Get ready
- Do a “tech check” of your devices, Internet, software and software skills
- Take an online learning readiness survey. Review the results and make a plan to address any gaps that you feel are necessary.
- Utilize CVC-OEI Online Learning Readiness Tutorials
- Review some study strategies for remote learners
Take care of yourself - Address your health and wellness needs
- Support for self-care, health and wellness – visit Wellness Central
- Download the HeadSpace app and create a free account. Check out the free collection called Weathering the Storm. It has “meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling.”
Address your technology needs
Need a device?
- Check to see if your campus has a laptop loan program
- Computers 4 Kids provides low-cost desktop and laptop computers to low-income students in the Los Rios CC District.
Need better Internet?
If you have any remote classes that use the Zoom video conference tool, the minimum required bandwidth is 600 kbps (up/down) and recommended is 1.5 Mbps (up/down).
- Explore options for Low-Cost and Free Internet Access
Need software?
The following table lists common software used for remote learning, along with links on where to download.
| Remote learning software | Desktop or laptop computer | Mobile device (tablet or smartphone) |
| Canvas Learning Management System | No need to install any software for Canvas. It runs in your browser. | |
| Zoom for videoconferencing | The Zoom browser client will download automatically when you start or join your first Zoom meeting, or you can download the Zoom browser client | |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader for reading PDF files | Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free |
Need training to use specific software?
- Most of your remote classes will use the Canvas Learning Management System. Use the Canvas Guides for Students to learn more about Canvas.
- Some teachers will hold class meetings via the Zoom videoconferencing tool. Use the Zoom video tutorials to learn more about Zoom.
Communicate with your teachers
- Check your campus email (or the account where you forward your campus email)
- Check your course Announcements in Canvas. Reply to an Announcement with any questions if something about it is not clear.
- Use the Canvas inbox to contact your teacher or email your teacher if you have additional questions.
- To help your instructor, include these details no matter what:
- List the course name in the subject line.
- Introduce yourself with your full name.
- Make your question(s) as specific as possible.
- Tell your instructor what you tried before contacting him/her.
Review course content and materials
- Online Reading Strategies – Tutorial
- Supplement your class materials with other online resources
- Khan Academy has free video resources and practice problems in many subjects
- LinkedIn Learning has hundreds of courses broken into 3 to 5 minute videos
Engage with other students
- Participate in forum discussions – visit more than once to reply to new people and respond to people who gave you feedback on your post.
- Collect contact information from friends and classmates so you can talk to each other about how you are doing, as well as school projects and assignments.
Complete course assignments and assessments
Get help: Communicate with your campus
Visit your campus website or directory to find the contact information for the following units:
- Academic Counseling or Advising Services
- Mental Health Counseling
- Disability Programs
- Financial Aid
- Admissions & Records
- Health/Wellness
