Laney ESOL classes are both online and on campus.

What is an online class?

An online class is a class that you take on your computer, so you don’t need to come to school. Now, some courses are online, some are hybrid and some are completely on campus

What is a hybrid class?

Hybrid is what we call a class that is ½ at school and ½ online. Normally hybrid will mean that you come to class one day a week and do the other day’s lesson on the computer on your own time.

What if I don’t have a computer and internet at home?

There are several programs now helping students to get computers and internet access. Your teachers may also have access to resources, so please let us know how we can help you.  You may be able to do some of the work on your phone, but you will need a computer to do a lot of the homework.

Is there help at Laney to teach me to use my computer better?

Yes!  You can make an online appointment or call the tutors for help with using Canvas and Zoom.  If your password doesn’t work, send your name, student number, and birthdate to canvas@peralta.edu.  They will help you reset the password.

You can also visit our Student Tech Support Center for additional assistance.

What is Canvas?

All California Community College classes use a program called Canvas. You can get to Canvas at the Peralta Website. Click “students” and the sign in with your Peralta email address and password. If you have trouble with the password, send an email to canvas@peralta.edu or you can contact the Welcome Center here.

You will not have a class on your Canvas course list until the day after you register in that class.

If you need access to materials before you are officially registered, contact your teacher. The list of teachers with email and other contact information is here

How to use Canvas

Do I need to use Zoom?

Most online classes will hold sessions on Zoom so that you can see your teacher and practice with your classmates. You can do this on your phone, tablet, or computer. Your teacher will give you the weblink and Meeting ID to their Zoom room. Most Zoom classes will also be recorded so that you can watch the class later if you can’t go that day. Ask your teacher for their rules and expectations.

You will want to get the Zoom app (on iphone go to the App store, on Android phone/Chromebook go to Google Play Store, or on a computer, go to https://zoom.us/download and install the app on your Apple or Windows computer.) You do not need a Zoom account to attend a meeting, but it works a lot better if the app is installed. If you do not have other access, you can also call in from a regular phone to listen to the Zoom meeting.

Will I have a book?

Some teachers will still require that you buy a book. Some will not. If you need to buy a book, you can go to the Laney bookstore on campus, buy it online from the Laney bookstore, or  get that book from any local or online bookstore. Be sure to get the “ISBN” number from your teacher so that you are sure you get the right version of that book.

EOPS students may still need to buy books through the Laney Bookstore to get reimbursed.  Here is more information about the Laney College Bookstore.  

How can I contact a teacher?

You can contact a teacher to ask about classes.  We are here to help you!  See this ESOL teachers list with contact information.