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Student Resource CenterWelcome to the WAOL Student Resource Center. This page includes information on college services and links to outside resources to help you succeed in your online learning. If you have not taken a WAOL class before, start by clicking on Am I Ready? If you are already an online student, you will find a variety of online services and resources here, including the following:
Am I Ready?Why study online?Online courses offer students an opportunity to break through barriers of time and space. You do not have to travel to a classroom, and you can work at the time most convenient to you. Online classrooms also offer an opportunity to take control of your learning process because you control the rate at which you absorb and respond to content information. However, online learning is not for everyone. Online learning does require a significant number of hours each week. It requires access to computer technology and some comfort in using that technology. It also requires a higher level of self-motivation and self-discipline. Online learning is also reading and writing dependent. You are not "present" in the classroom unless you leave a written message. In addition, most content will be presented in written form. Some students learn better by listening and speaking. How much time does it take?Students taking WashingtonOnline courses report spending 12 to 15 hours each week working on each course. Most courses require students to "attend" the virtual classroom five out of every seven days. Online learning does not take fewer hours, but you do get to work during the hours that work best for you. What computer skills do you need?Before you take an online course, you should be comfortable with basic computer skills: email, word processing, and Internet use. WAOL and Embanet offer a tutorial that will show you how to use FirstClass, the software used for the virtual classrooms. What technology do you need?
You can use any computer to work on your class provided you have downloaded the FirstClass software and have a connection to the Internet. Before you enroll, ask yourself these questions:
Advising and Counseling ServicesAdvising and counseling services are provided by the college where you enrolled. You can be linked to their contact information here. Women's ProgramsInternational Student ProgramsStudent LifeCareer and Employment OpportunitiesWAOL Career Center
Follow these links for more information about careers, employment, and vocational guidance.
Disability Support Services for StudentsWashingtonOnline web sites and classrooms follow guidelines for universal access. Accommodations for students with disabilities will be provided for students by following the procedures established at the college where the student is enrolled. The mission of the Disabled Student Services (DSS) in the Washington community college system is to ensure equal access to educational programs and services to people with disabilities and to improve the campus community's understanding of diversity issues. To contact your college's disability support office, click here: Multicultural ServicesTransfer OpportunitiesWAOL Contact Information
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