Are you ready for online learning?

Are you thinking about signing up for an online course this summer? Not sure if online learning is right for you? Find out by completing the SmarterMeasure assessment.  It will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish but you may log out and complete it later if necessary.  After you login, you will receive an email from SmarterMeasure with a PIN number that will allow you to log back in later or view your results again.

SmarterMeasure is meant to be an interesting experience by which you may learn more about yourself, online learning, and how to succeed!  Your SmarterMeasure score will not prevent you from registering for online classes. Take your time to rate yourself honestly. It is a tool that will help you assess your strengths and opportunities for growth related to online learning in 6 areas.

1. Life Factors
2. Individual Attributes
3. Learning Styles
4. Technical Competency, Skills, and Knowledge
5. Reading Rate and Recall
6. Typing Speed and Accuracy

You will receive a report immediately following the completion of all areas of SmarterMeasure. You may email this report, print it, or download and save for future reference. It also provides some remedial tools related to each area.

To obtain the log-in information for SmarterMeasure, email ELICounselors@nvcc.edu from your VCCS email account.

Are you ready for Online Learning at ELI?

Online learning is different in from traditional face-to-face learning in many respects.  Some individuals feel more comfortable learning in an online environment than others.  

Are you a good fit for online learning?  Find out by completing the SmarterMeasure assessment.  It will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish but you may log out and complete it later if necessary.  After you login, you will receive an email from SmarterMeasure with a PIN number that will allow you to log back in later or view your results again.

SmarterMeasure is meant to be an interesting experience by which you may learn more about yourself, online learning, and how to succeed!  Your SmarterMeasure score will not prevent you from registering for online classes. Take your time to rate yourself honestly. It is a tool that will help you assess your strengths and opportunities for growth related to online learning in 6 areas.

      1. Life Factors

      2. Individual Attributes  

      3. Learning Styles – what is your predominant learning style?

      4. Technical Competency, Skills, and Knowledge

      5. Reading Rate and Recall

      6. Typing Speed and Accuracy

You will receive a full color report immediately following the completion of all areas of SmarterMeasure.  You may email this report, print it, or download and save for future reference.  It also provides some remedial tools related to each area.

To obtain the log-in information for SmarterMeasure, email ELICounselors@nvcc.edu from your VCCS email account. You can also plan to join us for a SmarterMeasure webinar to learn more about the assessment. More information about the webinar can be found here.

Know Your Course Assignment/Testing Due Dates

One assumption that new students sometimes experience when taking ELI courses is that they assume all online courses are self-paced. To that end, they may put off getting started and learn that their professor has withdrawn them for not meeting course deadlines.  Don't let this happen to you!  

It is very important to understand that all ELI courses have strict deadline requirements such as logging into your course Blackboard site for the first time and completing certain course assignments by the census date.  Failure to follow these guidelines may result in being dropped from the course without a tuition refund.  (The Census Date is the last day that you can drop your class and receive a tuition refund.)  Online courses may be 16 weeks, 12 weeks, 10 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 weeks, or 4 weeks in length; each course has specific start, refund, first assignment due date, withdrawal, and end date that you should be aware of when you select a particular course.   

In addition to logging in and completing your first assignments (as referenced in your syllabus) by the census date, ELI courses also have regular weekly assignment deadlines.  When taking an ELI course, it is important to understand that assignment due dates as well as test and quiz due dates come quickly. Due dates are firm and in some ELI courses, assignments and tests/quizzes are sometimes removed after the due date.   

To avoid being dropped, be pro-active:

·       Read through your course syllabus on the first day of class. Understand all the deadlines that apply to your course and record them in your planner. 

·       Visit your class Bb daily and read all of your emails and course Bb announcements.  

·       Turn your assignments in on time.

·       If possible, take your test prior to the testing deadline—you never know what might come up at the last minute!

To ensure that you understand the ELI course deadlines, please click here for 'critical dates' and review the important dates to include census, first assignment due date and last day to withdraw with a grade of ‘W’.

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

 

 

Northern Virginia Community College is closed for the Winter Break,

December 23, 2013 through January 1, 2014.

If you have common questions, the following information may be helpful:

Grades: Fall 2013 grades will be accessible through your NOVA Connect.  Grades are posted within 7 days following the last day of class.

Blackboard Course Availability: If you are visiting Blackboard to access your Spring 2014 class, it will not be available in Blackboard until the first day of class (some classes may be available one-two days before the start date). 

Course Start Dates: 1^st 16 week, 1^st 8 week, 1^st 12 week  and 1^st 4 week (MTT only) sessions will begin on January 13, 2014.

Registration: If you have not registered, Spring 2014 registration is underway.  Although the College is closed, online registration is open. For registration information, please click here.  Additional step by step registration instructions can be viewed by clicking here.  If you need assistance with your course selection, ELI Counselors will be available at, elicounselors@nvcc.edu, when we reopen on January 2, 2013. Emails will be answered in the order they are received. 

Pre-requisites Satisfied at another College:

If you are attempting to enroll in a course at NOVA for which you believe you have successfully completed (a grade of “C-“or higher) the required pre-requisite(s) at another regionally accredited institution, you will need to submit a copy of your unofficial transcript to an ELI counselor for review.  Using your NOVA email, please send an email to the counselors at: elicounselors@nvcc.edu.  Please include the following information with your unofficial transcript:

-       NOVA seven digit student identification number (EMPLID)

-       The specific course that you are registering for (Example: ENG 111 E55N, #45689)

-       Your telephone number 

Requests are reviewed and processed in the order in which they are received.  You should expect to receive a response about your request within three business days after we re-open.  

