Student Training Overview
Need help getting familiar with D2L? D2L Student Orientations are available! Join one of the upcoming sessions, or visit a D2L Resource Table to ask questions and learn more about the online course environment. You can visit redrocks.cc/elearning to schedule .
If you have any questions, please contact elearning@rrcc.edu or call 303.914.6606.
Overview
The D2L Student Orientation will familiarize participants with the unique terrain of the online learning environment and review practical points such as accessing Desire2Learn (D2L), finding courses, and using various tools. Attendees will explore discussions, quizzes, assignments, e-mail, D2L gradebook, and best practices to be successful. The orientation is designed for students who are new to D2L at Red Rocks Community College or students who are in need of a refresher.
Whether you are taking face-to-face classes or online, hybrid, or remote learning courses – RRCC’s Elearning team offers support services and orientation sessions to help students utilize the learner management system at Red Rocks. This system is called Desire2Learn (also known as D2L), and there are a couple options available to you to explore, practice, or troubleshoot the platform:
Self-Paced D2L Student Orientations:
Typically one week before the term classes officially start, D2L accounts for registered students are automatically enrolled into a Self-Paced D2L Student Orientation on D2L. This orientation “course” is non-mandatory, is hosted online, and contains several readings, videos, interactive discussions, and practice activities designed to familiarize students with its tools and navigation, as well as a sense of what to expect in many of our online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses at RRCC – almost all of which use D2L in some way! Students retain access to the Self-Paced D2L Student Orientation throughout the duration of the term so that in case any issues and questions may arise; this orientation can continually serve as a space for students to try out and troubleshoot D2L tools.
Facilitated D2L Student Orientation Sessions:
At the start of each term, in-person and virtual (via Zoom) facilitated orientation sessions are offered to students. Facilitated sessions usually run 90 minutes and are scheduled to take place during the week leading and the week following the official start date for full-term classes. To view the schedule and attend an upcoming session, visit redrocks.cc/elearning to register for a Facilitated D2L Student Orientation
1-on-1 D2L Support Virtual Office Hours:
Continuously throughout the term, students can book virtual 1-on-1 meetings with a member of the RRCC Elearning team on Zoom to ask questions, discuss technical issues, and learn more about the D2L course environment. Bookings are typically 15 to 30 minutes long depending on the topic or issue. To attend D2L Support Virtual Office hours, visit redrocks.cc/elearning to book a 1-on-1 meeting
D2L Resource Table
Join us on The Bridge at the Lakewood Campus to get all your questions answered about discussions, quizzes, assignments, e-mail, D2L gradebook, and best practices to be successful. Check back for Fall 2024 tabling dates to be announced.
Course Accessibility
If you are a student with a disability, Red Rocks Community College has an outstanding Accessibility Services office.
They support and assist students with physical, psychological, developmental and learning disabilities through appropriate accommodations and by acting as a resource for the college. If you are a student in need of accommodations or assistance, visit the Accessibility Services page.
This page is intended to provide resources to help faculty and staff develop web accessible content. Accessibility information for students taking online courses can be found on the Accessibility Services webpage.
Red Rocks Community College's Web Accessibility Procedure states that all web-based information for use by faculty, staff, students, prospective students, and the public must be accessible. In implementing this procedure, RRCC faculty and staff will employ principles of Universal Design and the World Wide Web Consortium's WCAG 2.0 standards in the design, development, implementation, and enhancement of all web-based information and services.
What is the browser compatibility for Desire2Learn?
Browser : Microsoft© Edge
Supported Browser Version(s) : Latest
Browser : Microsoft© Internet Explorer©
Supported Browser Version(s) : Not Supported
Browser : Mozilla© Firefox©
Supported Browser Version(s) : Latest
Browser : Google© Chrome©
Supported Browser Version(s) : Latest
Browser : Apple© Safari©
Supported Browser Version(s) : Latest
Check your system compatibility
- Red Rocks Community College recommends using Chrome or Firefox.
