Navigating Rowan University's Canvas: A Comprehensive Guide

Rowan University utilizes Canvas as its primary Learning Management System (LMS). This article provides a structured guide to help students navigate Canvas effectively, incorporating essential information and resources for a successful academic experience.

Understanding Proctorio

Proctorio is an online examination integrity software employed by Rowan University. It functions as an automated proctoring system, recording data about a student's testing environment during exams. Unlike downloaded software, Proctorio operates as a web browser extension. Once installed, the extension remains active in the browser. It is crucial to carefully review the Examination Integrity Policy, typically found in the course syllabus under the Grading section, for detailed information regarding Proctorio's use and requirements.

For technical support related to Proctorio setup or any encountered issues, students are advised to contact Proctorio Support directly via their live chat feature. This can be accessed by clicking the extension icon in the upper right-hand corner of the browser before, during, or after the exam.

Note: Rowan Online does not necessitate logging into a Rowan Google account to install the Proctorio extension. However, accessing documents, spreadsheets, and other Google services still requires logging into the Rowan Google account.

Browser Compatibility

Proctorio is optimized for use with Google Chrome. While it is also compatible with Microsoft Edge, Chrome is the recommended browser for optimal performance.

Read also: Rowan's Tuition Guide

Installing and Removing the Proctorio Extension

Google Chrome:

If Chrome is not already installed, install it first.
Click the provided link to access the Proctorio Chrome Extension in the Chrome Web Store.
Click the "Add to Chrome" button.
To remove the extension, click the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser page, navigate to "Manage Extensions," and remove the Proctorio extension.

Microsoft Edge:

If Edge is not already installed, install it first.
Click the Extensions button three horizontal dots in the upper right corner of the webpage.
Click Extensions in the drop-down and remove the Proctorio extension.

Proctorio Onboarding Practice Quiz

After installing the Proctorio extension, students should log into Canvas and navigate to a course utilizing the software. Within the Modules page, locate the "Automatic Proctoring" module and find the "Proctorio Onboarding Practice Quiz (Remotely Proctored)." Completing this practice quiz familiarizes students with the Proctorio environment and ensures proper setup. It is strongly recommended that this module be a required assignment, evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Upon completion, students receive a summary of their responses, downloadable as a PDF, which can be submitted as proof of completion.

Evaluating Online Sources: Tutorials for Research

Rowan University provides resources to help students effectively evaluate online sources for research papers. These tutorials emphasize critical thinking and source validation techniques.

Evaluating Online Sources Through Lateral Reading (Tutorial 1)

This initial tutorial introduces students to "lateral reading" strategies developed by Mike Caulfield and the Stanford History Education Group, as outlined in the "Evaluating Online Sources" guide.

What students will learn: Students will learn to evaluate online sources using “lateral reading” strategies.
How students will learn it: Students will learn it through the tutorial.
In which courses this would be most helpful: This would be most helpful in courses in which students are required to write a research paper using sources accessed through the library.
Implementation instructions: It is strongly recommended that the module be a required assignment, though pass/fail evaluation should be sufficient.

Building on Lateral Reading Skills (Tutorial 2)

This tutorial builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in "Evaluating Online Sources Through Lateral Reading" (Tutorial 1), focusing on lateral reading, SIFT (Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context), the "4 moves," and click restraint.

What students will learn: Students will build upon the introductory concepts of lateral reading, SIFT, 4 moves, and click restraint that were presented in the prerequisite tutorial "Evaluating Online Sources Through Lateral Reading" (Tutorial 1).
How students will learn it: Students will learn it through the tutorial.
In which courses this would be most helpful: Courses in which students are required to critically evaluate online sources.

Annotated Bibliographies

This module guides students through the process of creating annotated bibliographies. To complete the module, students need to have been assigned an annotated bibliography and have already found at least 2 sources.

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Implementation instructions: It is strongly recommended that the module be a required assignment, though pass/fail evaluation should be sufficient.
What students will learn: Students will learn how to create annotated bibliographies.
How students will learn it: Students will learn it through the tutorial.

APA Style Tutorial

Rowan University provides a tutorial on APA style to support students in writing academic papers.

Implementation instructions: Provide students with this link: go.rowan.edu/engtutorial and ask them to do the tutorial for homework.
In which courses this would be most helpful: Courses in which students need to write academic papers in APA style.
How students will learn it: This module will use written explanations accompanied by screen captures, followed by basic questions that ask them to find resources using the techniques shown.

Accessing Rowan University Resources

Rowan NetID

Your Rowan NetID serves as your key to accessing various online Rowan University services, including Canvas.

Printing Services

Rowan University offers printing services at various locations across its campuses. Students can print directly from on-campus computer labs or from their personal devices by uploading documents to mobileprint.rowan.edu. The campus map indicates printing locations, with red backgrounds denoting color printing and black backgrounds indicating black-and-white printing only.

Technology Support

Rowan University provides comprehensive technology support to its students. The Knowledge Base offers answers to frequently asked technology questions at any time of day.

Videoconferencing Tools

Rowan University supports Webex, Teams, and Zoom for videoconferencing purposes, facilitating online collaboration and communication.

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Network Access

Please note that personal devices are not permitted on the RowanSecure network, as it is reserved for Rowan-managed devices to ensure access to internal network resources.

Additional Resources for CMSRU Students

CMSRU (Cooper Medical School of Rowan University) students have access to specialized resources, including collaboration with IRT (Information Resources & Technology) staff for video production, editing, and poster printing.

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