Promote Your Success: Online Academic Resources: If you have any downtime during the break, it would be an excellent opportunity to explore the free online workshops offered by Student Lingo.  Student Lingo workshops focus on time management, career development, mastering the job interview, resume writing, stress management techniques, writing techniques, study skills, test anxiety and more!  They are an excellent resource that will enrich your academic and career growth. 

We wish you a safe and restful holiday break!

ELI-Important Dates, Events and Information: December 9-December 20, 2013

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Ø  December 10 – ELI 3rd 12-week session ends.

Ø  November 29 – ELI 4^th 4-week session (MTT only) ends.

Ø  December 16 - Mark Your Calendar – If you have registered for Spring 2014 classes, tuition is due on or before December 16.

Ø  December 17 – ELI 1^st 16-week session ends.

Ø  December 17 – ELI 4^th 8-week session ends.

Ø  December 20 – College offices close for the winter break and will re-open on Thursday, January 2.

 

EVENTS 

 

Ø  For a listing of ELI events, to include Native American Heritage month and our pedometer challenge, please click here.

Ø  For a listing of NOVA events to include college visits, symposiums and more, click here.

CAMPUS TESTING CENTER INFORMATION

If you will be using a campus testing center for your finals, we suggest that you do not put your test off until the last minute.  Lines can be long!  When using a Campus Testing Center, please remember:

·       An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time.

·       If you if you are taking your exam on or near an exam due or end date, please allow additional time to wait in line.  (If possible, we recommend that you take your exam before these due or end dates.) 

·       You will need to provide a completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID.  You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site. 

·       Students taking multiple exams will be required to go through the line for each exam.

UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS

Attending an ELI webinar is a valuable way to invest your time to develop your academic skills as well as promote your academic success.  

Wednesday, December 18 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: 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.  To register, please click on the date:  Wednesday, December 18 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm. 

Thursday, December 12, 9:30-10:30am: 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. 

Please be sure to visit our Webinar Schedule.  We will be offering many excellent webinars in January and February.

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.

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.

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 @ 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.

Promoting Your Success: ELI Testing Tips

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

  Campus Testing Centers

• Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time.
• Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.
• Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.
• If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard
• If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or“Announcements”.

• If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.
• If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.
• Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

Attendance and Participation Aren't Just Important, They Are 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 consequences including:

Reduction in class load and possible change 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. Use this opportunity to locate and review the course syllabus and assignments tab. 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. 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.

Logging into Blackboard as soon as the semester begins will also give you the opportunity to identify any unexpected issues and provide ample time to ask any questions you might have. ELI has a comprehensive array of student services to support our distance learners.

If you have any questions or you are not sure where to start, you can always 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.

This Week at ELI: October 14 – 20, 2013

IMPORTANT COURSE DATE

Oct. 15  – ELI 1^st 8-week session, class ends today.

Oct. 15 – ELI 2^nd 4 week session, class ends today.

Oct. 16 – ELI 4^th 8-week session, first day of class

Oct. 16 – ELI 3^rd 4-week session (MTT 1 only), first day of class.

EVENTS  

v Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 – Fall Break – College Open: No on-campus classes: Online students may experience some delays in email responses from their faculty during the Fall Break period. 

v  Oct. 17, 10:17-10:30am - The Great Southeast Shakeout--- Join us for the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history. Drop! Cover! Hold On!  Each NOVA campus will participate in an earthquake drill.  Click here for more information. 

v  Oct. 17, 5:30-8:00pm - Ernst Community Cultural Center, Annandale Campus:  Common Reader Event-Green Fashion Show and Guest Speaker, Colin Bevan, author of No Impact Man.

v  Save the Date:  Oct. 23, 10:30-12:30 Transfer Fair, Annandale Campus, Ernst Cultural Center

For a listing of ELI events, please click here.

For a listing of NOVA events, please click here.

 UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS

Wednesday, October 16 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: 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 register.

Thursday, October 17, 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: How to Succeed In Distance Learning Courses- This 45 minute webinar for NOVA students will focus on strategies and tips for being successful in distance learning courses offered through ELI. Topics covered will include time management, schedule planning, learning preferences, and support resources.

Friday, October 18, 1:00pm-2:00pm: Reviewing Your Online Syllabus- The single most important instrument in an online course is the syllabus.  In this webinar you will learn what a syllabus is, what significant information is listed in a syllabus, the importance of regular syllabus reviews, using your syllabus as a planning tool, goal setting, and using your syllabus as a communication tool with classmates and instructors.

RECORDED WEBINARS

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.

Exploring Career Options - Click here to request a recording of an earlier session. This 45 minute webinar will focus on using various online resources to research career options.  The relationship between programs of study at NOVA, college majors, and career options will be discussed.  Resources presented will provide information on nature of work, educational requirements, job outlook, and wages. 

 

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

Ø  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! 

Ø  Fall Registration:  If you have not registered for your fall classes, it is not too late!  Registration is underway for NOVA Online classes that begin October 16. Some courses may close after the course start date.  For assistance, please call ELI Course Registration at 703.323.3368.