Getting Started
Moraine Park uses the learning management system called Canvas. Whether you are taking in person or online classes, you will often use Canvas to submit your homework.
You can access Canvas from the www.morainepark.edu/login homepage and then login with your MPTC credentials, or you can access it from your Student Portal.
You will not have access to Canvas until you are registered for classes.
You can communicate with your instructor via Canvas Inbox, which is often the preferred method for instructors. You may also check the course syllabus for additional contact methods for your instructor.
If you are new to Canvas, please check out this Canvas Overview video to learn how to use the online platform.
You can also view the Tips for online students page within the New Student Orientation.
All class-related questions should be directed to your instructor for the class.
General
Online classes provide students with flexibility to attend college without having to drive to campus. The majority of our online classes have scheduled assignments/assessments with due dates. They are NOT self-paced classes and instructors track your participation.
Moraine Park offers two types of online courses:
Synchronous Online
These classes do have scheduled meeting times. You must log in and attend virtual sessions each week. It’s like a regular class – just online.
Asynchronous Online
These classes have no set meeting times. You complete weekly work at your own pace, but there are still deadlines. This format gives you flexibility, but it requires more self discipline.
Classes range in length from 4, 6, 8 or 16 weeks. The start and end dates can be found on the class search online if you have not yet registered for classes. If you have registered, you should check your class schedule for your specific start and end dates.
To find out what books you’ll need for any class you take, visit the Moraine Park eCampus Bookstore.
Moraine Park does not issue computers to its students. It is your responsibility to find a computer and an Internet connection whether that is at your home, your place of work, or at an educational institution such as Moraine Park Technical College.
If you are unable to purchase your own computer, you may contact the campus Library to see if they have laptops available to check out temporarily.
Technology
Basic computer skills that include using e-mail, saving, retrieving and uploading files, and navigating the World Wide Web.
Students taking online classes with Moraine Park are required to submit their work using the Microsoft Office software. For the majority of classes, this means you need to use Microsoft Word. However, you may also be required to use any of the following software that is included in Microsoft Office:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Adobe Acrobat
Note that Office365 is available for free for all active MPTC students. Just download the Microsoft products you plan to use on your device and then login using your MPTC email and password.
If a class requires specific software outside of what’s mentioned above, it will be listed in the bookstore and/or in the syllabus for the class.
As a Moraine Park student, you are eligible to purchase various computer software packages through the Moraine Park eCampus Bookstore at a reduced rate. These packages include software from Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, and other products.
Most laptops, desktops and tablets will work with Canvas, with the exception of Chromebooks. While you can use a mobile device to access Canvas, you will not be able to complete your homework this way and will need access to a laptop, desktop or tablet.
It’s also important to have high-speed internet connection to take online classes.
Canvas is run through an internet browser. The browser that works best for Canvas is Google Chrome. However, you can also access Canvas through Edge, Safari and Firefox, but may have limited access to features.
Please refer to the following Canvas Guide: browser and computer requirements
Yes. You can work on your class from most computers that have Internet Access.
Please contact the MPTC Technology Help Team.