Technology Skills and Requirements

Quick Navigation: Using Canvas | Necessary Technology Skills | Recommended Devices | Support & Downloads

It's crucial to be comfortable with technology before starting your classes to ensure a successful learning experience. Here are some basic tech skills you'll need for COCC's classes, whether they're in-person with online components, hybrid, remote, or fully online. Follow these steps to get ready for the term!

If you are new to COCC, we strongly recommend visiting our Getting Technology Ready page to prepare for using technology in your classes.

Using the Canvas Learning Management System

Canvas is the learning management system at COCC, and where the online portion of your courses will take place whether you're in a fully-online class, an in-person class, or somewhere in between.

• What is Canvas, and what does it look like?

  Purpose and Function

  Your instructor may use Canvas as the primary means of communicating with your class, or it might be used to submit assignments and participate in discussions. It may be used as a storage place for documents (such as your syllabus) so they are always accessible throughout the term.

  Canvas Guide: Basic Features

  However you find yourself using Canvas, think of it as your online home base for your courses.

  Accessibility Information

  Canvas Accessibility Statement | What are the Canvas accessibility standards?

  Tour a sample COCC Online Course

  Students in online classes at COCC must be able to navigate through their Canvas courses and complete required tasks on their own.

  First, take a tour of a sample online course to learn some of the key elements of online courses. We also have this tour in video form: tour a sample Canvas course.

  Next, if you are already registered as a student at COCC please take a look at our Canvas Training for COCC Students course for more information on how to navigate and use Canvas as a student.

  Finally, if you are interested in taking fully online classes be sure to look at our Orientation for Online Classes at COCC webpage. 

Necessary Technical Skills

COCC students will need to have some basic computer and internet skills, and learn how to access and use tools like Office 365 and Zoom, and COCC accounts.

• Essential Skills

  Access and Authentication:

  • You'll need to know how to log in securely to your COCC accounts using DUO.
  • This includes accessing your COCC email, Bobcat Web, and Canvas

  Using COCC Applications:

  • You'll navigate through Canvas and use features like discussion boards, assignments, and tests.
  • If you need it, you'll learn to use tools that help with accessibility.
  • You'll also use Microsoft 365 programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to make documents.

  Computer Skills:

  • You'll be able to send emails with attachments using COCC email.
  • You'll learn how to search for information online using web browsers like Firefox or Chrome.
  • (Students should use Firefox and Chrome for Canvas. Safari is not recommended.)
  • You'll manage your computer files and folders: saving, naming, copying, moving, renaming, deleting, downloading, and uploading documents.

  Finding Support:

  If you need technical help, reach out to Student Tech Support

  Remember, the Library and Computer Lab and eLearning are here for you, including 24/7 help with Canvas.

• Using Microsoft 365 & Converting Files

  At COCC, we use Microsoft 365 as our main software. Your instructors will only accept Microsoft formatted files (.docx, .pptx, .xlsx), not others like Google Docs or Pages. Luckily, you can use Microsoft 365 for free with your Office 365 account.

  If you have files in different formats, you can easily convert them. Below are links that explain how to do this, using .docx (MS word) as an example:

  • Save Google Docs file as MS Word document format (.docx)
  • Save Pages file (.pages) as MS Word document format ( .docx)
  • Save OpenOffice file (.odt) as MS Word document format ( .docx)
  • Save MS Works (.wps) as MS Word document format (.docx)

• Zoom

  Zoom is a free app that works on Android devices, iPhones/iPads, and computers. Check out our Zoom Basics webpage to learn more.

  If you're in a remote class, you're supposed to join the class using Zoom. Some of our instructors also have virtual office hours on Zoom. Whether you're in a class on campus or online, make sure to install the Zoom Desktop Client or Mobile App before your classes start.

  Remember to always follow Zoom's Community Standards and Terms of Service while using it at COCC. Breaking these rules may be considered misconduct subject to procedures outlined in the Student's Rights and Responsibilities manual.

• Fill and Sign PDFs

  You may be asked to fill out or add your signature to online forms, assignments, and other PDF documents. You can do this for free using Adobe's products. Follow the instructions in the videos below to add text or your signature to PDF files:

  • How to Fill and Sign a PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • How to Fill and Sign a PDF using Adobe Fill & Sign Mobile App

Recommended Computer Environment

To make sure you can access your online classes and applications smoothly, it's important to have the right setup on your computer. The requirements might change depending on what classes you're taking, so it's good to be prepared!

Here are some general things you'll need for most online classes at COCC. If your class needs specific software or hardware, your instructor will let you know.

View the Canvas Guide:  What are the browser and computer requirements for Canvas?

• Expand for details and specific hardware recommendations

  Operating systems	Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.   Your computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.
  Internet Access & Web browsers	A high-speed internet connection (cable, DSL or similar). It is recommended to have a minimum Internet speed of 512kbps.   For best performance, Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers (click to download):  Chrome Firefox (Extended Releases are not supported)   Edge Safari (16 | 17 Mac only)   You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available.
  Other software and hardware	Word processing software (e.g.: Microsoft Word)   Microsoft 365 apps are free for COCC students. Check out the Microsoft 365 webpage for installation instructions Java and Adobe Reader (Click on each product name for free download)   Speakers or headphones for playing audio
  Mobile Devices	Canvas is built for desktop displays. However, if you are using a mobile device, you can access Canvas using their mobile app or with a mobile browser.  Mobile Apps For the best user experience, please download the official Canvas Student app from the Apple App or Google Play stores. The Canvas mobile app requires Android 8.0 or later and iOS 15.0 or later. Canvas offers limited support for native mobile browsers on tablet devices. For additional details, please reference the limited-support mobile browser guidelines. Mobile Browsers The following major browsers are compatible with mobile devices:   iOS Safari (default browser with limited Canvas support) Chrome Android Chrome (default browser with limited Canvas support)* Internet Firefox *Android default browser varies per mobile device.