Technology Skills and Requirements

Knowing how to use technology properly to access your course content and ensuring you can sufficiently preform these basic tech skills prior to the term will be essential for your successful learning experience.

Review the following basic technology aptitudes and skills to succeed in COCC's web-enhanced in-person classes, hybrid, remote, and online classes which use the learning management system provided by the college. Follow the steps below and prepare for the term!

If you are new to COCC, we strongly recommend visiting ourGetting Technology Ready pageto prepare for using technology in your classes here at COCC.

Canvas Learning Management System

Canvasis the learning management system at Central Oregon Community College. Canvas is where the online portion of your courses will take place. You will use Canvas whether you're in a fully-online class, an in-person class, or somewhere in between.

Your instructor may use Canvas as the primary means of communication, or it might be used to submit assignments and participate in discussions, or may be used as the storage place for documents and the syllabus so that they are always accessible throughout the term. Whatever you find yourself using Canvas for, you may think of it as your online home base for your courses.

Canvas Accessibility Statement: Follow the link to find out more about Canvas commitment to accessibility and about other resources detailing Canvas' compliance to ADA standards. View this guide for more information:What are the Canvas accessibility standards?

Tour a sample COCC Online Course

Students in online classes at COCC must be able to navigate through the course and complete required tasks on their own.

First,take a tour of a sample online courseby visiting our Sample Canvas Course to learn some of the key elements of online courses. Watch ourtour a sample Canvas course video.

Next, if you are already registered as a student at COCC please take a look at ourCanvas Training for COCC Studentscourse to learn more information about how to navigate the learning management system.

Finally, if you are interested in taking fully online classes please look at ourOrientation for Online Classes at COCC information webpage.

Necessary Technical Skills for Successful Online Learning

作为你在线学习经验的一部分，你需要具备基本的计算机知识和网络技能。

Here are some of the essential skills:

• Log in toCOCC email
• Access your Bobcat Web Account and Canvas
• Communicate via COCC email system including sending attachments
• Search for information on websites using an internet browser such as Firefox, Chrome or Safari
• UseOffice 365applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel to create documents
• Manage files and folders: save, name, copy, move, rename, delete, download and upload
• Navigate Canvas and use tools such asdiscussion boards,assignments,andtests
• Utilizeaccessibility toolsas needed
• Seek appropriate technical help fromStudentTech Supporthelpdesk
• Know thatLibraryandComputer Labresources are available to you

Important!Office 365is used as COCC's college-wide standard software. Your instructors may not accept files saved in other formats (Google Docs, OpenOffice, Pages, etc.) Use Microsoft Office Suite available to you for FREE through your Office 365 account.

Zoom

Zoom is a free app that you can install on any Android device, iPhone/iPad, or computer.View ourZoom Basics webpagefor more information.

If you are enrolled in a remote class, you are expected to "attend" the class via Zoom. Many of our instructors have virtual office hours using Zoom. Whether you are enrolled in an in-person or online course, be sure to install the Zoom Desktop Client or Mobile App for effective communication.

While using Zoom here at COCC, please follow Zoom'sCommunity StandardsandTerms of Serviceat all times. Any violations of these terms will be subject to disciplinary actions.

Converting Files

您还可以将其他文件格式转换为.docx (MS Word)格式。

Follow the instructions below to convert your file to COCC appropriate format. The links will open in new windows.

• Save Google Docs file as MS Word document format (.docx)
• Save Pages file (.pages) as MS Word document format ( .docx)
• Save OpenOffice file (.odt) as MS Word document format ( .docx)
• Save MS Works (.wps) as MS Word document format (.docx)

Fill and Sign PDF's

You may be asked to fill out or add your signature to online forms, assignments, and other PDF documents. You can do this forfreeusing Adobe's free products. Follow the instructions in the videos below to add text or your signature to PDF files:

• How to Fill and Sign a PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Reader
• How to Fill and Sign a PDF using Adobe Fill & Sign Mobile App

Recommended Computer Environment

Computer Technical requirements may vary based on the programs and tools required in the class you are taking. Ensure access to your online courses by preparing your computer!

General computer/technology requirements for a typical online class at COCC are listed below. The instructor will provide further information if the course requires specific software or hardware.

View the Canvas Guide:What are the browser and computer requirements for Canvas?

Operating systems	Canvas only requires an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers. Your computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades. Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
Internet/ Web browser	A high-speed internet connection (cable, DSL or similar). It is recommended to have a minimum Internet speed of 512kbps. For best performance, Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers(Click on each browser name for a free download): Chrome Firefox(Extended Releases are not supported) Edge Safari(Macintosh only) You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available.
Other software and hardware	Word processing software (i.e. Microsoft Word) Office 365 apps are free for COCC students, check out theOffice 365 webpagefor installation instructions Up-to-dateJavaandAdobe Reader(Click on each product name for free download) Speakers to listen to the video audio NOTE: Microsoft Word or PDF are the recommended file formats for COCC writing assignments. If you use other word processing software such as GoogleDoc or Pages, it is recommended you save the document in Microsoft Word or PDF format before you submit it.
Mobile Devices	The Canvas interface was optimized for desktop displays, so using small form factors such as phones may not offer the most pleasant experience while using Canvas. 为了获得最佳的用户体验，请下载Canvas移动应用程序。在你的手机应用商店搜索“帆布学生”。Canvas移动应用要求Android 6.0及以上版本，iOS 13.0及以上版本。 Canvas offers limited support for native mobile browsers on tablet devices. For additional details, please reference thelimited-support mobile browser guidelines. Mobile Browsers: Visit the Apple store or the Play store to download mobile browsers. The following major browsers are compatible with mobile devices: iOS Safari (default browser with limited Canvas support) Chrome Android Chrome (default browser with limited Canvas support)* Internet Firefox *Android default browser varies per mobile device.

Free Software Downloads

• Firefox for Windows
• Chrome for Windows
• Firefox for Mac
• Chrome for Mac
• Canvas Student Mobile App:Android|Apple
• Installation Instructions for Microsoft Office 365 Apps
• Zoom App:App Store|Google Play|Windows|Mac
• Java
• Adobe Reader