The Online Learning Coaches are here all semester to help QCC students in any type of course (in-person, in-person-blended, online, and remote-blended).
Students are encouraged to contact the Online Learning Coaches if they need assistance with any of the following:
- Navigating their Blackboard course
- Accessing course materials
- Accessing and/or submitting assignments
- Using access codes for course software
- Logging in to a Zoom course
- Using Zoom, Blackboard, The Q, student email, or other online tools
Videos
- How the Online Learning Coaches Can Assist Students
- How the Online Learning Coaches Can Assist Faculty
Peer Tech Coaches
The Peer Tech Coaches work closely with the Online Learning Coaches to help students with all of these same issues. This drop-in service is located in room 208HLC (The Writing Center).
Peer Tech Coaches Fall 2024 Hours
| Monday & Wednesday | Tuesday & Thursday |
| 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
| 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. |
During these hours, QCC students can stop by 208HLC (The Writing Center) for assistance.
Northstar: Free Computer Skills Software Program for QCC Students
Do you want to improve your computer skills for free? QCC has Northstar Digital Literacy, which is a free software program that allows you to gain skills in the following areas:
Essential Computer Skills | Essential Software Skills | Using Technology in Daily Life |
Basic Computer Skills | Microsoft Word | Social Media |
Internet Basics | Excel | Information Literacy |
Using Email | PowerPoint | Career Search Skills |
Windows OS | Google Docs | Accessing Telehealth Appointments |
Mac OS | Your Digital Footprint |
With Northstar, you choose which topics you want to learn more about. These interactive lessons allow you to learn the skills you need to be successful here at QCC, at work, and in your personal life. The Northstar Digital Literacy program lets you complete lessons on your own schedule.
If you would like to be enrolled in Northstar and attend a short workshop on Zoom or in person showing you how to use this software, please email the Online Learning Coaches at OnlineCourseHelp@qcc.mass.edu or log into Navigate360 and use the Hand Raise “I need help improving my computer skills.”
Free Tech Trainings
The Online Learning Coaches also offer free tech trainings for students. Please click on the link found in the workshop descriptions to register.
Blackboard Ultra Course View Student Training
Dates/Times: view the dates/times and register for this training
Description: QCC is transitioning to Blackboard Ultra, which is Blackboard’s new, modern-looking course view. Attending this workshop is a great way to set yourself up for academic success by previewing what Blackboard Ultra courses look like and learning how to do the following:
- Navigate your courses
- Post and respond to discussion boards
- Submit assignments
- Use course messages
- Find announcements, grades, and feedback
All Fall 2024 Blackboard courses will be in the Ultra course view, so it’s good to prepare now! You will have opportunities to ask questions during this workshop and will earn a digital badge for attending.
How to Succeed in Online Courses
Dates/Times: view the dates/times and register for this training
Description: This workshop gives you the tools you need for success in your online course before the semester begins. Online learning is more independent than in-person, and this workshop will give you valuable information to prepare you for your online course. Learn strategies for the following:
- Time management
- Self-motivation
- Organization
- Finding and meeting assignment deadlines
- Being an active participant
You will have opportunities to ask questions during this workshop and will earn a digital badge for attending.
Blackboard Ultra Course View
Blackboard is the College’s Learning Management System that provides tools for teaching online as well as for in-person, in-person-blended, and remote-blended courses. All QCC courses have a Blackboard shell that may be used for handouts, online discussion, testing, group work, assignment submission, and grading. This workshop will show you how to navigate Blackboard Ultra, post to discussion boards, view and submit assignments, and go over other features.
For further information about the Blackboard Ultra course view, please watch this video.
Online Student Success Course
Set yourself up for success and earn a badge by taking QCC’s free 90-minute self-paced Online Student Success course in Blackboard! The Online Learning Coaches facilitate this course, so you are welcome to email them if you have questions.
If you are already logged in to Blackboard, you may go to the course directly; if you are not, it will bring you to the Blackboard log in page, and after you log in, it will direct you to the course. Please note: this course is available to current QCC students. If you are registered for at least one QCC course and do not see the Online Student Success course after following the steps above, please email onlinecoursehelp@qcc.mass.edu.