How to Take Classes Online
Aims offers students access to quality education while taking classes independently, off-campus and when it fits their personal schedule.
Sign up for online class orientation
Get support to succeed in your online courses.Modern technology such as D2L and supporting media-based software allows students to access weekly lessons, assignments, and exams along with opportunities to engage in online virtual communities. Classes provided in the online format can be found in the Class Schedule. Visit the D2L Tutorials and Online Course Support page for self-guided tutorials to help you navigate some of the common tasks you'll complete during your online courses.
While it might seem as if online classes at Aims are easier than in-person classes, that is not the case. There are also specific communication and technology requirements that you’ll need in order to get the most out of an online class.
Take the online readiness survey and get started on your journey to online learning.
Learn what resources and skills you need to take online classes at Aims.
Take the online readiness survey nowAfter taking the survey, you can connect with an Aims Online Learning Specialist, who can answer questions about your results and connect you with any resources you need to succeed in online learning.
When you enroll in your first online course at Aims, we recommend attending an "Orientation to Online Learning" session. This will give you the opportunity to become familiar with the technology you'll need for online courses and ask questions. If you would like to take a self-paced orientation for D2L, please use the D2L Self-Registration instructions below.
Several options for online course orientation sessions are offered each semester in English or Spanish. Select a time that works for you and use the corresponding Zoom registration link to sign up for the session you would like to attend.
We recommend all students who enroll for Online, Remote, or FLEX classes take these Online Zoom Orientations for Online Learning. Orientations are about one hour long, with and include an additional 30 minutes available for questions or practice with D2L/online tools.
Online orientations will include how to get ready for your courses with topics such as:
‣ D2L, including an overview of how to navigate D2L course shells
‣ How to find your syllabus
‣ myApps/Okta, Google Apps, and Microsoft software (and how to access it free as a student)
‣ Student Services information
Please contact Jacob.Richardson@aims.edu with registration questions for the Online Orientation Zoom sessions.
| Date | Time | Language/Delivery Format | Zoom Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, August 27 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm | English, Online via Zoom | Online Orientations Fall 2025 English - In-person and Zoom |
| Thursday, August 28 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | English, Online via Zoom | Online Orientations Fall 2025 English - In-person and Zoom |
| Tuesday, September 2 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | English, Online via Zoom | Online Orientations Fall 2025 English-Zoom |
| Thursday, September 4 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm | English, Online via Zoom | Online Orientations Fall 2025 English-Zoom |
| Thursday, September 4 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm | English, Online via Zoom | Online Orientations Fall 2025 English-Zoom |
| Thursday, September 18 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm | English, Online via Zoom | Online Orientations Fall 2025 English-Zoom |
| jueves, agusto 28 | 3:50 - 5:00 pm | Español, En línea vía Zoom | Orientaciones el otoño 2025 Español - Zoom |
| jueves, septiembre 8 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Español, En línea vía Zoom#li | Orientaciones el otoño 2025 Español - Zoom |
| jueves, septiembre 15 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Español, En línea vía Zoom | Orientaciones el otoño 2025 Español - Zoom |
Beyond your first orientation, support is available so you can be successful in your online courses. If you are experiencing any challenges with online learning or have questions, set up an in-person or online appointment with Online Learning Specialist Jake Richardson.
Fall Support Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Please note: Requests are answered in the order in which they are received. Response times may not be immediate and may take up to 24 -48 hours, depending on the time of the semester. I will contact you as soon as possible. If you feel you need immediate support, please contact the Aims Help Center.
Después de tu primera orientación, tienes apoyo disponible para que tengas éxito en tus cursos en línea. Si tienes alguna dificultad con el aprendizaje en línea o preguntas, programa una cita presencial o en línea con un especialista en aprendizaje en línea.
Horario de apoyo de otoño: de lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Nota: Las solicitudes se responden en el orden en que se reciben. Los tiempos de respuesta pueden no ser inmediatos y pueden tardar hasta 24-48 horas, dependiendo del semestre. Me pondré en contacto con usted lo antes posible. Si necesita ayuda inmediata, por favor, póngase en contacto con el Aims Help Center.
Aims Online Learning Specialists can assist you with the following:
- Navigating D2L
- Understanding online instructions
- Understanding instructor feedback
- Understanding time management
- Online support
- Improving online communication
- Supporting communication with faculty and students
- Bilingual support
- Study techniques
- Online learning strategies
For tech support, you can visit the Learning Commons support staff on your campus, or reach out to the Aims Online 24/7 Support Desk for help.