Overview of Key Tools and Resources
Overview of Key Tools and Resources
Embedded Files
You will use a few key digital tools during your time in the EDST program. Below is a quick overview of how to get started with the most essential resources; other tools and more comprehensive guides are available in the Tech Tips & Tutorials section of the EDST Student Hub.
Canvas
Canvas
What it's Used For:
This is Ontario Tech's Learning Management System (LMS) and your primary learning hub!
Here, you will:
Find course syllabi and content
Submit assignments
Engage with your classmates, teaching assistants & instructors
Receive course announcements
... and more!
How to Access:
Visit (and bookmark!):
... and log in with your nine-digit student ID and network password.
Student Email
Student Email
(provided through Gmail)
What it's Used For:
Communicating with classmates, instructors, and university staff.
Once you are a student, we cannot discuss any information about your studies via your personal email (for privacy reasons) - please use the school-provided email.
💡 Tip: Include your 9-digit student ID in all university correspondence to help staff and instructors quickly (a) locate your records, and (b) respond to your inquiry.
How to Access:
Logging in for the first time? Follow these instructions from IT Services.
After updating your network password, access your inbox at:
... and log in with your nine-digit student ID and network password.
Google Drive & Workspace
Google Drive & Workspace
What it's Used For:
Creating and sharing documents, collaborating on group work, and organizing your files.
Students also have access to Microsoft Office, but Google Workspace is preferred and used by most instructors for ease of access and integration with your student email.
How to Access:
Log in to your student email, and access via the app launcher ("waffle menu"):
You may also launch any of the tools from their direct links, such as:
drive.google.com | docs.google.com
slides.google.com | meet.google.com
MyOntarioTech Portal
MyOntarioTech Portal
What it's Used For:
Your administrative hub for:
Course registration
Tuition payments
Accessing your final grades
Undergraduate & tax forms
... and more!
Zoom
Zoom
What it's Used For:
The main* videoconferencing platform you will use to attend synchronous classes.
* Some instructors prefer to use Google Meet. Carefully review the syllabus for each course outline (available in Canvas) to see how your class will meet.
How to Access:
Download the correct version for your device from:
Once downloaded, visit your class' Canvas shell or syllabus and click the classroom link to join.
Select SSO Sign-in and use your nine-digit student ID and network password to log in.
💡 General Tips for Success
💡 General Tips for Success
Explore Canvas
Explore Canvas
Before classes begin, spend time exploring the Canvas shell for each course to see how each instructor organizes their class materials, assignments, discussion boards, etc. This will help you feel comfortable participating in the synchronous and asynchronous activities, and ensure you don't miss any assigned work!
Be present (physically and mentally) in class!
Be present (physically and mentally) in class!
Each EDST class has a synchronous (scheduled, face-to-face) and asynchronous (unscheduled, on your own time) component.
Students are expected to attend all synchronous classes and be ready to participate with their headset and webcam.
Instructors will use polls, chat waterfalls, and other activities during class -- try not to multitask so you don't miss out on the learning!
Check your tech
Check your tech
Log in to class a few minutes early to make sure your technology (internet, headset, webcam, etc.) is connected and working properly.
Communicate
Communicate
Can't make it to class? If something comes up and you have to miss a class, contact your instructor as soon as possible!
Ask for help. Everyone is coming to this program with different backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences, and we want you to succeed! There are lots of resources at your disposal, so don't be afraid to ask for help from your:
Peers
Instructors
Student Mentors
Academic Advisors
SAS Advisor (if applicable)
Program Staff
Student Life team
Mental Health team
Check your email and Canvas inbox daily
Check your email and Canvas inbox daily
University staff, instructors, and classmates will contact you through your @ontariotechu.net email address and/or Canvas messaging. Check these inboxes daily to make sure you aren't missing any important communications!
Consider using the Labels feature in your @ontariotechu.net email to group important communications together.
Organize your virtual space
Organize your virtual space
Here are some tried-and-true tips, tricks, and hacks from current and former students to set their virtual space up for success in the EDST program!
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