eLearning

About Online Courses

Courses & Materials

Online courses bring the classroom to you using the Internet and your email. They are taught using primarily Canvas our core Learning Management Systems (LMS). However, your teacher makes the decision on how to distribute their course so please always contact your teacher to confirm where your class is being managed.

Course materials vary and may include textbooks, study guides, DVDs, videos, as well as information downloaded from the Internet. Check with your teacher's syllabus and our campus bookstore for a list of required materials.

Best Practices for Online Success

Online courses are not self-paced. Like on-campus courses there are homework, mid-terms and final exam dates and expectations. Fully online students must adhere to their class timeline and turn homework in on time. Carving out time several days a week to stay on top of assigned reading and homework is not easy and requires great deal of self-discipline.

  • Thoroughly read your syllabus and don't hesitate to ask your instructor for information
  • Online students need to plan 12-15 hours of study, per week - per course, and login 5 out of 7 days, starting the first day of the quarter
  • Avoid using the Canvas app as it is missing a lot of features, and has technical problems that can lead to lost work and missed assignments. If you use a mobile device to access your online class, we recommend using a Google Chrome browser on your device to log in through the usual Canvas log in page.
  • Have a backup plan for computer use in case you experience technical difficulties with your computer. Keep backup copies of all your work, assignments, quiz answers and grades! 

Backup Plan Ideas & Working Offline

If for any reason, you are unable to access Canvas, you are expected to complete and submit assignments. Here are a few scenarios to be prepared for and suggestions for doing so:

  • Loss of Internet Service
    • If your home Internet service goes down, consider accessing the Internet from the school’s library, the public library, a friend’s house, or a nearby cyber café. Of course, a laptop with wireless Internet connection capabilities is required if connecting from the nearby coffeehouse unless they also provide the computer.
  • Canvas Goes Down System-Wide
    • You can check the system status of Canvas from the Canvas Status Update Page.
    • Depending on how long Canvas is down, your instructor may provide alternative academic expectations. For example, you may be asked to complete and submit existing work via email rather than Canvas. 

Again, lack of access does not automatically erase your instructor's expectations for completing and submitting assignments.

Support

Be patient and always let your instructor know how you’re doing. It’s important to schedule time with your instructor, if needed. 

While all students are expected to have some computer skills, remember that it never hurts to ask for help when you need it. Visit the tutoring center for support with completing assignments or navigating Canvas.