Online Learning at Edmonds College

We can help you if you want to learn how to be an online student!

Edmonds College uses Canvas for online learning. You can access Canvas from the Edmonds homepage by selecting MY EC (top right) and then Canvas, or by selecting Students, then Academics, and then Canvas login. To use Canvas, you’ll need:

A phone, tablet, or computer
A reliable internet connection
A web browser: Firefox and Chrome work best

Canvas has an app that can be downloaded for free onto mobile devices (use Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices). The app is convenient but doesn’t work the same as a web browser. If you can’t access parts of your course using the app, try using a web browser. That may fix the issue.

Follow these steps to get started on Canvas:

Step 1: Get your Edmonds College student login

Note: You must be registered for at least one credit and activate your ctcLink account to access your Canvas account. If you need assistance with registration, contact Enrollment Services.

Students registered for classes and all Employees will log in to Canvas using their ctcLink ID and ctcLink password.

To set up your ctcLink account, visit our ctcLink information page.

Canvas Login Example:

Username: Your 9-digit ctcLink ID number (ex. 201xxxxxx or 101xxxxxx)

Password: Created when activating your ctcLink account

Account issues? Visit our FAQ.

If you have any questions, please contact START (Student Technology Advice and Resource Team): itsupport.edmonds.edu

Step 2: Set up your Canvas account

After you log in, create your profile and enable notifications, so you receive messages from your instructors. You should also look at your dashboard for your courses. Once your instructors have published your courses, you will see them in your dashboard.

Step 3: Self-enroll in Prep Week for Students

This course introduces you to Canvas and prepares you for success with online learning. It should take about 30 minutes to complete.

Enroll in the Prep Week for Students

Enter your username and password.
Click “Enroll in Course.”

Choose “Go to the Course” or “Go to your Dashboard.”

If you choose “Go to your Dashboard,” locate the Prep Week for Students course.

Canvas has many features and tools that will make your online class interactive and engaging, but it can initially seem overwhelming. Here’s a quick explanation of some of the most commonly used parts of Canvas:

Announcements are a tool that your instructor can use to send out messages to the entire class.
Inbox is a tool that lets you and your instructors message each other. Copies of inbox messages are sent to the email address set in your Canvas profile.
Modules are a way that your instructor may organize your online class. Think of modules as folders that contain readings, media, and assignments you may have to do each week, chapter, or unit.
Assignments are just like assignments in a face-to-face class, except submitted online. You upload your work, your instructor gives you feedback, and you receive a grade.
Discussion boards are a way for you to interact and share ideas with classmates and the instructor online. Your instructor will post a topic and give you instructions, then you’ll share your ideas in a discussion board post. It’s just like a written conversation.
Grades are where you’ll find scores on assignments submitted in Canvas. It’s important to keep track of your progress so you can succeed in your online class.

Each online class is unique. Some will have virtual meetings at specific times, and others will not have meetings at all; some will use written material, videos, and interactive parts, and some will only have textbooks. It’s hard to know what to expect in each online class, but you can prepare yourself by exploring your courses, asking your instructor when you have questions, and reading the suggestions below.

How and when to communicate

Many of us communicate online with many different groups for different reasons. For example, you may post on social media about a current event, email a link to a co-worker, or text your manager to let them know you’ll be late for work. Communicating in an online class is more formal than most online communication we experience. The guidelines for sharing in an online class are called “netiquette,” and following these suggestions (like the ones from Arizona State University) will help you have a more positive experience overall.

Your class will probably give you many opportunities to interact with your classmates and instructor. Remember, you’re a community all learning about the same thing but from different perspectives and backgrounds. You’ll learn a lot by communicating with your class. Read what your classmates say and share your thoughts frequently to make the conversation more interesting and genuine. If you have questions, ask them! Your classmates probably have the same concerns. Remember to ask your instructor directly--not through public discussion boards--when you have questions about grades or other sensitive information; email or a Canvas inbox message would be better for private conversations. Make sure to ask questions as soon as they arise. If you delay getting the answer you need, you’ll be late in finishing other parts of the course, making it more challenging to complete later.

