PCC Canvas Student Guide

Introduction to PCC Canvas

PCC Canvas is a learning management system (LMS) used by Portland Community College to deliver online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses. As a student, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the platform to ensure a successful and enjoyable learning experience. This guide will walk you through the various features and tools available in PCC Canvas, helping you to navigate and make the most out of your online courses.

Navigating the Canvas Dashboard

When you log in to PCC Canvas, you’ll be taken to the dashboard, which provides an overview of your current courses, assignments, and notifications. The dashboard is divided into several sections:

• Courses: A list of your current and past courses, with links to each course’s homepage.
• To-Do List: A list of upcoming assignments and deadlines for all your courses.
• Calendar: A calendar view of all your courses, including assignment due dates and events.
• Notifications: A list of recent announcements and updates from your instructors.

You can customize your dashboard by adding or removing sections, and rearranging the layout to suit your preferences.

Course Navigation

Each course in PCC Canvas has its own homepage, which provides access to course materials, assignments, and discussions. The course navigation menu is typically located on the left side of the page and includes the following links:

• Home: The course homepage, which may include a welcome message, course overview, and important announcements.
• Modules: A list of course modules, which are organized by topic or week.
• Assignments: A list of all assignments for the course, including quizzes, discussions, and uploads.
• Discussions: A list of discussion topics, where you can engage with your peers and instructor.
• Grades: A summary of your grades for the course, including assignment scores and overall grade.

You can also use the Course Search function to quickly find specific course materials or assignments.

Submitting Assignments

PCC Canvas provides several ways to submit assignments, depending on the instructor’s preferences. The most common methods include:

• File Upload: You can upload files from your computer, such as Word documents, PDFs, or images.
• Text Entry: You can type your assignment directly into the submission box.
• Media Recording: You can record audio or video directly from your computer or mobile device.
• Peer Review: You can submit assignments for peer review, where your classmates will provide feedback and comments.

Make sure to check the assignment instructions carefully, as some instructors may have specific requirements or preferences for submission.

Participating in Discussions

Discussions are an essential part of online learning, allowing you to engage with your peers and instructor in a virtual environment. To participate in discussions:

• Click on the Discussions link in the course navigation menu.
• Select the discussion topic you want to participate in.
• Read the discussion prompt and any existing posts.
• Click the Reply button to respond to a post or start a new thread.
• Type your response in the text box and click Post Reply.

Remember to follow the Discussion Guidelines and Netiquette rules, which are usually posted at the beginning of each course.

Using Canvas Tools and Features

PCC Canvas offers a range of tools and features to support your learning, including:

Tool/Feature	Description
Collaborations	A tool for group work, allowing you to collaborate with peers on assignments and projects.
Conferences	A virtual meeting space, where you can meet with your instructor or peers for live discussions.
Chat	A live chat feature, allowing you to communicate with your instructor or peers in real-time.
Announcements	A feature for instructors to post important updates and announcements.

These tools and features can enhance your learning experience and provide opportunities for engagement and interaction with your peers and instructor.

📝 Note: Make sure to check the course syllabus and instructor announcements for specific instructions on using these tools and features.

As you continue to explore PCC Canvas, you’ll discover more features and tools to support your learning. Remember to stay organized, participate in discussions, and reach out to your instructor or peers when you need help.

To summarize, the key points to take away from this guide are:

• Familiarize yourself with the Canvas dashboard and course navigation.
• Understand the different assignment submission methods.
• Participate in discussions and follow discussion guidelines.
• Explore the various tools and features available in PCC Canvas.

By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable learning experience in PCC Canvas.