Course Syllabus

Canvas 101 for Students Course Syllabus

Course Description

Canvas 101 for Students was developed by GCSC Online Learning to introduce you to our online Learning Management System (LMS). You will find helpful tips, including which web browsers to use, what additional software you may need, and how to get daily updates and notifications regarding your online coursework.

Certificate of Mastery: In order to receive your Certificate of Canvas Mastery, you will need to complete the Canvas 101 survey at the end of the course. Once completed, your certificate will be sent to you via email.

Contact: If you have questions or need assistance, please get in touch with the Online Learning staff at online@gulfcoast.edu.    

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • CO1. Demonstrate proficiency navigating within Canvas, using help features, and customizing settings.
    • MO1-1. Demonstrate the ability to access the home page, course modules, assignments, discussions, quizzes, and grades by locating these areas within the LMS and then answering a knowledge check question. 
    • MO1-2. Identify the recommended web browsers or plug-ins for optimal compatibility and performance with the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
    • MO1-3. Differentiate between the various help resources available within Canvas, such as how to ask instructors for help, report a problem, contact Canvas Support, and access Canvas student guides. 
    • MO2. Customize personal settings by updating the profile page and setting up notifications, as demonstrated through the successful completion of a knowledge check question.
  • CO2. Employ effective communication skills utilizing Canvas communication tools.
    • MO3. Analyze the communication tools used in Canvas and identify which tool is appropriate depending on the situation, as demonstrated through the successful completion of a knowledge check question. 
  • CO3. Apply knowledge and skills to submit assignments and complete quizzes in Canvas.
    • MO4. Apply knowledge and skills to submit assignments and complete quizzes in Canvas, as demonstrated through the successful completion of a knowledge check question and self-directed quizzes.

Expected Time Commitment

It will take approximately one hour and thirty minutes to watch all of the videos and look at the step-by-step instructions in this course.

Technology Requirements

Canvas is where lesson content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

For Canvas, passwords, or any other computer-related technical support contact the IT Service Help Desk. Technical support is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling (850) 913-3303. You can also email technical support at technicalsupport@gulfcoast.edu. Additional information for technology services can be found on the GCSC Information Technology Services website.

Textbook & Reading Materials

There are no required textbooks for this course. All reading materials will be provided for through the Canvas Learning Management System. 

Schedule of Lessons & Assignments

The Introduction Module will take about five minutes to complete. Modules 1 through 3 will each take about fifteen minutes to complete, while Module 4 will take about thirty minutes to complete. Finally, the survey will take about 10 minutes to complete for a total of one hour and thirty minutes to complete the course. Click the button below for a detailed outline of the content and assignments in this course.

Outline of Content & Assignments

Please Note

Not all syllabus, course, and/or institutional policies listed below will apply to the Canvas 101 for Students course. However, many of these policies may apply to your courses at GCSC. Please see individual course syllabi to see which policies your instructor has determined are necessary.

Syllabus Policy

For any syllabus posted prior to the beginning of the term, the instructor reserves the right to make minor changes prior to or during the term. The instructor will notify students via e-mail or Canvas announcement when changes are made in the requirements and/or grading of the course.

All online courses at GCSC utilize the Canvas Learning System. Students should read all information presented in the Canvas course site and periodically check for updates every 48 hours.

Remember: Most courses at GCSC are not ones in which students may work at their own pace. Each week there are learning modules, assignments, online lectures, online discussions, and/or online exams with due dates. Refer to the schedule within each course's syllabus for more information.

Course Policies

Student Expectation Statement:

Students are expected to actively engage in course communication and participate in discussions and other interactive platforms as outlined in the course requirements. Students should regularly check their Canvas course page, email, and other designated communication channels for announcements, updates, and important information from the instructor and fellow classmates. 

Method of Evaluation:

Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the stated method of evaluation for the course, which includes self-directed quizzes and a survey for Canvas 101 for Students. Students should understand the criteria and learning objectives used to assess their performance and progress. It is the student's responsibility to actively engage in the evaluation process, participate in assessments, and seek clarification if they have questions or concerns. 

