Keep Learning

It may seem overwhelming to move to a virtual learning environment. We’ve got good news. NC State is prepared, and your Pack is here to support you.

Ready to learn remotely? This might be a new experience for you. Here are some initial steps to help you feel prepared and stay focused on your goals for the semester. Remember to approach online learning with patience, flexibility, and kindness. You’re not alone in learning these tools and practices. The Pack is here to help!

Strategies for Success

You may need to refine some habits as a remote learner. Here you’ll find helpful tips to establish good habits early in your coursework.

Helpful Resources

The way you interact with course content online may differ from class to class. Here’s a list of resources to help you acclimate to new technologies, or use familiar technologies in new ways.

Student Success GPS – Mobile Advising App

GPS is a one-stop student success platform that allows you to schedule appointments with various campus offices, including advising.

Download GPS Mobile

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center has many free virtual tutoring and mentoring services to support online learning. There is a large general study space in Hill Library that is open for student use. Student ID and masks are required to use the space.

Get familiar with remote learning terminology

Here are some terms you might encounter in one or more of your courses.

Asynchronous learning means learning at your own pace within specified guidelines. Many NC State instructors use Moodle as an asynchronous learning tool where you can complete readings, discussion posts, and assignments when it’s convenient for you.
Synchronous learning means learning at the same time as others. Zoom is often used for synchronous meetings at NC State. Everyone is present at the same time, working on the same thing. Video and audio technologies may be used in real time to facilitate interaction.
Learning management system (LMS), or course management system, is a software tool for course administration, documents, tracking, reporting, and delivery. The LMS allows your instructor to keep all of your course materials in one virtual space. Moodle is the official LMS at NC State.
Web conferencing is an approach that facilitates synchronous learning and is often used for webinars and virtual office hours. The official web conferencing platforms used at NC State are Zoom and Google Hangouts. Both of these platforms have video and instant messaging capabilities.
GSuite is something you’re likely already familiar with through Gmail. NC State is a Google Campus. Your instructors may ask you to use Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Forms, Google Calendar, or Google Hangouts to collaborate with your classmates. These tools are part of the GSuite, and you have access to all of them using your Unity ID.

Identify possible challenges and solutions early on

If you are concerned about slow Internet connection, limited or no Internet service, personal or family illness, or another extenuating circumstance, communicate that to your instructor as soon as possible. Ask them to help identify alternative arrangements that will keep you engaged, learning, and moving forward in the course.

For tutoring services, schedule a meeting with someone from the Academic Success Center, formerly the University Tutorial Center.
For accommodations due to a disability, contact the Disability Resource Office at 919.515.7653 or disability@ncsu.edu.
For technical questions, contact the Office of Information Technology at help.ncsu.edu or 919.515.HELP (4357).
For lack of or slow internet connection, submit a special request form for a hotspot through the NC State University Libraries.
For additional coronavirus resources, please visit Pack Essentials for a list of companies that are offering free or discounted services for students.