Canvas is our learning management system! You’ll use Canvas to participate in your courses and communicate with your instructor and classmates. Most classes use Canvas in some form, so we highly recommend getting familiar with it!

• Go through the Online Canvas Orientation before classes start!
• Use the Canvas Student Guides if you’re looking for the answer to a specific question.
• For help with Canvas, contact eLearning by emailing eLearning@lowercolumbia.edu!

To log into Canvas, use your ctcLink username and password!

Canvas Video Conferences

Your instructor may invite you to a conference through Canvas. These conferences are hosted using a program called Big Blue Button and are accessed through the Conferences page in your course. These tutorials from Canvas will help you get started! 

• How do I use the Conferences page?
• How do I join a Conference?
• How do I use the Conference interface?

We do not recommend using the Canvas mobile app for anything other than messaging your instructor and viewing announcements. The Canvas app sometimes loses student work, including assignment submissions, discussion posts, and quizzes.

If possible, please use a laptop or desktop computer to access Canvas. You can check out a Chromebook from our Library!

Please note, some courses cannot be completed on a mobile device.

If you must use the Canvas mobile app, follow these guidelines:

• Save all work in a secondary location. For example, type your discussion posts in a Google Doc or your device’s note app, then copy and paste your content to your discussion. If something goes wrong, your work won’t be lost.
• Uninstall the app and reinstall it regularly, especially when something doesn’t seem to be working correctly. Sometimes the Canvas app will not update when your instructor releases new content and assignments or when your courses change. Uninstalling and reinstalling often solves this issue.
• Use the Canvas Mobile Guides for help!

All LCC students have a Google account that includes so much more than just Gmail! Your Google account also gives you access to the Google App Suite, which includes Drive, Docs, Sheets, and more! The best way to access Google apps is through the Google Chrome web browser, but all Google apps are available on your mobile device, as well.

Log into all Google Apps using the same username and password as your student Gmail address!

Here’s a quick overview of what you have access to as well as links to help guides!

• Gmail - Your student Gmail account is the best way to get information about what’s going on at LCC. Check it often for information about important deadlines and changes, as well as events and support programs. Check out the Gmail Guide for help!
• Drive - Google Drive is a cloud storage app that lets you organize your files in one place that you can access from any device with an Internet connection. With Drive, you don’t need a flash drive/USB stick anymore! Drive is also great for collaboration with others. See the Drive Guide for help!
• Docs - Google Docs is a word processing app similar to Microsoft Word. Learn more with the Docs Guide!
• Slides - Google Slides is a slideshow presentation app similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. Learn more with the Slides Guide!
• Sheets - Google Sheets is a spreadsheet app similar to Microsoft Excel. Learn more with the Sheets Guide!
• Hangouts - Google Hangouts is a great way to keep in touch with your classmates! Use Hangouts for both text and video chat. The video chat portion of Hangouts is called Google Meet. Check out the Hangouts Guide and the Meet Guide for more information!

If you have any questions about the Google App Suite, contact eLearning at eLearning@lowercolumbia.edu!

As a student at LCC, you have access to Office 365 for free! Visit our Office 365 page for help getting your account set up.

Office 365 includes most of the Office Suite, like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and more! With your Office 365 account you can install the programs on your computer, access the Office apps online at Office.com, or use the mobile apps on your phone or tablet.

Zoom is a web conferencing software that many of our instructors use to host virtual classrooms. You can use Zoom on any device!

Zoom Video Tutorials

• Join a Meeting
• Joining and Configuring Audio
• Sharing Your Screen

Web Conferencing Etiquette

• Turn off your audio when you aren’t speaking. This prevents you from accidentally interrupting others!
• Minimize distractions like background noise and movement. Distractions in your space also distract others.
• Use the chat feature for quick comments and questions!

As an LCC student, you have access to tutoring for free, even online! The Tutoring Center will be open virtually to help students navigate academic life online. The same LCC tutors you know and love will be available for video appointments via Zoom. Simply visit lcc.mywconline.com to view our tutor schedule and select a subject that you need help in!

If you are new to tutoring, you will need to make an account before viewing the tutor schedule.

For subjects LCC doesn’t have tutors for, visit etutoringonline.org or login via Canvas by clicking the “eTutoring” tab inside a Canvas course.

Internet Essentials (by Comcast) is offering 60 days free Internet service for income eligible households. Learn more at internetessentials.com.

Everyone can now access 1.5 million out-of-home Xfinity WiFi hotspots for free: These hotspots are normally located in business areas, retail locations and transit areas. Learn more at wifi.xfinity.com.