Every online course provides a set of tools and features to help you learn effectively. This guide combines explanation and step-by-step instructions for each part of your course platform, along with tips on how to use them.

Each course is typically divided into modules based on topics (for example, a World History course might have modules like Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, etc.), and each module contains multiple lessons and assessments. At the start of most modules, you’ll encounter a pretest, which is a quick quiz to gauge what you already know. The pretest is graded but not counted in your final score, so relax and do your best without stress. Its purpose is to preview the module content and help your teacher understand your starting knowledge. After each lesson, there will typically be a quiz or assignment to complete while the material is fresh. All these lesson quizzes and assignments do count toward your grade, but don’t worry,  if you’re unhappy with a score, you can often redo an assessment after consulting with your teacher (you’ll get a new set of questions or tasks on the same topic). Most courses for middle and high school finish each module with a module exam that tests everything learned in that module. You should take time to prepare for these module exams; use your previous quizzes and assignments to review, so you can get the best results. (Some longer courses also have midterm and final exams covering multiple modules, known as segment exams, but your course will guide you when the time comes.) Throughout your course, remember to take notes, the platform includes a digital note-taking tool, but using a paper notebook is highly recommended since research suggests writing notes by hand improves memory retention.

Now, let’s explore the platform’s key navigation and learning tools and how to use them, step by step.

Please Note:
This is not a full platform guide. There are many additional features and tools that your teacher will introduce, and you’ll discover more as you begin your courses. Each course includes a built-in Getting Started module designed to walk you through platform tutorials and provide useful, course-specific information. Be sure to complete this module when you start your courses.

Typically, you’ll have a few days to get familiar with the system before the first assignments appear on your To-Do List. This guide is meant to introduce only the basics of navigating our Learning Management System (LMS) and to support first-time users as they get started.

Course Navigation Tools (Home, Pages, and Modules)

One of the first things to master is how to move around within your course. The platform’s interface includes a navigation menu (usually on the left side) with icons that help you jump between the course home and lesson pages:

Home Icon: Takes you back to the course home page. This is the fastest way to return to your main course screen, where you can see the list of courses. For example, if you’re deep in a lesson and want to switch to a different course or check your progress, clicking the Home icon will bring you to the course overview instantly.

Navigation bar

Previous/Next Arrows: Use the left-arrow and right-arrow icons to move to the previous page or the next page in a lesson, respectively. Lessons are often split into multiple pages or screens, and these arrow buttons let you go through them in order. Depending on the course and your grade level the arrows may look different.

Page Numbers: The lesson interface might display page numbers (e.g., “Page 2 of 5”). You can click these or use a dropdown to jump to a specific page in the lesson. This is useful if you want to revisit a particular page of the lesson without clicking through every screen.

 

Bookmarks

When you’re studying, you may not finish a lesson in one sitting. The Bookmark tool helps you save your place so you can easily return later. Think of it like putting a bookmark in a textbook, the platform will remember the exact page you were on.

Why use bookmarks? If you need to take a break or log out, bookmarking prevents you from losing track of where you stopped. The next time you log in, you won’t have to click through multiple pages to find your spot.

How to use the Bookmark tool:

• To bookmark a page:

1. Make sure you are on the page of the lesson that you want to save for later.
2. Click the Bookmark icon in the left navigation bar. Once you click it, the icon will change its appearance (often it becomes “filled in” or highlighted) to indicate the page is bookmarked. This visual change confirms that your bookmark was set.
3. That’s it! You can now log out or navigate away, knowing your spot is saved.

• To return to a bookmarked page:

1. Log back into your course and go to any part of the course (open any module and lesson, it doesn’t matter which one).
2. Click the “Go to Bookmark” icon (which might be the same Bookmark icon, now indicating there’s a saved page) on the left navigation bar.
3. The platform will immediately jump to the exact page you bookmarked. (Note: Once you use “Go to Bookmark,” the bookmark is typically cleared, since it’s assumed you’ve resumed your session. If you need to bookmark again, you can re-click the icon on a new page.)

