Online Education

For a full-semester or 16-week class, allocate at least three to four hours per unit for any online education course you plan to take. Adjust that time commitment for courses taught at an accelerated pace or during winter and summer sessions.

A successful online student is:​

• able to follow written directions and schedules;
• computer literate;
• organized;
• proactive about contacting their instructors; and
• self-motivated.

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SELF ASSESSMENT

Take time to answer the following questions to see if your learning style is suited to online learning.

1. Are you a self-directed individual?
2. Are you someone who does not procrastinate and who is able to set personal schedules and deadlines?
3. Are you comfortable using the computer and do you have convenient access to one?
4. Are you proficient in keyboarding skills?
5. Are you comfortable learning in a text-based environment and enjoy learning through reading?
6. Are you willing to take responsibility for seeking help by contacting your instructor, counselor or online education office?
7. Are you willing to commit three to four hours per unit per week for each course (for example, a five-unit course taken over 16 weeks would require 15-20 hours per week)?
8. Are you someone who needs to take online courses instead of traditional courses?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, then ​online education may be right for you.

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you may want to reconsider taking an online education course.​

To succeed in your online course, you will need reliable internet access and a device that allows you to log in regularly.

All online classes are delivered through the Citrus College learning management system, Canvas, where you'll find course materials, submit assignments and connect with instructors.

While tablets and smartphones can be helpful, a computer or laptop is strongly recommended to ensure the best learning experience.

Review the Canvas Basics Guide article: What are the browser and computer requirements for Instructure products?

You can stay in touch with your instructor through their Citrus College email or by using the Canvas Inbox.

To make sure you never miss an important update, take a moment to review and adjust the notification settings in your Canvas account so that course messages and announcements reach you promptly.

Review the Canvas Basics Guide article: How do I use the Inbox?

Review the Canvas Basics Guide article: How do I manage my Canvas notification settings?

Instructors will publish their courses by the first day of the semester.

If you do not see your course, it may be for one of the following reasons:

• The semester has not officially started yet.
• You recently added the course or applied to the college.
• You have enrolled in a course that has a different start date — like an eight-week course, for example.

Review the Canvas Basics Guide article: How do I edit my profile in my user account?

ON-CAMPUS SUPPORT

• Student account assistance can be found on the Citrus College TeCS website.
• If you are a currently enrolled student and need assistance with technology issues, the TeCS Help Desk may be reached calling (626) 857-4100 or ext. 4357 (HELP) from on-campus.
• You can also stop by the TeCS Help Desk, located on the second floor of the library (east wing), between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Please note that hours may vary during school holidays and the summer session.

CANVAS SUPPORT

• Canvas provides 24/7 support by phone at (844) 589-3857.

CITRUS COLLEGE ONLINE EDUCATION

• Email us at online@citruscollege.edu

For step-by-step help with getting comfortable in your online courses, be sure to review the Canvas Student Guide — it's a great resource filled with tips, instructions and answers to common questions.