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Canvas Resources

In CIDT, we have created several short video tutorials and links to resources that will assist you in developing your online courses. The resource document belowis a compilation for quick and easy reference. If there are any topics for which you would appreciate a quick video tutorial, please do not hesitate to ask!

If you cannot see the document embedded above, use this link to access the Google Doc with the most current information.

Clear your browsers cookies / cache – If Canvas or any other site is giving you weird problems, sometimes clearing the cookies / cache can help. “Cache” and “Cookies” are pieces of website data stored by your browser to help it load faster after your first visit (images, files, etc.). While this can be useful, sometimes that data may be updated on the website and cause your browser to run into errors when it tries to load your old stored cache/cookies. If you run into errors with a website loading, one of tech support’s first things they’ll have you try is to clear your cache to make sure that isn’t the problem.

Each browser and device will have different processes for how exactly you clear your cache, but the articles below should get you the most current information:

System Requirements Open Close

It is the user’s responsibility to have access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection and a computer that is compliant with recommended browsers and settings in order to effectively utilize Canvas.

Canvas Support does not provide technical support for making sure a student’s computer settings are compliant with the recommended configuration settings.  If a student’s computer does not work properly, it is the student’s responsibility to either acquire or locate a computer to use that meets the recommended configuration settings.  In order for Canvas to function properly, your computer must meet the following requirements.

  • Make sure your computer has the latest updates installed.
  • Browsers – Click here to check your browser’s compatibility with Canvas and your browser’s plugins. Generally, it is recommended to have multiple browsers available on your computer to troubleshoot if a problem accessing something is a Canvas problem or a browser-specific problem.
  • JAVA – JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas. Make sure you have the latest version (currently, Java 8 Update 381)! The JRE can be downloaded from  https://java.com/en/download/.  After downloading, check again to see that it is working properly.
  • Clear the Memory Cache regularly for your browsers, especially before accessing a test. This will limit glitches related to a site or item loading correctly. Review the linked articles below for helpful instructions on clearing your cache:
  • Make sure your computer is free of viruses and/or spy ware by running anti-virus & anti-spyware software regularly.
  • Firewalls – You may need to disable or lessen the security intensity of a firewall before taking the test if you are taking an exam from a computer or computer network that has a firewall installed. Most of the time this should not be necessary, but that may be a necessary troubleshooting step if you run into issues where it says something in Canvas is “blocked” from your access.
  • Security – Make sure you have https://se.instructure.com added as a Trusted Site. To do that, open the Internet and select Tools > Internet Options > Security > Trusted Sites > Sites and add https://se.instructure.com.
  • Internet Connections – Along with compatibility and web standards, Instructure products (including Canvas) have been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments. It is recommended to have a minimum Internet speed of 512kbps. If you aren’t sure of your internet download and upload speed, a useful resource is SpeedTest.net for you to do a quick check.
    Dial-up, satellite, and wireless Internet connections (such as public & home networks, cellular air cards, WiFi, etc.), and/or mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android, etc., etc., etc.) are NOT recommended for accessing and taking tests in Canvas. A wired connection is the most reliable and should be used for taking online tests.  Note:  If you do use a “dial-up modem” to connect to the Internet, turn off “call waiting” and if you use the same line for voice calls, make sure no one picks of the phone and disconnects you from the Internet.
  • Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge?  In terms of system requirements, Firefox and Chrome have been a more reliable browsers when using Canvas, especially for taking tests. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you use Firefox or Chrome for test taking. Click here for a free download or Firefox. Click here for a free download of Chrome.
  • Students should close all programs except Canvas and keep them closed during your test! Do not take a test with other applications running in the background, such as Facebook, iTunes, Google, WeatherBug, movies, music, email, instant messaging, etc. This will improve your internet connection and limit potential issues as you take your test.
  • Verify that you have the minimum Canvas System Requirements.

These requirements are subject to some changes as time progresses, but this should be a good beginning guide. If anything seems inaccurate or outdated, please contact CIDT@se.edu and we will work on updating this page.