About Online Learning

Technical Requirements:

NKU uses Canvas, a web portal that offers easy access to course materials and the ability to communicate with instructors and classmates from one location. NKU recommends the following minimum computer capabilities for online learning.

Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Opera, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.

Compatible Browsers

Mozilla Firefox
Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Safari

Other Browser Requirements

• Javascript Enabled

For more information, visit Which browsers does Canvas support?

Skill Requirements

• An Internet connection is necessary to participate in discussions and assignments, access readings, transfer course work, and receive feedback from your instructional associate and/or professor. For web-based courses, students should have a basic working knowledge of computers and Internet use as well as access to a computer with a broadband (DSL, cable, satellite) Internet connection. Other requirements for each course are listed in the university catalog.

• At a minimum, you must have Microsoft Office 2003. Microsoft Word is the standard word processing software, Microsoft Excel is the standard spreadsheet software, and Microsoft PowerPoint is the standard presentation software. Copying and pasting, along with attaching/uploading documents for assignment submission, will also be required.  Microsoft Office 365 is the standard office productivity software utilized by faculty, students, and staff and is free for all students. To download your free software, click here.  

Canvas (course portal):

Canvas is NKU's online course management system that provides easy access to course materials, University resources, and personal tools like email. 

Email:

NKU will provide you with an NKU student email account at no additional cost prior. The University will use this account to communicate with you throughout your student career. You are encouraged to forward all other email addresses to the NKU student account, as you may change personal and business email addresses more frequently.