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Online Learning FAQs

Check our list of frequently asked questions to learn more about distance education at Las Positas College.

Getting started

Canvas help

Technical help

Student rights + responsibilities

How do online courses work?

When you register for an online course at LPC, you'll complete the class through Canvas, our online learning hub. In Canvas, you can access course materials, watch instructional videos, join live Zoom sessions (if scheduled), participate in discussions, take assessments, and more!

Your professor will provide detailed instructions to guide you through the course. You'll also have opportunities to connect with peers and receive feedback on your progress, just like in an in-person class.

Are online courses self-paced?

No, they are not. Synchronous online courses have regularly scheduled Zoom meetings to attend. Asynchronous online courses don't have required online meetings, but you'll still have planned activities and assessments to complete each week. When you log into Canvas, your instructor will share a detailed schedule so you know what to complete when.

Do all online courses look and work the same?

We have several styles of distance education classes to choose from, each offering unique ways to engage and learn online. You can find descriptions on our Online Learning web page.

While all our online courses take place on Canvas, not all Canvas courses look exactly the same. You should log into Canvas to get to know your instructor and course at the start of the term. You can attend one of our online orientations to see a sample online course!

Will I ever have to physically come to LPC?

It depends on whether you're enrolled in a fully online or partially online course.

  • When registering, be sure to check the course notes for details on any required on-campus meetings in partially online courses.
  • For fully online courses (asynchronous, synchronous, or combination), all instruction takes place online through Canvas and/or Zoom; there are no required meetings on campus.

How do I register for an online course?

After you apply to become an LPC student, you'll be able to register for classes. You can use filters to look for online courses, like asynchronous or hybrid courses, in our searchable schedule. The course notes will have details about any on campus requirements for partially online classes.

I registered. When should I get started?

Log in to Canvas on the first day of class to familiarize yourself with your course and check any work you may need to complete during the first week. For example, many online instructors may have a discussion board where you're asked to introduce yourself. This is a great way to connect with your instructor and peers, and it helps your instructor verify your attendance.

Students who don't log into Canvas and get started may be dropped from the course. Below is the official LPC Instructor's Withdrawal Policy for Distance Education:

"The instructor may drop students who miss the first meeting of a course. The first meeting of online or hybrid Distance Education courses is the first day of the class as specified in the class schedule listing. For these courses, instructors may drop students who do not log into their course and/or complete indicated activities by the third day of classes. DE instructors may drop students if they have not submitted work and/or accessed the class for two consecutive weeks. For Summer courses, DE instructors may drop students if they have not submitted work and/or accessed the class for one week."

How do I log into Canvas?

Check out our Canvas Login Instructions. You'll find tips for logging in for the first time and instructions to reset your password.

What if I forget my W number and can't log in?

  1. Go to ClassWeb.
  2. Click "Sign on to CLASS-Web."
  3. Enter your SSN in the User ID field and your default PIN number (your birth date, in the following format - MMDDYY)
  4. Click "Login."
  5. Click "What is my W Number?"

What if I forgot my Canvas password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the Canvas Login page.

Why isn't my class showing up on Canvas?

Your instructor has not made the class available yet. Once the instructor does this - typically on the first day of classes - you will be able to access it. If you still can't access your class on Canvas on the course start date, please email your instructor or contact the Computer Center for help.

I added a class during late registration. When can I access the course on Canvas?

If you add a course during the late registration period, there will be a delay of several hours before you are input into the Canvas course. If you still don't have access to Canvas the morning after you registered for the class, please contact the Computer Center for help.

How do I make my pronouns visible in Canvas?

Learn how to set pronouns in Canvas.

How can I change my name in Canvas?

Submit a Personal Data Change Form to Admissions & Records.

On this document, you can let the college know of a legal name change, which requires documentation and would impact all college records, including transcripts.

Or, you can use this form to request a "Chosen First Name Change," which does not require documentation. This will change your display name on Canvas and instructor rosters, but won't change your name on official documents like your transcripts.

How do I access feedback from my instructor on an assignment?

Canvas allows your instructor to give you feedback in multiple ways. Learn how to check for:

Can I be notified when an assignment is graded or instructor feedback is given?

Yes, learn how to set your notifications in Canvas for grades, feedback, and other actions in your class.

How can I access past courses?

To access past courses in Canvas:

  1. Click Courses from the global navigation menu (far left).
  2. Click "All Courses."
  3. Scroll down to see your "Past Enrollments."

Please note that instructors can choose to restrict access to courses after the term ends. If access is restricted, you won't be able to view the course. If your instructor allows access, you'll be able to view the course in a read-only format, meaning you can read the content but cannot edit or submit anything.

Is there a preferred browser to use for my course?

Most browsers - like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari - work great with Canvas, as long as you keep them up-to-date. You can check to make sure you're using the latest version of a supported browser.

Note that there may be times your instructor asks you to use a specific browser for compatibility with a technology used in your course.

Does it matter if I use a Windows-based computer or a Mac?

No, unless you are taking a very specific type of computer course. Check with the instructor if you are unsure. The LPC Library has laptops available to check out if you don't have your own device.

Can I use my phone or tablet in online classes?

The Canvas Student app is free and works on iOS and Android devices. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

After installing the Canvas app, search for Las Positas or CLPCCD (our district).

Please note: while the app can be a great way to stay organized, you may need a laptop or desktop computer to complete some of your online coursework. The LPC Library has laptops available to check out if you don't have your own device.

Does it matter which word processing program I use for writing assignments?

While some courses, like a class on Excel, might have specific requirements, you'll be able to complete most of your coursework using the Google tools (like Google Docs and Slides) that come with your college-issued ZoneMail account.

If you ever have an instructor that prefers specific file types, you can download your Google content in their preferred format.

How is my privacy protected in an online class?

Learn about your FERPA rights and review our privacy statement for more information on how technologies you use in college, like Canvas, comply with privacy regulations.

What should I do if I have a problem in an online class?

Should you ever have an issue in an online class, please don't hesitate to reach out for help! You can get support online at the Computer Center and our team can help direct you to the right resources. Review our Student Complaint Process for more serious issues.

Will my online exams be proctored?

That depends on the instructor. LPC instructors have access to an online exam proctoring tool called Proctorio to help ensure academic integrity in distance ed courses. Learn more about Proctorio.

Will my work be scanned for plagiarism or generative AI?

LPC instructors typically use Turnitin to scan student submissions for potential plagiarism and/or content created by generative AI. Learn more about Turnitin.

Where can I get more information about academic integrity?

Review LPC's Academic Integrity web pages to learn more about LPC's expectations for students and process for issues related to academic dishonesty.

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