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Resources for Online Learning

Your Guide to Succeeding as an Online Student

If this is your first online course, you may be feeling a bit anxious about how online learning works and what skills and technology requirements you'll need to learn. The first thing to keep in mind is that we will do our best to support you in your learning.

Our online programs are specifically designed to provide you with a flexible, engaging and high-quality learning experience. For the most part, online learning is not much different than learning in a classroom setting.

The tutorials and resources below are designed to provide you with the support you need to succeed as an online student.

Getting Started

If you have questions or simply want to learn more about online learning, visit the links below:

Canvas

For online courses that have been developed and released specifically for online consumption, Canvas, our learning management system, will be your primary platform.

Zoom

Online learning generally consist of content and curriculum that is taught using research-based best practices for both live and self-guided learning. Live class sessions are scheduled on specific days/times, which allow students to have virtual interactions with the instructor and other students.

Zoom is a user-friendly video conferencing platform for students and instructors to engage in real-time learning. It’s perfect for facilitating live group learning, sharing visuals and engaging in small or large group activities.

Learn the basic features of Zoom:

Coursera

Coursera is an online platform that offers self-paced online courses specializations and degrees from top universities, including courses created by us. These self-paced courses allow you to view pre-recorded lectures and complete assignments within a more flexible time frame.

If you have any questions, please contact us at cpeinfo@ucdavis.edu or (530) 757-8777.

Basic Guidelines for Learning in Extraordinary Circumstances

  • There may be circumstances where you are unable to make timely progress on your class work (no access to power or internet, need to care for children, etc.). Check to see if your instructor has sent you any guidance for these situations, either on their syllabus or via email. If no accommodation is mentioned or you’re unsure if the existing accommodation is appropriate for your situation, contact your instructor directly.
  • Instructors will likely make changes to the course syllabi as a result of the transition to online learning. They’ll communicate any changes in a timely manner so you can plan accordingly.
  • This is a change for both you and our instructors. Please be patient, supportive and communicative (tell them what’s working for you as well as what isn’t) as they adjust their teaching style for online learning.
  • If you have disability-related concerns with participating in an online class or need special accommodations, please contact Tina Ehrke.