FAQs: Online Coursework & Information Technology

We hope your new online courses are going well and we want you to know we are here to help you through this challenge. The campus may not be open but all of us are still working to help you. Your success is still our story!
 

How do I access my online Courses?

  • Go to nwicc.edu and click on MyPlace (in the top header).
  • You will need your MyPlace user name and password to log on. This is the same login you use to get into your computer.
  • After logging into MyPlace, click on MyCourses (Canvas) link. This will take you to your online dashboard.
  • Click on a course tile to enter your course and look for announcements and assignments from your instructors.
  • Make sure you are also checking your email daily in MyPlace and in your Canvas Inbox.

In the rare event that MyPlace is unavailable you may still access your online courses by clicking on the SSO link at the top of the NCC website. Use your usual user name and password.

Who do I call for help?

  • NCC will answer all requests for help as quickly as possible. Everyone iworking remotely will generally be there to answer your questions Monday–Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Other requests will be answered as quickly as possible.

Where can I get internet access?

Although campus buildings are closed, we are providing access points in our parking lots. Students will be able to access the internet while in their car by parking as close as possible to Building H – East Side Entrances. In addition, some internet providers are making accommodations to assist during this time.

How do I set up Notifications out of Canvas?

Here are instructions for how to set notifications. You might consider turning on these feature notifications:

  • Due Date
  • Grading
  • Course Content
  • Files
  • Announcement
  • Discussions
  • Conversations
  • Conferences

How can I be successful in online learning?

Here are some things you should do on a daily basis so you can succeed in your online courses:

  • Check your NCC Email for communication from your instructor every day.
  • Log-in to your online classes for updates and assignments every day.
  • Communicate questions to your instructors. Email for sure, and some have even shared their phone numbers with you.  Stay in contact with your instructors!
  • Claim a study space, a place in your home or dorm room where you are comfortable but will keep you alert. Avoid doing your coursework in bed.
  • Manage distractions
    Get rid of all physical and digital distraction. Just have the resources you need to study nearby. Being on your computer may cause you to get easily distracted (Tick Tock, anyone?). There are some tools that might help you manage your distractions and get you through your coursework (StayFocused, RescueTime, StayfocusD).
  • Stay motivated and do not underestimate the effort needed for online classes! Make sure you stay motivated and engaged in your online learning experience. Take the week of online classes as seriously as you would if they were held in person.
  • Communicate with your instructor if you are confused or have suggestions, send them a polite email and be patient when waiting for a response. Generally they will be back to you within 24 hours.
  • Time management is essential. Set time aside in your schedule for each class. The freedom that comes with online classes can trip people up. One way to help with this is to make a list of assignments and keep track of due dates and progress,
  • Expect technical problems. Technology is great – when it’s working. Avoid stress associated with slow internet access, dead computers, and networks going down by planning a little extra time for assignments and classes in case there is a network problem.

What do I do if I need to have a proctor for an exam?

Virtual Proctoring may be required for some of your exams and quizzes. Some exams might require Honorlock proctoring.  A very few exams might require Virtual Exam Proctoring through the Learning Center.  If the need arises that an instructor requires your test to have a proctor outside of Honorlock or other services, we are able to proctor tests via Zoom or Canvas Conferencing. Contact Leah Murphy via email at lmurphy@nwicc.edu.

How do I become a Canvas BOSS?

Here are some tutorials to help you succeed:

What if I need other services?

College staff are still available to serve you. Generally they are available Monday – Friday from 8 am until 4 p.m.

  • TRIO is ready to assist its students remotely. Please also note that all nursing students can contact Tracy – this includes both TRIO and non-TRIO nursing students.
    Contact Tracy Gorter; her personal cell is 712-324-1840. You can also email her:  tgorter@nwicc.edu.
  • Library staff are here to help you with online research, citations, and online resources. Contact Renee Franklin rfranklin@nwicc.edu 712-324-5066 x116
  • Counseling Services (Mental health counseling) sessions available via Zoom
    Contact Dr. Beth Frankenstein bfrankenstein@nwicc.edu 712-324-5066 x242
  • NCC Business Office is open to answer your balance and payment questions/concerns busoffice@nwicc.edu or call 712.324.5066 x133 – Megan,
    712.324.5066×144 – Michaela
  • Disability Services are available to make reasonable accommodations for eligible persons with disabilities to ensure equal and fair access to programs, educational opportunities and activities. Contact Leah Murphy lmurphy@nwicc.edu 712-324-5066 x118
  • Tutoring and Academic coaches will be available via Canvas Virtual Tutoring Course. Contact a coach directly to set up a Canvas tutoring session. All academic tutoring-Leah Murphy – lmurphy@nwicc.edu 712-324-5066 x118. All other assistance – Aimee Jaynes ajaynes@nwicc.edu 712-324-5066 x274
  • Registration and Advising services will be available to students and prospects via remote operations. Students should email their advisors directly for assistance or email studentservices@nwicc.edu.
  • Transcripts will still be available electronically or via the mail. studentservices@nwicc.edu.
  • Veteran Education Benefits questions will continue to be responded to via email.  Contact Beth Sibenaller-Woodall beths@nwicc.edu
  • Financial Aid auestions will continue to be answered via email. Email the Financial Aid Offices finaid@nwicc.edu
  • College Store is open online to buy textbooks or NCC merchandise bookstore@nwicc.edu or www.nccbooks.com 
  • Career Services is available to assist with career exploration, resumes, and mock interviews via NCC’s Canvas Virtual Tutoring course. Contact Leah Murphy lmurphy@nwicc.edu 712-324-5066 ext. 118
  • ICAN announced that Mary Joan will not be on NCC’s campus as originally scheduled but she will be contacting those who had appointments with her to see if they would like to reschedule for a later date or if they would like to meet via Zoom [see below for an explanation] or to have a phone conversation.  If there are students/families who want to schedule appointments they may call 515-402-4211 or 877-272-4692 to discuss options which will include either meeting in the future or meeting via Zoom or phone.  For the full message from ICAN of services provided or changed, refer to this link:  https://www.icansucceed.org/about-ican/ican-limited-services-during-the-coronavirus-social-distancing 
  • PACE and Thunder Cares: PACE funding is available to NCC students who are Iowa residents and are income eligible. If you have financial concerns because Corona Virus poses a financial stress—for example work hours are cut, or you are a parent who need to stay home with children and are unable to work– please check out the online site of the PACE Program . In. In addition to tuition assistance, PACE may be able to assist you with expenses so that you can have a successful semester. https://nwicc.edu/tuition-financial-aid/gap-pace-initial-eligibility-form/ .  Students who are not eligible for PACE might be eligible for the Thunder Cares Student Emergency Fund (klandis@nwic.edu).

How do I attend a Virtual Meeting?

Many of these services will be available to you person-to-person via Zoom. To set up a virtual meeting, contact the person you need reach (see the contact information above). They will send you an email with instructions for a link to a Zoom meeting. If it is a Zoom meeting, then the emailed invitation will look similar to this:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://nwicc.zoom.us/j/154058933
Meeting ID: 154 058 933

     Click on the link and it will download a quick file (only taking a few seconds to download).  This will give you
     access to the Zoom meeting. The first time you may need to click “allow” for it to download.  Then it will open
     your Zoom meeting session with the resource person who will help you.

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