First things first, if you are reading this, you figured out how to get logged in and found our classroom, and are looking at the files! This is particularly meaningful if this is your first online class! Take a look around this site and see what is here. Click on any live links, you cannot "break" the classroom. If something gets messed up, close down the site and log back in.
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is available for extended hours to help you navigate Canvas an other technical issues you may encounter. You can reach them at:
Phone 503-725-HELP (4357)
Toll free: 1-800-547-8887 ext. 5-4357
8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
Email: help@pdx.edu
myPSU is the central hub for students to find what they need resources and services related to enrollment, academic planning, finances, and school tools. myPSU is available from any web browser at https://my.pdx.edu/
Your Odin account is the login credentials that you use to log into Canvas, the library, PebblePad ePortfolio, mail, and other technologies available through your enrollment at PSU.
The Odin Account Manager (OAM) is an easy-to-use tool for managing your PSU computer accounts (such as Odin accounts, affiliate accounts, shared email accounts, and privileged accounts). You can use OAM to activate and request accounts, reset passwords, configure Duo Two-Factor Authentication, and edit your PSU directory information. To access the Odin Account Manager, visit https://oam.pdx.edu/
Duo Two-Factor Authentication helps protect Odin accounts by adding a second layer of security when you sign in to certain systems, such as PSU's Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Single Sign-On (SSO). SSO is the system that enables you to use your Odin account to access certain university resources through a web browser, such as Gmail, Banweb, and MyPSU.
For additional information review this Duo Two-Factor Autentication web page
We will be using a variety of online platforms in addition to Canvas. What follows is a brief overview of some of the most common.
PebblePad: PebblePad is e-Portfolio software that you will be used in multiple programs in the College of Education. This is also available through a navigation link within Canvas.
Media Space: PSU Media Space is Portland State University's video streaming platform, powered by Kaltura MediaSpace. Media Space can be accessed directly with the link https://media.pdx.edu/ or through a navigation menu in Canvas. For more information review the Kaltura MediaSpace website
Flipgrid: Flipgrid is video discussion software that is used by some instructors. Your instructor will provide a Group Code within your Canvas course that you will use to access the Flipgrid discussions for that course.
There are some Minimum Specifications for Online Learning. Your computer and operating system should be sufficient to allow you to participate effectively in Canvas courses, Zoom sessions, and other technology-enabled learning interactions. If your computer is more than five years old you should consider updating, especially if it you cannot update it with the latest software and security updates. What follows are minimum configurations for laptop or desktop computers that will allow you to participate effectively online.
Windows-based computer
Operating system: Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit.
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 (6th generation or newer) or equivalent
8 GB Ram
256 GB SSD internal drive (SSD refers to a solid state disk, which tends to be faster and more responsive that more traditional hard drives)
13" or larger screen (for laptop) or 15" or larger LCD monitor, with a resolution of 1600x900 or better
802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Internal or external Webcam
Headset recommended for synchronous online meetings
Macintosh computer
Operating system: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later
Processor (CPU): Intel i7 CPU or better (The M1 CPUs released by Apple in Fall 2020 are recommended)
8 GB Ram
256 GB SSD internal drive (SSD refers to a solid state disk, which tends to be faster and more responsive that more traditional hard drives)
13" or larger screen (for laptop) or 15" or larger LCD monitor, with a resolution of 1920x1080 or better
802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Internal or external Webcam
Headset recommended for synchronous online meetings
Web Browsers: Always upgrade to the latest version
Mozilla Firefox (free Firefox download)
Google Chrome (free Chrome download) Apple Safari (not supported on Windows)
Browser Configuration: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from PSU websites. Not sure if you have these enabled or configured correctly? Check your browser
Internet Connection: Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required. We recommend at least 3 Megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed. Test your internet connection
Software: PSU students, faculty, and staff can obtain the Microsoft Office suite (including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) by following the directions on the Microsoft Office at PSU page.
OIT has partnered with Google Apps for Education to provide a suite of online productivity tools. PSU Google Apps allow you to collaborate, communicate, and work more efficiently. You access your PSU Google account with your Odin account. PSU Google Apps Core Suite
For more information about the usage and lifespan of your PSU Google account, go to PSU Google Accounts
The core suite of applications is listed below. You have access to all these Google features as a student.
PSU Gmail offers unlimited storage (shared with the contents of your PSU Google Drive), intelligent spam filtering, and other advanced features. To use PSU Gmail and Google Talk, go to mail.pdx.edu
Easily communicate and collaborate with groups of people, by sharing PSU Google Drive materials or sending group invites through PSU Google Calendar.
Organize your schedule and share it with PSU Google Calendar. Use your calendar at cal.pdx.edu
to schedule an event that will send invitations to meetings, and keep track of who's attending.
Securely store all of your documents with PSU Google Drive and automatically save the files online while you work. Collaborate on shared documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more at drive.pdx.ed
Build a basic website in PSU Google Sites with a simple-to-use interface. No coding knowledge is required! To get started, go to sites.pdx.edu
Click here to watch a Flip tutorial