues

When reporting a technical issue, provide a full and detailed description of the problem, including the steps to reproduce it. This information will help the support team resolve the issue more efficiently.

Security Software

For protection against viruses and spyware, consider using reputable internet security programs.

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