You’ll want to be comfortable with the basics: turning your computer on/off, managing files and folders, connecting to the internet, and using a web browser. You’ll also need to know how to send and organize email, attach and download files, and use word processing software like Microsoft Word (free for Mitchell students through Microsoft 365). Once your class starts, you’ll navigate everything through the College’s learning platform. This is where you’ll find course materials, submit assignments, join discussions, take quizzes, and check grades.

Online learning takes more self-direction than an in-person class, so a few habits go a long way: log in regularly rather than waiting until deadlines, use a calendar or task app to track due dates, and set aside dedicated study time each week. You’ll also want basic research skills like knowing how to find credible sources online and evaluating whether information is trustworthy, since many assignments involve outside research. If your class includes live video sessions like Microsoft Teams, get comfortable muting/unmuting, turning your camera on/off, and sharing your screen ahead of time.

At minimum, you’ll need a computer or laptop that can run an up-to-date browser, a stable high-speed internet connection, and a webcam and microphone for classes that include video conferencing. Speakers or headphones are helpful for lectures and discussions, and you’ll want basic antivirus/security software on your device. Some courses may also require a webcam and microphone for exam proctoring, so check out your course syllabus and confirm with your instructor if this applies to your class. Mitchell students get Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive) free, so you don’t need to buy separate productivity software.

The quickest way to access all your Mitchell resources and logins is through the My Mitchell portal at mitchellcc.edu/my-mitchell/.

Both Moodle and Canvas work on almost any computer or laptop. You just need a normal internet connection and an updated web browser. For the best experience, use the latest version of Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge on your Mac, Windows, Chromebook, or Linux device. Make sure your browser has cookies and JavaScript turned on, and turn off pop-up blockers for your school’s site so your assignments load properly.

Using your phone to complete work is not recommended. If you’re just checking your grades or sending a message, that should be fine. Open LMS (Mitchell’s Moodle provider) has a dedicated app that is recommended, but it requires iOS 15 / Android 7 or newer, while Canvas requires a more recent phone running iOS 18 / Android 9 or above. If you’re completing assignments, use a computer for the best experience — some course activities and third-party tools linked within your course don’t work well on mobile apps, period. So, using a computer is recommended when possible, especially for quizzes, longer assignments, or outside tools your instructor may use.

That depends on the specific class. If you already have access to the course, look at the course syllabus and see what software is required. If you still can’t find that information, email your instructor. You can also try reaching out to your academic advisor or visiting the bookstore’s website.

You shouldn’t use your personal email for professional or college-related business at Mitchell. You should always use your Mitchell email ending with students.mitchellcc.edu. One exception would be if you’ve been locked out of your account or forgot your password and need to email our support team at itsupport@mitchellcc.edu.

You should check your Mitchell email daily. This is how the College and your instructors share important updates, deadlines, and course announcements. Checking your email daily helps make sure you don’t miss anything time sensitive.

Moodle and Canvas are where your actual coursework happens, including assignments, quizzes, discussions, and grades. Microsoft 365 is how the College communicates with you (Outlook email) and gives you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive cloud storage. Self-Service is where you check your class schedule, posted final grades, and account details in real time. You can reach all three through the My Mitchell portal on the College website.

Microsoft Teams may be used for some class meetings or virtual office hours if your instructor offers them. Not all courses use Teams, so check out your course syllabus or ask your instructor whether it’s part of your class.

First, check Self-Service to confirm you’re officially registered for the course. After registering, it can take up to 24 hours for a course to appear in the learning management system. If it’s been more than 24 hours and you still haven’t seen your course, contact dl-information@mitchellcc.edu for help.

Please reach out to our 24/7 phone support at +1-704-603-6736. They can help with the majority of issues. They will also forward any major issues to the Center for Teaching Innovation and Emerging Technologies for further support if needed.

Tutoring is available in person through the Tutoring Center, and online through Tutor.com. You can find the link to Tutor.com within your course in the learning management system.

Yes. Registering for an online curriculum course works the same as registering for any other course; you must be an admitted Mitchell student first. If you’re not yet a student, start with the How to Apply and Steps to Enrollment pages before registering.

The process for accessing an online Continuing Education course is similar, but not all Continuing Education classes use the learning management system (Moodle or Canvas) and some may run differently. Ask your instructor or advisor when you register so you know what to expect for your specific class.

It depends. If you’re traveling outside of the United States while enrolled in a Mitchell course, let IT know well in advance of your trip so they can confirm the country you’re traveling to meets our security governance protocols. Not all countries are approved for access, so reach out to itsupport@mitchellcc.edu as early as possible before you travel.

The difference comes down to how much time you’ll spend in a classroom, in person, with your instructor:

• Traditional course: the instructional time is 100% seated; all meeting times are in person, in a classroom, with your instructor.
• Hybrid course: less than 50% of instructional time happens in person. You’ll still go to a classroom sometimes, just not as often as a traditional course.
• Online course: none of the instructional time is in person with an instructor.

Keep in mind: the North Carolina Community College System allows online courses to require some in-person components, like exams or orientations. Check out your course syllabus and talk with your instructor or academic advisor to confirm any in-person requirements for your specific course.

It’s possible, depending on the expectations of your specific course. Some online courses may require in-person components like exams or orientations. Check your course syllabus and reach out to your instructor to verify whether your course has any in-person requirements.

Please reach out to our 24/7 phone support at +1-704-603-6736. If they are unable to help you, they will raise a ticket on your behalf with our technology teams.

Of course! If you’re still unsure about something related to your online course after you’ve reached out to the 24/7 phone number, then email us at dl-information@mitchellcc.edu.