Start Here
Introduction
- To develop comfort with online learning/tools and NCSSM's academic expectations. We want you to learn it now, not during the fall semester
- To understand research principles behind how you learn. Understanding the 'research' behind learning is one way to potentially overcome future challenges.
Canvas, which is the delivery system we use for our online courses does a pretty good job of keeping you up-to-date with assignment due dates, announcements, etc.
You can use the Assignments menu to see what assignments are coming up or are (gulp) overdue.
Each time you log in to Canvas, you can also see your "To Do" list near the right-hand side of the screen.
Step 1: Read the Course Syllabus and Course Schedule
The course syllabus will provide you with the course schedule, course objectives, grading policies, and instructor contact information. Please read it carefully. You should have a good knowledge of the course policies and schedule.
You can always find the course syllabus in the course menu.
Step 2: Know the Course Prerequisites
Before taking some courses, it may be important that you meet certain requirements. You may be required to complete basic courses first before taking more advanced courses in a topic. Or there may be certain skills or competencies you are required to have prior to taking a course.
Prerequisites are listed in the course syllabus. Be sure you meet any requirements for taking this course.
Step 3: Know about Library Information and Student Support
THE GRACE BRESLIN AND F. BORDEN MACE LIBRARY Links to an external site.
As an online student, you receive full access to NCSSM’s library, including access to journal and database subscriptions. You should familiarize yourself with the library website, where you can find guides to conducting research, preparing for tests, accessing online journals and databases, and citations.
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NCSSM Library Online Guides
Links to an external site.
A list of helpful guides for finding materials and performing research.
Student Support Links to an external site.
Academic advising and additional support is also provided for online students. If you need special academic assistance, please contact NCSSM's Distance Education Academic Adviser.
Step 4: Know How to Receive Technical Support
CANVAS
The Technical Requirements page identifies the browsers, operating systems, and plugins that work best with Canvas.
If you are new to Canvas quickly review the Canvas Student Orientation materials.
If you experience technical problems with Canvas, please use the "Help" menu in Canvas to submit a help ticket.
NCSSM TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Many other technical support needs are addressed in the NCSSM IT Documentation Wiki. Here you will find information on resetting passwords, logging in to your NCSSM email, etc.
If you have a non-Canvas-related technical problem that cannot be answered by the wiki, please create an ITS help ticket.
Step 5: Know How this Course Works
Before you start your first course, you should watch this 3-minute video to learn more about navigating your way through an NCSSM Online course.
Step 6: Begin your Course
Use the main course menu to go to Modules. Start your course with Module 1.
Banner image adapted from “thinking,” by Gatudo (Flickr) Creative Commons CC BY 2.0