Tips for bookmarking: Make sure you use the same web browser each time for the bookmark to work properly, and ensure your browser history or cookies aren’t cleared, the bookmark might rely on them. If multiple people use the same computer, try not to use the bookmark feature in a different browser or a private/incognito mode, as it might not find the saved spot. Always re-bookmark if you plan to take another break.

Speech Tool – Listening to Lesson Text

Sometimes it helps to hear the lesson content aloud, especially if you prefer auditory learning or want to rest your eyes. The Speech Tool (text-to-speech feature) will read the on-screen text to you. This tool is great for reviewing material or accommodating different learning needs.

What the Speech Tool does: When activated, it launches a toolbar with controls to play or pause audio of the text. It can read any selected passage or the entire page out loud, and often includes additional features like a dictionary. For example, if there’s a word you don’t know, the speech tool might have a “dictionary” button that, when you select the word, can read out the definition or show a picture to illustrate the meaning. For older students the speech tool is typically located in a floating menu that you can move around anywhere on the screen or close when you are not using it.

Translation: The speech tool also includes a translation feature that supports several languages, including Italian, Spanish, German, French, Romanian, and many others. While it does not cover all world languages, it provides many students with an in-platform option to translate words, sections of text, or entire passages into their native language, particularly helpful for those still developing proficiency in English.

How to use the Speech Tool:

1. Click the Speech Tool icon on the left navigation bar. This will open the text-to-speech toolbar, usually docked to the side of your screen.
2. To have text read aloud, you generally have two options:

• Read the entire page: Simply click the “play” or “read out loud” button (often a play ► symbol), then click somewhere on the page. The tool will start reading from that point downward.
• Read selected text: Highlight (click and drag over) the specific sentence or paragraph you want to hear, then click the play button. The tool will read just that selection.

3. Use the pause button if you need to stop the narration temporarily, and hit play again to resume from where it left off. You can also use the stop button to halt the reading entirely.
4. Take advantage of the extra features: for instance, the Picture Dictionary tool on the speech toolbar can show you an image for a word you highlight (helpful for visualizing new vocabulary), and the Dictionary tool will give you a definition of a selected word – and even read that definition out loud to you. There may also be a “reset” button to put the toolbar back to its default position if you moved it, and a “move” icon to drag the toolbar to a comfortable spot on your screen.

After you finish, you can close the speech tool toolbar or just leave it, it usually won’t interfere with your work if idle. Many students find it helpful to listen to the text while reading along, as it engages multiple senses.

Toolbox – Handy Resources at Your Fingertips

Most courses include a Toolbox (or “Tools”) icon. This Toolbox contains useful utilities you might need during your studies. For example, most elementary school courses include a calculator in the toolbox (great for math problems), a stopwatch or timer (useful for timing experiments or speeches), ruler, shapes, number line, and possibly other items like a notepad or chart tools. The exact contents can vary by course or subject, but the idea is to give you quick access to common tools without leaving the platform. For older students the toolbox includes sheets and references that you can use to remember what you have already learned.

How to use the Toolbox:

1. Click the Toolbox icon on the course navigation menu. This will open a menu or panel listing the available tools (it might pop up in the corner or slide out from the side).
2. Choose the tool you need from the list. For example, If you need to time yourself reading a passage, select the Stopwatch/Timer tool.
3. Use the tool as needed. You can interact with it just like a real stopwatch. These tools are integrated so you don’t have to open a separate app on your computer.
4. When you’re done, you can usually close the tool by clicking an X or a close button on that widget, or by clicking the Toolbox icon again.

The toolbox is there to save you time and keep you focused. Rather than reaching for your phone or a physical stopwatch (which could distract you with notifications), use the built-in one. The same goes for any other provided resources, they’re vetted for use in your course. For instance, if your course includes a periodic table or formula sheet in the toolbox for a science class, it’s a good idea to use that one (it matches the course material).

