Columbus State Community College
To limit the spread of COVID-19, while providing exceptional education and support, we’re delivering courses in multiple ways so you can keep moving toward your educational goals safely and in community with others. Scroll down to learn more about course delivery for Spring Semester 2021 and find valuable tips and resources for successful online learning.
Technology Assistance: Access to technology is critical to your success. If you are currently enrolled or planning to enroll and you don’t have internet access or access to a computer you need to learn online, the federal Student Emergency Relief Grant can help. Learn More
Even when circumstances change, your goals don’t have to! Continuing your education is essential, and Columbus State is creating a new kind of learning experience that delivers classes remotely, and also delivers student support holistically. Log In. Learn On!
What to expect in online/remote learning
Students are sometimes hestitant about taking classes online, but you don't need to be! Online learning gives you the convenience of learning anywhere combined with the personal component of interacting with your instructors and classmates to enhance your education experience.
Here you'll find all the tips you need to make sure you're ready for a great online or remote learning experience.
Pre-Semester Checklist
Academic Tools
Blackboard is Columbus State's online learning managment system. In Blackboard, online students communicate with their professors, find multimedia presentations, and talk to other students via message boards and chats.
Log in to Blackboard
Blackboard Help SiteBlackboard Student Orientation
We support a number of other tools for remote and online learning. Find information on videoconferencing, mobile apps, email, and other tools that may be used in your courses.
Online Learning Help
Keys to Being an Effective Online Student
Successful Online Learning
Course Formats
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified the health and safety of the College community, and student success, as our primary concerns. For Spring Semester 2021, that means most activity will take place online, over the phone, by chat and by email.
Courses will be offered in four formats: Live Online, Fully Online, Partial In-Person, and Full In-Person. You’ll find these designations written in blue under the course title and section number in the course schedule. Please note that unless a course includes the designation “Partial In-Person” or “Full In-Person,” it will not meet physically, even if a location is listed in the course schedule.
Live Online (synchronous)
Live Online sections will have a component of the course where the students and faculty member meet (synchronously) online for delivery of portions of the course content. The students are required to be online, in real time, with the faculty member and other students during the designated days and times, listed on the schedule, to engage in Instructor led discussions, Q&A sessions, lectures, demonstrations, small group activities, etc. Students will be required to complete other learning outside of the designated meeting times to master all other class content. The faculty member assigned to each section will determine and adjust the instruction of the section and will communicate the information to the students at the beginning of the semester. These sections will have the days and times displayed on the schedule along with a label of “Live Online” and an "LO" instructional line.
Fully Online (asynchronous)
Regular online courses don’t meet at a scheduled time. These courses use an asynchronous learning model, allowing students to interact with assignments, recordings, etc. at a time that is convenient for them. Students are not required to log-in or attend at a specific time. Your professor will provide you with the materials needed to complete your work on time within an established time frame, such as multimedia presentations, video/audio recordings, assignments, instructor's notes, or other communications delivered via the course website, email, or instant messaging. Online courses are any of the courses listed in our Course Catalogue with no designation. If you do not see “Live Online, Partial In-Person, or Full In-Person listed under the course name and section number in the course schedule, then your class will be held fully online, but not in real time.
Partial In-Person
Partial In-Person courses combine the Live Online/Synchronous Learning or Online/ Asynchronous Learning formats with an In-Person component. This blends the flexibility of an online class with hands-on teaching. These classes meet in a traditional classroom or lab when necessary, and do the rest of their classwork online. Face-to-face sessions may be held in a campus classroom, lab, or at an external location such as a clinical site for health-related courses. By adhering to safety guidelines including increased cleaning, physical distancing, and the use of facial coverings, it is our goal to keep our students, faculty, staff, and wider Columbus community safe. Look for the words “Partial In-Person” in the course schedule when you register.
Full In-Person
Full In-Person classes will meet completely in-person on campus or at a regional learning center. Only a small selection of courses will meet in person, and only if there is no online alternative. All safety guidelines will be enforced and followed to ensure everyone’s health and safety. We will keep you informed if at any point this type of course needs to be altered for safety to different format. Look for the words “Full In-Person” in the course schedule when you register.
Carving out your learning space
Learn online and studying in your home is a big change. In many cases, we are sharing space with others in the household who are also learning or working, which is a lot of togetherness! Here are a few tips to help you focus on your studies for greater success.
- Find Your Place.If you can, designate a space in your home where you can have your own workstation to do your focused work – and make sure that everyone understands what that space is devoted to.
- Make a Schedule. Create and post a time-management plan in a visible area so that you can see it (as a reminder) and so household members know when you will be unavailable.
- Be Flexible.If you are taking care of children/family members or have other responsibilities, set the best schedule you can and be open to adjusting the schedule if you find it does not work. This semester is a work in progress.
- Practice Patience. It will take awhile for everyone to adjust to the situation and mistakes/interruptions are bound to happen! Be patient with yourself and your housemates as everyone gets acclimated.
Tips for online/remote learning success
Download apps
Aside from Blackboard, you may be using WebEx or other technologies. Download needed apps and practice beforehand, if possible.
Check your Columbus State accounts often
Expect to log into Blackboard and check your Columbus State email often (daily is best) to review any updates/announcements from your professor, keep up with the work for your classes, and get important communications from the College.
Keep an eye on discussion boards
Online courses may require you to write posts in a discussion board and respond to what other students wrote. Since you never know when the other students will post, you will need to log in regularly.
Ask questions (in and out of class).
Email your professor right away with any questions about their class. They want to hear from you! In your email subject line, specify which class you are in because they may teach multiple classes.
Contact Student Central
Student Central is the place to ask any questions about other Columbus State processes or problems. Call (614) and our student success specialists will guide you in the right direction. Remember, they are here to answer your questions, no matter how simple or complicated!
Plan Your Work
Create a list of things you need to complete at each “work session” and set a timer. Try not to allow any distractions during this time that is set aside for school.
Stay Healthy
Remember to make your physical and mental health a priority!
* Eat healthy foods
* Sleep 7-8 hours a night
* Stay well hydrated
* Practice mindfulness (search the app store for "mindfulness" for free apps)
Remember, we’re in this together!
Many professors have extensive experience in the classroom, but not every professor is an expert at online technologies. Please have patience, demonstrate kindness, and offer grace. They will do the same for you. They truly want you to succeed.
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