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 a fan of apps or new to them, consider exploring these free 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.  If you have classes in Bb this app is a must see!

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.

Flowboard:  Storytelling and presentation app that enables 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.

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.

Explore these apps and promote your academic and career success or just have fun! 

Participation In Your Online Class Is Not Only Important, It is Required

As your ELI course(s) begin, it is important to keep in mind attendance and participation in your ELI courses are very important. In fact, your attendance and participation are not just important, they are required. Students who have not attended and completed their first assignments by the Census Date will be administratively withdrawn from the course by their instructor.  This has several outcomes of concern including:

·       Reduction in class load and possible change (if less than 12 credits) from full time to part time status (both potentially affecting financial aid)

·       Loss of tuition (yes, an administrative withdrawal will cause you to lose the money paid as tuition for this course)

·       No record of the class or letter grade on your transcript

As soon as your class begins, log into Blackboard and explore your course Blackboard. Locate and review your course syllabus and assignments tab thoroughly.  This will give you a chance to see what you will be responsible for throughout the semester. In addition, this will also allow you sufficient time to plan your time appropriately, making certain you will be able to complete your readings, assignments, projects and tests in time for their specified due dates. To that end, take a moment to record all of the assignments in your paper or online planner.  Once you have recorded all of the assignments, you will need to break them down into daily manageable tasks.

Again, it is crucial to ensure you have completed and submitted your first assignment prior to the Census Date to avoid being administratively withdrawn from your course.

If you have any questions or you are not sure where to start, please contact the Success Coaching Team at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or by calling 703-764-5076. They are more than happy to answer your questions, as well as refer you to useful resources and services that will support your online learning experience.

ELI - Important Dates, Events and Information: January 6-12, 2014

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Class sessions that begin next Monday, January 13, 2014

Ø  January 13 – ELI 1^st 16-week classes begin

Ø  January 13 – ELI 1^st 8-week classes begin

Ø  January 13 – ELI 1^st 12-week classes begin

Ø  January 13 – ELI 1^st 4-week classes (MTT only) begin

EVENTS 

Ø  For a listing of upcoming ELI events, please click here.

Ø  For a listing of upcoming NOVA events, please click here.

TEXTBOOKS

Don’t put off ordering your textbooks!  Many ELI classes begin next week.  Textbooks can be ordered online at the NOVA ELI Bookstore or purchased in person at the Alexandria Campus Bookstore.  If you are unsure about what book(s) you need, you can find the books via the Find Your Textbooks Here link on the website. Please Note: If you are using Financial Aid to pay for your textbooks, you must submit a signed Book Charge Authorization  form with your book order. 

UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS

Attending an ELI webinar is a valuable way to invest your time to develop your academic skills and promote your academic success. If you are new to online learning, we strongly encourage you to attend our New Student Orientation webinar. Please visit our Webinar Schedule.  We will be offering many excellent webinars throughout the semester beginning in mid-January.

ELI Orientation: This one hour webinar for students enrolled in courses offered through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI) will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating in your Blackboard course site, identifying tips for success, and student support services. If you are unable to attend a live session, click here to request a recording of an earlier session. Upcoming live sessions (please click on the date to register): 

• Monday, January 6, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
• Wednesday, January 8, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Saturday, January 11, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
• Monday, January 13, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
• Wednesday, January 15, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Monday, January 27, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
• Wednesday, January 29, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Monday, February 3, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

The Webinars referenced below will not be streamed live; however, please feel free to request recordings:

Conducting a Job Search - This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics. To register, please click on the date: This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics.  For a recording, please email, chjensen@nvcc.edu.

Getting Ready for Your Next Semester - This 45 minute webinar for NOVA students will focus on answering key questions students have about preparing for their next semester.  Topics covered will include program identification, course selection, college resources, schedule planning, and registration/payment tips.  Click here to request a recording of an earlier session. 

Tackling Math Anxiety:  Click here to view the webinar recording:  Math can be a difficult subject no matter how smart you are.  Many students view math as overwhelming and scary—but it doesn’t have to be.  Learn how to study more efficiently for mathematics and apply relaxing techniques to reduce your anxieties.   

Beyond Google – Basic Library Skills for Online Learners- Have you ever been assigned a paper or project and don’t know where to start? Do you feel like you need extra practice for your assignments? Are you curious what library resources are available to you without going to a campus library? This 5 minute video will give you a brief introduction to what library resources are available to you as an online learner. There might be more than you expect!  Watch the video!  

Creating a Personal Mission Statement: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to channel your goals into actions!  From visualization to motivation, this pre-recorded webinar will help you to create and fine-tune your personal mission statement.  

