{"id":190,"date":"2020-05-18T23:47:30","date_gmt":"2020-05-18T23:47:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-2020-volume-3-issue-1\/are-online-courses-right-for-me\/"},"modified":"2020-06-15T15:25:54","modified_gmt":"2020-06-15T15:25:54","slug":"dvc-online-get-online-and-get-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-2020-volume-3-issue-1\/dvc-online-get-online-and-get-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"DVC Online – Get Online and Get Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"

While many colleges are focused on how to move classes online, Diablo Valley College is well ahead of the curve.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDVC has been offering online classes for a long time. Our initial focus was on figuring out how to place a class online. But after much success, we are now focused on the quality of online education. We are also ensuring that we increase equity, especially for underserved populations,\u201d said Anne Kingsley, the distance education coordinator for DVC.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"DVC recently received a $500,000 grant from the Improving Online CTE Pathways Grants program, through the California Virtual Campus \u2013 Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI). The grant funds are intended to boost the quality, quantity and access to online offerings in career education.<\/span><\/p>\n

DVC currently offers a number of fully online programs, and there are more on the horizon.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u201cOur fully online programs make it possible for students to complete classes without coming to campus. This opens pathways for students who may be juggling family, work, health or other responsibilities,\u201d said Kingsley.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"AnneThe benefits are clear, especially when many community members are working from home due to COVID-19. DVC\u2019s progress with the grant enabled the faculty to ramp up and prepare for the transition to online classes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe hosted trainings on creating online activities, use of video, online proctoring, using Zoom and more. We were able to create plans to ensure class continuity, student guidelines for remote learning and develop equitable practices for online classrooms,\u201d said Kingsley.<\/span><\/p>\n

Efforts were also focused on preparing students.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDVC set up a Chromebook loan program that enabled students to bring laptops home rather than only use them in the library. We also worked to get students onboarded to Zoom and helped clarify how to use Canvas more effectively,\u201d said Kingsley.<\/span><\/p>\n

The shift to remote learning has had positive benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCOVID-19 has resulted in valuable discussions about student and faculty success in an online setting. These discussions have enriched the direction of online education, especially as it relates to equity, disability and helping underserved populations. We want to make sure we are designing culturally responsive and equitable courses,\u201d said Kingsley.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kingsley knows that robust online offerings are important for DVC and the community it serves. When the urgency of the pandemic is in the past, online options will still be offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStudents need the flexibility of online education. We offer a stronger quality of education than many for-profit online colleges. Our classes are available at a lower cost and our faculty is accessible either online or on-campus,\u201d said Kingsley.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information about DVC online education, visit www.dvc.edu\/online-education<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fully Online Programs at DVC<\/span><\/h2>\n

Administration of Justice Department<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AS*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administration of justice<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AS-T*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administration of justice<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administration of justice<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administration of justice – community relations specialist<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administration of justice – correctional specialist<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administration of justice – criminal law specialist<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administration of justice – juvenile counseling<\/span><\/p>\n

Art-Digital Media Department<\/span><\/p>\n

CA** \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Web design \u2013 coming soon<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

CA** \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Graphic web design \u2013 coming soon<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Business Department<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AS*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Business<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AS-T*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Business<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advanced general business<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Business – transfer<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Business marketing<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Digital marketing<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 General business<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Management and leadership studies<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Real estate<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small business management\/entrepreneurship<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wealth management<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Business essentials<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AS \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Accounting<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advanced accounting<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bookkeeping<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 General accounting<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Office professional<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Office professional essentials<\/span><\/p>\n

Computer Information Systems Department<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AS*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CIS – core<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – database management<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – project management<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – web graphics<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – web technology<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – database management<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – project management<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – web graphics<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer information systems – web technology<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Microsoft windows systems administration<\/span><\/p>\n

