Where to Begin!

How to Get Started with this Course

This course will be delivered entirely online using Canvas. This Getting Started module provides information you will need to know to successfully complete this course. To get a good start, go through each page in this module and make sure you review and/or complete the following items:

  1. Carefully read the Course Syllabus and Schedule (or see Syllabus link in Course Menu).
  2. Most, if not all, course material will be located within the Modules link located on the left-side menu or from the Module buttons located on the Home page.
  3. It is recommended that you use the internet browsers Google Chrome Links to an external site. or Mozilla Firefox Links to an external site. when using Canvas. If you do not have one of those browsers, you may want to download one or both to your computer.
  4. If you already have one of the recommended internet browsers on your computer, you may need to update plug-ins that are needed to use all features of Canvas. These plug-ins include:
  5. Please review the UT Tyler Student Resources for Blended and Online Courses. Clicking on the link will take you to the "UT Tyler Student Resources" and open into a new window.  Return to the course by clicking on the "Where to Begin!" tab on the top of the screen.

Quick Canvas Tips

  • Use the Previous and Next buttons at the bottom of the page to move through pages of the Modules.
  • Some links may be followed by a "Preview the Document" icon (preview-icon.png) which, when selected, will open the in-line preview to allow you to view the document on the page without downloading. If you click the text link, the document will download to your computer or device.
  • Links that will open an external website or page will show the "Links to an External Site" icon (external_link.png) following the link.

Navigating this Course

The global and course menus are located on the left side of the Canvas window and contains links to different areas of the Canvas and your course. Below is an image with corresponding descriptions of what you will find in the Course menu. Please note: There may be additional menu items on the actual course menu if made available by instructor.

menu.png

  • Home - This is the course entry page and where you will find the buttons for the modules and announcements.
  • Modules - Modules contain the course content and learning activities. Modules can be accessed here as well as the Home page buttons.
  • Announcements - Your instructor will post regular updates and important information here. Most announcements are emailed, but be sure to check this section often.
  • Syllabus - Your instructor may use the syllabus to communicate expectations and information. Assignments and events are populated in the syllabus and correlate to the course.
  • Discussions - This section contains the discussions for this course.
  • Grades - This is where you can view your progress in this course.
  • Help - If you need assistance with Canvas, there are 24/7 support options that can be accessed by clicking the Help button located on the Global Navigation Menu on the far left-side of the window.

 

Setting Notification Preferences in Canvas

Canvas allows you to decide how you wish to be notified about actions that take place in your course. For example, would you like to be receive a text message if your instructor makes an announcement? How about a message to let you know when work has been graded? Setting up Notifications Links to an external site. helps you manage the frequency and mode in which you receive notifications (such as e-mail or announcements) from Canvas. Please Note: Notification preferences are attached to your account settings and therefore apply to all your courses, they can’t be adjusted for individual courses.

The video below will show you how to manage notifications settings.