ONLINE LEARNING BASICS FOR STUDENTS
TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
MY FAVORITE PLACES TO STUDY When I came to Central in my first year, I knew I wanted to work as hard as I could with my studies. The study habits I previously knew were not going to cut it. I experimented with a lot of different study habits before I found what worked best for me. One thing that helped me was going to new spaces to study around campus. Whether I have a group project, or some extra time between classes, I usually visit the Brooks Library. The Fishbowl on the second floor has group stations, whiteboards, and just about everything you need for group studying. If you’re looking for a quieter area, the fourth floor is a designated space for students to work. In south campus, Samuelson is my go-to. The first floor has study rooms with all the amenities, and space to focus. On occasions during late-night study sessions, or when I need to cram for an exam, the Bistro is open late for students to study, grab a coffee, and hang out with friends.
Check out the CWU Connect App for additional resources. TOP FIVE THINGS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE COURSE:
Canvas • Ensure you have access to Canvas via canvas.cwu.edu
Communication and Collaboration • E ngage with your classmates via instructor- provided discussion boards • Communicate regularly with your instructor via Canvas Messenger or CWU Outlook • Class lectures may be pre-recorded or presented live via web conferencing • Use video conferencing like Blackboard Ultra, or Teams to hold virtual study group sessions with classmates • Take advantage of your instructor’s online office hours Time Commitment • Log in often to check the syllabus, calendar, and announcements in your Canvas courses • Daily check-ins of your Canvas and CWU Outlook email are essential to class participation • Expect to spend as much time, if not more time, engaging with your online class as you would in person • Refer to your course syllabus for how many hours of coursework per week is recommended • Stay ahead. Do not wait until the last minute to work on assignments Internet and Technology Access • A high-speed internet connection • A supported operating system: —Windows 10 —MAC OS X 10.9 or higher (10.14 Mohave or newer recommended) • Recommended Hardware: Speakers, Microphone and Webcam Cloud Resources • U se resources provided to CWU students. Instructions are in CWU Connect app under Resources. —Install Office 365 on your computer —Utilize OneDrive for saving classwork
• Check out the “Help” features within Canvas • Mobile Canvas Access: The Canvas Student app allows students to access courses and groups using a mobile device. Students can submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades and course materials. The app also provides access to course calendars, to-do items, notifications, and conversations. Download the Canvas Student app on Android and iOS devices. • Canvas courses need to be published for you to see them. If you cannot see your course on your Canvas dashboard or Courses menu, reach out to your instructor to make sure it has been published. • Familiarize yourself with the different ways to view, organize and use Canvas. For instance, adjusting your “Dashboard View” might help you stay on top of upcoming assignments • Living in another time zone? Adjust within Canvas > Account > Settings to ensure assignments are submitted on time.
Resources I wish I found sooner
CWU offers resources that many students aren’t aware of, some of which I wish I had found sooner. Free Laptop Rentals One resource I use frequently is the laptop rental. The Bistro, Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC), and The Brooks Library have laptops free to check out with your CWU Connection Card. Free Microsoft Office Suite
Did you know that Microsoft Office products are free for all CWU students? Find out more on the CWU Connect app. Academic Success Center When I had classes that challenged me in the past, something that benefited me was taking advantage of the Academic Success Center (ASC). The ASC includes the writing and math center, tutoring, and Peer Assisted Learning (PALs) groups. The ASC helped me understand the content of my classes so much better, and in turn, helped set me up for success. Zoe Whittaker-Jameson is a fifth-year student studying Elementary and Special Education
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