Assignment of Grades:

Students should expect that their grades will be assigned based on the established grading criteria provided in the course syllabus or assignment instructions. It is essential for students to submit their work on time and meet the specified requirements to receive accurate and fair grades. They should understand that grades are reflective of their individual performance and demonstrate their understanding of the course material.

Assessment Instruments:

Students are expected to participate in self-directed quizzes and to complete an end-of-course survey. These assessment instruments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and comprehension of the course content. Students are expected to prepare adequately for assessments, engage in academic integrity, and follow any specific instructions provided for each assessment instrument.

Attendance Policy:

While online courses often offer flexibility in terms of time and location, students are still expected to adhere to the attendance policy outlined in the course syllabus or instructor's guidelines for all courses they are enrolled in at GCSC. This may include participating in scheduled discussions, attending live sessions, or submitting regular progress updates. It is the student's responsibility to manage their time effectively and allocate sufficient effort to meet attendance expectations. 

Make-Up Work Policy:

Students should be aware of the make-up work policy stated in the course syllabus or instructor's guidelines for all courses they are enrolled in at GCSC. In cases of valid absences or extenuating circumstances, students may be given the opportunity to make up missed assignments or assessments. However, it is their responsibility to promptly communicate with the instructor, provide appropriate documentation if necessary, and follow the outlined procedures for requesting make-up work. 

Institutional Policies

Honest participation in academic endeavors fosters an environment in which optimal learning can take place and is consistent with the college’s mission. Academic misconduct, including cheating or plagiarism, is destructive to the spirit of an educational environment. GCSC professors report every instance of student academic misconduct to the college for inclusion on the student’s records.

“Cheating” includes but is not limited to the use of any unauthorized assistance in completing course work.

“Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment as well as the purchase of papers or projects.

“Self-plagiarism” occurs when a student submits the same or considerably similar document to fulfill requirements in different classes. For example, if a student submits a term paper in Religion they originally wrote for an English class, this is self-plagiarism. Once a paper receives a grade in one class, it cannot be submitted again for another class.

Sanctions for incidences of academic misconduct, depending on the severity of the incidence and/or its repetition, may range from receiving an F grade (or 0) for the test, assignment, or activity, to failure of the course, to suspension or dismissal from the college.

Withdrawals

Students may withdraw themselves from any course until the published withdrawal deadline for that term in the Gulf Coast State College catalog. Students wishing to withdraw from a course and receive a “W” must complete a withdrawal form and submit this to the Office of Enrollment Services prior to the scheduled withdrawal date as published on the college calendar. Instructors do not withdraw students from their individual courses under any circumstances. If you feel you have a unique situation that warrants removal from all of your courses for a term after the withdrawal deadline has passed, you may contact the Vice President of Student Affairs to discuss your situation.

Consequences of Withdrawals

Two withdrawals are permitted per credit course. After that, a grade will be assigned. Please be concerned about withdrawals. When admitting students into certain programs, universities may calculate withdrawals as grades. It is your responsibility to verify the effects of enrollment and/or withdrawal upon your financial assistance (financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc.).

Incomplete Grades

Grades of Incomplete in any course can only be assigned to students who have an emergency arise during the last two weeks of the course. To receive an Incomplete, students must:

  • Submit a written request to the instructor prior to the last face-to-face class meeting. For online courses, a written Incomplete request must be received no later than the week before the Final Exam period begins.
  • Have completed no less than 60 percent of the course requirements and be passing the course at the time the request for an Incomplete is submitted.

Important Note: The Incomplete option provides 30 days from the date grades are due to make up any missing work; if work is not submitted during this period, the grade will automatically change to an “F” in Lighthouse.

Gulf Coast State College supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, reasonable accommodations can be arranged. Prior to receiving accommodations, you must register with Student Accessibility Resources. Appropriate academic accommodations will be determined based on the documented needs of the student. For information regarding the registration process, email sar@gulfcoast.edu or call 850-747-3243.

In accordance with federal and state privacy laws, students may record class lectures for their own personal educational use, in connection with a complaint to the college, or as evidence in internal or external legal proceedings. Students may not publish or upload the recordings or any components thereof without the knowledge and written permission of the faculty member.  Failure to obtain permission to publish could lead to the students’ having to pay damages, attorney fees, and court costs.  For more information about what can be recorded, please see the guidelines in the GCSC Student Handbook.