QEP: Guide for Online Students: How to be Successful in Online courses

Wiregrass Okta Single Sign-On Quick Start Guide for Students

Complete the Distance Education Blackboard Orientation: 

click link below

 Distance Education Blackboard Orientation

Click the link below and follow the directions to download Microsoft 365 on your home / personal computer. These apps are available to you for free while you are a student. Use your student Email and Password to activate.

Access to Microsoft Office 365 

When using a laptop make sure to not use a chromebook because their system is not compatible with Installing the full desktop version of Microsoft 365.

WGTC Student Handbook and Catalog

Online Resources

Visit the following link to get additional resources and Information for your online courses

https://gvtc.tcsg.edu/wiregrass/

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has partnered with Tutor.com, the world’s largest and highest-rated online tutoring company, to support our students’ academic journey with free, live, online tutoring, available to our students 24/7. Tutor.com is a service of The Princeton Review and has over 4,000 tutors who will provide one-on-one tutoring sessions to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College students free, at the moment you need help.

How It Works: 1, 2, 3

• Step 1: Click on the “Tutor.com 24/7” link on your Blackboard course page,
• Step 2: Type in the questions from your assignment or homework that you need help with,
• Step 3: Click on “Connect Now”’ – and you will be connected to a live, expert Tutor in 60 seconds or less, free of charge.

How to be Successful in Online Courses

Prior to Class:

-Know the required materials and tools that are needed for your course:

• Make sure you have all required materials including computer access and internet capabilities for your course. If books are needed for your course check with your campus bookstore. If you are a Dual Enrollment student check with your campus library. 

All students registered for online classes are responsible for having access to the following items to ensure that they are able to complete all coursework:  

• Laptop or Desktop PC
• Google Chrome browser installed
• Pop-up blocker disabled (or pop-ups allowed)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Webcam
• Headset or ability to hear audio
• Microphone with the ability to record audio
• Internet access (mobile hotspot or cell data are not recommended)
• Make sure you have access to your student account by login into OKTA using your student email and eight digit birthday (Example: 07021996). Your student account will give you access to blackboard and all other applications needed to complete your course.

When Class Begins:

- Be organized and utilize good time management

• When your course starts, look at your class calendar, syllabus, and or schedule and start creating a plan on how you will manage your time. Set aside time each day that fits best for you and your studies. Remember even 30 minutes a day can make a difference. Find a good work - life balance.

• All online courses will be completed through Blackboard. Make sure you confirm your class within the first three days of class starting.
• Check in Blackboard daily along with your student email for messages from your instructors on upcoming assignments, changes, and other course expectations.

- Know the resources available to you

• The library is a great place for you to get information and materials for your courses. You can even request books through their online catalog or look at ebooks using Galileo. We have Libguides full of resources, links, videos, and more on various subject areas. The library libguides can be found at the following url: https://wiregrass.libguides.com/ . If you need additional assistance from the library you can email them at Library@wiregrass.edu
• Wiregrass offers online tutoring through tutor.com. Click on the “Tutor.com 24/7” link on your Blackboard course page. We also have in-person tutors on the Valdosta, Ben Hill, and Coffee campuses. Check with tutoring for availability. You can email the department at tutoring@wiregrass.edu.
• If you need further assistance, you can talk with your advisor or Instructors and they can point you in the right direction to get the answers you need.

- Take care of yourself

• Health and well-being is very important. This includes mental, social, physical, and emotional health.
• Take time to relax, exercise, and socialize. Taking a small break while studying increases attention span, focus, and productivity.
• Eat a well balance diet and utilize good hygiene habits
• if you start to feel overwhelmed step back and take a moment and don't hesitate to reach out for support. Use the resources that are available.

Tips for Success

• Actively participate: Make sure you login daily and spend time working on assignments. 

• Complete all assignments on time (Check your class calendar, syllabus, or class schedule for due dates). Check in Blackboard under announcements, and check your student email for any announcements, schedule changes, or College updates and activities.

• Establish a productive learning environment: eliminate distractions 

• Keep a positive attitude. Know your habits and find what works best for you. Stay motivated. Reward yourself when you have completed your goals for the course or an assignment. Schedule yourself some downtime.

• Know your instructor's contact information and don't hesitate to reach out when you are struggling. This information can be found in your course syllabus. You can also email your instructor directly using blackboard.

• As you start completing assignments, pay attention to the feedback you receive from your instructors. This will help you to see how you are doing in the class and what you need to do better.

Study Tools

GoConqr - Create mind maps, flashcards, use the note-taking platform, create quizzes, use the study planner, or use their collaboration tool, and track how much you’re learning.

Khan Academy - class options tailored to your education level and interests. You can find information on basic geometry, electrical engineering, organic chemistry, microeconomics, personal finance, and more.

Obsidian Notes - Free for Personal use, just download the link. a note-taking app that can also be used as an editor or knowledge base. You can use it to take notes in classes, keep track of your research for papers, or organize anything else you want to keep track of.

FlashCard Machine A free service for creating web-based study flashcards that can be shared with others.

MyStudyLife is a comprehensive student planner that goes beyond traditional paper planners. It allows you to schedule your classes, assignments, exams, and revision tasks in one place.

Study Stack allows users to create flashcard sets and use what others have already made. When a card is flipped, you can choose whether you got it right or wrong. Wrong cards then repeat until you’ve learned it, making it a great tool for memorization and maintaining information.

Helpful Articles

10 TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN ONLINE CLASSES

15 Tips to Succeed in an Online Class

Tips for successful online learning

How to focus and succeed in online classes

How to Study

How to Study: A Brief Guide

Wiregrass has in-person tutoring available! Walk-In tutoring is also available during the hours listed. Other hours may be available by appointment request. Wiregrass tutors are also available by WebEx and CircleIn. Email tutoring at tutoring@wiregrass.edu.

TUTORS

Tutor hours may change each week. 

Benhill / Coffee Campuses

Ms. Wanda McWhorter

Math & English Tutor

Schedule:

Mondays & Tuesday: Coffee Campus 9:00am - 1:00pm

Wednesday & Thursdays: Benhill-Irwin Campus 9:00am - 1:00pm

Contact Info:

Email: wanda.mcwhorter@wiregrass.edu

or Call the Benhill-Irwin Campus library at 229-468-2223 / Coffee Campus Library at 229-468-2012

Valdosta Campus

Nick Kean

Various subject areas including HESI

Schedule: 

Mondays - Thursday: 

Contact Info:

Email: nick.kean@wiregrass.edu

CircleIn is a free studying app where students can study remotely, collaborate with peers in order to communicate and exchange ideas, access tutors or Supplemental Instruction Leaders, and stay productive. CircleIn transforms the class into a digital community and creates the space for students to brainstorm together, just like they would in a coffee shop or a library.

CircleIn offers a mobile app that can be used on any mobile device and a web version that can be used on a laptop or computer. 

Mobile App Login

To learn more about CircleIn, view the CircleIn Student Welcome Guide.