Progress Bar: You can use the progress bar to track how far you’ve come in a course and see how close you are to the finish line!

Gradebook: The gradebook lets you access your grades 24/7 and stay updated on assignment feedback from your teachers. You can also see your current grade for each course. If you’re in a group session and don’t feel comfortable sharing your grade while screen sharing, simply click the eye icon to hide it.

To-Do List: Each course has its own to-do list, and you also have access to a combined to-do list for all your subjects. Plus, your calendar includes a detailed plan for the entire school year. With so many ways to track your progress, it’s important to check these tools regularly, they’ll help keep you on track and reduce stress as you work toward your goals!

Other things you might find in your navigation menu are:

1. Glossary
2. Dictionary
3. Resources page where you can find all the reading materials, assignments and any other documents you might need from the courses
4. Printing option
5. Notes
6. Objectives

If you’re having trouble navigating the platform, don’t worry, your teacher will guide you through it. Each course also includes a “Getting Started” module that walks you through everything from navigation and classroom expectations to netiquette and academic integrity.

Inside Each Lesson – Beginning, Middle, and End

Just like a story, each lesson in your course has a Beginning, Middle, and End structure. Understanding this structure will help you navigate lessons more effectively and not miss anything important.

Beginning: The lesson begins with an introduction and the objectives or goals for that lesson. This intro section might also include a quick warm-up activity or a review of prior knowledge to get your brain engaged. Always read the objectives – they tell you what you’re expected to learn by the end of the lesson. (For example, a Biology lesson might start with a brief scenario or questions to think about, along with a list of key concepts you’ll be covering.)

Middle: The middle of the lesson is the core content. Here is where you will read through the instructional material, which may span several pages or screens. Go through each page carefully, because the lesson will explain new concepts or skills in steps. Importantly, the middle of the lesson usually includes interactive activities and practice exercises to help reinforce what you’re learning. These could be short practice questions, drag-and-drop exercises, small games, or prompts asking you to reflect or write something. Be sure to complete all activities as you encounter them – they are there so you can check your understanding and “learn from your mistakes” in a low-stakes way before any graded test. When you do an activity, you often get immediate feedback or answers, which helps you learn. Don’t rush; use these practice moments to solidify your knowledge.

End: The lesson concludes with a summary and information about the assignment or quiz you need to complete for that lesson. The end section often recaps the key points (which is great for reviewing), lists any new vocabulary or important terms, and then gives you instructions for the next step – for example, telling you about a lab report you need to do, or a quiz you should take, and how to submit it. Make sure you understand what the assignment is before leaving the lesson page. There may also be a checklist of what you should have done in the lesson.

During the lesson, you’ll see various icons and highlights that call out different types of content. For example, some courses use icons for things like “Try It” (practice problems), “Enrichment” (extra challenge activities), “Vocabulary” (to denote new key terms), “Reading Corner” (suggested readings), “Reflection” (questions asking you to think back on what you learned), and so on. These visual cues are similar to seeing special sidebars or boxes in a textbook. Pay attention to them: they are guiding you on how to engage with the material. If you see a “Tip” or “Did You Know?” box, for instance, it’s giving you helpful hints or interesting facts related to the lesson. All these elements are designed to enrich your learning experience.

While working through the middle of the lesson, it’s important to take notes on what you learn. You can use the platform’s note tool if available, but as mentioned earlier, using a physical notebook might be even better for remembering the content. Jot down key terms, draw diagrams if that helps, and copy down the questions and answers from the activities you did. In fact, keep a course notebook where you complete activities or answer lesson questions. Not only can this serve as study material for quizzes and exams, but you can also show it to your parents or tutor to demonstrate what you’re learning. All those practice activities you completed become a great study guide. Before a test, you can literally review your notebook to refresh your memory on each lesson’s content.

Enrichment offers extra practice that may require a bit more effort. It’s a great way to go further and deepen your understanding.

