Prepare for Online Learning

New to online learning? No problem, the Canvas Keep Learning course for tips to succeed in an online course.

First Steps 

1. Review the (latest) syllabus for any new information or changes. 
2. Identify new/changed tasks and make sure you have access to the tools required to perform those tasks. 
3. Check your email and Canvas course announcements regularly for updates and information from your instructor. 
4. Modify your study plan to accommodate changes to your class schedule.  
5. Review the information below and on other sections of this website for related information and resources. 

In general, what you need to learn in an online environment is not very different than in a classroom, especially since most face-to-face courses utilize online technologies for things like media, file sharing, assignment submission, etc. Here are some basic materials/tools used in online learning: 

Computer and Internet 

• Computer System: Mac or PC capable of running at 2 Ghz or greater 
• Internet Connection: Broadband internet connection supporting data rates of 3.0 Mbps or greater. To test your server speed, go to fast.com and run the Speed Test on your computer.  
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari. (Microsoft Internet Explorer is known to have compatibility issue with the Canvas system.) 

Software  

• The university supports many technologies that can be useful in online learning.  Visit the Canvas Keep Learning course to learn more about what is available to you and tutorials on how to use them. 
• All UNCW students, faculty, and staff have access to Microsoft Office for free through Office 365. 
  • Details: uncw.edu/office365 
  • Knowledge Base Article: Installing Office 365
  • Office 365 training (Microsoft website): Training center
• University faculty, students and staff have free access to Zoom, a popular video conference software. Zoom can be used to conduct live classes online, collaborate on group projects, give live presentations, conduct small group (breakout) discussions, etc. Zoom can also be used to record video assignments.  
  • Zoom Tutorial
  • Zoom Help Center
  • Zoom Log in (Use your UNCW Office 365 Account)
  • Zoom Knowledge Base Information 
• In addition to Zoom, students can also use Microsoft Teams for online calls, instant messaging, and video meetings.
  • Microsoft Teams Training Videos
  • Microsoft Teams Help & Learning
  • Microsoft Teams Quick Start Guide (PDF)
• Starfish is a web-based tool that connects current students to their success network, such as their instructors, academic advisor, and librarian.  There are also services, such as the University Learning Center, Career Center, and Financial Aid, all housed on the student homepage.  Learn more about how Starfish can help support students by exploring the links below:
  • UNCW Starfish website  TIP:  Trouble logging in?  Try using an incognito browser.
  • UNCW Starfish Getting Started:  Student Guide

Significant portions of the guidance in these pages are adapted with permission from the University of Iowa's Keep Learning Site.