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Online Education (DE) courses are delivered "Online" using computer technology with either limited or no required on-campus sessions. Course objectives and curriculum for DE courses are the same as a classroom version - only the way that instruction is delivered is different. In other words, an Online education course may involve the student communicating with the instructor via e-mail or online discussion. Course assignments, handouts, and lecture notes might be accessible on the course web site, and assignments and tests may be turned in and taken online.

  • Basic computer skills including:
  • Ability to download and install software may be necessary
  • Ability to effectively use search engines (like Google) and information resources (like the Library's online databases)
  • Basic knowledge of the Internet and ability to use multiple web browsersability to differentiate between file formats and applications,
  • creating, saving, downloading, attaching and managing files,
  • switching between multiple applications,
  • copying and pasting text from one application to another
  • Sending and receiving e-mail with attachments

Not everyone is well suited to take a course online. Typically online courses require greater self-discipline, as well as computer expertise and strong reading skills. Students who are auditory (hearing) or kinesthetic (touching) learners may do better in a traditional face-to-face class. Find out whether an Online education course is right for you by taking this survey. 

  • Canvas basic computer specifications view the recommendations by Canvas.
  • On campus have a limited supply of Chromebooks available for checkout from the Library/Open Lab and DSPS.

Browsers supported by Canvas; detailed list. 

Also, you must have a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) offering DSL, Cable or Satellite setup. Refer to your course welcome letter for any additional requirements.

Note: Canvas does not supports Internet Explorer!! 

I need MicroSoft Office, is there a discount for students? You can use Office 365 for Free as a Cuesta College Student. Or you can purchase the desktop version for at a discount.

E-mail is provided to all students enrolled at Cuesta, accessible via myCuesta. Your e-mail address typically consists of your first name + an underscore (_) + your last name + "@my.cuesta.edu".

Example: "sam_spade@my.cuesta.edu"

Information regarding student e-mail is sent by Admissions & Records to all enrolled students.

Note: The only email address your instructors have is your Cuesta address. If you wish to use another email address, you must forward your student e-mail to your personal e-mail address. 

Registration for an Online education course is no different than that of a regular classroom course and is done through my.cuesta.edu. If you are a new Cuesta student you must first complete an application using CCC Apply. Once enrolled, you will be sent information on how to access myCuesta and register for classes.

All Online education (DE) courses at Cuesta follow the same semester schedule as regular classroom-taught courses. In some cases a class may be an early or late start; please refer to the class finder for your class to verify the start date. The course welcome letter will list any required meeting days (if any) for your DE courses (if hybrid).

This would be no different than in a regular classroom-taught course. Contact your instructor and to determine the best plan.

Contact the course instructor, if you have questions about your courses.

Contact Admissions & Records, if you have questions about your enrollment, need to register, wish to order a transcript, etc.

You may e-mail or phone tech support at support@my.cuesta.edu. 

Where can I get help with Canvas? Answers to many questions can be found on the Canvas Quick Reference, or search the Canvas Guides. Your instructor can also help you with common problems. The Canvas Guides offer the widest range of solutions for your Canvas questions. 

Ask the instructor their preferred format in which the document should be submitted (usually ,doc, .docx or .pdf; you can not submit a Mac Pages file), then use Save As to convert the document to that format:

Open the assignment in your word processing program. Select File > Save As. In the Save As window, select the Save As Type drop-down menu and pick the format preferred by your instructor.

(Note: You can also select "RTF" or "PDF," see next paragraph.) Save the file and then send it to your instructor. Another option is to save in a universal format. For example, save all word processing documents in RTF (rich text format) and all spreadsheets in CSV (comma separated values). And if the instructor only needs to view the document and not make changes, save as a PDF.

Your class will only appear on the date of the opening day of class ... unless your instructor has indicated otherwise. You might also wish to favorite your course so it always shows on your dashboard. Click Course > All Courses > scroll down to list of courses to find the course you wish to favorite > Click the hollow start to turn it orange. 

Verify the URL (web address) your browser is going to. If correct you may be entering the wrong password. The password is case sensitive; make sure your Caps Lock is not on. If you have forgotten your password, you can have your password reset by clicking the "Forgotten your username or password?" link. If you are still having issues, email support@my.cuesta.edu.  

Once enrolled, you may pay for courses at the Cashier's office on either the San Luis Obispo or North County campus, or your may pay online by doing the following:

  • Log into myCuesta.
  • Click Pay Fees View Account in the Steps to Success channel on the Student tab.
  • Select a Term and then click Submit.
  • Note the Account Balance and then click Pay Now.
  • Type in the Payment Amount and then click Submit.
  • Click the link, Pay by Debit or Credit Card.
  • Complete the form and then click Continue.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts.

 

Textbooks and materials are available at the college bookstore or online. Bookstore hours of operation, online ordering, and additional information are available by clicking on the Bookstore link in the "Cuesta Quick Links" channel on myCuesta's Home tab. 

Welcome letters can be viewed by clicking the web link when accessing the course information via the Class Finder.

Instructions on logging in can be found on the Canvas quick reference guide. Canvas is located at https://cuesta.instructure.com/ 

If you are officially enrolled in a course through my.cuesta.edu and you see the course on your class list, you will gain access to canvas automatically once the start date has arrived and the course has been published by the instructor. Please verify the course start date on class finder or under your registered courses list. Note some courses start later in the semester. 

  Once you verify that your course has started, make sure you are logged into the canvas portal using your same cuesta log in information (student ID and Password). Once you are logged in you will see your dashboard, and if your course is not listed on your dashboard, you may need to do one of two things: 

  1. Favorite it in order for it to show. You can do this by clicking on the "Courses" link in the side navigation, then click "All Courses", then click the star next to the course name to favorite it. Then click back on your dashboard navigation and you should see your course.
  2. Change your dashboard view to card view by clicking the three dots in the upper right hand corner of your dashboard to view the drop down list. 

Please see the canvas quick reference for more assistance in navigating Canvas. You might also find the Canvas Guide on viewing your course and customizing your course list to be helpful.