Extra Practice provides optional activities to strengthen your skills before taking the module assessment.

Gather Your Belongings lists all the materials you’ll need for the lesson.

Literacy Practice focuses on building fluency and improving your reading comprehension.

Make a Connection invites you to link your personal experiences to what you’re learning.

Reading Corner suggests related texts that support the topic or skills covered in the lesson.

Reflection gives you a chance to think about what you’ve learned and how it connects to other ideas.

Share It encourages you to talk about your learning with a friend or family member.

Spelling activities help you improve by using your knowledge of sounds and word parts.

Try It includes short practice activities to check your understanding of the material.

Vocabulary sections help you understand and remember new words by exploring their meanings.

Warm-Up activities offer a quick review before starting the lesson to get your brain ready.

“What is my assignment?” clearly explains what you need to complete and submit for a grade.

Write About It gives you a chance to practice your writing by responding to prompts.

Print Icon shows you when there is something you need to print out for the lesson.

Submitting Assignments and Labs

At the end of most lessons, you will be directed to complete either an assignment, a lab activity, or take a quiz as part of your coursework. All assignments and quizzes are submitted through the platform for grading. Here’s how to manage your coursework submissions:

Follow the instructions: Each lesson’s end will tell you what needs to be done. It might say something similar to “Complete the worksheet and submit it” or “Take the Lesson 5 Quiz now.” Always read these directions carefully. If there’s an attached worksheet or template, download it and fill it out as instructed. (A worksheet could be a PDF or document where you write your answers; usually you’ll download it, type or write your responses, then upload it back.)

When you’re ready to submit an assignment, you typically have a few options for how to turn in your work. For example, if the assignment was something you did on paper (like a math worksheet or a hand-drawn diagram), you can either scan or take a clear photo of it to submit. If it was an essay you typed, you’ll submit the file directly. The platform generally allows these methods:

• Upload a photo of your work (for handwritten assignments, art projects, etc.). For instance, you can take a picture with your phone or webcam of your written pages.
• Upload a scanned document. If you have a scanner or scanner app, you can scan your pages to a PDF or image and submit that.
• Record audio or video (if the assignment is an oral presentation or something creative). Some assignments might let you or even ask you to record yourself speaking or demonstrating a skill. In this case, you’d use the platform’s recording tool or an external device to create the audio or video file and then upload it.

When you go to the assignment submission page on the platform, it will usually have a “Submit” or “Upload” button. Click that, then attach the file (photo, document, audio, or video) from your device. There might be a text box as well if you need to type a short message to your teacher or paste some text. Always double-check that you attached the correct file before finalizing the submission.

Before hitting submit, make sure to review your work. A lot of assignments come with a rubric, which is basically a grading guide that shows what the teacher is looking for and how points are assigned. If a rubric is provided (usually either linked in the assignment instructions or visible on the submission page), read it before you start the assignment and then use it as a checklist: have you met all the requirements? For example, if it’s a writing assignment, the rubric might say it’s graded on organization, grammar, and content, check your essay for each of those. Using the rubric can help you aim for the best possible work. After finishing, compare your assignment against the rubric one more time to ensure you didn’t miss anything.

Once you submit your assignment, it goes to your teacher for grading. If it’s a quiz or exam, it might be auto-graded instantly (you’ll see your score immediately for multiple-choice quizzes), whereas written work will be graded manually by the teacher.

Lab reports: If your course has labs (for science classes etc.), the process is similar. You might have a lab worksheet to fill out or a specific format for a lab report. Complete the lab as instructed (some labs are virtual, some hands-on) and submit the required documentation. Always carefully read the lab directions and ask your instructor if you’re unsure about how to complete a lab or lab report. Labs often have their own section with tips, so follow those closely.

Note: All lesson assignments and quizzes count toward your final grade, unlike the pretest, which is only for practice. If you don’t do well on an assignment or quiz, don’t get discouraged. In most cases, teachers allow you to revise your work or try again.

