Welcome to Kirkwood Community College online learning. I’m Emily, an instructional designer and
instructor in the distance learning department. In this video, I’ll share important information that will help
you be a successful online learner. I’ll cover the communication policies and procedures, Talon –
Kirkwood’s online course delivery platform, how to get started with your course and where to find help
when you need it. Success in your online course really depends on your motivation, time management,
reading and writing skills, and ability to effectively communicate. Your success as an online learner is very
important to us.
Communication
It’s important that you establish and regularly check your Kirkwood student email account. Official college
information will be delivered to this email address, as well as your Talon course mail. To learn more about
Kirkwood student email click the Student Email link in the information section below the video.
It is imperative that you keep your contact information updated, including your current phone number. To
update your contact information, log into Eaglenet and click on the Address Change link under the User
Account section. Approximately one week before your class begins, you will receive a course information
email message for each online course - Remember this will be sent to your Kirkwood student email
address. Save this message and read it carefully. It will contain instructor information, course login
instructions, testing procedures, and a login link to your course site.
Online Course Formats
Most online courses will require submissions of documents to assignment dropboxes, participation in
discussion forums, and/or completion of online quizzes and exams.
Online courses at Kirkwood are delivered through the Talon platform powered by Desire2Learn. A few
courses might then link to faculty or publisher provided web pages that may or may not require additional
passwords. Publisher provided sites often require a key code that is purchased with your textbook. If you
purchase a used text, you may need to buy a key code separately. Most online courses do require text
materials that are sold at the Kirkwood bookstore. Please check the Kirkwood bookstore website at the
link provided in the information section below this video. You will need your registration information to
make sure you find the materials for the correct section. Text information is also available on your course
syllabus, but early information can be gained on the Kirkwood Bookstore website and getting things done
early is a good strategy for success.
How to Log into Talon
To log into Talon, point your browser to the Kirkwood website and click on the Talon link at the top. Click
on Talon Login. Enter your K number for your username and your Eaglenet password for the
password. Passwords expire automatically every 6 months, so you will need to choose a new password
at that time. Be aware that passwords are case sensitive.
Online courses are sometimes not available until the first day of classes. If you have just registered, you
might need to wait approximately 24 hours for your registration to be processed.
When you successfully log into Talon, you will find the Welcome to Talon course. This course is a free
training resource for all students. This course offers tips and tricks for using Talon as well as suggestions
for success in online courses.
How to Start your Course
Every online course is unique as each instructor designs your learning experience. To begin your course,
be sure to read the instructor’s welcome message, which will generally contain information on getting
started. The majority of your course content, including your course syllabus, can be found by clicking on
Content. Make sure to read through all course policies in the syllabus and any additional policy pages.
Pay close attention to any due dates listed in the syllabus, calendar, or in the course content. Online
courses will have due dates for assignments and exams! It is important to manage your study time and
due dates as an online student. You are responsible for making sure assignments and tests are done on
time. Working early and often on assignments provides you with a safety net in case technical issues
arise. Make sure you ask your instructor for clarification if any content in the syllabus remains unclear.
Then, look for the first assignment and complete it right away. Instructors cannot mark you as attending
the course until an assignment in the course is complete.
Testing in Online Courses
Many online courses require one or more proctored exams. Any Kirkwood location can facilitate your
monitored tests. You can also make arrangements with a college testing center or library near you. If you
are making such arrangements you will need to submit the Exam Request Form, available on the
Distance Learning website, and include your proctor's contact information. If the test center or monitor
you select charges any fees, you are responsible for paying these costs. For more information, please
check the Taking Exams page at the link in the information section below this video.
GPA Requirement
Successful completion of online course-work requires a minimum GPA of 1.8 across all your online
courses. If your GPA is less than 1.8 for the Online classes you have taken within a 3-year time period,
you will have a registration restriction applied to your student profile. This will prevent you from taking
additional online classes until your Online GPA improves. To improve your GPA, retake a class in a faceto-face setting and earn a better score. If your GPA drops below a 1.8 you will be sent an email with more
information.
Where to find Help
When you have specific questions about assignments, due dates, and other course related materials,
your instructors will be the best source for answers. Your success in online courses will be greatly
enhanced through open communication with your instructors. Do not hesitate to call, email and post to
discussion boards.
Talon support is available 24/7 by using either the phone number listed in the Support Widget in Talon or
the online form. The Distance Learning office is located on the Cedar Rapids campus, 2196 Linn Hall.
Call, email or instant message us with your questions.
Academic support is available through the Learning Services department. Check their website for more
information.
Conclusion
Thank you for your attention to this important information concerning online classes at
Kirkwood. Don’t hesitate to contact the distance learning office with questions. We are here to help you
succeed! Good luck with your course!