Online Learning at MSUN

You will need regular access to a computer and the internet to complete most online courses at MSU-Northern. If finances are preventing you from standard technology access, please reach out to Financial Aid to inquire about financial assistance possibilities.

Computer and Internet recommendations:

• 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. Run a Speed Test here.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. (Microsoft Internet Explorer and Safari are known to have compatibility issues with the Canvas system.) You can run a system check here.

Software:

• All MSUN students have free access to Microsoft O365 (including Word, Excel, etc.). Follow the instructions for install here. You can also download O365 apps on your smartphone or tablet.
• Alternatively, you might use the free cloud-based office software platform Google Suite.

MSU-Northern uses an online learning platform called "Canvas" for online and face-to-face courses. Canvas allows students to communicate with their instructors and classmates, view course content, complete homework assignments and quizzes, and check their grades.

Canvas can be accessed from a web browser on most internet-enabled devices, including laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones.

If you've never taken an online course before, we recommend that you complete the self-guided "Passport to Canvas" course located on your Canvas dashboard. If you don't see it in your course list, email Jason or Brittany in OTLE. The orientation teaches you how to navigate the system, complete homework activities, check your grades, and access other important tools.

In Canvas you are automatically enrolled in email notifications to notify you when assignments are due, when grades are posted, when your instructors make important announcements, and when you receive a message in your Canvas Inbox. 

Becoming a successful online learner takes initiative and self-discipline. It's very easy for an online class to go "out of sight, out of mind." To create a consistent routine:

• Set an alarm or calendar notification to remind yourself to check in on Canvas at least once a day at the same time.
• Once a week, take some time to plan out your work for the week. Write down all activities due for that week and prioritize them.

You should plan to spend 2 to 3 hours per week for each course credit. For instance, for a 3-credit class, you should plan to spend an average of 6 to 9 hours per week academically engaged in that class.

Let your family and friends know when your study time is planned so that they respect that time.

Communicate with instructors about problems that are preventing you from completing any assignments. Make sure to do this before the due date whenever possible.

Communication is key! Your instructors want to hear from you.

In the "People" section of Canvas, you can message classmates in your courses. Some students set up group messages to create study groups with their peers.