How to be successful in an online lab?

1. Be proactive.  Log into our course every Sunday to preview the new module. Carefully read the Module Overview page, which includes the week's learning objectives and a list of assignments. Assess the workload and put the due dates on your calendar. Having a mental picture of what's ahead is the best thing you can do to prepare each week.

2. Each time you log in, start on our course Home page. I will change it weekly. It will also guide you to our current module and provide you with tips for success. You'll also find the two most recent announcements from me at the top of the page.

3. Plan to submit early. I know, this one is hard because there is so much expectedness right now. Set a personal goal for yourself to have all of your assignments done by 24 hours before they are due. Why? Because life happens and when you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to have problems meeting a due date. 

4. Communicate with me.  Teaching online can feel like teaching in the dark. I need you to let me know what's happening on your end. If you identify a challenge meeting a due date, just reach out and let me know. I am grateful for your efforts to inform me. I understand these are difficult times and I'm here to support you. Contacting me in advance of a due date will keep you and I in sync and ensure you don't get overwhelmed by unfinished work. In your message, propose an alternative due date (within 48 hours is advised to ensure you don't fall too far behind).

5. Use the Canvas To-Do List and Calendar to track and stay current on your assignments. They are so helpful! You'll find all of these goodies on the right side of our homepage if you are on a computer and at the bottom of your screen if you are using the Canvas app.

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

1. Solve quantitative chemistry problems using various mathematical procedures including dimensional analysis and algebraic equations and demonstrate clear reasoning in their work.

2. Explain the basic structure of atoms and molecules and describe how atoms combine to form compounds.

3. Describe how the structure of atoms and molecules leads to the macroscopic properties of a material such as reactivity, boiling point, melting point, and polarity.

4. Analyze, predict, and represent chemical changes using knowledge of chemical formulas, solubility rules, periodic trends, stoichiometry, and chemical equations.

As an educator, I am deeply committed to fostering a learning environment that is both inclusive and personalized, recognizing the unique journey of each student. At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that our classroom is a vibrant learning community where diversity is celebrated as an invaluable asset. By understanding each student's background and learning style, I aim to create a supportive space that encourages not just academic growth, but personal development as well.

I champion the integration of technology and interdisciplinary themes to enrich learning experiences, ensuring that our interactions are engaging and relevant. Collaboration and effective communication are pillars of my approach, promoting a culture where students feel valued and heard. This collaborative spirit extends to encouraging the sharing of diverse perspectives, thereby enhancing our collective understanding.

At the core, the goal of our course is learning—learning that is continuous, adaptive, and reflective of the world around us. I am dedicated to modeling lifelong learning, constantly exploring new trends in education to better support my students. By fostering an environment where learning is a shared journey, I strive to empower students to support one another, recognizing that together, we grow stronger.

Ventura College provides multiple methods to assist students in taking online classes, including DE student orientations, guides and tutorials for Canvas and other online tools, online tutoring, access to the library and research databases, writing assistance, online counseling, online test proctoring, and other services. A few key resources are highlighted below. 

• Counseling

• MESA

• Library

• EAC

• EOPS

• Veteran’s Affairs Office