If you’re not satisfied with a grade, reach out to your teacher. You may be given the opportunity to redo the assignment or complete an alternate quiz. Remember, your teacher’s goal is for you to understand the material, and they’re here to support you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or guidance, communication is key to your success!

Quizzes and Exams – Showing What You Know

Throughout the course, you will take various quizzes and exams to assess your understanding. Here’s a breakdown of the different types and some tips for each:

Pretests: As mentioned earlier, a pretest comes at the start of each module. You must complete the pretest, but remember it’s only worth a point or so total. This means it has virtually no effect on your grade – it’s purely for diagnostic purposes to show your teacher what you know coming in. Don’t stress about wrong answers on a pretest. You aren’t expected to know the material yet! In fact, it helps to identify what you need to learn. So, just give it your best guess on each question. The pretest might even give you a sneak peek of key topics in the module, which can be useful. After you finish a module, you could compare how you would answer those pretest questions again now that you’ve learned more. The main point: pretests are a helpful tool, not something to be afraid of.

Lesson Quizzes: Many lessons (or sometimes groups of lessons) will have a short quiz. Quizzes are typically graded and do count toward your final grade. They often consist of multiple-choice questions that cover the lesson’s main points. Always read each question and all answer options carefully before selecting your answer. It’s easy to misread a question if you rush. Some quizzes might include other question types as well – for example, matching terms to definitions, selecting multiple correct answers, or even a short written response. Be prepared for a mix of question formats. If a quiz has a time limit, make sure you’ve studied the lesson and you’re in a quiet environment before you begin. After submitting, you’ll usually see your score, and in many cases, you can review which questions you got wrong (and what the correct answers were) – take note of these, so you can study and not repeat mistakes.

Module Exams: At the end of a module, you’ll likely face a larger exam that covers all the lessons in that module (think of it as a unit test). Module exams are usually multiple-choice as well, similar to quizzes but longer. To succeed, review your notes and all the quizzes and assignments leading up to it. Go back over key terms, re-read lesson summaries, and try any review activities provided (some courses have a practice test or review game before a big exam). Because module exams cover more content, you might want to study over a couple of days instead of cramming it in one session. Remember that your previous assessments are great study guides – for example, re-take your lesson quizzes on paper as practice, or use your notebook to quiz yourself. Pace yourself during the exam and read carefully. If it’s all multiple-choice, eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds if you need to guess.

Segment Exams (Midterm/Final): In longer courses (like a two-semester course), after a set of modules you may have a segment exam, which is basically a midterm or final exam covering multiple modules. For instance, you might have a Segment 1 exam halfway through, covering Modules 1-3, and a Segment 2 exam at the end, covering Modules 4-6. These exams are comprehensive. Often, there is no additional module exam for the last module because the segment exam takes its place. Treat a segment exam like a big review: use all your module exams, quizzes, and notes to prepare. Some courses provide a practice exam or review checklist – definitely use those if available. Also, check if the segment exam has the same format (e.g., all multiple-choice). During the exam, manage your time (don’t spend too long on one hard question – it’s better to move and come back if you can). And of course, do your best and don’t rush.

Projects and Essays: Not all assessments are tests – some might be projects, presentations, or essays. These are usually given as assignments with detailed instructions and a due date. Follow the guidelines in the lesson or assignment sheet. If it’s an essay, you’ll likely go through steps of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising) as part of the course. If it’s a project, make sure you know how it will be graded (look for a rubric) and plan your time – don’t wait until the last minute to start a big project.

