Succeeding as an Online Learner

So you've signed up for a CCAPS course. Now what? 

For those who are new to online learning, an asychronous, digital classroom can seem overwhelming; it's a lot of information in a tightly curated space! You're not alone in this feeling, but we can help. Explore some of the items below to set yourself up for success as an online learner.

Vocabulary

CCAPS courses may use vocabulary that you are unfamiliar with. Make sure you know these terms.

  • Canvas: The Learning Management System that contains your course site.
  • Module: A measure of course content that is a week long. E.g. There are 14 modules in a 14 week course. 
  • Unit: Units denote larger measures of course content, generally 2-5 modules in length.
  • Canvas Inbox: A message inbox that resides within Canvas, not to be confused with University Gmail. The Canvas Inbox will notify you of waiting messages via University Gmail if you have opted in to receiving these notifications.
  • Groups: You can view group membership by clicking the "Groups" link in the Global Canvas Navigation bar. This link will list all of the groups in which you hold membership across all your active courses.

Required Technological Skills

Online courses may seem daunting if you don't have some of basic technological skills in your learning tool box. At a minimum, you should know how to do the following or be prepared to learn the following by the start of class:

  • Send and receive email
  • Attach a file to email
  • Upload a file to Canvas
  • Perform a basic web search
  • Create a .pdf, a Word .doc or Google Doc, and a Power Point or Google Slides presentation
  • Watch a YouTube video
  • Learn a new technology with guidance
  • Find the right kind of help for your issue

Tips

Understand Canvas Basics

Canvas organizes materials into a personalized Dashboard for each student. This Dashboard collates important information and work from all your Canvas courses, but it leaves out a lot of information too.

Be wary of relying too heavily on your Dashboard and make sure you're visiting the actual course site to receive all of your information for each module. 

The Canvas App

The Canvas Student App is a great tool for checking into your course on the go or participating in ongoing discussions. However, the Canvas App is NOT a complete version of your course site.

Visit the your course Canvas site to work in the full version of your course.

Syllabus and Canvas Calendar

Your first task as a learner should be to explore the syllabus and course calendar. 

The syllabus contains policies for the course, information on your instructor, any assigned textbook information, and a course calendar of all course assessments.

Your Canvas Calendar will also have links to assignments;  it is also available as an iCal file.

Course "Rhythms"

  • CCAPS courses run from Monday at 12:00am to Sunday at 11:59pm.
  • Most assignments will be due on Sunday of the assigned module.
  • CCAPS courses operate in the Central US Timezone (UTC-06:00).
  • Online CCAPS courses often contain two due-dates per week -- Wed/Sun or Thurs/Sun. As a result, some assignments (e.g. discussions or peer reviews), will require you to turn in an assignment mid-module.

Overviews

The Overview is a standard assignment in each module. This page will contain a statement of purpose for the module and a list of all resources including videos. 

Explore Assignment Requirements Early

Read through assignment instructions before the module begins as instructions might direct you to submit work on both a mid-week date and on Sunday. The assignment instructions will also direct you to technology resources for any other learning technologies employed in the assignment.

Identify Your Technology Knowledge Needs

If an assignment requires the use of a non-Canvas learning technology (such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Tiki-Toki Timeline, etc.), CCAPS will provide instructions and support for your use of the technology. 

Read through the assignment before the module begins as guidance for non-Canvas technologies is built in to the instructions. If you do not understand the directions aor are struggling with the technology, contact 1-HELP for guidance.

Participate in Discussions

Discussions are one of the most integral components of your online learning experience. You should participate fully in the conversation. 

Please keep in mind that discussions should remain in the course site. Do not repost responses to outside sources. 

Your instructor will provide specific discussion expectations and instructions within your course site.

Know Where to Go for Help

CCAPS is committed to providing students with the best online experience possible. You can request help in the following ways: