Online Education Support
Online learning can be substantially different from conventional, classroom-based learning and there is an online component to nearly every class at ACC. If you are new to the world of online learning, you may be wondering how to succeed in an online class. In order to make the most of your learning experience, we offer online resources from our eLearning team to help you excel in your courses.
*D2L courses become available the first day of class. Before the start date, you won't see the link for D2L. Please use Detailed Scheduled under the Registration Tools in myACC to confirm your schedule and plan to login to D2L on the start date for each of your classes.
Online Orientation Schedule
The self-paced D2L orientation is available throughout the semester for registered ACC students. From the D2L home page, select "Self Registration" and choose the "D2L Self-Paced Student Orientation FA21." Once you register, you can explore the workshop content and submit practice assignments, quizzes, and discussion posts.
If you have any questions about using D2L or you would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a staff member, please contact us at elearning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or call us at 303.797.5080.
Tips for Online Course Success
- Courses that are online provide flexibility for when you attend class, but attendance is still mandatory. Similar to a traditional course, you must virtually “attend” an online course in order to benefit from the information and knowledge provided by the professor.
- Paying attention to an online lecture is as important as paying attention in class. Taking notes will still be a useful tool in learning and retaining information. One of the benefits of online learning is the ability to rewind an audio or video lecture ensuring you will not miss key points.
- As with any class, participation is vital. Many classes will require you to be involved with discussions in ACC’s online forum hosted by Desire2Learn (D2L). Professors can post questions as online threads, and students can debate and discuss.
ACC Resources and Policies
Technology Support
When learning online, knowing how to make technology work for you is a certain key to success. The CCCS Help Desk (24/7) or ACC eLearning are first stops for D2L troubleshooting, and ACC IT can assist with password resets. But did you know that D2L works best with certain browsers? Did you know that you have access to Microsoft Office as a CCCS student? Become familiar with D2L system requirements and resources available within and beyond ACC to ensure that technology does not become a barrier—keep your focus on the course!
Accessibility Statements
Web accessibility is essential for those who rely on assistive technology, but accessible technologies facilitate a positive experience for any learner, including those using mobile devices, outdated devices, and more. Our faculty and instructors may use a variety of educational technologies within or beyond D2L. The accessibility statements listed below represent the commitments these edtech providers have made to accessibility, as well as limitations of those selected technologies. If you have a question about accessibility of a technology not listed here, please reach out to your instructor.
Privacy Statements
It is important to be aware of data privacy issues and security strategies to protect the integrity of your digital persona even as we seek to enrich our learning experiences through carefully vetted educational tools and technologies. Our essential tool for learning in the course is D2L, but your instructor may choose to use educational technologies outside of D2L, as well. The privacy statements linked below express the policies these edtech companies have in place related to user privacy. If you have concerns about protecting your data privacy during the course, reach out to your instructor to discuss the tools used that are external to the course and strategies for maintaining your privacy.
ACC Policies
- ACC Student Code of Conduct (Including Academic Honesty): Did you know that ACC has a student code of conduct that you adhere to in your interactions within and outside of the classroom? This code of conduct includes the college’s policy on academic honesty. The consequences of violating academic integrity policies are serious, but you can do a lot to avoid these situations by approaching every course activity and interaction as an opportunity to practice skills and build your own unique body of knowledge.
- Netiquette for Learners (Infographic): Netiquette is an important way we demonstrate mutual respect for each other in the course environment, particularly when learning in virtual environments.
- Netiquette for Online Discussions
- Respect diversity. Engage in online conversation with an open mind. We all have something to share, but we all have something to learn from each other!
- Check your tone. ALL CAPS and sarcasm don't always translate well to online contexts.
- Write for readability. Use fonts, colors, and sizes that make reading easy on everyone.
- Create a professional persona. Connect with your academic audience with standard English spelling and grammar to the best of your ability. Avoid emojis and textspeak.
- Read everything carefully. Follow instructions to understand the prompt and how to contribute. Read all peer posts before responding to avoid duplication.
- Stay on topic. We can all be easily distracted online. Think before responding and respond to the specific prompt.
- Add value. Seek ways to share unique expertise, insights, and critical questions that can help the conversation authentically grow.
- Explain yourself. Sharing details about your thinking and using precise language can help prevent miscommunication.
- Hold yourself accountable. Be honest, do the critical thinking and research required to participate online, and contribute with integrity.
- Write for public consumption, read for private reflection. Assume that what you write will be part of a permanent written record, but also contribute to a safe space for sharing by respecting the privacy of others.
- Be kind. Give each other grace, whether you are tempted to correct typos or take offense at an opinion someone shares!
- Netiquette for Synchronous Sessions
- Were you muted on entry? Stay muted. Limit background noise when mics are on.
- Video on or off? Follow the instructor's preferences. Be professional and demonstrate attention when videos are on.
- Stay on task. Avoid multitasking to demonstrate respect.
- Participate but don't dominate. Use chat to contribute to discussions and share airtime.
- Netiquette for Online Discussions
- FERPA and Other Legal Notices: You have rights over your academic records; take time to understand FERPA and other rights and responsibilities while a student at ACC.
- Sexual Misconduct and Title IX: Everyone in the ACC community has a responsibility to understand what constitutes sexual misconduct and their role in upholding zero tolerance for sexual misconduct at ACC—including in online spaces.
Academic Support and Campus Resources
Academic Support
ACC is committed to your academic success, and it’s vital to become aware of the services and resources provided that fulfill this commitment, from access to tutoring to eLearning to testing services and more. Everyone at ACC works together to facilitate your academic achievements.
Campus Resources
There’s more to your experience at ACC than succeeding in your academic courses. Explore some of the resources available to you as a student at ACC.
Contact
elearning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu
303.797.5080 or
866.680.4222
Room M1710
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm (remote)
24/7 Online Support:
888.800.9198
Online Classes
We have more than 3,000 students taking an online or hybrid class. You are in good company.
