Managing Your Time

Below are tips to help you manage your time whether your course has already begun or as you prepare to start a course that will begin later this summer or fall.

  1. Check the academic calendar. Identify and take note of key dates for a session.
  2. Review each course syllabus. Note due dates as well as contact information for the professor and preferred method of contact.
  3. Create a schedule for studying and completing assignments. Refer to the following resource for time management tips: Time Management Strategies for Success workshop available on-demand through StudentLingo. If your course has already begun make note of the amount of time it took you to complete and submit an assignment.  Adjust your schedule as needed to make sure you are creating an accurate schedule.
  4. Access the Canvas and EdTech Resources for Students course to make sure you are aware of and utilizing features of Canvas. Some features include setting notifications for announcements from a professor and adding to-do items to your personal calendar.  If you need some help, consider attending a free NOVA Student Workshop: Getting Started in Canvas.  Workshops are currently offered on Tuesdays at 6PM and Thursdays at 3PM.  Join a workshop through the Canvas and EdTech Resources for Students tile in Canvas.

What is First Day?

Don’t get this confused with the first day of classes! First Day is not the first day of classes, rather it is tuition based model in which the cost of digital course materials (textbooks etc.) will be included in the tuition for certain courses or programs. The benefit of this program is to provide a cost- efficient option for students, ensure students are prepared for their first day of class, and have their course material accessible from where ever there is Internet.

First Day course materials are digital versions of the physical textbook, and can be inclusive of other educational resources such as workbooks, tutorials, videos, and problem sets. Standard features included are highlighting, annotations, search functions, and multimedia links. All the digital materials will be easily accessible through the Blackboard Learning Management System.

Directions on how to access your material can be found at the following link:  McGraw-Hill First Day Registration Instructions.

Note: After you are registered the first time, you should be able to access any McGraw Hill resources indicated in your assignments course page in Blackboard.

If you prefer to have a physical copy instead/regardless you can by filling out the Course Content & eText Free Opt-Out Request form. Keep in mind the Opt- out requests must be received by NOVA campus Auxiliary Services or the Campus Bookstore prior to the Census Date. To check if the course you are registering in offers First Day you can read the Notes section of the class you are registering in SIS.

NOVA Online and Inclement Weather: What to do

With winter here it is important to be aware of NOVA’s inclement weather policy and know what that means for your NOVA Online courses.  Staying informed will allow you to plan accordingly and stay safe! NOVA makes it easy for you to stay up-to-date in the event of an emergency closing or delay.

If the College is closed or delayed due to an emergency or inclement weather, a text alert will be sent to cell phones registered on NOVA Alert, a notice will be posted on the home page of the College’s website, and a message will appear on our cable television station as well as several local radio and television stations. The College also uses several media sources to announce delays and closings. The Emergency Preparedness website provides more information as you are planning ahead.

What does this mean for your NOVA Online class?

-All in-person class sessions, and in-person labs will be canceled or delayed based on NOVA’s announcements.

-If you are planning to take an exam at the campus testing center, you will want to note that any closings or delays will affect campus testing center hours.

-Campus closing and delays will affect all campus offices, tutoring centers, and libraries.

-Keep in mind, even when the college is closed, you can still log into Blackboard to access your NOVA Online courses. 

A snow day is the perfect time to work on assignments and get ahead. If you have a live, virtual session scheduled, that meeting may still take place. Be sure to check your student email and blackboard announcement section to find out if the closing or delay will affect your NOVA Online course or if due dates have been changed due to the weather.

If you have not already, sign up for NOVA Alert today!

 

Resources through Atomic Learning

Fall semester is just a week away! As an online student, you have access to student support services to help you succeed in your online classes. If you aren’t sure what is available to you, check out this blog throughout the semester or give us a call at 703.323.3347. 

Check out some resources about being an effective online student brought to us by Atomic Learning! These video tutorials with help you prepare and set yourself up for success in your online courses!

http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/beos_wkshp

 

How to Log into a Blackboard Collaborate Session

A webinar is a live, online instruction session using a web conferencing service called Blackboard Collaborate. You can participate in a webinar from any computer or mobile device with reliable, high speed, Internet access. NOVA Online offers several webinars throughout the semester and some NOVA Online courses have live, virtual meetings. You might also have the opportunity to meet with your instructor via Blackboard Collaborate for Virtual Office Hours. 

Whether you are using Blackboard Collaborate to access a class session, meet with an instructor for office hours, or participate in an NOVA Online Webinar, the instructions below will help guide you.

You can test your connection in advance by visiting Behind the Blackboard and clicking on “Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing” under “First Time Users”. 

If you are attending a NOVA Online Webinar, you can register by following the link to the NOVA Online Webinar pageOnce you register for a session, you will receive an email with a link to join the session live. Click the link provided to access the live session. If you are using a mobile device, you will be directed to download the app first. All times understood to be Eastern Standard Time, unless otherwise noted.

If you are attending a live class session, you will locate the link in the tools section of your Blackboard Course Site.

The first time you log in, you will need to download the Blackboard Collaborate Launcher. BbCLauncherDownload the Launcher – save the file and select “join”.