Discussion-Based Assessments (DBAs): One unique type of assessment in many online courses is the DBA. This is basically a one-on-one oral quiz or discussion with your teacher, usually done over the phone or a video call. It’s meant to verify your understanding in a more interactive way. Your instructor will schedule these periodically (often one per module or one per segment). What to expect in a DBA: The teacher will ask you a few questions about what you learned – this could range from vocabulary definitions to explaining a concept in your own words or solving a problem while explaining your thinking. It’s also your chance to ask questions – if something in the module was confusing, you can talk about it. DBAs are not usually lengthy, but you should prepare by reviewing the module’s key points beforehand. Do it in a quiet environment, free of distractions or any outside help, because the point is to assess your knowledge. Don’t be nervous – teachers know students get anxious, and they will often guide the conversation. Just be honest and if you don’t know an answer, say so; then together you might discuss it. Passing the DBA is often required before you can take the module exam, so treat it seriously.

Other Assessments: Some courses include collaborative projects or collaboration assessments where you work with classmates (if applicable) and then submit a reflection. If your course has this, instructions will be provided by the teacher on how to coordinate with peers. Also, occasionally there are oral presentations or audio submissions– for example, a foreign language class might have you record yourself speaking. These we touched on in the submission section: ensure you know how to record and upload, and ask your teacher which tools to use if you’re unsure. Finally, honors versions of courses may have additional assessments (honors projects or essays). If you’re in an honors track, be aware of those extra requirements – they’re meant to challenge you further and usually replace or add to some standard assignments.

General quiz and exam tips: Take advantage of any practice quizzes or review materials your course provides. Always stay honest (refer to Academic Integrity Policy) – don’t be tempted to look up answers online or you’ll not truly learn. If you find a question particularly tricky, mark it (if the system allows) and come back after answering others. For math or science, have scrap paper at your side to work out problems. And after an exam, review your results. If you got some questions wrong, find out why – that’s how you improve.

Academic Integrity: Doing Your Own Work

In an online course, you have more flexibility in how and when you work – but with that comes the responsibility to maintain academic integrity. This means all the work you submit should be your own and honest. Academic integrity is a core value of any educational program, and following it will make you a better learner and a more trustworthy student.

Strong Minds and Skills: Learning by Doing

When you tackle schoolwork on your own, you’re actively building your brain. Just like exercising a muscle makes it stronger, challenging your mind helps it grow. Every math problem you solve or paragraph you write by yourself makes you better at that skill. In fact, doing your own work shows what you truly understand and highlights where you might need more practice. This way, you and your teachers can focus on improving those areas, helping you master new skills over time. Remember, anyone can copy an answer, but only you can create your own ideas – and by creating, you achieve the kind of growth that prepares you for future success.

Character and Trust: The Rewards of Honesty

Choosing to do honest, original work helps you grow as a person. It takes honesty, responsibility, and even courage to do your own assignments, especially when they’re challenging. Each time you succeed through integrity, you build confidence in your abilities and character. You also earn trust from your teachers and classmates – they know they can count on your word. Doing your own work shows respect for your peers’ and authors’ ideas, and it strengthens the trust and fairness in your classroom community. In the long run, being truthful in school sets you on a path to be an honest person in life. In fact, our experience has shown that students who practice integrity now are more likely to be trustworthy and ethical in their future workplaces. By embracing academic honesty, you’re not just following rules, you’re shaping a reputation for integrity that will benefit you in college and your career.

Why Shortcuts Hurt More Than Help

It might be tempting to take shortcuts – like plagiarizing (copying someone else’s work) or letting an AI tool do your work – but these shortcuts steal away your learning. If the work isn’t your own, you miss out on understanding the subject and lose valuable learning opportunities. For example, copying an essay or having someone else write it may get words on the page, but you won’t develop your own writing or thinking skills in the process. Over-relying on AI tools can even weaken your skills; experts warn that using tools like ChatGPT too much could make it harder for you to think critically and diminish your creativity over time. In other words, if you always let the computer think for you, you might struggle to come up with original ideas on your own.

