Using Online, Hybrid, and Zoom classes

Success starts here!

CGCC recommends that students in online, hybrid, and zoom-based courses follow the steps listed here. For assistance, contact Student Services at studentservices@cgcc.edu or (541) 506-6011, option 2. 

First Week of the Term

  • First day: log in to your online or hybrid class. If you are unsure how to log in, watch this video. If you still cannot log in after following the steps in the video tutorial, contact Student Services. For classes offered via Zoom, check student email for instructions on logging into the course. 
  • Read the syllabus for the course. A syllabus is a document that outlines the expectations your instructor has for you in the class. It contains important information like your instructor's contact email and material that will be covered in the course. Save a copy of the document and refer to it often. Make sure you know how to use Moodle, and where to find important information. Check out these helpful videos on using Moodle and how to check your grades and assignment feedback.
  • By Wednesday: show some activity in the class, or risk being dropped.
  • Contact your instructor if you have questions. Their contact information should be listed on your syllabus.

Throughout the Term

  • Log in regularly, at least three times per week, and show activity in the class.
  • Contact your instructor if you have questions.
  • Ensure enough time to study, complete assignments and work with others.
  • Read the Moodle Student FAQ.
  • Take notes as you study.
  • Commit approximately 3 hours per credit, per week. 
  • Contact your instructors when problems arise.
  • Share your ideas and carefully consider your responses to others.
  • Take responsibility for your own learning.
  • Find or create a quiet study space.

Communicate Effectively Online

  • Be polite and respectful.
  • Use a meaningful subject line for your email and forum posts.
  • Be tolerant of views expressed by others.
  • When reacting to someone else's message, address the ideas, not the person.
  • Be careful when using sarcasm and humor.
  • Don't send commercial advertisements or "chain mail" to your classmates.
  • Using all capital letters is generally considered to be "shouting."

Technology Requirements

Minimum Computer Requirements

To participate in online and hybrid courses, students are expected to have access to the following equipment:

Computer

  • A modern computer system with a supported operating system.
  • An Internet connection 0.50 Mbps or better recommended. Test your connection.
  • An Internet browser.

Other Software

  • An email account and a word processing software.
  • A sound card and speakers are required for some courses.
  • Current virus software installed and kept up to date.
  • Some classes may have specific class requirements for additional software.

Technical Skills

It is important to know how to attach and copy files. In some classes, it may be necessary to download and intall software. All students have access to the Learner Orientation located in Moodle for technical skills related to the learning management system. 

Digital Information Literacy Skills

The college library can help you to learn how to use online databases and properly cite information sources.

Moodle Accessibility

Moodle complies with all major international standards in the area of accessibility, including XHTML Strict 1.0. More information.

Definitions and more information

Online courses are offered entirely online.

A $20 fee is required for all online courses.

Students must log in by the first day of the term and show activity by the first Wednesday, or they may be dropped by the instructor as a no-show. Please note that not participating does not guarantee the student will be dropped. Students are responsible for dropping a course. Not doing so by the add/drop date may affect financial aid, transcripts, and other aspects of the student's college record. 

Hybrid courses combine traditional, face-to-face teaching with a varying degree of online learning activities. Hybrid classes at CGCC take advantage of the best features of both online and face-to-face teaching. By integrating online and face-to-face learning CGCC faculty complement, reinforce and expand on the student experience by allowing for a portion of the course to be online, and completed in a self paced manner by the students while still benefiting from an in-classroom experience.

A $20 fee is required.

Students must log in by the first day of the term and show activity by the first Wednesday, or they may be dropped by the instructor as a no-show. Please note that not participating does not guarantee the student will be dropped. Students are responsible for dropping a course. Not doing so by the add/drop date may affect financial aid, transcripts, and other aspects of the student's college record. 

A ‘HyFlex’ course may be accessed entirely asynchronously online, synchronously face-to-face, or synchronously via online conferencing. Students may move between these three modalities at will, from class to class throughout the term. Instructors delivering a HyFlex course present all synchronous content in person in a CGCC classroom. HyFlex instructors may require some direct contact with students in the form of check-ins, or office hours.

Zoom classes are offered entirely over Zoom. There is no fee, but signup with an email address is required. CGCC students should use their CGCC school email to sign up

Some classes are also offered as Zoom Optional. Zoom Optional delivery allows for students in a face-to-face course section the option to participate via Zoom during scheduled class hours. Zoom Optional course sections require attendance during class hours and operate in the same fashion as a face-to-face class, and instructors are present in the classroom for all sessions.