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.
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.
Check your Course Management System (CMS) Status Is it a maintenance time? Or is Canvas currently experiencing an outage?
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.
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.
Restart your Computer Many faculty and staff solve their problems with this simple step. Always a good option to try.
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.
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.
Enable Java It strongly recommended to have the latest version to ensure proper functionality of our online systems.
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.
Make sure that your Operating System is fully updated. Neglecting updates could deprive you of important bug and performance fixes.
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.
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.
Canvas Release: New Gradebook – The new gradebook allows instructors to view an improved version of the gradebook. This feature makes grading more flexible and intuitive and elevates the gradebook user experience.
New Gradebook Users Group – This group contains existing information about the new gradebook including frequently asked questions, product feedback commentary, community discussions, bug reports, and known issues.
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.
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!
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
As we wrap up the
semester and our pilot period for our new video management system, Arc, we want
to share an opportunity to learn more about this tool.
The folks at Arc
have agreed to host a demo/conversation designed for our faculty at MiraCosta.
The session will include:
1. A quick overview of the product and Arc
basics.
2. One to two features a faculty member can implement now at the end
of the semester and/or soon in preparation for Summer and Fall courses.
3. An update on status of quizzes in ARC. Where are they now? What new features
were integrated this semester since we started the pilot in January?
