Distance Education
Distance Education is a formal educational process where most instruction takes place when students and instructors are not in the same location. North American University (NAU) offers distance education courses in a fully online format. An online course is defined as one where all regularly scheduled face-to-face class meetings are replaced by required learning activities completed at a distance and managed online. These courses enable students to participate from geographically remote locations without the need to visit campus.
NAU's online courses are delivered entirely through Canvas, the university's Learning Management System (LMS). To access your courses and assignments, log into your Office 365 account and select the 'MyPortal' app. You'll find the 'Canvas' on the Homepage.
Participation in these online courses requires access to a personal computer or compatible mobile device with reliable internet connectivity. A detailed review of our Technology Requirements is strongly recommended to ensure you meet all the prerequisites for successful engagement in online learning.
Online courses feature a combination of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (self-paced) activities to accommodate diverse learning styles. Students interact with instructors, course materials, and peers exclusively in the virtual environment.
Additionally, students are expected to follow Netiquette Guidelines for respectful and effective communication in this digital learning space. Adhering to these principles ensures a positive and productive experience for all participants in the online academic community.
Technology Requirements
In the North American University online learning environment, computer software and hardware allows you to communicate clearly and effectively with faculty, staff, and other students. It is the vehicle by which you submit all course assignments. Without the appropriate software and hardware, you will not be able to access course materials, collaborate with faculty, and complete assignments for submission and grading. All courses at NAU require assignments to be submitted using Microsoft Office. Assignments created using other applications, such as Google Documents, Open Office, WordPerfect, etc. are not acceptable. Macintosh files created using applications other than the MS Office suite are not satisfactory and will not be accepted by the instructor.
Minimum Software Requirements
- Microsoft Office: Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office 2021 (or later)
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
- PDF Reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader (current version) or equivalent PDF reader
- Browser: Latest version of Google Chrome (recommended), Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox
- Browser Settings: Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled
- Learning Management System: Access to Canvas LMS
- Video Conferencing: Microsoft Teams
Minimum Hardware Requirements
- Internet Connection: Minimum 5 Mbps download / 1 Mbps upload (25 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload recommended)
- Computer Processor: Dual-core 2.0 GHz processor or higher
- Computer Memory: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
- Screen Resolution: 1366 × 768 or higher
- Graphics Card: Integrated or dedicated graphics capable of supporting video conferencing and multimedia content
- Microphone: Built-in or external microphone
- Webcam: Built-in or external webcam
- Storage: 128 GB available storage or higher
- Audio: Speakers or headphones
Minimum Software Requirements
- Microsoft Office: Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office 2021 (or later)
- Operating System: Current version or one of the two most recent versions of macOS supported by Apple
- PDF Reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader (current version) or equivalent PDF reader
- Browser: Latest version of Google Chrome (recommended), Safari, or Mozilla Firefox
- Browser Settings: Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled
- Learning Management System: Access to Canvas LMS
- Video Conferencing: Microsoft Teams
Minimum Hardware Requirements
- Internet Connection: Minimum 5 Mbps download / 1 Mbps upload (25 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload recommended)
- Computer Processor: Apple Silicon (M-series) or Intel dual-core 2.0 GHz processor or higher
- Computer Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
- Storage: 128 GB available storage or higher
- Screen Resolution: 1366 × 768 or higher
- Graphics: Integrated or dedicated graphics capable of supporting video conferencing and multimedia content
- Microphone: Built-in or external microphone
- Webcam: Built-in or external webcam
- Audio: Speakers or headphones
Additional Note: While mobile devices and tablets may be used to access Canvas and view course materials, a desktop or laptop computer is strongly recommended for completing assignments, taking exams, participating in Microsoft Teams meetings, and using course-specific software.
Computer Skills
NAU distance education students are expected to have good computer skills mentioned below, and to have access to a reliable computer and internet provider. Students are expected to solve their technical difficulties with their computer, Internet access, or other issues which are outside of the control of NAU staff. If you do not possess the skills mentioned below, you will have some technology to learn in addition to the curriculum of the courses you take and should make extra time in your schedule accordingly.
Quick Links
Contact Info
Email: elearning@na.edu
Phone: 832-464-8691
Room: 703
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
