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 Laulima 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.

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 Distance Education Readiness activity from the University of Hawaii System to find out how prepared you are to take an online class.

Zoom is a web conferencing tool, which means you can meet with your instructor and other students from your home or other location. Zoom allows you to see and hear each other, as well as send typed messages. You can access Zoom from your computer browser or from a mobile device (phone, tablet). Some instructors may have synchronous/live meetings (meaning everyone logs into Zoom at the same time), or may record a lecture for you to view later. For more information on using Zoom, please check out the resources below.

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

Laulima is the University of Hawaiʻi’s online learning environment. Some instructors will use Laulima 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 Laulima.

Watch the videos linked below, or watch the entire playlist on YouTube.

Video 1 (03:50) - Getting Started

• What is Laulima
• Devices and browsers, Logging in

Video 2 (04:15) - Finding Your Class Site

• Laulima Home site
• Sites menu
• Getting to the right course site)

Video 3 (08:00) - Laulima Tools Part 1: Learning & Info Tools

• Overview
• Syllabus
• Lessons/Modules
• Gradebook
• Resources
• Announcements
• Other tools

Video 4 (13:47) - Laulima Tools Part 1: Submitting Coursework

• Forums/Discussion & Private Messages
• Assignments
• Tests & Quizzes/Assignments, Tests & Surveys
  
• Messages
• Help Tools

If you're looking for something a little more hands-on, UH System also offers a free Orientation to Online Learning to help you prepare for online courses. After watching the video below, sign up here if you'd like to participate in the orientation.

If you do not see your course listed along the top of the page after signing in to Laulima, check your "Sites Drawer" by clicking on the "View All Sites" icon (looks like 9 tiles) in the top right corner next to your name.

Note: Instructors can manually publish and un-publish courses sites. If your course is not listed in your Sites Drawer, please contact your instructor.

While you will be able to access most DE platforms through smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, it is not recommended to use smart devices and mobile connections for graded work.

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, our local utility companies offered free internet at the start of the pandemic. Please contact the service providers directly for information on current offers.

• Spectrum Hawaii, 1-888-406-7063
• Hawaiian Telcom, 808-643-8888

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 during these times.

Here's a quick video with some tips on how to manage your distance and online learning. How to focus your mind, organize your space, and manage your time.

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 Laulima the week 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 Laulima 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 Tutorials

• 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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays:

• Phone: 808-956-8883, Toll Free: (neighbor islands) 1-800-558-2669
• Fax: 808-956-2108
• Email: help@hawaii.edu
  
• Via Laulima: use the Request Assistance button on the Laulima log-in page or the link found at the bottom of any page in Laulima 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 Instructor: Your instructor is available to help you. Contact him/her to schedule a meeting.
• Mookini Library: (Hilo) UH-Hilo Campus, 808-932-7284, Lari-Ann Au, Librarian: 808-932-7510
• The 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
  *Hawaiʻi CC online tutoring from The Learning Center
  *Tutor.com
• UH-Hilo Bookstore, (Hilo) UH Hilo Campus, 808-932-7394

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

• Advising and Counseling: East Hawai‘i 808-934-2720, Pālamanui 808-969-8816
• Disability Services - 808-934-2725
• 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.
  
• Financial Aid: East Hawaiʻi 808-934-2712, Pālamanui 808-969-8816

Hawai‘i Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, status as a covered veteran, national guard, victims of domestic or sexual violence, gender identity and expression, genetic information, citizenship, credit history, and income assignment.

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.