Canvas allows students access to their online courses and some components of hybrid and traditional courses as well. Much like a traditional classroom, Canvas offers features that allow students to learn course material through lectures and class discussion, to take exams through timed assessments or submitted assignments, and to interact with their teacher and other students through email and class discussion.

Logging in to Canvas: How do I Access an Online Class?

You can login to the My Calhoun Experience portal to gain access to Canvas as well as Banner Self Service and Calhoun Email. In Canvas, you will see a list of the courses you have access to for the term. Click on the one that you wish to access.

Navigating Canvas: How do I Move Around in an Online Class?

Becoming familiar with your Canvas course and learning how your instructor has organized it is important. Your instructor will include the necessary information for you to get familiar with the course on the Course Home page. Make sure to check that out right away. If you have any questions about the course set-up and the course policies, you can contact your instructor.

Once you gain access to Canvas as a student, you will be able to complete the Canvas Student Orientation to help you navigate your online courses. The orientation has activities for you to complete. Once you complete the orientation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion that may be required for future courses.

Canvas Features: What Instructional Tools Does an Online Class Use?

Some of the features that your instructor might use in a Canvas course include:

• Announcements: Your instructor alerts students to new and important course information. Announcements should be checked frequently.
• Syllabus: The Course Information page contains the syllabus, instructor contact information, course overview and much more. The syllabus is an important document and should be carefully reviewed at the start of the course. It lists course policies and important course schedule information.
• Modules: This is where your instructor will offer easy access to important course material. Although, courses may vary on how the material is organized, you will find information to various assignments, assessments (quizzes and test) and directions on how to submit your course work electronically.
• Discussions: Many instructors use discussions to help enhance learning of course material. You can access the discussion questions and post your responses to them in this area of the course.
• Gradebook: Your instructor will post your grades for you to view and monitor for the term.
• Inbox: Canvas allows students and instructor to email within the course itself. The emails will go straight to the selected Calhoun email address in Office365/Outlook.

Other Questions: Who Else Can Help?

Course Questions: Contact Your Instructor

Canvas Questions:

Distance Learning Services
Location: Decatur Campus, Noble Russell #116
Email: dlservices@593c18ac56.nxcli.net
Phone: 256-306-2998