Resources for DE Students

Hawaiʻi Community College offers many classes with a distance delivery component. Some instructors may be using a web conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet to hold live classes, some may be using Lamakū to conduct online classes without scheduled meeting times, and some may be using both.

See below for resources, videos, and links to help you be successful in your distance education (DE) classes.

As we prepare to begin a new semester, we know that many members of our Hawaiʻi CC community are still recovering from the impacts of the hurricane. Starting a new semester may feel especially challenging right now, and everyone's situation is different. Please know that you are not alone, and support and resources are available to help you navigate the days and weeks ahead. As you prepare for the start of classes, we've gathered some information and resources that may help you get started and connect with the support you need.

We recognize that Hurricane Lala may have created unexpected personal challenges.

• Academic Counseling is fully open and ready to assist with orientation, registration, and other support needs:
• Manono Campus: 808-934-2720
• Pālamanui Campus: 808-969-8816
• Hawai‘i CC Mental Wellness Services provides free therapy/counseling services for registered students in person or zoom.
• Contact: mwpd@hawaii.edu

We recognize that some students may continue to experience storm-related disruptions affecting attendance, participation, access to course materials, or the ability to complete early assignments. If your circumstances affect your ability to attend classes or meet deadlines, please communicate directly with your instructors and your academic counselor as soon as you are able.

For those continuing to experience storm-related impacts, community resource information remains available, and a limited supply of ice is available at the Manono campus (request form).

Taking a Distance Education (DE) course is a different experience than taking an in-person course. In general, a successful DE student is someone who knows how to be a self-directed learner. Not sure if DE is for you? Complete this short readiness activity to find out how prepared you are to take an online class.

Zoom Resources

• Zoom Quickstart Guide for Students (Google Slide presentation)
• Zoom Meeting Support & Video Tutorials
• Zoom FAQs
• How to turn on captions in Zoom

Google Meet is another web conferencing tool that may be used through your UH Google account.

Google Meet Resources

• How to Join a Google Meet

• Using Google Meet
  
• How to turn captions on in Meet

• Troubleshooting some issues you may have with Google Meet

Lamakū is the University of Hawaiʻi’s new online learning environment, built on Brightspace by D2L. Some instructors will use Lamakū as a supplement for a traditional face-to-face (f2f) or hybrid course. Other courses, including online courses may deliver all of the course material, testing, and communication using Lamakū.

If you are new to Lamakū (Brightspace), visit these student resources to help you get started.

This orientation site provides you with an opportunity to become familiar with online learning through the University of Hawaiʻi. The readings, videos, and activities are all designed to explain the basics of online learning. You will also learn about expectations, self-management strategies, features of Lamakū, and connecting with campus and system resources.

TO REGISTER:

• If you already have access to Lamakū, you can add yourself to the orientation directly by following these instructions
• If you donʻt have access to Lamakū yet, complete this form. Instructions will be emailed to you on how to access the orientation in the learning management system. This may take up to 48 business hours.

• Accessing Lamakū

• Lamakū Overview

• Log in and Navigate

• Account Settings

• Navigating Course Content

• Course Navigation

• Pulse App Navigation

• Pulse App Tips

• Tools

• Email and Messages

• Assignments

• Discussions

• Taking a Quiz

• Groups

• Download Content

The Learning Resources page on the Welcome to Lamakū site contains a curated group of in-depth articles on navigating Lamakū and how to achieve common coursework tasks like submitting assignments or taking exams, as well as more information about the Brightspace Pulse app and Brightspace Portfolio app.

Courses are published 5 days before the first day of classes. If you do not see your course listed in the "My Courses" section of the page after signing in to Lamakū, check your "Sites Drawer" by clicking on the "Select a course..." icon (looks like 9 tiles) in the top right corner by your name.

Note: If your course is not listed in your Sites Drawer, please contact your instructor.

The following recommendations from UH System Information Technology Services (ITS) will meet the needs of the general UH staff and students for email, web browsing, word processing, spreadsheet, and other office productivity software. The systems listed are ITS minimum-level recommendations. ITS recommends purchasing the systems listed below or systems that exceed these specifications.

UH students should consult with their respective instructors/programs/departments for any specialized hardware/software requirements for their field of study, that are not covered under these general recommendations.

