Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been adjustments to the online credit maximum. This page provides resources to help international students succeed in an online learning environment.
Technology
IT Service Desk
The IT Service Desk offers 24-hour support, seven days a week, via email and phone.
You may also visit the self-service page to find information about technology at Ohio State.
Keep Learning
The Ohio State University developed the Keep Learning platform to help students find the right tools and strategies to keep learning in-person, online, or in a hybrid format at Ohio State during the pandemic.
Students taking online classes would benefit from these two pages:
Distance learning tools available to students
The following is a list of tools that help students in an online learning environment along with tips on how to best use them to help your academic success.
Ohio State’s learning management system. This is where you will see class syllabi, a list of assignments, required readings, students taking the course and course announcements.
Tips:
- Add a profile picture. This helps people get to know you virtually and is a great way to begin to connect with others.
- Set notification preferences. Let CarmenCanvas know how you want to be notified about things like due dates, emails through Carmen, grade postings, announcements, etc.
- Add or alter existing email preferences. This will allow you to add additional emails so that you can be contacted.
- Download your CarmenCanvas Calendar to your mobile or desktop calendar app. This will help you aggregate class times, deadlines and assignments due to your preferred method of staying organized.
The video, audio and chat collaboration tool for Ohio State and how online synchronous classes take place.
Tips:
- Check out the Ohio State CarmenZoom backgrounds. This is a helpful feature if you'd like to block your actual background or just to be creative! Explore the backgrounds help article for assistance with setting a virtual background.
- Make sure you are familiar with all of the tool's functions.
Office 365 learning and collaboration tools are available for free to students through
Office 365 at Ohio State. This includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote and more.
The
official university app offers personalized features, including grades and account balances, personalized news, wellness resources and more.
Academics
Online learning can bring new difficulties for students. Below are tips and best practices to help students be successful in an online environment.
Prepare for academic success
- Familiarize yourself with CarmenZoom controls
- Muting and unmuting, using reactions, writing in the chat and sharing your screen
- Record the pronunciation of your name and select your preferred pronouns in NameCoach, so that your instructors know how to address you
- Visit CarmenCanvas regularly to stay up on assignments and due dates
- Collaborate with classmates digitally through Office 365’s tools: OneDrive, Microsoft Document and PowerPoint
- By using the Office 365 tools, you can share files and work together in real-time and be able to track progress and edits
- Schedule virtual study sessions with others in your class to both learn your course material and connect with your classmates
- In CarmenCanvas, you can find a list of classmates under the "People" tab in the course
Make sure to advocate for your needs
- Ask professors their preference for class discussions and speaking up with a question
- Email professors ahead of class if you are having issues with time zone challenges or accessing materials and technology internationally
- Reach out to the Student Advocacy Center if you need further assistance.
Stay in contact with your academic advisor to ensure progression toward your degree
- All students can contact their advising units to schedule an advising appointment
- Students whose advising units use OnCourse for scheduling may log into OnCourse to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor
Consider speaking with an academic coach
Take advantage of tutoring services
Take the Online Student Assessment
- The Online Student Readiness Assessment will help you evaluate your preparedness for higher education in an online setting and understand what can be expected from the Ohio State experience
- The assessment guides you to consider areas of strength and opportunities for growth with helpful tips and videos along the way
- Once completed, you will receive a summary of Ohio State resources and tips for online learners
Ask for accommodations if needed
- If you need accommodations for a disability, such as mental health conditions, chronic health conditions, temporary injuries, physical/learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), contact Student Life Disability Services
Learn more about specific resources for international students
Make sure to follow Ohio State’s Code of Student Conduct
Participate in academic workshops geared to international students
- The Office of International Affairs hosts a series of academic workshops at the beginning of autumn and spring semesters. They are announced via the International Student Newsletter and will be included in the office’s calendar of events.
- Recordings of previous workshops are available online