Once you open the link, you will be asked to enter your display name. Please enter your first name and the first initial of your last name (ex. Katie A.). Note that all participants will see your display name.Join_BbC_Session_2Once you enter your name, you will be taken to a site like the one below. Make sure your browser security settings will not block this site from downloading to your computer.
Join_BbC_session_3A new window or message will pop up asking whether to open or save the file. For Firefox, make sure that Open with is set to Blackboard Collaborate Launcher (default). Then Click OK. For Internet Explorer, click Open.BbC_Launcher

The file should download and automatically open for you. You will see a window like the one below. Make sure you allow this application to run on your computer.

Join_BbC_session_7Once you run the application, you will see the download begin. This may take a few minutes.

Join_BbC_session_6A screen like below will pop up and you will know Blackboard Collaborate is loading.

Join_BbC_session_8Once you are in the live session, you will be able to run your audio check and participate in the presentation. Plan to log in at least 10 minutes before your scheduled session, to give yourself enough time to load Blackboard Collaborate and run the audio check and troubleshoot any issues you may have.

To view the hardware and software pre-requisites for Blackboard Collaborate please visit Behind the Blackboard.

To view a video to help you get set up using Blackboard Collaborate, follow this link.

Create a Google+ Account

Have you created a Google+ account through your student Gmail account?  NOVA Online Student Life hosts several online events that you can participate in by having one.  Check out the below instructions to see step by step instructions:

1) Log into your vssc email from the ‘My Nova’ (https://nvcc.my.vccs.edu/jsp/home.jsp) page on the colleges’ website.

2) After logging into your Gmail,  you will then be logged into Google. On the top right of your screen you will see your first name and a + in front of it. Click there.

picture 1

3) You will be taken to a new page (as seen below), scroll down and click the ‘continue’ button. A little pop up will appear and ask you if you are sure you don’t want to ‘follow’ anyone right now. Click ‘continue anyway’. You will receive the option again to add followers after your profile is created.

picture 2

3)  You will now be taken to page to fill out your personal profile. Feel free to add anything to describe you in these fields.  Then hit finish.

picture 3

Once you have completed your account,  You can find us under the unsername NOVA Online to learn more about how you can get involved in our virtual events/activities!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact elistulife@nvcc.edu. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

Fun and Free Apps to Explore

With thousands of apps available, it can be challenging to uncover an app that fits your needs. If you are searching for that perfect study app or an app to help you develop your career, the following apps may provide the inspiration that you have been searching for:

picture of mobile apps

Blackboard (Bb) Mobile Learn: Provides organized, on-the-go access to the latest course announcements, quick access to the discussion board and instant access to your journal posts, upcoming assignments and more.

Flipboard: Stay on top of information in your field with Flipboard! Flipboard is your personal magazine. Users can catch up on the news that they enjoy, explore information and articles from around the world, and stay connected to the people closest to them. Save and collect information into your own personal magazines such as articles focused on coursework, personal interests and more.

Flowboard: Storytelling and presentation app that en
ables the user to create side-scrolling publications with images, text, videos, links, and photo galleries. Flowboard allows you to create & present from your iPad, or share to any device. This app could also be used to maintain accomplishments and share in an interview or incorporate into an online resume.

Quizlet: Excel during your study time creating practice tests and quizzes, flashcards or take advantage of  pre-made flashcards.

Screenchomp: Share course concepts and thoughts with friends or classmates. To begin, tap the record button; draw on the whiteboard with the app pen or markers and record a running narrative.  ScreenChomp will record the user’s voice and drawings and uploads the creation to ScreenChomp. The user will be provided with a link which can be shared via e-mail, Twitter, or on the clipboard.

What are  your favorite apps? Let us know in the comments below!

LiveSafe App

NOVA is excited to announce the college-wide launch of a powerful new mobile safety app! livesafeThe free LiveSafe app will improve communication between students, faculty, staff, and college police, and facilitate emergency response in distress situations. By providing access to the latest safety information, our goal is to make our already safe NOVA campuses and centers safer and more secure.

The LiveSafe app will offer a range of safety resources to NOVA students, faculty, staff, and parents, including to ability to:

•    Send your location to college police in an emergency
•    Report tips anonymously to college police
•    Let friends or family monitor you as you walk home, so you never have to walk alone.
•    Notify college police and emergency management of your safety and security concerns
•    Ask questions and/or make suggestions to the college police

Here’s how you get the app:

1.    Visit the iTunes or Google Play store, depending on your smartphone, and download the “LiveSafe” app (blue shield icon).
2.    Choose NOVA from the list of schools that appear.
3.    Fill-in your name and contact info so we can get in touch in the event of an emergency.

If you have any questions:

Call NOVA Dispatch, at 703-764-5000, if you have any questions about NOVA’s new mobile LiveSafe app. For additional information, check out www.LiveSafeMobile.com.

CommonHealth: Technology Tips to Make Your Life a Little Easier

people-laptops

1. Sign up for online banking/automatic bill payment. 

Not only will signing up for automatic bill payments decrease the clutter level at home by eliminating paper billing statements, you will also save on postage, and eliminate late charges that come about by missing the due date. Be good to the environment, your pocketbook, and free your brain up for more enjoyable memories!

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