• UH System ITS Computer Recommendations
  

Free computer and internet access are available at all campuses, but having reliable internet access at home is recommended for distance education classes. If you don't already have Internet access at home, please contact a local service providers to find out more about their current internet plans. The UH System Basic Needs website might have additional resources.

Seattle Pacific University students share their tips on how to mentally prepare, organize, plan, and stay connected with the community when taking synchronous online classes (i.e., via Zoom).

Watch this TED talk video. There are 168 hours in each week. How do we find time to make college a priority? Time management expert Laura Vanderkam studies how busy people spend their lives, and she's discovered that many of us drastically overestimate our commitments each week while underestimating the time for what matters to us. She offers a few practical strategies to help find more time, so we can "build the lives we want in the time we've got."

Here are a few things you can do before the start of the term to get started on the right foot.

• Watch for an email from your instructors with important info about your classes.
• Check Lamakū a few days before classes begin.
• Check your course syllabus for any required materials (textbooks, supplies, etc.) and make arrangements early so that you have them with you on the first day of class.
• Reach out to your instructor if you have any questions. Their contact info can be found in Lamakū and on the course syllabus.
  

If at any time you need support or assistance, seek help immediately. See below for a list of links and/or phone numbers of Hawaiʻi CC and UH system support services available in person, by phone, or online to help you.

Basic Needs

Basic needs include food and housing, childcare, mental health, financial resources, and transportation, among others. Student basic needs security is critical for ensuring strong academic performance, persistence and graduation, and overall student well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing basic needs insecurity, please see the UH System Basic Needs website.

Google Help

• Google Drive and Docs

• Computer Basics
• Basic Computer Skills
• Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks

Additional Technical Assistance

The UH System Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk based on Oahu is available by phone and email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays:

• Phone: 808-956-8883, Toll Free: 1-800-558-2669
• Email: help@hawaii.edu
• Live chat: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm (not available on holidays)
• In Lamakū: use the Requesting Assistance link on the Lamakū login page or in the "Lamakū Help" tool, and provide a detailed description. Someone will respond by sending an email to your UH email account.

Academic Support Services – (If you need help with your coursework)

• Your instructors are here to help you. Contact them to schedule a meeting.
• Mookini Library: (Hilo) UH-Hilo Campus, 808-932-7284, Lari-Anne Au, Librarian: 808-932-7510
• Testing and Learning Center (TLC): (Hilo) UH-Hilo Campus, 808-934-2530. Provides tutoring and testing services, and spaces to study and use computers.
• The Paepae ʻŌhua Native Hawaiian Student Success Center (I Ola Hāloa Center for Hawaiʻi LIfe Styles), (Hilo), 808-934-2600. Provides same-day laptop loaning, peer mentoring (including tutoring) services, space to study, various academic and cultural workshops for students, staff, and faculty, etc.
• Hawaiʻi CC-Pālamanui Library and Learning Center: (Kona) Pālamanui, 808-969-8830
  Provides placement and online class test proctoring, library-related services, and spaces to study and use computers.
• Kō Education Center: (Honoka'a), 808-775-8890. Kō offers a computer lab, a study area, and test proctoring services.
• Statewide UH Testing Centers
• Free Online Tutoring: Tutor.com
  (Online tutoring may also be available from the Testing and Learning Center)
  
• UH-Hilo Bookstore, (Hilo) UH Hilo Campus, 808-932-7394

Student Support Services – (academic advising; financial aid or personal counseling)

• Counseling, Advising, and Support Services Center (CASSC): East Hawai‘i 808-934-2720, Pālamanui 808-969-8816
• Disability Services - 808-934-2825
• Mental Wellness Services assists students enhance their resilience while building on their existing strengths and honoring their individuality. Confidential counseling/therapy services are available for free to enrolled students from all Hawaii CC campuses. Email mwpd@hawaii.edu.
  
• Financial Aid: East Hawaiʻi 808-934-2712, Pālamanui 808-969-8816

Hawai‘i Community College is an equal opportunity institution.

For inquiries regarding our nondiscrimination policies, please contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, hawvcsa@hawaii.edu. For disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services at 808-934-2725.