Creating Win-Win Relationships: Click here to view the webinar recording: Win-Win will teach you how to cooperate in relationships rather than compete.  This webinar will teach you how to share success with others by being respectful and assertive without being manipulated. 

Synergy: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to integrate your knowledge, skills, and expertise with others to collaborate effectively.  This webinar is excellent for working in small groups and communicating with your instructor or teammates.

ONGOING @ ELI

Spring 2014 Registration: Spring 2014 registration is currently underway.   Please click here  for registration information.  For a complete listing Spring 2014 ELI classes, please click here.   If you need assistance with ELI course selection, please email our counselors, elicounselors@nvcc.edu. 

Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test!

RESOURCES TO PROMOTE YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Smarthinking Free 24/7 Tutoring:  Click here to access Smarthinking free tutoring.  Course Success is just a click away!

Student Lingo: Student Lingo is a series of interactive on-demand workshops, action plans, and valuable resources focused on helping students achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. Workshops include test taking strategies, time management, study skills, resume writing and more. Click here to learn more.

Success Coaches:  The ELI Success Coaching Team is here to assist you.  They are available to partner with you and provide assistance, time management help and resources to promote your academic success.  They can be reached at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or 703.764.5076.

ELI also offers resources and tips through our NovaELIfe social media channels. For links to our informational blogs, academic resources, Facebook and Twitter, please click here.

 

 

Who to Contact at ELI

Looking for help at ELI but don’t know who to call?  The contact information referenced below will serve as your guide to support and assistance at ELI:

If you have questions about Orientation and how to get connected at NOVA, please reach out to the ELI First Year Experience Team:  elilearn@nvcc.edu or 703-323-3510)

·       New Student Orientation

·       SDV Courses for new students

·       Social Networking Activities

·       Virtual Student Union

ELI Course Specialists can assist you with the concerns referenced below. To connect with a course specialist:  elicoursespecialists@nvcc.edu or 703-323-3347

• Troubleshoots Blackboard issues
• Handles most general issues
• Processes proctor requests for ELI exams
• Clarifies critical course dates, policies, and NOVA resources
• Maintains a list of faculty office hours 

Need help registering for a class?  ELI Registration Specialists are here to help.  To contact the Registration Team:  elireg@nvcc.edu or 703-323-3368

• Handles student registration issues, audit requests, etc.
• Handles force-adding of students (with instructor permission)

ELI Counselors can assist with areas referenced below and more. To contact a member of the Counseling Team:  elicounselors@nvcc.edu or 703-323-2425

• Helps ELI students with course selection, transfer plans, etc.
• Conducts student webinars (e.g., strategies for success in online courses)
• Provides support for students who are struggling in their distance-learning courses
• Answers questions on accommodations for students with disabilities and the official accommodations form
• Supports military and veteran students with navigating the NOVA system
• Connects students to appropriate resources and services

ELI Student Success Coaches are here to promote student academic success!  They answer questions/concerns and also connect students to resources that will promote academic success. Promote your success and contact the Team at: elisuccess@nvcc.edu or 703-764-5076

• Connect students to resources and services
• Answer questions regarding courses, communicating with instructors, time management, getting connected at NOVA and more.
• Remind students of deadlines, policies, and provide tips for success
• Clarify critical course dates, policies, and NOVA resources
• Collaborate with ELI Counselors to provide support for students who need assistance in their distance-learning courses

IT Help Desk will answer your IT questions. Contact them for your IT needs: eliitsupport@nvcc.edu or 703-764-5051

• Activate email accounts
• Reset passwords
• Assist students who are having trouble using Blackboard
• Creates and maintains eNova accounts

Need assistance finding a reference or book or locating resources for your research paper? The ELI Library Team Service is here to help: elilearnELI-Library@nvcc.edu or 703-764-5083

• Assists students with utilizing library resources and finding useful resources and materials
• Serves as an embedded librarian in ELI courses

 

 

Free Tutoring to Promote Your Academic Success

 

To help you succeed in your online courses, ELI offers free online tutoring through Smarthinking. Subjects offered include math, accounting, biology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, statistics, physics, and more!   

The tutoring service also offers additional resources such as an opportunity to submit a question without having to wait for a tutoring session.  They also offer academic resources such as an accounting glossary, Writers and ESL Writers Handbook, and links to sites that provide support for mathematics.  Best of all when you are using the one-on-one tutoring services, many subjects have tutors available 24/7!  

If that is not enough, Smarthinking also offers an Online Writing Lab which provides students with the ability to receive a detailed, personalized critique of any written assignment through a formal critique process.  

