eLearning

First, check if the course has hit its 'start' date. Online course may not show, are not usually 'active,' until the official start date. Second, check my.maricopa.edu to verify that you are actually in the online course and have not been dropped (eg for financial aid issues). Third, you can email the instructor who can verify if you are listed on his/her official class roster for the online section.

Definitely go to the Getting Started with Elearning at CGCC website and the Tips for Success in Elearning Courses website. As soon as you have access to the course, make sure to view and download important course documents, particularly the syllabus. The syllabus explains most of the specific requirements and rules and expectations of the course.

Some instructors require mandatory participation in the online orientation and have specific tasks or departmental orientations. Check with your instructor and for general email announcements advising about online orientations.

Smart Measure and the Equiz identify weaknesses and issues with readiness that could get in the way of success with your elearning course. If you can address these issues you may still be fine with the online course. You may want to talk to an academic advisor if still unsure.

You can look up your instructor's email on the Faculty and Staff Directory. Once the course has begun, if it still says STAFF, you may call Admissions and Records to find out your instructor's name.

The college bookstore has a website where you can enter your course number and specific section number and see what books are listed for the particular course. Courses can be very specific about editions so be careful if using another bookstore to purchase your texts.

You can contact the instructor, check the syllabus, and in some cases, see what's required in the online website for the college bookstore.

The course syllabus, usually found under Course Contents or Course Documents or Syllabus when you log-in, has details about formats required for turning in assignments.

The course syllabus, usually found under Course Contents or Course Documents or Syllabus when you log-in, has details about exams. Some courses require coming on campus to take a required proctored exam; some quizzes or exams are available to take online. Again, the instructor and the syllabus hold the details.

Almost all course require interaction and often collaboration among its students. The course syllabus is the primary source for specifics about course requirements.

Oral components, for example presentations or oral exams, have been done by phone, or through software such as Skype. However, the course syllabus holds all the details about course requirements.

Constant access to the internet and an elearning device such as a computer is a requirement of taking online courses. However, consult with your instructor to be sure, especially for special cases such as combat deployment blackouts on internet access.