Online Learning

SWC Faculty: Please check SWC Distance Learning for Instructional Contingency information/resources

Students will be prompted to log into MySWC to access either site if they're not already logged into the system:

Welcome to Online Learning at SWC!

Online learning is a dynamic 21st-century part of the college experience. Over 20% of Southwestern College's courses are offered in fully online or hybrid formats, and that number is growing each term. Many of our face-to-face classes use our learning management system to supplement classroom instruction, so online learning technology is fast becoming a key component of onsite coursework as well.

The Online Learning Center at SWC is here to help you navigate the how-to of online learning. We provide training, answer questions, and offer helpful resources that can assist you with mastering Canvas, our learning management system. We're glad you've chosen to take classes at SWC and want you to succeed in the online environment.

Get Started with Online Learning

1) Explore Online Learning

New to online learning? Read more about:

what hybrid and fully online classes are and how these classes differ from face-to-face classes held on campus
how to search for online and hybrid classes in WebAdvisor

2) Prep for Online Learning

You've signed up for an online class at SWC . . . now what?

check your online readiness
read more about Canvas student orientations
take a tour of Canvas, SWC's learning management system, and customize your Canvas settings

3) Start Your Online Class

Learn what to expect from your online classes:

before the term starts
the first day of class
the first week of class

4) Help & Common Questions

Everyone needs help with their online courses at some point. Let's get you the support you need!

how to log in to MySWC to access Canvas
how to change your MySWC password
how to get Canvas support

Canvas Orientations

There are several ways to get Canvas-ready at SWC. Take your pick!

Attend an online orientation! These sessions will use SWC Zoom and will last 60 minutes. No account is needed, simply click on the following Zoom link to join the training several minutes before the scheduled start time: https://swccd-edu.zoom.us/my/swconline.

Intersession - Spring 2021
- Monday, January 4th, 5pm - 6pm
- Tuesday, January 5th, 10am - 11am
View the SWC Zoom Participant Guide (PDF) for assistance with Zoom.

To arrange live captioning, email onlinelearning@swccd.edu five business days in advance of the session you plan to attend.

If you prefer to call in to the meeting via phone (audio only), please note there is a toll charge:
+1 669 900 6833 (US toll) or +1 646 876 9923 (US toll) | Meeting ID: 489 918 9875

Southwestern College has recorded a recent Canvas Student Orientation so students who aren't able to attend a scheduled orientation can still access the information presented at the session. You'll learn about using Zoom for your course meetings, more about working online when taking courses, and information about how to access Canvas and help resources. View the recorded Canvas Student Orientation.
If you aren't able to attend a live orientation, you can watch a video tour of a sample Canvas course at any time during the term to get familiar with the system.

Canvas Startup Settings

**Make Canvas Work for You!**
Canvas Feature	Why This Startup Setting Is Super Helpful
User Settings & Profile Picture	Learn how to update your Canvas settings, such as adding a forwarding email or cell phone number to receive notifications on your mobile device and adding your profile picture.
Notifications	Update your Canvas notifications to alert you when: a course announcement has been made in Canvas your instructor has messaged you in Canvas due dates change in your Canvas course your Canvas work has been graded your instructor has provided feedback to you in Canvas and more!
Messaging	Canvas has an internal messaging system that allows instructors and students in a Canvas course to communicate with one another. The name of this messaging system has changed over the years from Conversations to Inbox. Regardless of the name, it's a great idea to get familiar with the useful Canvas messaging system.
Calendar	Knowing when your Canvas course activities are due is a key part of being a successful student. Plan to check your Canvas Calendar often. Or, better yet, consider syncing your Canvas Calendar to your own personal online calendar.
Canvas Student App	Did you know there's a free Canvas mobile app? It works on both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to stay connected to your course on the go. The Canvas Student App is super helpful in that you can easily access Canvas announcements and Inbox messages, review course content, and check grades. Download the Canvas Student App from your online app store.
Sync Canvas to Your SWC Google Drive Account	As a SWC student, you get free access to Google's G Suite (formerly known as Google Apps)! This includes cloud-based programs like Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, not to mention free Google Drive storage for all of your school work. The best part? You can link your SWC Google Drive with Canvas so you can easily submit school work to your instructor. NOTE: The MySWC Google Drive is separate from personal Google Drive and Gmail account info; Canvas will only link to your MySWC Google Drive account. And one more thing: only you can see what's in your MySWC Google Drive account. If you use Google Drive to submit course work, your instructor will only see the file you submit to them, not your entire Google Drive.