Getting Started Online

Whether you're new to online learning or you've taken classes online courses before, the Online Education department is here to support you! LACC offers fully online and hybrid courses in many departments and divisions to help you reach your academic goals. On this page you can find some resources to help you get started with online learning and to help you thrive in the online environment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Find a Class

To see what classes are being offered, look at the Schedule of Classes. Under "Class Search Type" choose the online modality that works for you: 

  • Online: No real-time meetings are required. All activities are online.
  • Online Live: Real-time meetings are required as scheduled. All activities are online.
  • HyFlex: Students can choose to join each scheduled class session in person or online live.
  • Hybrid: Some in person meetings are required as scheduled. The remaining activities are online.

Step 2: Registering for a Class

Once you decide on a class to take, you must register for that class. If you have not previously enrolled at LACC, you will be required to apply to LACC first. 

Step 3: Logging into Your Class

After you have registered for your class, you will need to login to the Canvas system for all your course work, course questions, course documents, and assignments. You will not be able to login to your class until the class has started. Login to your class via the "Class Login" link on the left sidebar.

Learning on Canvas

Log into the SIS PeopleSoft Portal. Then select the Canvas tile.

If you're having trouble with your student portal password, call the Welcome Center Help Desk at 1 (888) 930 - 5222
or email @email
Mon - Thur: 8:00am - 7:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm

For other issues, email: @email from your LACCD email. Please be sure to include your name, Student ID Number, the section number of the class, and a description of the problem.

If you'd like to see a brief overview video of Canvas and its many features, check out this video tutorial.

Zoom Classes

LACCD uses the Zoom video conferencing system to support online classes. Your professor may also use the system for other purposes, such as hosting a guest speaker or holding online office hours.

Your instructor may send you a link for the first class, or you may be able to get to Zoom by clicking on "Zoom" in the course menu in Canvas.

  • Zoom will ask you if you would like to download the Zoom application or to use your web browser. You should click “Download and Run Zoom” to download the application:
    • After Zoom downloads, follow the directions on your computer or mobile device to install the application.
    • NOTE: You will only need to install the Zoom application once.
  • Once the app is installed, you will be asked to if you want to join the meeting with video. Choose “Join with Video" or "Join without Video". You will need a device with a webcam to join with video.
  • Next, you’ll the be asked if you want to join with audio. Click on the big blue button that says “Join with Computer Audio.” You may also connect to audio via Phone Call. The phone numbers will be provided with the Zoom invitation; you will need to input the Meeting ID number.
  • Tip: If you don’t want to be prompted for this the next time you join, check “Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting.”
  • The next time you follow a link to Zoom, you may be prompted to “Open zoom.us app.” Click on “Open zoom.us app." You’ll have to follow the steps again to join your video and audio, and then you’ll be taken to the meeting.

  • Keep yourself muted unless you are speaking
  • Turn your camera on, if possible. Seeing your face helps create a sense of community 
  • Choose an appropriate background image or blur your background when you are on camera
  • Do your best to stay engaged and present; avoid multi-tasking
  • Minimize distractions in your work space
  • Make sure your name appears as you want it to appear (add your preferred pronouns if you wish)
  • Use Zoom communication (like raising your hand or asking questions in the Zoom chat) when appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions

When you register for a class you will be added automatically to the Canvas shell. However, many instructors will not publish their shells until the first day of class, so the class may not appear on your Canvas dashboard until the semester/session starts.

Note: It can take up to 24 hours after you add a class for your account to become active in Canvas.

Once the course is published, you can use the Canvas Inbox. 

If you need to contact your instructor prior to start of class, use the LACC Directory to find their email address.

Please contact the Office of Special Services to talk to specialists who will help you. If you are already registered with OSS, your accommodation letter will automatically be shared with your instructor.

If you want to speak with your instructor about your accommodations, please use the LACC Directory to find their email address.

Remember that your online teacher will demand the same quality of work as they would receive from you in a face-to-face classroom.

A similar number of hours per week will need to be committed for an online course as there would be in a face-to-face course. (Most courses include 3 hours of in class work and at least 2 hours of homework for each hour in class for a total of 9 hours each week. An online course requires 9-15 hours of time each week to be successful).

Good organization and time management skills are very important for online learning, as you will have to work independently much of the time.

Some general tips:

  • Download the Canvas Student app to your phone, tablet, or iPad.
  • Enable push notifications so that you’ll be alerted when your instructor makes an announcement, sends you an Inbox message, or grades your assignment.
  • Use the Canvas Inbox to contact your instructor.
  • View the Calendar and To Do list in Canvas to stay on top of your assignments.
  • Set aside time every week to engage with your class, even if the class never meets on Zoom.
  • Take advantage of your instructor's office hours to get some face time and help if you need it.