Online Learning & Technology Requirements
How Online Courses Work
Anchor Christian University courses are delivered online and are primarily asynchronous. There are no regularly scheduled class meetings; students complete their work on their own time within a structured weekly schedule of due dates. Courses run in 8-week or 16-week sessions.
The Learning Blueprint. Every ACU course is built on the Learning Blueprint, an integrated framework that joins academic content with application in the student's own ministry or work setting and with coaching from faculty. Students do not have to stop serving in order to start learning; their ministry or workplace becomes the setting where learning is practiced. Each course moves through four movements:
Framing: the instructor sets the lens for the topic, showing why it matters before turning to what it says.
Reading and research: self-directed engagement with course content, Scripture, theology, and the relevant body of scholarship. Content may be posted/embedded in the course or it may be up to the student to access or purchase content (books, videos, curricula) directly elsewhere.
Journaling: reflective writing in which students process the material in light of their own context.
Application projects: designed to invest the course outcomes in the student's ministry or workplace in a substantive way, which serves as the learning lab.
Course structure in Canvas. Each course is organized into modules in Canvas. A module opens with an overview of its goals and due dates, followed by the content, journal prompts, and assignments for that week, arranged by the Blueprint movements. Students may work ahead within open modules but must meet each posted deadline. Instructors give feedback through Canvas.
Live meetings. Some instructors may schedule occasional live meetings on Google Meet or Zoom for discussion, coaching, or presentations. Instructors announce these at least one week in advance in Canvas and, where possible, record them or provide an alternative activity for students who cannot attend.
Hardware, Internet, and Accounts
Students must have regular access to the following before their first course begins.
Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
Computer | A laptop or desktop running a currently supported version of Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS. Tablets and smartphones may be used to check messages or join live sessions, but not to complete assignments. |
Webcam and microphone | Built-in or external, for live sessions and identity verification |
Internet | High-speed broadband (cable, fiber, DSL, or a reliable cellular or satellite plan) that can stream video. Dial-up will not work. |
A personal email account used only by the student | |
Google account | Required for Google Meet sessions and for course files shared as Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides. A free Gmail account works. |
Software and File Formats
Web browser: a current version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari, with cookies enabled (the default in most browsers). Canvas works best in an up-to-date browser.
Word processing: Microsoft Office, Google Docs, or a free alternative such as LibreOffice. Unless the syllabus says otherwise, submit written assignments as Word (.docx) or PDF files.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides: some course materials are shared in these formats. Download or export them as .docx, .xlsx, or PDF before submitting.
Mac users: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote files cannot be opened by instructors. Export to a Microsoft Office format or PDF before submitting.
PDF reader: most browsers open PDFs directly. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free alternative.
Live Sessions and Identity Verification
Occasional live class meetings, advising appointments, and meetings with faculty take place on Google Meet. Students can join from a computer or the Google Meet app using their Google account. Student Identity Verification describes required profile photos, identity checks, and privacy protections.
Systems Students Use
System | What students use it for |
|---|---|
Canvas | Course content, recorded lectures, discussion forums, assignment submission, grades, and messages from instructors |
Populi | Registration, transcripts, billing and payments, and official student records |
Google Meet | Occasional live class meetings, advising, and meetings with faculty or staff |
Login information for Canvas and Populi is sent by email after enrollment. Students should log in to both before their first course begins.
Expected Skills and Technical Support
ACU does not provide training in basic computer skills. Before enrolling, students should be able to:
Use a web browser and navigate websites
Send, receive, and attach files in email
Create, save, and upload documents in a word processor
Download, open, and organize files on their computer
Join a video call and use a webcam and microphone
Canvas, Populi, and Google publish free how-to guides for their own tools, which students may use as needed.
Technical support. For problems with Canvas or Populi access, email info@anchoru.com. Staff respond within 2 business days. Problems with a student's own computer, internet service, or software are the student's responsibility. Technology problems do not by themselves excuse late work, so students should have a backup plan, such as a library computer, for urgent deadlines.