How Do I...?
Getting Started
Under unusual and difficult circumstances, your instructors and university staff are working hard to ensure your education has as few interruptions as possible. If your course is delivered using distance learning technology, Canvas will be the primary platform used for your class.
- Tips for Success. Tips and techniques for making you successful in your classroom.
- Academic Coaching (free!). Sign up for assistance in navigating your courses, developing learning skills, refining study strategies, and working in partnership toward your academic goals.
- Microsoft Teams. Resources for getting started and participating in live classes in Microsoft Teams.
Access my Online Course?
Instructions for logging into Flashline (Canvas):
You will use your Flashline username (everything before @kent.edu) for Flashline (Canvas) and most university sites that require a password.
- If you are new to Kent State and have never logged into Flashline
- If you don’t know your username or password
After you log in to Canvas, you will see a list of your courses. Click on the course name to enter your course.
Canvas
- Canvas Student Guide
- Canvas in a Flash. Self-paced Canvas training/preview. Feel free to walk through this resource and learn more about Canvas at KSU.
Having trouble with Canvas? Contact the Help Desk.
Know What is Expected of Me?
Your class instructor may have emailed you before the start of class with an introduction to your course. Always be sure to check your Kent email (@kent.edu). Kent email is used for all official communication from the university and will be used by your instructors.
When you first enter your course, look for the Syllabus or any Getting Started information. The syllabus is your instructor’s outline and description of the course. It will list a course description, including learning outcomes, assignments, exam dates, and expectations for how and when you should attend sessions and engage in your course.
Communicate with My Professor?
Your instructor will give you contact information in the course syllabus. You will most likely be asked to use the Kent email and be given times for office hours.
When you email your instructor, remember that this is a professional exchange. You should begin with a salutation, Dear Dr. X. If you are unsure if they have a Ph.D., you might say Dear Professor X. Let them tell you if they’d prefer to be addressed less formally. Make sure that you are concise and specific in your communication. State clearly in the subject line what the email concerns. Be sure to say who you are and which class you are in. (Your instructor probably teaches several classes.) If you have a request, be sure to put it in the first or second paragraph. Brevity is your friend in written communications.
Your instructor may also use Microsoft Teams (Canvas) to hold video conferences, office hours, or individual meetings.
Navigate through my Course?
Each instructor may set up their course differently, but here are walkthroughs for typical courses.
Canvas
This walkthrough reviews the Canvas Dashboard, the main area to access courses, view To-Dos, and review upcoming activities and assessments.
Have Class at My Scheduled Time?
Courses can be delivered synchronously, asynchronously, or a combination of both.
If your instructor decides to hold live videoconferencing (synchronous) class sessions, these will be held at your scheduled class time. The link to the videoconference room will be posted in Canvas.
- Synchronous learning takes place in real-time; the instructor, you, and your classmates are in the same virtual place simultaneously. Methods of synchronous online learning include video conferencing, live chatting, virtual group or teamwork, and live-streaming lectures.
- Additional Resources:
Some instructors may not hold live class sessions and opt for asynchronous delivery. In that case, they will post content and exercises for you to complete independently. They will stipulate the due dates and expectations for your participation.
- Asynchronous learning has no real-time interaction; the instructor, you, and your classmates exchange ideas and information on your own schedules. Methods of asynchronous online learning include lesson modules with self-guided activities, streaming video content, virtual libraries, posted lecture notes, and conversations across discussion boards or social media platforms, among others.
Engage with Classmates?
Your instructor may ask you to use Discussion Boards to share ideas and engage with classmates.
Turn in Assignments?
Your instructor may have added submission areas for assessments. Check your course and if you are unsure, contact your instructor. Other instructors may ask you to send in your assignments via email. It is important to closely follow your instructors' directions in each of your classes.
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Create a Video?
Kaltura Capture allows you to record audio, video, and screen captures.
Take a Proctored Test?
In your face-to-face class, your instructor is proctoring your test by ensuring that each student follows the stated rules for completing the test and not receiving inappropriate assistance. When not in a classroom, automated proctoring may be used to ensure the integrity of the test. Visit the student-proctored testing page for more information on proctored testing.
Proctorio:
Kent State University uses Proctorio as our automated test proctoring service. If your course uses Proctorio, you will need the Proctorio Chrome browser extension.
In some cases, other proctored test software may be used instead of Proctorio. Instructions for using alternate platforms are listed below.
Respondus LockDown Browser:
Respondus Monitor:
ProctorU: