Online Learning Environments

Where do you start and what else can you do?

Comparing common online learning environments at OSIE

Pepper

Based on peer-to-peer online collaboration
BEST for learning through online discussion or if your course is at a distance.
accessible via web browser

any email is possible, but is not an email repository
three permission levels available - instructor, student and observer.
administrative control (e.g. entering participants) by instructor
Accounts for non-OISE or UofT visitors easily handled.
very simple user-interface
uses one layer of conferencing (no nesting) for discussions and resources.
allows for linking of notes and ideas BETWEEN conferences.
threading of discussion in same window
resources stored in one area - requires re-upload with each new curse, no transferable content storage system.
extra features
can use HTML and customize message
small learning curve for both instructors and students

Quercus (Canvas)

Based on managing institutional information and resources
Best for resource-oriented courses
excellent for large courses
management of resources, grades...
UofT's official LMS.
linked to ACORN and other UofT services and information
accessible via browser and mobile app
requires UTORID login
a course shell is automatically created if the course is official
administrative control by instructor, participants are automatically entered if registered in the course.
online web conferencing
excellent for resource posting and adding web-based information
has content storage system and courses can be transfered (copied) for another rendition of a course.
offers extra features such as portfolios, grading, assignment uploads
small learning curve for students
medium learning curve for instructors (administration and setup) depending on complexity of features used

Student Photographs in the EC Online Portal - myStudents

Student photographs are not going to be a standard orientation. However, any faculty who wishes to use the student photo system for their own course or option is more than welcome to use the self-serve system. Download our 1 page guide for taking and accessing student photos, or follow the steps below:

Students - taking myProfile photo

You will need a webcam enabled computer and your UTORid username and password to take your photo.

Step 1: Click on "EC Online Portal" link in the Educaton Commons menu above.
Step 2: Login with your UTORid username and password.
Step 3: Click “myProfile” near the top right corner.
Step 5: Click “Edit Profile”.
Step 6: Click “Take Photo”.
Step 7: Scroll down and click “Allow”.
Step 8: Click “Capture” to take a photo. (You can redo this step as many times as you wish)
Step 9: When you are happy with the image, click the “Save Image” button.
Step 10: Important! When image is saved, also click the “Save Profile Changes” button.

Faculty - accessing myStudents photos

Step 1: Click on "EC Online Portal" link in the Educaton Commons menu above.
Step 2: Login with your UTORid username and password.
Step 3: Click “myStudents ” in the Tools section.
Step 4: Select your Course or Cohort group to view your student's photographs.