Canvas is Washington College’s main “Learning Management System.”
It has many features and can also support other programs/systems as plug-ins. Almost
all instructors will use this to some extent.
Big Blue Button is a video conferencing option offered through Canvas that you might be required
to use to have synchronous lectures or discussions. You can often find links to this
in the “Conferences” tab on the left-hand side of your class Canvas page.
How do I get started?
You can access Canvas easily by going to the college’s website, clicking on “information
for” and choosing “current students”. The link is listed under “Academic Logistics.”
Bookmark the site for easy future access.
Once on the Canvas platform, you’ll see the classes in which you are enrolled (after
the instructor publishes it). Each instructor may set up their Canvas page slightly
differently, so it is worth exploring. You can explore the different options for
each class through the blue links on the left-hand side of the page.
Assignments that need to be submitted through Canvas can be accessed through the “assignments”
link. Sometimes Canvas can be slow in allowing you to upload files, so make sure to
not wait till the last minute to upload your assignments.
The calendar feature is a useful way to keep track of assignments for your classes.
You can merge your Canvas Calendar with your Outlook Calendar or Google Calendar,
so you never miss assignment deadlines. These videos show you how: Outlook Google Calendar
Many classes will require you to take quizzes and tests through Canvas this semester.
Quizzes and tests can be set up with time limits and the Respondus testing software.
In addition, your instructor might have set up your test or quiz to only be taken
once. If this is the case, make sure to not close your quiz or test until you have
submitted it.
If you are not sure how to use a feature of Canvas, there is a very robust help system
available. Just click on the help button on the bottom of the icon bar on the left.
You will find a forum, live chat, and even a telephone number to call for help.
It is tied to a Gmail address, not your Washcoll address.
Perusallis a platform for reading and commenting on texts.
In Perusall, you read assigned texts collectively with the rest of the class. Instructors
can leave questions throughout the text and you can see what other students thought
about certain sections and have conversations with them in the comments.
It’s helpful to see what other students see as important or confusing in a reading.
It’s a good way to keep all the PDF readings together and organized.
You need to read everything on a screen. It doesn’t work with paper or physical books.
Some classes will have websites made by the publishers of the textbook they use.
You’ll get detailed information about these from your instructor.
WCONLINEis an appointment scheduling and video conferencing platform used by the Academic
Resource Offices.
You can schedule all tutoring appointments here (for the Office of Academic Skills,
Quantitative Skills Center, and Writing Center) and view tutor availability.
Return to the schedule at the time of your appointment to log in to a video chat with
a tutor.
Tutoring appointments must be made two days in advance.
WeBWork is an online platform for receiving and submitting homework assignments, most often
used in math and science courses.