- Student using Safari or Edge may experience compatibility issues.
What are the technical requirements for Desire2Learn?
Note the following:
- Ensure that your browser has JavaScript and Cookies enabled.
- For desktop systems, you must have Adobe Flash Player 10.1 or greater.
Device: Android™
Operating System(s): Android 5.0
Browser: Chrome
Supported Browser Version(s): Latest
Device: Apple
Operating System(s): iOS 6, 7, 8, and 9
Browser: Safari
Supported Browser Version(s): Latest
Device: Windows
Operating System(s): Windows 10
Browser: Edge, Chrome, Firefox
Supported Browser Version(s): Latest
Check your system compatibility
How do I get to my course?
After you have registered for your course, you can access it 24 hours later by logging in to http://online.rrcc.edu. Courses are not available until the first day of the semester. It is recommended that you access your course within the first couple of days of its start date.
How do I get my Username and Password?
Your user name will be your student identification number (the S# that you used to register with. It is also available at the top of your schedule and bill.) Your password is the same as your PIN you entered when you registered online. If you registered in person, your default PIN is MMDDYY of your birthday.
Note: If you created a personal pin, it is ONLY the first 6 characters of the self-selected PIN from the My Education Community registration system.
What if my password doesn't work?
If you are registered for a RRCC Online course (Section 470)
- Make sure you are enrolled in the course. You must be registered to access a course website.
- If you enroll after the first day of classes, you may have to wait until the next business day for your username and password to be added to the system.
- Make sure you are using the correct password. For RRCC Online. See previous question. “How do I get my Username and Password?”
- If you have tried these steps and still cannot login, contact 1.888.800.9198 or http://help.cccs.edu.
What if I login, but my courses are missing?
Your classes will not be visible to you until the first day of classes. If it is after the first day of classes, make sure you are enrolled and have registered for the class. Have you been enrolled in this class for at least 24 hours? If not, please wait and try again. It can take up to one business day for your registration to be added to your online course listing. If there is a problem with registration, contact the admissions office. For all other questions, contact 1.888.800.9198 or http://help.cccs.edu
General Questions
Do I need a book for my online class?
Some online classes do require a book and others do not. You can go to the bookstore at the Lakewood campus or you can check to see if your class requires a book by going to: rrcc.bncollege.com
How do online courses work?
All you need is a computer, and a current email account. Internet connection, and an Internet Service Provider. From the Login page we provide you with instructions for logging on to our system. Once you are logged on, the courses you registered for are available. Within each course you may find a course syllabus, course content, communication tools, and/or tests. Your instructor will communicate with you via email to supply assignments and due dates.
Are online courses easier than traditional face-to-face classes?
Online courses are often more challenging than traditional face-to-face classes. This is because distance learning students need to be self-motivated and have good study skills. Courses require active participation through frequent online communication with instructors and other students; these courses are best suited for people who can manage their own time and take responsibility for their own education. Take our quiz to see how successful you would be in an online course.
Are online courses accredited?
Yes. RRCC Online courses and CCCOnline courses are accredited through North Central Association. They are fully equivalent to on-campus courses.
Do I need to visit the campus?
Depending on the course, you may need to come to campus to buy textbooks and other instructional materials, attend a mandatory orientation session and to take tests. In some cases, all class requirements may be met at a distance. Contact the instructor for details.
Is there an instructor?
Yes! Your instructor maintains all the online course components during the semester. Additionally, your instructor is available by email to answer questions and discuss assignments.
Do I have to live in Colorado?
No. You can live anywhere and take courses through RRCC Online or CCCOnline. As long as you have access to the Internet, you can participate in our courses.
What if my Instructor wants me to take a proctored test online?
NCTA Proctored Testing Sites National College Testing Association.
Title -Can I use financial aid with these courses?
