Tech Support

You don't need a brand-new machine. You do need one that cooperates with Canvas and VoiceThread.

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Browser Chrome or Firefox (current version). Safari works for most things, but some interactive activities behave better in Chrome.

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Internet Reliable broadband connection. You'll be streaming and recording video for VoiceThread.

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Webcam + Mic Built-in or external. VoiceThread requires audio at minimum, and video is strongly encouraged.

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Operating System Windows 10+, macOS 12+, or ChromeOS. Keep your OS up to date.

Canvas Help

Canvas Resources

Canvas Student Guide The full walkthrough for everything Canvas can do.
How to Submit Assignments Step-by-step for uploading files, text entries, and media.
Canvas Mobile App Good for checking grades and announcements. Use a full browser for assignments.
How to Use Canvas Inbox Send messages to Dr. Gill or classmates without leaving Canvas.

VoiceThread Help

VoiceThread Resources

VoiceThread Getting Started Overview of commenting, recording, and sharing.
Recording Tips How to record audio and video comments. Test your setup before the deadline.

Heads up: Make sure your browser has microphone and camera permissions enabled. Chrome will ask the first time you try to record. If you accidentally clicked "Block," go to your browser settings to fix it.

Common Issues

Page not loading

Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows, Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac).
Try an incognito or private browsing window.
Switch browsers. If you're on Safari, try Chrome.
If none of that works, check Canvas status to see if there's a system-wide outage.

Assignment won't submit

Check the file size limit listed in the assignment. Canvas caps most uploads at 500 MB.
Try a different file format. PDFs and .docx files are the safest bet.
Make sure the assignment hasn't closed. Check the due date in Canvas.
If you're stuck, contact the UNCW help desk (details below) and email Dr. Gill so we know what happened.

VoiceThread won't record

Check browser permissions: click the lock icon in the address bar and make sure microphone and camera are set to "Allow."
Try Chrome. It has the best compatibility with VoiceThread.
Close other tabs or apps using your mic or camera.
Restart the browser and try again.

Canvas notifications not working

In Canvas, go to Account > Notifications. Make sure announcements and assignment updates are set to your preferred frequency.
Check the email address in your Canvas profile. It should match the one you check.
Look in your spam or junk folder. Canvas emails sometimes land there.

Still Stuck?

Get Help

UNCW Information Technology For Canvas access, login problems, and university systems.
Phone: 910.962.4357
Email: help@uncw.edu

Dr. Gill For course content, assignment questions, and grading.
Email: gilld@uncw.edu
Put "SEC 520" in the subject line. Replies within 24 hours on weekdays.