Explore Virtual and Remote Learning

What is virtual and remote learning?

Mohawk is committed to providing you with a quality education.​

As leaders in remote and virtual education, we will continue to provide you with an exceptional learning experience. 

Watch: Alison Horton, Vice President Academic

Virtual and remote learning means you’ll have the opportunity to do all your learning from wherever you are. Whether your program will be delivered entirely through remote and virtual learning or will include some on-campus experiences, you will have the opportunity to learn together with your peers and develop the skills and abilities required for your future career. Find out how your program will be delivered.

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.

Find out how your program will be delivered.

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. 

Hear from our students!

Watch: Lena Bouma from the Graphic Design program describes her experience with virtual and remote learning.

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
  • Find out how your program will be delivered.

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.

Hear how faculty are creating remote and virtual learning for students

Watch: Carol Tristani, Professor McKeil School of Business, talks about how she's creating rich, dynamic virtual and remote learning experiences.

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. 

We're here for you!

Students and learning are at the heart of everything we do.

As a Mohawk student you can access services and supports online and from anywhere. You'll find new ways get involved and make new friends at interactive student life events.

Learn more about services and supports for students.

Technology Requirements

Students will need some essentials to be successful in a virtual/remote learning environment. Hardware and software requirements can vary greatly between programs. It is important to review program technology requirements and recommendations and confirm if you have any program-specific requirements prior to purchasing your computer. ​

Specific program requirements can be found on your program webpage and have been indicated in specific communication from your program area. Find program information and faculty contact details using the program search

Explore technology requirements in the Future Ready Toolkit.

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 Digital Skills Services for assistance.

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.
  • International students have access to the COVID Safe service accessible from within the iCent app. Through the COVID Safe service, international students can chat or call 24/7 with live volunteers from August 1 – September 30 and get help with any questions they might have.
  • If you are feeling isolated and need a fellow student to talk to, consider the Student Mentor program. See the Student Mentor page for information on how to get involved.

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

 

Still have questions? We're here for you!

Co-op

Students attending co-op programs should contact their Co-op Specialist for more information.

Placements

Questions related to field, clinical, and practicum placements should be directed to Student Placements for more information.

Apprenticeship

Questions about apprenticeship training please visit Information for Apprentices

 

Your next step

Student on their smart phone

New and current students

  1. Confirm how your program will be delivered on the Program Delivery webpage.
  2. Determine what technology you will need to complete your studies
  3. Keep track of important academic dates and when to register for your classes 

  4. Explore Online Student Services to learn about supports and resources related to financial assistance, learning support, residence and learn about ways to get involved this January through Student Life and the Mohawk Students' Association

Future Students

We are excited you are considering Mohawk College! Find your program and follow the steps to apply

Get ready to start!

Access the Future Ready Toolkit for tools and resources to get ready for virtual and remote learning.

Explore the Future Ready Toolkit