Get Started with Online Learning
Online Learning 101
Are you new to online learning or struggling to manage the ins and outs of the virtual student experience at Columbus State as a remote learner? We understand it can be difficult to find in one place the Columbus State resources that help you navigate everything you need to know about the online course experience.
That’s why we have created an Online Learning 101 resource that makes it easier to access from one location the primary support tools we offer for success in the virtual classroom and remote learning environment, plus our services to help keep you on track in your virtual education journey.
Online Student Success Guides
Online Student Success Guides are available to help you navigate your online learning experience by providing support and expertise in the online environment. Guides are available for appointment by emailing onlinesuccess@cscc.edu.
Online Course Expectations
It’s important to understand what to expect in online classes – and what’s expected of you as a student. Learn the basics of what you need to know to succeed in an online learning environment, expectations for virtual class engagement, and how to work within our course management system.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Blackboard Orientation of Columbus State’s course management system
Technical Requirements to participate in an online course
READI ASSESSMENT - are you ready for online learning?
EXISTING USERS
Technology Tools and Support
Learn from Columbus State Information Technology about the technology and software you need to be a successful online student. Topics include discovering your username and password, accessing Columbus State email, using Blackboard, device set-up, and more.
Study Tips for Online Classes
Online classes have a different format than traditional in-person classes, but you can be just as successful with the right approach. Learn strategies to stay focused, manage your time and collaborate with your peers virtually.
Learning online and studying in your home is a big change. In many cases, we are sharing space with others in the household who are also learning or working. Learn tips to help you focus on your studies.
Write down each instructor's contact information and store or post in your work area in case you have a technology emergency. If you are part of a group of students with an advisor assigned, include the advisor's name and phone number in your contact list.
If you have access to a printer, print and post the Blackboard calendar for each course and post in your work space if you can. Take advantage of the Columbus State Student Planner and Resource Guide if you can print. Use virtual calendar apps you’re familiar with to help keep you on track with electronic reminders and on-the-go visibility for what you need to accomplish. Focus on breaking down the specific tasks necessary to successfully complete each assignment day by day and week by week.
When scheduling your study and homework times, study and complete the work in the classes that are most difficult or least favorite for you first while you are fresh and have the time and energy to focus on them. Set specific goals to achieve during your study time and don’t feel pressured to continue on once those tasks are complete. Remember, multiple shorter study sessions are better than trying to get everything done in one sitting.
Write down what you need to remember. It may seem old-fashioned to handwrite notes, but it slows you down and reinforces the idea in your brain. When your notes are complete, make them work harder for you by not only reading and re-reading them, but also making an audio recording to play in the background while you are on the road, doing chores and getting ready for the day.
Take advantage of common online collaboration tools to hold virtual study groups. Columbus State offers Pisces as an easy-to-access and use solution. You’ll find it from NetTutor, accessed within Blackboard from the green “N” icon on the top right of all classes.
Explain concepts to your friends and family to see if you can get them to understand what you are studying. If they get it, you get it! Talking these things through will help you realize what you have a good handle on and what you still need to better comprehend. For written assignments, read them out loud to someone else – this will help you better discover errors and weaknesses in your work.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Set up live virtual tutoring sessions, plus access Pisces to hold virtual study groups.
Set notification preferences for flagged communications from your instructors, including referrals to tutoring and other supports to keep you on track for course success. You can also navigate within the tool for self-guided help and services support.
Learn additional strategies to start and stay strong in your academic performance throughout each semester.
Virtual College Resources
Access virtual resources to help you navigate College systems, plan your classes, and get support outside of the classroom.