To learn more or to request tutoring services through Smarthinking, please visit our website.  It is recommended that you sign up early.  The tutoring is well-received so please allow plenty of time to set up an appointment. Beginning in the spring 2014 semester, please access Smarthinking through your course Blackboard.

For questions or other academic resources, please contact your ELI Student Success Coach today at, elisuccess@nvcc.edu, or by calling 703.764.0120.

What's Happening at ELI?

The newest edition of the NOVA ELI, Bulletin Board Newsletter, is 'hot off the press' and available for your reading enjoyment! 

Please click here and take a moment to explore the Bulletin Board Newsletter, Volume 4, Issue 2, and stay on top of the latest news at ELI!  The newsletter is filled with information on the endless opportunities available to our ELI Students! 

In this issue you will learn about our exciting free academic resources, glean library tips to promote your success and gain a better understanding of transfer planning. and career planning.  You can also increase your opportunities to get connected and involved as you learn about the ELife Virtual Student Union's virtual and in-person activities!   

 

 

This Week at ELI: October 28-November 3, 2013

 

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Ø  October 28 – ELI 3^rd 8 week session, last day to withdraw with grade of ‘W’.

Ø  October 29 – ELI 2^nd 8-week session, last day of class.

Ø  October 31 – ELI 1^st 16-week session, last day to withdraw with grade of ‘W’.

Ø  November 1 – ELI 3^rd 4-week session (MTT), last day to withdraw with grade of ‘W’.

EVENTS  

v  Save the Date:  Nov. 4-8  Advising Week – held on all NOVA Campuses

v  For a listing of ELI events, please click here.

v  For a listing of NOVA events, please click here.

UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS

Tuesday, October 29, 3:00-5:00pm: MEC Exchange Workshop – Interested in enrolling in one of MEC’s Allied Health and Nursing Programs?  Attend a MEC exchange workshop!  This workshop is intended to increase your knowledge of the admission process and to help you to prepare for admission into NOVA’s exceptional Allied Health and Nursing Programs.  For more details, contact MEC Advisor Bridget Page at bpage@nvcc.edu.  

Thursday, October, 31, 12:00-1:00pm: Transfer Planning - It’s never too early to begin your planning to transfer to another institution. This one-hour webinar will discuss the basics of transfer planning; information about Guaranteed Admission Agreements, Articulation Agreements, and Transfer Guides; and a web tour of NOVA’s transfer website. Click here to register.

 

Friday, November 1, 1:00-2:00pm: Tackling Math Anxiety - Math can be a difficult subject no matter how smart you are.  Many students view math as overwhelming and scary—but it doesn’t have to be.  Learn how to study more efficiently for mathematics and apply relaxing techniques to reduce your anxieties. Click here to register.  

Beyond Google – Basic Library Skills for Online Learners- Have you ever been assigned a paper or project and don’t know where to start? Do you feel like you need extra practice for your assignments? Are you curious what library resources are available to you without going to a campus library? This 5 minute video will give you a brief introduction to what library resources are available to you as an online learner. There might be more than you expect!  Watch the video!  

Creating a Personal Mission Statement: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to channel your goals into actions!  From visualization to motivation, this pre-recorded webinar will help you to create and fine-tune your personal mission statement. 

Creating Win-Win Relationships: Click here to view the webinar recording: Win-Win will teach you how to cooperate in relationships rather than compete.  This webinar will teach you how to share success with others by being respectful and assertive without being manipulated. 

Synergy: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to integrate your knowledge, skills, and expertise with others to collaborate effectively.  This webinar is excellent for working in small groups and communicating with your instructor or teammates.

ELI Orientation: Click here to request a recording of an earlier session. This one hour webinar for students enrolled in courses offered through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI) will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating in your Blackboard course site, identifying tips for success, and student support services.

ONGOING

Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test!

StudentLingo: A Student-Friendly Success Resource

If you are searching for easy access to academic success tips dealing with time management, reading/writing strategies, discovering your learning style, mastering the job interview and other topics that relate to being a successful student, search no further!

Student Lingo is a website available to NOVA students that offers free online workshops on a variety of success topics. The workshops are facilitated by collegiate professionals in a PowerPoint type of presentation format. Student Lingo will help you discover new information that will promote your success! 

Due to the format, the workshops are interesting, fun and engaging.  The speakers’ motivating and down-to-earth presentation-style goes a long way in speaking to the concerns of college students as they consider issues like setting goals to honing their resume writing and interviewing skills to finding time to juggle academic, career and let’s face it – everyday living demands.

