Online - How it Works

Online courses have all of their content and meeting sessions online in a virtual environment. A student does not have to be on campus to participate in these courses. In fact, if a student selects one of our fully online programs, he or she would not have to be on campus for the entire degree. Students at a distance can visit http://www.cvtc.edu/pages/XXX.asp for an all in ONE online student resource site.

1. Select:

   Begin by selecting an individual course in this online format that has a topic of interest to you. If the program is fully online, you should select all of your courses in this learning format. It is required that you participate in the online learning module Readi before beginning your classes. It is strongly recommended you take this Readi assessment even if you are not admitted in a 100% online program. The data from this assessment provides you with wonderful strategies to help with your success.

2. Begin:

   Register and order your books and course materials. Online students can order their materials virtually from the Online Student Resources page. For your online course you will need to access your CVTC e-mail as well as Blackboard (our online course management system). Your instructor will communicate via Blackboard and e-mail initially to help you be successful and to gain assess to course materials.

3. Blackboard:

   Once you are registered, you will be using course management software called Blackboard or Bb. Your instructor will use Bb to organize and structure your course materials, assignments, and to facilitate engaging discussions as well as group activities. There are specific resources to help you learn and navigate Blackboard's platform. Look for these tools in the E-Learning tab under Programs and Courses at the CVTC website.

4. Attend:

   Attendance is critical! Your class will NOT meet face to face, but, participating in the course and following the instructors timeline is just important. While you don't have a synchronous time that you must be online, you do have to participate regularly. The online portion can be accessed anywhere, anytime! You must check in and participate regularly.

5. Participate:

   Participation is KEY! You will participate weekly as you would with any traditional class. Online participation looks many ways, reading, writing, reflecting, online discussion boards, to name a few. Participation in this virtual environment is a must and the KEY to your success!! If you commit to completing your course requirements and participating in the community that develops, you can be very successful and LEARN so much.

6. Finish Course:

   Successful completion comes from participation and a demonstration of your learning to the instructor. Students find success with these flexible options when they commit early and structure their time to commit to this learning method.

7. Fully Online Programs:

   After completing your online course(s), select the next course(s) that you need in pursuit of your degree and register for the next semester. CVTC has flexible offerings that work for you!