Computer Network Technology Department<\/span><\/p>\n

CA** \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer Network Technology \u2013 coming soon<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Computer Science Department<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AS*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer science<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer science – advanced C++ programming<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer science – mobile and enterprise java programming<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer science – program design<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Computer user support<\/span><\/p>\n

Geography Department<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AA*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Geography for transfer<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CC \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Geographic information systems\/global positioning system<\/span><\/p>\n

History Department<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AA-T*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 History for transfer<\/span><\/p>\n

Transfer Studies<\/span><\/p>\n

CA***\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Transfer Studies – CSU<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CA*** \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Transfer Studies \u2013 IGETC<\/span><\/p>\n

*Note: AA and AA-T degrees require additional GE courses, many of which can be completed online or as hybrids<\/span><\/p>\n

**These programs will soon be available fully online. Contact the department for details.<\/span><\/p>\n

***To complete a transfer studies certificate fully online, students may need to take some of their online classes through another college within the district.<\/span><\/p>\n

CA = Certificate of achievement<\/span><\/p>\n

CC = Certificate of completion<\/span><\/p>\n

AA = Associate in arts<\/span><\/p>\n

AS = Associate in science<\/span><\/p>\n

AA-T = Associate in arts for transfer<\/span><\/p>\n

DVC Online FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"FAQ<\/p>\n

How has COVID-19 impacted DVC’s plans for summer and fall classes?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Summer classes are fully online. Fall classes will be a mix of fully online and partially online formats.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the primary traits of a successful online student?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Online education is a great option for many students. It does help if you are a self-starter with good organizational skills. Some students wonder if they will be successful at adapting to an online setting. DVC has many resources to help ensure you are ready for remote learning. For more information, visit https:\/\/www.dvc.edu\/services.html<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What should first-time remote learners know about online education at DVC?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Our main goal is to ensure the quality of education, in whatever format classes are delivered. Having a strong instructor presence is key. DVC remote learners have direct access to instructors, student services and administration.<\/span><\/p>\n

DVC is an outstanding, affordable choice for education and career training. First-time, full-time students may qualify for free tuition for their first two years. Students who aren\u2019t eligible pay just $46 per unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the student\u2019s experience in an online class?<\/span><\/h3>\n

An online class has many similarities to an in-person class. Your instructor will provide a syllabus that details what is required. There will typically be a mix of assignments, such as discussion posts, reading, watching videos, quizzes, essays, special projects, etc. Most classes also require online exams. Quizzes and exams are often open-book and open-note.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some classes will have students meet via Zoom during specified class hours so that students can interact with the instructor and each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the beginning of the course, some form of meet n\u2019 greet is also typical, where students are asked to get to know each other. So, jump in and be excited to join the group!<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you share some success strategies for remote learners?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Learn how to organize and calendar your week. Create a schedule to study and keep up with classes. Share your schedule with those who live with you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you have a reliable computer with internet access. Having your own access to that device is key. If you have unreliable internet, consider a laptop in case you have to seek out wifi at a local library or coffee shop. Let your counselor know if you are struggling with accessing technology. Mobile will work for check-ins, but not for long-term course work, essays and exams that need to be completed online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check-in frequently. Make sure that checking on what is due is a daily habit. Learn the patterns of each course and continue to read updates and announcements. \u00a0Get the Canvas app to help you check-in. The calendar and gradebook functions are really helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reach out to your instructor. Set up an online office hour as you begin your work. Knowing your professor will help you convey your needs as you go through the course.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay involved and engaged with your peers. Sometimes everyone is hesitant to start the online community. Jump in, say \u201chi\u201d on discussions, actively participate and you\u2019ll see that others will take that energy and do the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the minimum technology requirements needed for taking an online class?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Online students need a computer with internet access. We recommend that each student have individual access to a computer. Shared access to a \u201chousehold computer\u201d is an option, but isn\u2019t ideal. This is because having to share a computer can limit the ability to complete and submit assignments on time.<\/span><\/p>\n

What DVC resources are available to online students?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most student services and resources are now offered online. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n