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Success Strategies for ONLINE Learning

This year, all of our lives changed due to the pandemic; however, we are grateful to be able to serve those who have chosen to continue their educational journey at PVCC. Now that most classes are online, we want to offer some tips to help you succeed in our new normal.

1. Treat Your Online Classes Like An In-Person Course

Every syllabus at PVCC contains the number of hours you should expect to dedicate to the class. This is usually listed under "Instructional Contact Hours & Out of Class Work for this (Online) Class”. Plan to "show up” at least the number of recommended hours to read, create study notes, complete assignments and study for tests. Schedule times in your calendar well before deadlines and set reminders for yourself. If life happens and you can’t meet the obligations you set for yourself, simply make adjustments that week. If you planned your time well before deadlines, you most likely won’t be in a bind.

Be sure to mark important dates in your own personal calendars by referring to PVCC's Academic Calendar.

2. Be Accountable to Yourself

Having trouble holding yourself responsible to complete online work? Enlist the help of a family member or friend. Why not sign up for classes with other PVCC students you know? You can act as each other’s accountability partner and help motivate each other and study together, even if it’s done virtually.

3. Create a Regular Study Space and Eliminate Distractions

Set up a sacred study space with Internet (room, library, backyard) where you are comfortable and dedicate it to learning and studying. Wherever works best for you, minimize your distractions from electronics by using applications like Cold Turkey and Freedom to block the apps or websites that tend to compete for your attention. Also tell significant others your study schedule so they know not to contact you unless it’s an emergency. Teach them to respect your study time and free yourself of distractions.

4. Determine When and How You Learn Best

When do you have the most brain power? In the morning, midday, or night? Do you like it quite or with some soft background noise? Do you prefer reading, listening, or creating visuals to learn material? Understand your learning preferences, and then tailor your study time to interact with materials in the way you learn best. This may vary from one class to another. In any case, don’t hesitate to search for more content online to supplement the materials your instructors have provided.

Teaching Resources for Disciplines and Professional Schools

5. Be Your Own Advocate

If you are struggling in your classes because you don’t understand course materials, are experiencing a personal issue, or just struggling with time management, don’t wait to reach out for help. Every Canvas course has Puma Resources for Students on the left-hand sidebar. If you aren’t sure what resource you need, or you are falling behind on assignments, email your professor right away and he or she can help or direct you to the appropriate department. Don’t wait! We are here to help!

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Hotkeys Make Online Learning Faster!

What are hotkeys? Hotkeys, or shortcut keys, are a key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard that when pressed all at once perform a task faster than using a mouse.

Learn some basic hotkeys for different applications and platforms by visiting the webpage below:

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In Jeopardy of Being Evicted Due to COVID-19?

If you are unable to pay your rent due to COVID, please read and scroll down Arizona Department of Housing's webpage below.

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Unemployed Due to COVID-19?

If COVID has left you unemployed, please read and scroll down Arizona Department of Economic Security's webpage below.

Need a Laptop or Hotspot?

Laptop and Hotspot checkouts are available to students throughout the semester. You must be in good standing with the college from a financial/code of conduct standpoint to check out equipment. To sign up fill out the following form. *Note we have a limited supply of hotspots, so these are issued based on need.

Go to: Device Checkouts

Select -> Laptop | Hotspot Device Checkout Form

Once you have filled out the form contact the Helpdesk to arrange a pick-up time. 602-787-7780.

The Helpdesk is opened Monday - Thursday 8:00a-7:00p | Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

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From Our Buxton Library

Pumas, we at the Buxton Library, look forward to getting to know you during your time at PVCC. Although our library is not yet open, we do offer a wide range of virtual services such as:

• One-on-one research consultations (via WebEx of Google Meet)

• Research Rescue: We find 2-3 great sources from library research databases and send them to you via email

• Call us at 602-787-7200 or email library@paradisevalley.edu to request items from our collection or general information

• Door side pick-up: Need books from our collection? Call or email us and we'll do a friendly delivery in the E Building hallway

  • Hours of Pick-up Service: Mon., Wed. & Fri. 10 am -2 pm. & Tues. & Thurs: 3 pm - 7 pm

• 24/7 ASK a Librarian Chat Service for research support

• Regularly scheduled Research Parties, where you can drop in for one-on-one support

• No internet or poor internet? Request a hotspot to check out.

• Can't afford your textbook? We'll scan up to three chapters of your textbook and email them to you. Email us at: library@paradisevalley.edu

To see hours of door side service, and the wide range of services available from the library, visit our "We're Here to Help" page: paradisevalley.libguides.com/heretohelp

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