Virtual and remote learning

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Virtual and remote learning
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Virtual and remote learning

On this page:

How your program will be delivered

As leaders in virtual and remote education, we provide an exceptional learning experience, whether you are joining Mohawk for the first time or returning for another semester.

Programs will be delivered in one of two ways: 

  • Fully remote: all courses will be delivered in a fully remote and virtual environment. Students will not be required to attend in-person.  Lectures will have synchronous delivery, asynchronous delivery or a combination. 
  • In-person requirements: courses will be delivered by a combination of remote learning and some in-person requirements. One or more courses in the program will require students to attend in-person on campus, or attend an off-site placement. In-person requirements could include labs, assessments and accreditation assessments that cannot be replicated remotely.

Find out how your program will be delivered 

Review this page of the toolkit if you would like more information on virtual and remote learning.

Additional information:

What is virtual and remote learning?

Virtual and remote learning means you’ll have the opportunity to do all your learning from wherever you are.

Some courses will be delivered entirely through remote and virtual learning or will include some on-campus experiences and you will have the opportunity to learn together with your peers and develop the skills and abilities required for your future career. 

Remote learning means you will:

  • Access course content, materials, and resources online, anytime through MyCanvas, Mohawk's online learning management system​
  • Connect and collaborate with your classmates and instructors
  • Access to tools such as Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Teams at no extra charge
  • Remain connected and engaged in your learning ​
  • Attend classes and participate in learning and assessment activities using a suite of web-conferencing tools.​
  • Ask questions via discussion boards and live chat​

Virtual learning means you will: ​

  • Use a range of apps and online tools to simulate real work scenarios ​
  • Gain experience through activities such as role-play, case studies etc. ​

In some programs, students will have the opportunity to participate in simulated virtual, augmented and mixed reality environments and scenarios.

Read more about virtual, augmented and mixed reality

Virtual reality (VR) is an artificial environment that is created with software and presented to you in such a way that you would accept it as a real environment. The environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors. ​

Augmented reality (AR) adds digital content onto a live camera feed, making that digital content look as if it is part of the physical world around you. This could be anything from making your face look like an animal to overlaying digital images onto the physical background around you. ​​

Mixed Reality (MR) is the use of both VR and AR technologies to create an environment where physical and virtual objects can exist and interact in real-time. Mixed Reality overlays images or videos over a screen showing reality through a mobile camera, smart glasses or headsets. 

How you’ll learn

Our faculty and staff have worked to build engaging virtual and remote learning environments and activities to ensure students learn and apply their knowledge and skills. By using technology and simulation you will gain the valuable experience that employers are looking for in today’s workforce.

In your program, you will:

  • Engage with faculty and peers in a mix of scheduled, real-time, and on-demand learning​
  • Develop the skills to work independently and as part of a collaborative team to solve real-world problems 
  • Establish your professional communication skills through researching, reflecting, and presenting your learning​
  • Have flexibility to manage school, family, work and other commitments

Frequently asked questions 

Does "remote learning" mean I’ll be at home the whole time?

Remote learning means most learning activities will take place online. You will be able to access MyCanvas, Mohawk’s learning management system, as well as our networks and online resources from wherever you are. Your course content, including lessons and assignments, will be stored in MyCanvas, which you can access at any time.  Faculty and staff are available to answer questions and provide support. 

In some programs, students will be required to come to campus to complete labs, use specific technologies, access specific environments, and/or participate in scenarios that cannot be as effectively replicated virtually. If your program requires some time to be spent on campus, you will be informed by your program area.

How is "remote learning" different than online learning?

Remote learning refers to adapting courses from in-person and on campus to a digital format that can be accessed online. While the method of delivery has changed, the learning outcomes have not. We are adapting and enhancing in-person content to be as applicable and meaningful in a remote and virtual environment.

Online courses or programs, however, are designed specifically for students who want, need, or prefer to take the course or program online.

Will this be like other online courses I’ve taken before?

Your new courses may resemble online courses you have taken before, and they may also look quite different from other online experiences.

The transition of content from face-to-face and on campus to a remote environment may require different strategies to complete assignments. An example could be creating and submitting a video of you completing an exercise you may have otherwise completed in a lab environment.

Benefits

Learning in this environment will strengthen in-demand skills like:

Time management

Learning to balance school, work, and family commitments will enhance your time management skills.
 

Professional communication

Exploring a variety of communication tools, such as online chat and discussion boards, will elevate your communication skills. 

Computer skills

Using industry-leading software to complete assignments and activities will improve your computer skills.
 

Problem-solving skills

Adopting new ways of interacting with peers, including virtual group work and online collaboration, will teach you to solve problems in new ways. 

Experiential learning

As a leader in experiential learning, Mohawk provides hands-on experiences to prepare you for a successful transition to the workforce. From simulations to capstone projects, co-op to placement, our programs include many forms of experiential learning.

Learn more about Experiential learning

Students accessing virtual learning from abroad

Technology

  • A reliable Internet connection and computer are required to access virtual and remote learning. Learn more about technology requirements and options for accessing the Internet if your connection is not reliable.
  • If you are unsure how to set up your technology for success, contact Academic Technology Services.

Accessing Help

  • All international students must download the iCent app to receive important information about studying at Mohawk. Once downloaded, students will receive notifications and information about relevant tips to be successful in their studies.
  • If you are feeling isolated and need a fellow student to talk to, consider joining the First Year Experience (FYE) program. Learn more about the program online and register today! Students will get added to the program starting the week of August 15, 2022, and will run throughout the fall semester.

Study Tips

  • If you are studying from a different time zone, be sure to let your professor(s) know so they are aware. It is not always possible to schedule meetings and classes at a time that is convenient for everyone but it is helpful for your professor to know if you are accessing the course from a different time zone.
  • Similarly, if you have group assignment, be sure to let your team members know that you are studying from a different time zone from them. Agree to timelines, goals and expectations at the outset so that team members are aware of group expectations and each member’s situation and ensure constant communication. See this Group Work resource for further tips on group work and see the Tips for Learning page for even more study tips.
  • If you need extra help or are falling behind, be sure to discuss any issues with your professor(s) as soon as possible. Your professors want you to succeed and may be able to recommend resources to support you. Even though you are not in Canada, free virtual supports are available to help you!
  • Stay organized – as you are studying in a different time zone, make sure you record all of your assignment, test, class meetings and project due dates in EST. It will help to make sure you don’t accidentally miss any deadlines. Take some time when you receive this information from your professors and plan it out for your semester. You may wish to use a time zone converter to convert any dates in EST into your own time zone so that you are aware of when deadlines occur. There are many free time zone converters on the web. For example, The Time Zone Converter – simply enter the name of a city to see the conversion. (You will need to enter the city “Toronto” to view the time zone here at Mohawk College.)