Yes. Students taking courses through RRCC Online may be eligible for financial aid. To determine if you are eligible, you should contact a financial aid counselor at Red Rocks Community College.
Can I start a course at any time?
No, RRCC Online courses are offered at specific times during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. You will be expected to follow each course’s schedule as outlined in its syllabus.
Do I have to be online at a specific time?
In most cases, you will not have to be online at a specific time. Most of the courses are designed to be as flexible as possible while still allowing you to get the best education.
How long do courses last?
RRCC Online fall and spring courses are 15 weeks long. Summer courses are 10 weeks long, and accelerated courses are 7 weeks long. For questions about having more or less time, contact your instructor. The course structure requires that you keep to these schedules in order to successfully complete the courses. If you feel you need more time, you can contact you instructor about getting an “Incomplete” grade for the course.
Can I take courses on-campus and online at the same time?
Yes, you can take on-campus and online courses at the same time. Remember, however, that online courses are as rigorous as on-campus courses and you should expect the same level of work or more.
What are some tips to help me be a successful online student?
- Check your email frequently.
- Log-on to your course every day or a minimum of 2-3 days a week.
- Keep in contact with your instructor.
- Advise the instructor promptly of any changes in your email address and/or telephone number.
- Allow a reasonable amount of time for instructor responses.
- Interact with your classmates as much as possible.
Contact the instructor by email for help if you have trouble understanding a unit of study.
About Online Learning
Although online learning is a convenient and flexible way to take classes and work toward a degree, it may not be suited to all students' learning styles or needs. The eLearning staff strongly recommends that you learn more about what is required in an online class. You may talk with an advisor, an online faculty member, or even a student who has experienced an online class.
At Red Rocks Community College we offer a variety of online opportunities. We have classes that are totally online, offered through RRCC Online and CCCOnline. We have hybrid classes that combine classroom time with online time, and in many of our on-campus courses, teachers take advantage of technology in a variety of ways. See the descriptions below for more information.
RRCC Online Classes
- Courses follow the standard Red Rocks Community College semester calendar.
- Textbooks are generally the same as for on-campus sections and are available at the RRCC bookstore or can be purchased online(link is external). A few classes require that students also purchase a supplemental CD.
- All of your classes are accessed using through Desire2Learn. You can login here at http://online.rrcc.edu(link is external).
- Your username is your student ID (S#) and your password is your self-selected PIN from the registration system. If you did not register online, your default PIN is your birthday (MMDDYY).
- First-time online students are encouraged to attend the new student orientation event held at the beginning of each semester at the Lakewood Campus.
- RRCC Online courses have a "470" section number, hybrid courses have "040" as a section number.
Hybrid Classes
Hybrid classes are a combination of online and classroom instruction. Classes are designed for a curriculum that can be offered partially online, but are difficult to learn completely online. In-class instruction is held at Red Rocks (Lakewood or Arvada campuses) during the week or weekend. Hybrid courses have a "040" section number for weekday classes; "640" for weekend classes; and "240" for Arvada Campus hybrid classes.
Alternative Delivery
Red Rocks Community College offers other class modalities. See which options are available to you.
Is Online Learning Right for You?
Take a survey to determine if online learning is right for your learning style.
https://live-red-rocks-cc.pantheonsite.io/online-learning/self-assessmentAdd this survey from the old website.
Technology Requirements
The minimum computer requirements for accessing online classes:*
- Connection to the Internet
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Firefox 3.0 or higher is the recommended browser, Internet Explorer (I.E.) is supported but performance is reduced.
- Javascript must be enabled on all browsers
- Email Account
- Software applications as directed by faculty.
*If you do not have Internet access at home or work, there are Internet computers in the Learning and Resource Center at both the Lakewood and Arvada campuses.
How to Use D2L Tools
Watch a Video Tutorial on How to Navigate D2L Pages and Use Course Tools
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_NAb7EmJ9w
Watch a Video Tutorial on How to Upload Files to the D2L Assignments Tool