Educational Technology Help Page

Prior to the start of classes, students will receive an email from the Student Records office with their MACID and password as well as instructions to access courses on our online learning management system, Avenue to Learn (A2L)

Go to Avenue to Learn (A2L)

Online Learning Elements

Please note that all asynchronous courses as well as many synchronous courses have mandatory online and collaborative learning elements (e.g., discussion forum, group chats, asynchronous and synchronous online lectures, etc.). These requirements and the relevant learning/communication platforms (e.g., as Zoom, PebblePad) will be indicated in the course syllabus.

Go to Zoom Go to PebblePad

Minimum System and Hardware Requirements

The following is a list of helpful links and technical requirements for students completing online requirements in MDC courses

  • Hardware
    • CPU: Dual-Core Processor
    • RAM: Minimum 4GB RAM
    • Camera (for video conferencing): A high-quality video supported USB-based web camera (or build-in camera on a laptop computer), at least 720p.
  • System
    • PC: Windows 7 or later
    • Mac: Mac OSX 10.10 or later
    • Web Browsers: Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome
    • Mobile Device (for Zoom Mobile App):
      • Apple device: iOS 11 or above with an active Wi-Fi or cellular (data charge) connection
      • Android device: Android OS 5.0 or higher
  • Software
    • Individual courses may have additional software requirements. This may include video recording software (for taking and sharing video/presentation) or a specific software applicaiton. Please refer to the course syllabus.
    • The latest version of the Microsoft Office Suite is available for MDC students to download and use FOR FREE. Please go to this site and following the instructions to sign in (with the following credentials):
      • Login: <<Your MACID>>@mcmaster.ca
      • Password: Your MACID password
  • Internet Connection

    Students will need regular access to a computer with a stable internet connection. High speed broadband access (wireless, fiber, or cable) is required for the optimal learning experience.

Helpful Links

The online learning management system, Avenue to Learn (A2L) is built on Desire to Learn (D2L) – Brightspace learning management system. Here are a few documents and tutorial videos from Brightspace. Please review them carefully.

Avenue to Learn

View A2L Specific Documents for Students

Brightspace Introductory Videos

Navigate A2L Account Settings and Personal Preferences Uploading Assignments Review Grades and Feedback View Course Content Discussions Tool Access Quizzes Creating Personal Profile Notifications