Student Success

• Understand that online classes are rigorous and demand an investment of time, attention and energy.
• Learn how to use Canvas, the learning management system.
• Contact the instructor about the course work load and course policies.

• Be engaged and fully involved in class assignments, discussion forums and other class activities and/or projects.
• Dedicate at least six hours each week for a 3.0 unit class (additional two hours each week for each additional 1.0 unit). Note that this is for a regular 16-week semester. Shorter courses will require additional weekly hours accordingly.
• Be aware of upcoming due dates for assignments, quizzes, projects and other activities. Use a personal calendar or the Canvas calendar tool regularly.
• Contact the instructor immediately if there are questions; don’t wait until the last week of class to ask for an explanation or help with the course content or assignments.
• Balance life demands, leaving time to reflect on the course content and assignments.
• Be familiar with Student Services and know what to do if the class seems too challenging.

• Understand and confirm technology requirements: Make sure you have the appropriate technology for completing an online course set up prior to the start of the course – Check technical requirements. Find out which computer(s) and web browser(s) will work for the course and Canvas.
• Familiarize yourself with the course requirements: Spend time looking over the course syllabus and other important course materials. Make sure you understand the course objectives, the scope of the material you will cover, and when assignments and exams are due.
• Be familiar with computer basics: You should know how to write an email, upload software, and use the Internet. Many instructors will also require that you use Microsoft Word.
• Become familiar with Canvas: Canvas is our online learning management system. Think of it as your classroom. Click on the “Canvas” link at the top of the WVC home page. See reference and tips on the Canvas Student Guide.
• Order Your Textbooks: Check the bookstore or contact the instructor and purchase your books prior to the beginning of the online course.
• Connect with Your Instructor Early: Contact information can be found at the faculty directory.

• Understanding Instructor Response: Verify how frequently your instructor responds to email or discussion forum questions and don’t wait until the last minute to clarify any questions you may have.
  If you would like to have a meeting with your instructor and he/she does not have live-synchronous sessions scheduled on the syllabus, don’t hesitate in asking him/her for a live, office-hour window. Set aside time to communicate with your instructor on assignments/topics covered in class.
• Log In Daily: Log in to the class as soon as it begins, read the course syllabus and note important dates. Try to log in on a daily basis and read all instructor email and announcements; oftentimes, instructors will provide important information on assignments, tests, etc.
• Manage Your Time Wisely: You cannot afford to get behind in an online class. Know the deadlines and meet them! Create a schedule in accordance with class deadlines and plan to set aside adequate time to complete assignments. Complete all reading and homework assignments on time.
  Expect to spend nine hours per week for a 3-unit course (and an additional three hours each week for each additional unit).
• Be Self–Motivated: Online courses require a great deal of self-discipline and motivation to be successful. Make sure you are ready and committed!
• Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: Don’t procrastinate and wait until the last minute to submit assignments. Try to submit your assignments (or take quizzes and tests) early enough so that if you experience any technical difficulties your assignment will not be late. Working on your assignment earlier also gives you the opportunity to contact your instructor if you have any questions about the assignment.
• Participate: Most online instructors require that students participate in discussion forums. Think carefully about the posts that you write and create thoughtful comments that will enhance the class discussions.
  Understand deadlines and grading criteria for posting to forums.
• Be Polite and Respectful: When responding to posts or expressing opinions online, use the same etiquette you would in a face-to-face classroom. Respond thoughtfully and try to make a substantial contribution to the discussion.
• Speak Up If You Are Having Problems: Remember that your instructor cannot see you, so you must be absolutely explicit and clear with your comments and requests. Communicate with fellow students as they are probably having the same challenges and questions.
• Achieve Family / Work / School Balance: Anticipate work and/or family scheduling that may interfere with your course work and create solutions that work for everyone. Work ahead if you anticipate being out of town, on vacation, working, etc.
• Take Responsibility: Even though you don't see instructors and classmates, taking classes via the Web is still going to school. You need to take online courses as seriously as you would any traditional courses. If you're struggling, you need to let your instructor know right away so he/she can get you the help you need.

Online classes are not for everyone, and your success depends a great deal on how well-prepared you are for the virtual class environment.

Minimum technical requirements for active participation in online classes include:

• Access to a PC or Mac computer 5 years old or less, with a minimum of 1 GB RAM and 2 GHz processor
• Reliable internet access with minimum modem speed of 512 KB
• Some courses may require additional plug-ins (free) to access streaming media