With that said, if you are reeling over how to get over that procrastination barrier, pay your bills on time, write a better paper and ace that interview, consider exploring this resource to get you on the fast track to building your success arsenal! Simply visit the following link and type in your name and institution in the fields provided: www.studentlingo.com/nvcc.

For additional academic success tips, please contact your ELI Success Coach today at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or 703.764.5076.

Preparing for a New Semester: Accommodations through Disability Support Services

If you are an ELI student with a disability, you are eligible for the same disability support resources as on-campus students.  To get started, all you need to do is contact ELI’s Counselor and Disability Support Services (DSS) Liaison, David Highsmith.  David will be happy to address any questions or concerns that you may have regarding eligibility for the support services.  He will walk you through the process for requesting your accommodations at NOVA. Please contact him at, dhighsmith@nvcc.edu or 703-323-2404.
 
NOVA’s DSS website is another helpful resource that outlines the process to apply for accommodations.  Please note that the intake packet must be submitted to and processed through one of NOVA’s six campus-based DSS offices. If you are a student that is eligible for these benefits, we encourage you to get started early so that your accommodations are in place at the beginning of the semester. 
 
If you are looking for additional resources to help you achieve academic success, the ELI Student Success Coaches are also here to help you.  Your success coach can help with study strategies and academic resources to include free online tutoring, webinars and free online workshops which help promote academic success.  To contact your Success Coach, please send an email to ELISuccess@nvcc.edu or please call 703.764.5076.

ELI Open House

ELI will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, August 28 from   5:30 – 7:30 at our new facility in Fairfax. Drop in for a great opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students while learning information about support services available to help you successfully complete your online course(s). Food and raffle prizes will be provided! For more information, please contact elistulife@nvcc.edu

“The first 50 people to RSVP will receive an ELI prize pack. RSVP here.”
We hope to see you there!

Welcome to the Fall 2013 Semester - Getting Started in Your ELI Class

As you prepare for the new semester, the information referenced below will help answer your questions about online learning and get your semester off to a great start!

Blackboard Course Availability:  Your online ELI class should appear in Blackboard on the day that your class is scheduled to begin.  Some instructors may make their course available a few days early.  If your class does not appear in Blackboard by the scheduled start date, please email us at elisuccess@nvcc.edu. 

Logging Into Blackboard: If you need help logging into Blackboard, please view the How to Log In tutorial on ELI’s website. 

ELI Attendance Requirements: To meet attendance requirements for your course(s), you must log in and complete at least one assignment by the census date.  IMPORTANT: Please be aware that faculty may require one or more assignments be submitted prior to the census date.  Please review your syllabus in Blackboard for your specific course requirements. 

NOVA Email:  Please be certain to use your NOVA email for communication with NOVA faculty and offices.  For instructions to access your NOVA email, please click here.

Review Your Syllabus:  Your syllabus is located in your course Blackboard.  Be sure to review it thoroughly and familiarize yourself with due dates to include testing due dates.  To promote your success, we recommend that you be proactive and try to take your tests a few days early. 

August 21-September 12: ELI Welcome Week Events--ELI will be hosting a number of events to welcome our new and continuing students.  Plan now to participate!  Please click here for a complete listing of our upcoming Welcome Week events!  

Beginning August 21: Campus Welcome Week Events--As an ELI student, you are welcome to take advantage of on-campus resources and events. Many NOVA campuses will be hosting a plethora of Welcome Week activities to include giveaways, games, free food and more!  If you live in the area, consider participating in these events at a nearby campus.

 

August 19 and August 21: ELI Orientation Webinars:  If you are new to ELI or have not participated in an Orientation, you are encouraged to sign up!  The 45 minute Orientation webinar for NOVA ELI students will focus on answering key questions to getting started at ELI.  Please click here to register for one of the sessions referenced below.

• Monday, August 19 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Wednesday, August 21 12:15-1:15 pm

Textbooks:  Course textbooks are referenced on the Alexandria Campus Bookstore website at, http://nvcc-eli.bncollege.com/.  Please click here  and click on SHOP NOW. Next, enter your class via the drop down boxes and then click on ‘Add Course’ (located under the drop down boxes). Next, go to ‘Step Two’ and click on ‘View Textbook List’.  You textbooks will be referenced.

Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, it is not too early to submit your Proctor Request.  Requests take 3-5 business days to process so please do not wait until the day before your test to submit your request!

Student Success Coaches:  Questions or concerns, the ELI Success Coaching Team is here to assist you!  We are here to partner with you and provide assistance and resources to promote your academic success. For more information, please email elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076.  ELI offers many resources and tips through our social media channels, so be sure to follow NovaELIfe on Facebook and Twitter.

We wish you an enjoyable and successful semester!