Course Technology Overview

Canvas 

Health Coaching courses are delivered via Canvas.  As soon as you are a registered student, you can log into Canvas using your University of Minnesota internet ID and password.

Getting Started with Canvas

1. Do the University of Minnesota Canvas Student Orientation.

   • Make sure your browser and computer setup allows you functional access to the website. 

   • Call the University of Minnesota Technology Helpline at 612-301-4357 with problems or concerns you have.

   • Class instructors do not provide student tech support. Students are responsible for working out technical challenges with the University resources.

2. When you log in to Canvas, you will be brought to your Dashboard. You will see cards that display course numbers and titles. 

3. If you don’t see courses you registered for, or see courses you are not taking this term, click on “Courses” in the global menu on the far left of the screen (vertical, maroon stack of icons). A white menu will pop out next to it. Scroll down to the bottom and click “All Courses”.

   • Courses that are active on your dashboard have an orange star next to them, and inactive courses have a white star next to them. You can change the active/inactive status of any course by clicking on the stars. Make sure any course you want to see on your Dashboard for this term has an orange star next to it.

4. After editing your active/inactive courses in the Courses menu, click on Dashboard again. Your Dashboard should display only the courses that you picked to have an orange star next to them in your Courses menu.

5. Find the course you wish to open in your Dashboard and click its card. This will open the course Canvas site.

   • Each course site contains the syllabus, weekly learning modules (which include work plans, content, and assignment descriptions), and other important resources.

   • All coursework is to be turned in via Canvas unless otherwise specified.

   • You are responsible for checking the course site and your University email account on a frequent basis throughout the semester to learn about important announcements and updates.

6. Explore the Canvas course sites:

   • Make note of the instructor's contact info on the Home page.

   • Click on the following links in the white, course menu bar on the left side of the screen:

     1. Announcements

     2. Syllabus 

   • Click on “Inbox” in your global menu on the far left of the screen (vertical, maroon stack of icons)

     1. Get in the habit of contacting your instructors, TAs, and classmates via the Inbox instead of your external University email account.

Canvas & Course Technology Help

• UMN technology help (1-HELP) is available 24/7. They can be reached at 612-301-HELP (612-301-4357), help@umn.edu, or via online chat.

• UMN Canvas resources for students

• Learn Online: Important information for University of Minnesota students taking online courses

Computer and Technology Expectations for Students

Both the Master of Arts and Certificate programs are blended (requiring both online and in-person class meetings), and therefore reliant upon dependable technology, with most core class hours occurring online. Students are expected to enter the program with moderate computer literacy. The Center also highly recommends students have access to computers less than five years old, as well as reliable access to high-speed, high-bandwidth internet.

Throughout the program, it is expected that a student will be able to

• Locate and access their Canvas courses

• Use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

• Save files to a PDF format

• Upload and download files between their computer and internet sources (Canvas, Google Drive, etc.)

• Send and receive messages via University email, Canvas Inbox, and Canvas Announcements

• Locate items and meetings on their University Google Calendar and Canvas Calendar

• Log into and schedule meetings via the University Zoom system

• Create audio and video recordings with ScreenPal, Kaltura, VoiceThread, Zoom, Flip, etc.

• Utilize resources (such as UMN Technology Help) to independently problem-solve and troubleshoot technology issues. Call 24x7, chat online, email, text, or visit a walk-in location.