Getting Started

Why use CyberFaces

If you're an instructor, there are a few ways to get value from the platform depending on how much you want to build:

  • Use an existing module as-is to supplement your own teaching — for example, having students use a module on downloading elevation or streamflow data instead of building that material yourself.
  • Use a pre-packaged workshop to run a short session without building anything from scratch.
  • Combine modules (yours or others') into your own course, with a badge or certificate learners can earn.
  • Publish existing material you already have so other instructors and learners can use it.

If you're a learner, you can browse modules and courses to pick up a specific skill or work through an in-depth path toward a certificate — see Finding a course.

Creating an account

Use the register link on the site to create an account. You'll need a valid email address to confirm your account before you can join communities, post in discussions, or track course progress.

Logging in

Once registered, log in from the site's login page. If you forget your password, use the "forgot password" link to receive a reset email — never share your password with anyone, including site staff.

Your account page

Your account page (/account) is where you manage your profile and preferences. It's organized into sections (profile details, notifications, and similar), and you can delete your own account from here if your site has that option enabled.

Becoming an instructor or community leader

Browsing courses, joining communities, and posting in the forum are open to any logged-in user. Building your own course or running your own community space requires additional permissions, which are granted through an application:

  1. Go to the Apply page (/apply) while logged in.
  2. Choose what you're applying for — instructor (to build courses) or community (to run a community space) — and write a short message (10–2000 characters) describing why.
  3. Submit. You'll land on a confirmation page, and you'll receive an email confirming your application was received.
  4. A site administrator reviews the application and either approves or rejects it. Either way, you'll get an email with the decision.

If you already have the permission you're applying for, the form will tell you that you're already eligible instead of letting you submit a duplicate request.

Once approved, continue to the Instructor Guide or the Community Leader Guide.