How can I Prepare for Online or Virtual Learning?
You may be a student that never intended to take a PCC online or virtual class or you may have tried a fully online class and learned that it wasn’t the best modality for you to learn in. We are here to help you!
Preparing and reaching out for help when you get stuck is the best approach to setting yourself up for success. A positive outlook can help you face obstacles with an open mind and can spark creativity in how you can achieve your goals.
To prepare, make sure you:
Learn about what technology you will need and get comfortable using on a daily basis
Read your PCC emails as often as possible
Login to D2L and start clicking on different areas to help build confidence by practicing and understanding the online environment. If you don’t have access to your classes yet, complete the OOL100 (Orientation to Online Learning).
Virtual classes may be designed differently than our online classes. These classes may use other software or technology to connect and learn. Review the syllabus so you know how to begin. Most virtual classes require your attendance to live (synchronous) virtual meetings.
Schedule time everyday (develop a routine) to go into the class. Remember, you may or may not have scheduled meeting times.
Avoid distractions while working online. Put away your phone and build a comfortable study environment.
Reach out to your classmates to see if they can help; or maybe you can help them!
Think about how this will be different for you as a college student. If you are aware of the changes you need to make, it's easier to devise a plan.
If you are an auditory learner (learn through listening), read content out loud.
TIP - KEEP TAKING NOTES. Even if you have the content available to you in written format, taking notes in your own words helps engage your brain.
“I’m Nervous About Taking Online or Virtual Classes”
As you start to learn more about online and virtualized learning, you may feel nervous or anxious or confused. It's understandable that you would have these feelings and we would like to share some resources with you to help you through this process. Before you review the resources below, reflect on what type of student you are and the strengths you already have that can make it easier for you.
Keep a growth mindset, knowing that you’ve overcome challenges in the past that have made you stronger and smarter and that you CAN learn how to do something new by practicing and putting in the extra time! If you’d like to learn more about a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset, you can visit:
Learn more about online learning! We have several brief (FREE) virtual workshops that can help you understand what online learning
Locate the StudentLingo Workshops in MyPima
Once you are logged in, go to Students tab, click on Student Resources and scroll down to the Quick Links section. Click on StudentLingo. If you have never used this site, you do need to create an account. It may be best to use your MyPima username and password!
Check out these workshops:
10 Tips for Success in Your Online Course
Effectively Communicating Online
Online Courses: Staying Motivated and Disciplined
Taking Tests Online: Strategies for Success
Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism
Time Management: Strategies for Success
Stress Management Techniques
Overcoming Procrastination: Causes & Cures
You can also reach out to your support team! We hope you have people close to you that you can talk to or have built strong relationships within support services here at the college. This could be your instructor, counselor, advisor, librarian, coach or other students.