What is SLATE (WebCTVista)?
SLATE stands for Sheridan Learning And Teaching Environment. It is an online learning management system. (Sheridan is using WebCTVista Enterprise System from the Blackboard Corporation). Your teachers add content to individual courses. Students registered in the course have online access to the content 24/7. SLATE has a number of communication tools, such as email, discussions and chat. As well, teachers can evaluate your work using online assignments and assessments.

How can I check if my internet browser will work properly with SLATE?

1. Go to the SLATE login page https://vista.sheridaninstitute.ca
2. Click Check Browser. You should see green checkmarks for each component. If you see a red X, please follow the instructions to correct the problem. If necessary, please contact the Sheridan Help Desk or the Instructional Technology Support Centre (ITSC) at your campus. Also check the Student Help section of this site.
   

Do I need special software to use SLATE?
You require a compatible browser and a compatible version of Java software. When you run the Browser Checker, you should see green check marks for each component. If you see a red X please follow the instructions to correct the problem. Also check the Student Help section of this site.

How do I login to SLATE?
Go to https://vista.sheridaninstitute.ca

or

Go to the Sheridan website http://www.sheridaninstitute.ca, click on the Quick Links drop-down menu and select SLATE.

Enter your Sheridan User name and password.

IMPORTANT: When you first log in to SLATE from a different computer, you will receive two pop up messages asking you to verify the site. Check that the box next to Always Trust is checked, and then click on the Run button. These are security certificates. If you do not accept these, SLATE will not function properly. If you accidentally deny these, please contact the Sheridan Helpdesk or the Instructional Technology Service Centre for assistance.

 

My bookmarked link to SLATE doesn’t work. What's wrong?
Please change your bookmark to: https://vista.sheridaninstitute.ca. This is the only bookmarked link to SLATE that will work consistently.

You should also run Browser Checker (log in page), to ensure that your browser is properly configured to access SLATE.

Where is my SLATE course?
Your SLATE courses will be visible on the first day of class

On or after the first day of class, log in to SLATE to view your MySLATE page. In the centre column, under Course List, you will see the courses that you are registered in for the current semester.

If you do not see the courses that you believe you should have, please check the following:

• Verify with the Registrar that you are enrolled in the course
• Confirm with your teacher that the course is being offered in SLATE
  
• If both of the above are true, send a message with your User name, the missing course code and course name to helpdesk@sheridanc.on.ca.
  

Why can’t I see any content in my course?
If you see the course in the MySLATE course list, but you do not see any content, please contact your teacher.

Why don’t Word documents or PowerPoint files open when I click on them?
If you are using Internet Explorer, security settings may be preventing the documents from downloading.

Please change your browser security settings as follows:

1. In the browser menu (top of screen), go to Tools > Internet Options
2. Select the Security tab (ensure the Internet icon is highlighted)
3. Click on the Custom Level button
4. Under ActiveX controls and plugins, click Enable for Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls
5. Scroll down to the Downloads item
6. Click Enable for Automatic prompting for file downloads
7. Click Enable for File download
8. Scroll down to the Miscellaneous item
9. Under Use Pop-Up Blocker, click Disable
10. In the Security Settings box, click OK
    

Why can’t I use the HTML Creator?
Verify that the ON radio button on top of the text entry box is checked.

• If you still experience problems, go to the SLATE log in page and click on "Run Browser Checker"
• If Browser Checker shows that your browser is unsupported, please install a supported browser and use it with SLATE
• If Browser Checker shows unsupported Java software, uninstall it and install a compatible version available from the Java website. If you check the How to Get Help section, there is a link to get the Java plug in.
  

Why do I have to log in again when I haven't logged out of SLATE or closed my browser window?
SLATE is a secure system. You will be logged out after 60 minutes of inactivity.

How do I save course learning materials to my computer?
You can download and/or print course materials such as Learning Modules, documents and messages from Mail or Discussions.

To download course documents (Powerpoint, Word etc.):
When you click on a document in SLATE, it should download it to your computer and then depending on your computer settings, it will either prompt you to save or open, or it will automatically launch the corresponding application (e.g. Powerpoint). Choose Save As, and save the document to your computer.

To download or print Learning Modules:
Click on the Printable View button at the top right-hand corner of the appropriate screen.
In the Selected Items screen, choose the items you want, and click Continue.
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the Create Printable View button
Click Print to create a hard copy or Save to File to save the content to your computer as a .zip file.

To download or print Mail or Discussions:
Click on the “Printable View” button at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
In the “Selected Items” screen, choose the items you want, and click “Continue”.
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the "Create Printable View" button
Click “Print” to create a hard copy or “Save to File” to save the content to your PC as a .zip file.

After my course ends, how long do I have access to the learning materials?
You have access to your SLATE course material for one week after the end date of the course.

Can I access assignments from my last term SLATE courses?
You cannot retrieve assignments from previous terms. We recommend that you keep copies of all your course assignments during the term.

• Learning with SLATE
• FAQ
• Tips
• How to Get Help