Submit Handwritten Work to Canvas using Camscanner App and a Phone

CamScanner allows students to use their phone to scan multiple pages of handwritten homework to a PDF to submit to an online course. The app is available for Android, iPhone, and iPad. The basic version is free and should be sufficient for students to scan multiple pages to one file that can be submitted to a Canvas assignment.

Camscanner App Tutorials for Canvas

Android

iPhone (iOS)

Try These 10 Things To Fix Your Computer Problem Before You Call Support

Troubleshooting computer problems is part of modern life when you teach online. Before you make that support call, try your hand at fixing some of the most common problems yourself.

  1. Check your Course Management System (CMS) Status
    Is it a maintenance time? Or is  Canvas currently experiencing an outage?

     

    1. Canvas Status Updates
    2. Stay Up To Date with Changes Happening within Canvas
  2. Clear Browser Cache (history, cookies, etc.)
    Clearing your browser cache often will resolve the problem by allowing your computer to download the latest version of the webpage and/or software.

     

    1. How do I clear my browser cache on a PC?
    2. How do I clear my browser cache on a MAC?
  3. Try a Different Browser
    If you have cleared your browser cache and things are still not working as you expect try a different browser. Example: if you are using Chrome, try Firefox and visa versa. Ensure that your browsers are up to date. You can always download the latest version free online.

     

    1. Chrome
    2. Firefox
    3. Which browsers does Canvas support?
  4. Restart your Computer
    Many faculty and staff solve their problems with this simple step. Always a good option to try.
  5. Check your Internet Connection Speed
    A slow connection could be why your CMS system is running slow.  Share your result with your internet service provider as necessary to resolve.
  6. Enable Browser Cookies
    Cookies are small files which are stored on a user’s computer. They are designed to hold a modest amount of data specific to a particular client and website, and can be accessed either by the web server or the client computer. This allows the online server to deliver a page tailored to a particular user, or the page itself can contain some script which is aware of the data in the cookie and so is able to carry information from one visit to the website (or related site) to the next.
  7. Enable Java
    It strongly recommended to have the latest version to ensure proper functionality of our online systems.

     

    1. Review ‘What is Java and Why do I need it?‘
    2. Download Java
  8. Manage Pop-Up Blockers
    Pop-up windows, or pop-ups, are windows that appear automatically without your permission. They vary in size but usually don’t cover the whole screen. They are often required for certain online website applications to work properly.
  9. Make sure that your Operating System is fully updated. 
    Neglecting updates could deprive you of important bug and performance fixes.

     

    1. Apple Computer
    2. PC Computer 
  10. Check your Device Settings
    This is a great tool to identify what is on your computer, browser version, plugins, etc. This tool can help you update your computer yourself, and/or can be provided to tech support to assist you further with troubleshooting.

     

    1. What are the basic computer specifications for Canvas?

New Canvas Gradebook

The new gradebook is live at MiraCosta College. Check out the How do I use the New Gradebook? Canvas guide for an overview of the features this provides.

Access the New Gradebook

In MCC Canvas with a Canvas Course:

  1. Click Grades (from the course menu)

New Gradebook View

New Gradebook Resources

Online Ed News to Know Before You Go Spring 2019

As we wrap-up the Spring 2019 Semester, please take a moment to review these important announcements, updates, and reminders from the Online Education Office.

Instructurecon 2019

This conference focuses on using Canvas to enhance student success by learning about new technologies in education, networking with online educators, and staying current in online education research. The conference is being held at the Long Beach Convention Center, July 9-11. If you are interested in attending, the Online Ed Office will be able to provide up to $250 for travel funds (this means you will have to find additional funding sources). For more information, visit Instructurecon 2019

Faculty Online Professional Development Survey – from MOE

Please take a moment to complete this brief survey developed by the MiraCosta Online Educators Committee. This survey will help us develop workshops and other professional development opportunities for Fall Flex Week and throughout the Fall Semester. We appreciate your participation.

Online Teaching Needs Assessment Survey

Arc – Moving Forward

We are going to continue our subscription with the Arc video management system in Canvas. If you want to learn more about this tool, please watch our Arc Demonstration for MiraCosta College.

Brand New!!! – Student Support Hub in Canvas

We are excited to introduce our new Student Support Hub in Canvas! This space provides a variety of online services to our students. All MiraCosta students are auto-enrolled in the Hub, and it appears on their Canvas Dashboard. Faculty can access the Hub using the universal toolbar on the left-side of Canvas. Please promote this service in your summer and/or fall classes!

The Student Support HUB

Canvas End-of-Term Reminders

After June 2nd, Canvas classes go into read-only mode for you and your students. There are some important things you should consider before that date! Please review our Canvas end-of-term guide.

Zero- and Low-Textbook Cost for Summer and/or Fall Classes

If you are teaching any summer and/or fall classes that have course material costs of $0 (zero) or under $40 (low), please be sure to designate those classes as such in SURF. This enables your class to receive a special denotation in SURF and also to be listed on the ZTC/LTC page. See directions here.

Online and Hybrid Class Information Reminder

If you are teaching an online or hybrid class this summer and/or fall, please make sure your class description is up to date on the Online Class Schedule page. Students use the information on this page to get details about your class, such as your expectations for success, and how they should get started. See detailed instructions on how to provide detailed class information there.

Faculty Professional Learning Opportunities

@ONE Online Teaching Classes

@ONE offers an incredible array of online teaching classes ranging from general introductory and intermediate courses about online education, to more focused learning experiences related to topics such as culturally responsive teaching, accessibility, assessment, and much more – check out the catalog.

CVC-OEI Course Academy

If you teach a fully online C-ID approved course, you are eligible to receive support from the Online Education Initiative in preparation for possibly offering the class on the Course Exchange. Learn more about the Course Design Academy.

Finally, I Bid You Farewell…and Greetings!

My interim role as Faculty Director of Online Education will conclude at the end of June, and Jim Julius will be back in the saddle. While I am proud of the work and accomplishments of the Online Ed Office this semester, I look forward to returning to the classroom AND working with you all to build an awesome Teaching and Learning Center (C3) in my new role as Joyful Teacher in Residence.

Have a rad summer (I remember people signing yearbooks with messages like this one)

— Sean Davis

Sean Davis
Peace.Love.Unity.Justice for All.
my pronouns: he, him, his
Faculty Director of Online Education (Interim – Spring 2019)
Sociology Department

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