Welcome!

Photograph of Sally Heilstedt Please read carefully through all of the information on this page before getting started. Be sure to scroll down to see all of the page.

My name is Sally Heilstedt. I am a Dean of Instruction here at LWTech. I am also a former online student and hybrid (mix of online and face-to-face) teacher. When you read through the materials in this module, I am the "I." If you have questions about what is in this module, you can first reach out to the professor for this class. They may answer your question directly or connect you with me.

I wish you the best with your online learning this quarter, especially in the unique circumstances we are currently experiencing together here at LWTech. You are not alone! We are going to have a great quarter, together.

Completing this Module

This module is designed using Canvas pages and is meant to be completed in the order listed. The simplest way to navigate the materials is to click "Next" at the bottom of each page.

There are two activities for you to complete:

A technology needs assessment, and
A discussion with your classmates to share success strategies .

If you are taking more than one class this quarter, you may have this module in multiple classes. You still need to complete both activities in all classes where the module is included because

You may have different professors, and they will each need to know what your technology needs are.
The technology requirements may be different for different classes.
You may have different classmates, and they will benefit from the strategies you share in the discussion.

Tip: For the discussion, it is okay to copy and paste your reply from one discussion into the discussion in other classes. You could challenge yourself and share a different strategy in each class. Either way, your peers will have the opportunity to learn with you.

Purpose and Outcomes

The purpose of this module is to help you plan for success as an online learner this quarter.

It may be your first time taking classes online or your tenth. Either way, this module seeks to prepare you in advance for the unique characteristics and challenges of online learning. If you already have a lot of online experience, you may learn something new, and you will have the opportunity to share your own success strategies with your fellow students.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Manage your time effectively based on realistic scheduling of the time needed for your classes
Create a learning environment away from campus that promotes learning and minimizes distractions
Determine if you need any additional technology to succeed in your online classes
Navigate the key elements of Canvas
Identify and build a team of support that includes people and resources you can turn to for help and encouragement as you complete your online classes
Communicate effectively in online classes
Share ideas and plans for success with peers