Think of your online class as a face-to-face class

Online classes tend to offer flexibility so students can do coursework around busy life demands. This flexibility can also be challenging because you aren’t required to attend a classroom at a certain time. You have to create structure and discipline for yourself to complete your course. Here are some techniques for managing your time and structuring your online experience:

Explore the course to ensure you understand how it is organized and where to find the information you need.
Read the syllabus and calendar carefully to note important policies and due dates.
Make reminders for yourself when assignments are due.
Designate time in your schedule to work on your online class. Write your schedule on your weekly calendar as class time and stick with it.
Eliminate distractions during class time. Don’t try to do your work while doing housework or watching Netflix; you probably won’t understand the material as well, and then you’ll need to spend more time studying it afterward.
Make sure to give yourself enough time to complete your work. In other words, if you have a large project coming up, carve out more time in your schedule to work on it.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your classmates for help. They would probably enjoy studying and working on projects with you.
Check your online class regularly to look for announcements, updates, and new materials.
If you have to use new technology in your online class, test it beforehand, so you don’t have to worry about technical problems messing up an online meeting with your instructor or making you late to submit an assignment.

Set goals and expectations

Online classes are just as challenging and rigorous as face-to-face courses. Don’t underestimate the amount of work you’ll need to put into an online course, and don’t forget to check in on it. Be prepared to spend more time on an online class than a face-to-face one, and be responsible for yourself. Knowing all this information when you start your online class makes you more likely to approach it seriously and succeed.

Your online class might use exam proctoring and plagiarism detection software. These are tools ensure an online exam or assignment was completed by the student enrolled in the class. In other words, these tools ensure that students submit their own work and that online classes provide the same educational quality as face-to-face classes.

Your class may use Honorlock to proctor exams and ensure students don’t cheat. The service monitors your environment and web use to ensure that no outside sources are used during your exam. If your class uses Honorlock, you’ll need the following equipment to take the proctored exam.

A computer (Windows, Apple/Mac, Chromebook, laptop--Honorlock cannot be used on a tablet or phone)
Chrome web browser
Honorlock Chrome extension (free; download Honorlock extension)
Webcam (external or built-in on laptop/Chromebook)
Microphone (external or built-in on laptop/Chromebook)
Identification (student ID, driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Quiet, private space to take your exam.

If you have other questions about Honorlock, check out the student guide, the video demonstrating how to use Honorlock, and the video demonstrating how to scan your environment. If you experience technical difficulties taking your exam, contact Honorlock Support.

Your class may use VeriCite to make sure that assignments are original. VeriCite compares submitted assignments to text in databases and on the internet to ensure that your submission isn’t copied. Being able to write an original text about your coursework is an essential part of demonstrating your learning. This quick video shows you how to upload an assignment to VeriCite.

Live virtual support

Connect with our various departments via live virtual support on Zoom. Resources include:

Enrollment Services
Financial Aid
Advising
IT Support
And more

Go to Triton Live

Technology support

The Helpdesk is also able to help you when you experience technical difficulties. Please visit itsupport.edmonds.edu to find a knowledge base article to solve your issue, or submit a ticket for further assistance.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) ensures that programs at Edmonds College are accessible and usable by students with disabilities. SSD offers the following services to students of Edmonds College:

Academic advising
Campus orientation
One-on-one tutoring
Interpreters for the Deaf
Test scribes
Readers
Early registration
eBooks
Large print materials
Braille
Accommodated testing
Transcriptioning
Note takers

To submit a request for an accommodation, please see the list of SSD Request Forms. You can contact SSD by voice (425.640.1320), video phone (425.354.3113), or email (ssdmail@edcc.edu).

Learning Support Center

The Learning Support Center (LSC) provides academic support to students in math, the sciences, the humanities, and social sciences. There are a few ways you can get completely free virtual tutoring help from the Learning Support Center:

You can use Ask a Tutor: Live to drop in and participate in Zoom tutoring sessions, or you can submit questions to answers you received via email using Ask a Tutor. If you want live tutoring help but do not see your class offered on Ask a Tutor: Live, then eTutoring also offers live tutoring for select subjects.
If you want help with a writing assignment or paper for ANY class, you can use Ask a Tutor: Live to drop in to live, video chat Zoom tutoring sessions OR you can use eTutoring to receive written tutoring feedback on your writing. If you want help with grammar-specific questions, you can get live Zoom tutoring or emailed, written help using Grammar Corner.

Library resources

The library offers online services to help you get the information you need to succeed in your online courses. You can chat with a librarian 24/7, email for help, look through resource guides, or access all library databases. You can also call the library reference desk at 425.640.1472.

Counseling

You may feel overwhelmed by all the changes happening around you, but remember that you’re not alone. If you want to talk to someone, the Counseling Center can help. The Counseling Center offers:

Personal counseling
Career counseling
Student success counseling
Resources and referrals

To make an appointment, call 425.640.1358 or email counseling@email.edcc.edu. For more information about the Counseling Center, check out their list of Frequently Asked Questions.

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Online Learning at Edmonds College

Follow these steps to get started on Canvas: