Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
Where can I get help with aspects of the Canvas system?
For Canvas help, first check Start Here - Canvas User Orientation. If you can't find your answer, send an e-mail to help@canvas.net
English is my second language. Is there a way for me to follow along reading with the videos?
You can read the video subtitles by clicking on the closed captioning CC button that is on the video play bar. Also, you can click on the video transcript link that is located directly underneath the video in the course to view or download a PDF transcript document for the video.
Are transcripts available?
Yes. Transcripts are available for all of the videos that we have created for this course. These PDF documents are available for you to read online or to download and print out copy. Links to these documents are located directly underneath the videos that are in the course.
How do I get the closed captioning to play when I watch the video?
Closed captioning for the videos can be found by clicking on the CC button that is on the video play bar.
I have completed the readings, discussions, and activities for the Week but there are no green check marks that show I have completed them. How come?
Some Canvas pages have different requirements, some you must simply view and others you must contribute to. Be sure to check the requirement that is set for each Canvas page. In order for the green check mark to appear indicating that you that you have completed the readings, discussions, and activities for the week, you must view all of the pages and/or contribute to all of the discussion boards for that week. To contribute to a discussion board you must click on the “Reply” field in the discussion board, share your response, and then "Post Reply" to the discussion board.
Badge Questions:
Where do I find more information on the digital badge?
You can click on the Badges page in the navigation menu on the left side of the screen, or you can click here.
What are the requirements for the digital badge?
The activities required for the badge are listed in the Start Here module as well as in the Intro to Permaculture Badge module.
Mapping Activity Questions:
Can I use my mobile device to do the mapping activities?
No. You need to use a desktop computer.
What browser works best with the mapping activities?
GOOGLE CHROME. Avoid Safari if possible.
Why won't the Pinpoint Your Location & Introduce Yourself activity save my information or pin my location?
If you are on a computer and this problem occurs, we recommend clearing your cache and browser cookies. Here Links to an external site. is a guide to do this.
I can't login the the design mapping tools even though I'm using the same username and password as I did to login to the Pinpoint Your Location activity.
Click "Forgot Your Password" on the login page and it will be sent to your e-mail inbox.
In the Week 1 Design Site Mapping activity, when I put the Google Maps URL in the window, it won't go there.
When you type your address into Google maps and it goes to your location, do not zoom in or out before you copy the URL. If you click on the map screen at all, it causes the location to slightly change and the URL no longer finds the exact location of your address.
In the Week 1 Design Site Mapping activity, I can't add a boundary.
This means that there is already a boundary for you there somewhere. Refresh the page, and it'll take you to where your boundary is currently placed. Click "Remove Boundary", then go to your desired design site location using the "Google Map" url field. You can now add your boundary, save your work, and add it to your portfolio.
In the Week 1 Design Site Mapping activity, I can't save my site.
In order to save your site you need to click "Add Boundary" and, once finished, "Save" the boundary. The next step is to click "Upload to Portfolio". Once you are able to save your boundary and upload it into the your portfolio, then the sector, zone, and final design mapping applications will go to your site each time you login.
**If your question was not addressed on this page or in the Start Here - Canvas User Orientation, please post your question on the Start Here - Help Forum.