What’s here for you?
The Learning Commons can be your one stop resource for supporting your online and distance learning.
Here are some quick links to a couple of resources to get you started and plan ahead:
- Academic Advising: Need to know how an advisor can help you? Check Academic Advising to learn more.
- Financial Advising: There are some rules about some distance education courses and student loans. Learn what they are before you start.
- Access and Diversity: If you have some additional challenges that require some planning ahead, talk to an adviser or apply for accommodation.
Hot Topics:
Here’s what some former online students had to say:
- Communicating Online: Part I Communicating Online.mp3
- Communicating Online: Part 2 More Communicating Online.mp3
- Contacting Instructors Contacting Instructors.mp3
- Getting Organized Getting Organized.mp3
- Online Environment Online Environment.mp3
Want to find out about other podcasts at UBC? Check out UBC on iTunes U for the latest.
Keys to Success
Contact your instructor 
Review the requirements for your course
(found in the course manual or on the course website) and set up a study schedule. You’ll find some links to practical study tips on this site.
Obtain your UBCcard for Library Access
Register for services through Extension Library. They can assist in your research and mail you library material for free. To access full text on line journals set up a Virtual Private Network
Ask students about themselves.
Follow the schedule for submitting assignments
Assignments given in the course manual or posted on the course website must be completed in the assigned order and submitted as outlined. Instructors can refuse to grade assignments submitted in a batch. Late, batched assignment submissions too close to the exam date will jeopardize your ability to write the final exam and may result in a failed standing in the course. Please consult with your instructor if you are having trouble keeping to a schedule with your assignments.
Keep a copy of the assignments you submit
If an assignment gets lost or damaged en route, you will be required to re-submit it. You should allow at least two weeks for assignments to be received, graded and returned to you.
Contact your instructor if you are concerned with your progress.
Ensure that you do this before the mid-point of the course. You may need some advice regarding your best course of action. Delaying this discussion may result in academic penalties.
Keep track of your examination date.
Academic Integrity
Learn about academic integrity and what you can do to stay clear of problems with plaigiarism. Learn UBC’s policies and stay on top of this.
Online Learner Competencies
Review the competencies expected for an online learner and use the resources here to develop them!
Managing Your Time
Time management begins to take on a somewhat mythical quality with learners at university. There never seems to be enough time and what there is seems to become unmanageable quickly! Following are some resources which may serve as useful reminders about planning and managing your life so that you have some time to enjoy:
- Assignment Calculator: Plan your assignment and send yourself email reminders each step along the way.
- Time Management Toolkit: It’s all about how you use what you have. Learn how to study effectively.
Preparing for Exams
Toolkits
Coaching/Tutoring
Using the Library
You can access research help, library databases and distance library services all from home simply by logging in using our EZ Proxy Login. All you need is a valid CWL or UBC Card.
Research Help
Start your research by using the Library’s new search tool: Summon. Summon is a one-stop search tool that allows you to search for print and e-books, journal articles, statistical data, government documents, theses/dissertations and much more all at once.
*Every branch of the Library has staff members who can help you find what you need. Can’t find an article for your term paper? Don’t hesitate to Ask Us for assistance via email, online chat, or by phone.
*The library also has tailor-made research guides designed to help you find the best sources for your research. You can find a guide for every discipline taught at UBC as well as multidisciplinary topics like Grey Literature, Sustainability and Portfolio creation.
Borrowing Books
As a registered Distance Education student your loan period for UBC books is 28 days (undergraduate) or 56 days (graduate). Both are subject to recall by another borrower. You can renew library materials online through My Library Account except for items recalled by another borrower. Books and other materials are delivered by mail free of charge within Canada and the US and take from 10 days to 2 weeks for processing and delivery. Please allow adequate time.
Further Information
For more information and to get step-by-step instructions on how to borrow books and journal articles from a distance, check out the Library’s help portal for distance learners.
