FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
If the answers to your questions are not found here, contact the Online Learning Center:
Phone: 253-680-7233
E-mail: olc@batestech.edu
Additionally, you may find assistance by checking out the Canvas Guides, our YouTube page, or even Googling your issue, such as “How do I upload a video for an assignment in Canvas.”
Access
USING CANVAS EFFECTIVELY
In order to participate effectively in an online class, at a minimum, you should be in possession of the following:
- An effective, reliable computer.
- A high-speed internet connection (especially if you will be watching videos).
- An updated version of your browser.
- MS Word. All Bates students are eligible to receive a current version of Microsoft Word for free. Simply go to the Office for Students webpage and click on “Find out if you are eligible.” Enter your BATES email address and follow the instructions.
For more information on Canvas technical requirements, click on What are the basic computer specifications for Canvas?
For more information about using browsers with Canvas, click on Which browsers does Canvas support?
For a Quickstart Student Guide to using Canvas, click on Canvas Student Getting Started Guide
Canvas Videos
For those of you new to Canvas (or specific tasks in Canvas), these videos are designed to assist you with some of the basics of Canvas and how it works.
Canvas Overview
An overview of Canvas, including logging in, customizing, performing basic tasks, and troubleshooting. This is about 12 minutes long and covers most of the basic information. The next videos cover individual topics more in depth.
Notifications
This video reviews how to configure your notifications in Canvas, including sending notifications to a personal email (instead of your default Bates email) and a cell phone.
Course Navigation and Canvas Help
This video reviews the basic parts of Canvas and how to navigate in your classes. Additionally, it reviews the steps for how to obtain assistance within Canvas.
Viewing Feedback
This video shows you how to view comments, annotations, and feedback that your instructor has left for you on an assignment.
Posting to a discussion board
This video reviews how to post to a discussion board, including posting and replying to others’ posts, as well as basic netiquette tips.
Submitting an Assignment
This video reviews the steps for submitting an assignment in Canvas, including how to submit documents and files.
An updated version of your browser.
MS Word. All Bates students are eligible to receive a current version of Microsoft Word for FREE. Simply go to the Office for Students webpage and click on “Find out if you are eligible.” Enter your BATES email address and follow the instructions.
How do I…?
- Notify me right away
- Send daily summary
- Send Weekly Summary
- Do not send me anything
You also have a list of options to be notified about:
- Due Date
- Grading Policies
- Course Content
- Files
- Announcement
- Announcement Created by You
You can customize however you want, based on your provided email and cell number, as well as push notifications for all devices.
Help!
Remember, courses are available in Canvas on the day class starts. If you are in Winter Quarter and have registered for Spring Quarter, you will have access to those courses when they start on the first day of Spring Quarter.
- Accessing course content, such as modules and assignments
- Grades and due dates
- Questions about an assignment
- Submitting an assignment
Contact the Online Learning Center if you have questions about Canvas access including:
- Logging in
- Resetting your password
- Courses missing from your dashboard
- Preferences, notifications, and settings
- Difficulties with the Canvas app