Instructional Resources
Technical Requirements
Canvas provides the best possible learning experience, regardless of a learner’s technical skills or computer system. It is intuitive, easy to use, and will accommodate almost any computer and operating system. To fully utilize CalSouthern’s LMS, as well as the online tools and resources that CalSouthern offers, we recommend meeting the following minimum technical system requirements:
Hardware
- 2GHz CPU Processor or faster
- 2GB RAM or more
- 20 GB free hard drive space or more
- Monitor and video card that support resolution of 1024x768 and higher
- A webcam, microphone, speakers, or headset
Software
- Windows 7 SP1 or newer
- Mac- OS X.5 or newer
- Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox
- Adobe Reader
- Office365 (CalSouthern provides Office 365 suite at no charge)
- Antivirus Software
Internet Bandwidth
- Minimum 1.5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed
Not Supported Equipment
- Chromebook
- Tablets
- Linux
- Microsoft Surface RT
Textbooks and Instructional Materials
The University’s degree programs are textbook based. For each course, the learner receives notification through CalSouthern’s messaging system
Appropriate textbooks and course syllabi are used for each course. Required texts as well as recommended texts are indicated in the course syllabus by title, author, and publisher. Learners can obtain textbooks from any source of their choice; however, CalSouthern has an agreement with an online book supplier to assist learners in acquiring text material in a timely manner. Consult the CalSouthern website for information on obtaining textbooks.
A syllabus that includes all assignments and a schedule for completing the course is provided. After the assignments are submitted, the faculty mentor, finalizes the evaluation of the work and posts the grade to Canvas.
Online Library
The mission of the Online Library is to render library support to CalSouthern’s programs of study by providing traditional library service in a nontraditional environment, thereby facilitating the research activities and needs of learners, faculty mentors, and staff.
The CalSouthern Online Library provides electronic access to subscription databases, including scholarly journal articles, e- books, handbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, dissertations, videos, the DSM-V, company reports, magazines, and newspapers.
The virtual library provides cutting edge academic research support. Research assistance is supported through the telephone, emails, webinars, user guides, and LibGuides. Additional support may be requested from the University Librarian.