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Resources for DE Students

Hawai'i Community College

Resources for DEStudentsHawai'i Community College

Hawaiʻi Community College offers many classes with a distance delivery component. Some instructors may be using a web conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet to hold live classes, some may be using Lamakū to conduct online classes without scheduled meeting times, and some may be using both.


See below for resources, videos, and links to help you be successful in your distance education (DE) classes.

Taking a Distance Education (DE) course is a different experience than taking an in-person course. In general, a successful DE student is someone who knows how to be a self-directed learner. Not sure if DE is for you? Register for the UH Orientation to Online Learning.

Online Learning: Student Voices

Zoom Introduction video

Zoom is a web conferencing tool, which means you can meet with your instructor and other students from your home or other location. Zoom allows you to see and hear each other, as well as send typed messages. You can access Zoom from your computer browser or from a mobile device (phone, tablet). Some instructors may have synchronous/live meetings (meaning everyone logs into Zoom at the same time), or may record a lecture for you to view later. For more information on using Zoom, please check out the resources below.


Zoom Resources

Joining a Meeting (3:31)

Audio & Video Basics (2:41)

In-Meeting Navigation (3:55)

The Zoom interface was recently updated and some icons/tools have moved around on the screen. However, while we await an updated video, the information provided is still helpful.

Google Meet

Google Meet is another web conferencing tool that may be used through your UH Google account.


Google Meet Resources

Lamakū is the University of Hawaiʻi’s current online learning environment, built on Brightspace by D2L. Some instructors will use Lamakū as a supplement for a traditional face-to-face (f2f) or hybrid course. Other courses, including online courses may deliver all of the course material, testing, and communication using Lamakū.


If you are new to Lamakū (Brightspace), visit these student resources to help you get started.

Lamakū logo

Lamakū Orientation Videos

The UHCC System Instructional Design Office produced a series of orientation videos to help students learn to use Lamakū.

These videos can also be accessed from the UHCC Lamakū Student Resources webpage.
discover lamaku site's student guide section

Discover Lamakū Student Guide

The Discover Lamakū site contains a curated group of in-depth articles on navigating Lamakū and how to achieve common coursework tasks like submitting assignments or taking exams, as well as more information about the Brightspace Pulse app and Brightspace Portfolio app.

Missing a Course?

If you do not see your course listed in the "My Courses" section of the page after signing in to Lamakū, check your "Sites Drawer" by clicking on the "Select a course..." icon (looks like 9 tiles) in the top right corner by your name.


Note: If your course is not listed in your Sites Drawer, please contact your instructor.

While you will be able to access most DE platforms through smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, it is not recommended to use smart devices and mobile connections for graded work.

The following recommendations from UH System Information Technology Services (ITS) will meet the needs of the general UH staff and students for email, web browsing, word processing, spreadsheet, and other office productivity software. The systems listed are ITS minimum-level recommendations. ITS recommends purchasing the systems listed below or systems that exceed these specifications.


UH students should consult with their respective instructors/programs/departments for any specialized hardware/software requirements for their field of study, that are not covered under these general recommendations.


Free computer and internet access are available at all campuses, but having reliable internet access at home is recommended for distance education classes. If you don't already have Internet access at home, please contact a local service providers to find out more about their current internet plans. The UH System Basic Needs website might have additional resources.

Remote Learning Tips | Student Perspective

Seattle Pacific University students share their tips on how to mentally prepare, organize, plan, and stay connected with the community during these times.

Remote Learning Tips | Student Perspective

Distance Learning Quick Tips

Here's a quick video with some tips on how to manage your distance and online learning. How to focus your mind, organize your space, and manage your time.
Distance Learning Quick Tips

Wondering if you have enough hours in the day?

Watch this TED talk video. There are 168 hours in each week. How do we find time to make college a priority? Time management expert Laura Vanderkam studies how busy people spend their lives, and she's discovered that many of us drastically overestimate our commitments each week while underestimating the time for what matters to us. She offers a few practical strategies to help find more time, so we can "build the lives we want in the time we've got."

Here are a few things you can do before the start of the term to get started on the right foot.

  • Watch for an email from your instructors with important info about your classes.
  • Check Lamakū the week before classes begin.
  • Check your course syllabus for any required materials (textbooks, supplies, etc.) and make arrangements early so that you have them with you on the first day of class.
  • Reach out to your instructor if you have any questions. Their contact info can be found in Lamakū and on the course syllabus.

If at any time you need support or assistance, seek help immediately. See below for a list of links and/or phone numbers of Hawaiʻi CC and UH system support services available in person, by phone, or online to help you.


Basic Needs

Basic needs include food and housing, childcare, mental health, financial resources, and transportation, among others. Student basic needs security is critical for ensuring strong academic performance, persistence and graduation, and overall student well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing basic needs insecurity, please see the UH System Basic Needs website.


Google Help


Computer Tutorials


Additional Technical Assistance

The UH System Information Technology Services (ITS) Help Desk based on Oahu is Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays:

  • Phone: 808-956-8883, Toll Free: (neighbor islands) 1-800-558-2669
  • Fax: 808-956-2108
  • Email: help@hawaii.edu
  • Via Lamakū: use the Requesting Assistance link on the Lamakū login page or in the "Lamakū Help" tool, and provide a detailed description. Someone will respond by sending an email to your UH email account.


Academic Support Services – (If you need help with your coursework)


Student Support Services – (academic advising; financial aid or personal counseling)

Hawai‘i Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, status as a covered veteran, national guard, victims of domestic or sexual violence, gender identity and expression, genetic information, citizenship, credit history, and income assignment.


For inquiries regarding our nondiscrimination policies, please contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, hawvcsa@hawaii.edu. For disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services at 808-934-2725.

Hawai'i CC
Instructional Technology Support Office