References

Kumar, H., Vincentius, J., Jordan, E., & Anderson, A. (2024). Human creativity in the age of LLMs: Randomized experiments on divergent and convergent thinking. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2410.03703 

Gerlich, M. (2025). AI tools in society: Impacts on cognitive offloading and the future of critical thinking. Societies, 15(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15010006 

Lee, H.-P. H., Sarkar, A., Tankelevitch, L., Drosos, I., Banks, R., Wilson, N., et al. (2025). The impact of generative AI on critical thinking: Self-reported reductions in cognitive effort and confidence effects from a survey of knowledge workers[Technical report]. Microsoft Research. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lee_2025_ai_critical_thinking_survey.pdf

Do’s and Don’ts of Academic Honesty:

• DO your own research and come up with your own answers. It’s fine to get help understanding a concept (from your teacher, tutor, or parent), but the work you turn in – whether it’s a test, essay, or assignment – should reflect your understanding.
• DO NOT copy, paste, or plagiarize someone else’s work. Plagiarism is presenting another person’s writing or ideas as your own without credit. This includes copying text from the internet into your essay, or turning in another student’s project as if you did it. It’s cheating and is not allowed.
• DO NOT use unauthorized aids. For example, do not use websites that give you direct answers to quiz questions, and (in a language course) do not put your entire assignment into a translator tool to get it done. Also, never have someone else (a friend or even a hired person) take an exam for you or do your coursework – that’s a serious offense (in some places, impersonating a student in an exam could even have legal consequences).
• DO cite your sources when you do research. If your assignment asks you to write a report and you gather information from an article or book, give credit (mention the source in your submission). Your course might teach you how to do this properly. It’s part of integrity – acknowledging when you use someone else’s information.
• DO ask your teacher when you’re unsure. If you’re struggling with an assignment, it’s better to reach out for clarification or help than to resort to cheating. Instructors are there to help you understand, not to catch you out. They would much rather you ask questions than copy answers.

How integrity is monitored: You might wonder, in an online class, how will they know if I’m not honest? Schools have several ways. Teachers use plagiarism detection software and online tools to compare your submissions with internet sources and other students’ work. Many courses require you to take certain tests or the final exam with a proctor (someone who verifies it’s you and you’re not using unapproved resources). And as discussed, the regular Discussion-Based Assessments also help confirm that you understand the material in your own words. In short, it’s usually easy to tell when a student suddenly submits writing that isn’t their voice, or gets a high-stakes test perfect but fails the DBA – teachers are trained to spot these discrepancies. The consequences of academic dishonesty can be severe: you might get a zero on the assignment, face a failing grade, or even disciplinary action. It’s just not worth it.

On the flip side, when you do your own work, you can be proud of your achievements. Even if you get a few questions wrong, at least you know what you need to improve on. Earning your grade honestly means you truly gained the knowledge and skills from the course, which is the whole point!

Always remember: help is available. If you’re ever tempted to cheat because you feel stuck, pause and reach out to your instructor or a mentor. They can provide extensions, tutoring, or other support. It’s better to take a bit more time to understand the material than to copy answers and not learn anything. By maintaining integrity, you set yourself up for long-term success.

System Requirements

With over 190 courses offered, our curriculum uses a wide range of technologies. While we are actively working to update all course content to meet the latest mobile and browser standards, there are still some limitations when using lightweight or mobile devices.

Device Compatibility

Devices such as Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks*, and tablets offer limited support for certain technologies like Java or Flash, which are still used in a small number of courses. As a result:

• Some course content may not work properly on these devices.
• Students may need to take extra steps, such as using alternate browsers or workarounds, to access specific activities.

We strongly recommend that students have access to a Windows or Mac computer to ensure full course compatibility, especially if their chosen device encounters technical issues.

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows 11
• macOS Ventura (13)
• macOS Sonoma (14)
• macOS Sequoia (15)

Supported Browsers
You may use recent versions of the following browsers on a technology capable device that supports Java, Flash, and improvements to HTML including HTML5.

• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Apple Safari

Supported Browser Plugins and Settings
The following plugins and settings may be required to use our courses.

• JavaScript enabled
• Cookies enabled
• Java installed