Prepare for Success

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Prepare for Success

Winter Session & Intersession have intense 3-week online courses that require a significant time commitment. Students need to be prepared to spend several hours a day (excluding Christmas and New Year) and some weekends in order to successfully complete the course.

New to Canvas?

If you’re new to Canvas, visit Your Virtual Course Space for helpful Canvas information.

Before your course begins, ensure you are TechReady

No matter your level of comfort with technology or experience with online learning, we’re here to help you be TechReady. Our TechReady site is your one-stop-shop for ensuring you’re ready to learn online. From here, you can explore hardware and software requirements, what skills you’ll need to succeed as an online learner, and tips and tools to help you along the way. Helpful tech resources and tutorials and are also available on the site.

Access your course area early

Canvas course spaces are scheduled to be opened by the Monday prior to the first day of the session. When your course space opens, you can begin preparing for the course by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and schedule, and by ensuring you have all required materials. Submission of assignments prior to the first day of class is not recommended. Course spaces are accessed through canvas.wsu.edu.

Before the first day of class

  • Read the syllabus thoroughly.
  • Note the required materials and make sure you acquire the textbooks from The Bookie at least two weeks before the course begins. Order textbooks online at wsubookie.bncollege.com or purchase them at The Bookie on the Pullman campus.
  • Familiarize yourself with the course schedule and/or study plan.
  • Participate in any introductory activities suggested in the course space.
  • Begin the readings and any other “preparation” activities indicated as soon as possible.
  • Review the minimum Technical Requirements to help reduce potential technical problems, and make sure your computer system meets the requirements.

First day of class

  • Read the “Questions for Instructor” and “Announcements from the Instructor” forums every day to see new information, answers to questions from others, or clarification about the course materials and activities. If you aren’t sure about something and can’t find the information, post your question to the “Questions for Instructor” discussion forum.

Time Management

  • Follow the course schedule and create a detailed timeline or outline of all required activities to make sure that deadlines are met.
  • Focus on first things first. It helps to take assignments one at a time.
  • Get started on assignments early.
  • Use available resources such as WSU Libraries.

Take care of yourself

  • Ask for help from family, friends, colleagues, and others as needed to relieve you of extra activities during this time.
  • As best you can, strive to maintain a balance with the other priorities in your life. Visit WSU Wellbeing Online for tips and strategies.
  • Stay positive and focused on your accomplishments as you work through the course content.

Take advantage of available resources

Resources that online students find helpful:

  • eTutoring: WSU students have access to free unlimited online tutoring through eTutoring. Sign up and find out what eTutoring has to offer so you’ll get help quickly when you need it.
  • WSU Libraries: The WSU Libraries staff and librarians are ready to help you find what you need for your assignment, and provide online access to databases, research tips, reference assistance, free book delivery, and more.
  • Cougar Success website: Get tips on time management, productivity, goal making, and more. Bookmark this website and stay on track to be the best you can be.