An introduction to the virtual learning environment

The University of Birmingham uses Canvas as its virtual learning environment. Canvas allows us to share content, create and manage assignments, undertake small group discussions, set quizzes and collaborate all in one safe, online environment.

There are a few things to note about Canvas that will make your online learning experience optimal:

1. Screen Size

Canvas is best viewed at a minimum of 800 x 600, which is the average size of a notebook computer.

2. Supported Browsers

Your browser is a software application that lets you visit web pages on the Internet. Popular browsers include Google Chrome Links to an external site., Firefox Links to an external site., Safari Links to an external site., and Internet Explorer Links to an external site.. Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release.

As of June 25, 2016, Canvas supports the following versions of Flash and popular web browsers. Please note that Canvas only supports the last two version releases of all the browsers mentioned below.

Internet Explorer 11 and Edge
Chrome 50 and 51
Safari 8 and 9
Firefox 46 and 47 (Extended Releases Links to an external site. are not supported)
Flash 20 and 21 (used for recording or viewing audio/video and uploading files)

3. Operating Systems

Windows 7 and newer
Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
Linux - chromeOS

4. Computer Speed and Processor

Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible
1GB of RAM
2GHz processor

5. Screen Readers

Macintosh: VoiceOver Links to an external site. (latest version for Safari)
PC: JAWS Links to an external site. (latest version for Internet Explorer)
PC: NVDA Links to an external site. (latest version for Firefox)
There is no screen reader support for Canvas in Chrome

Don't Struggle, We Can Help:

If you are using School or Local Authority computer equipment and networks please show these specifications to your IT Services team and request (as soon as possible) access to a browser version as specified to ensure you can access Canvas. Old versions of Internet Explorer will cause accessibility problems.

To quickly check your Internet Browser and related computer specifications go to: http://www.whatsmybrowser.org/ Links to an external site.

If you experience any technical problems with accessing any element of Canvas please contact us either by email: cosselearning@contacts.bham.ac.uk or tel: 0121 414 3468. Please make sure that you let us know your name, course and full details of any problems you're having so we can resolve any issues as soon as possible.