Distance Learning FAQ

What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning allows students to take their course on the computer rather than in the traditional classroom setting. Students and the instructor communicate via email and discussion boards, and course materials, readings, quizzes and tests are located on a classroom website. While this is a convenient and exciting way to take a college course, these courses do require that students possess basic computer skills, solid reading and writing skills, and a high degree of self-discipline.

What is Blackboard CE6?

Blackboard CE6 is a course management system (CMS) application used by your BCC instructor to create a virtual classroom on the Internet. As a student enrolled in an online course, you will have access to your syllabus, course calendar, assignments, quizzes, grades, and other course materials via Blackboard CE6.

How do I enroll for an online course?

The enrollment process is the same as for an on-campus course. Click "admissions" on the BCC website for step-by-step instructions.

What types of courses are offered online at BCC?

There are a wide variety of courses offered online, including Sociology, Computer Science, English, History, Art History, Music, Business, Computer, and Communications courses. BCC also offers courses through its membership in Massachusetts Colleges Online, an association of Massachusetts 2- and 4-year colleges who open their online offerings to other member colleges.

What are the advantages of taking a distance learning course?

Flexibility. Distance Learning courses allow you to take courses according to your schedule. You do not have to travel to a specific place at a specific time in order to take a course.

Access*. Online courses are available to you from anyplace that has a computer and Internet access. Distance learning can work for people who have physical disabilities, have to travel extensively, are parents of young children, or have other demanding life situations.

Technology. Distance learning courses take advantage of new technologies that enable the student to develop technical skills while studying their chosen subjects.

* Some online courses require one to several campus meetings. Check your course schedule for details.

Do I have to be a computer wiz to take an online course?

No, special computer skills are not required to take an online course. You should have a good comfort level with applications like email, MS Word and PowerPoint, uploading and downloading files, browsing and researching on the Internet; plus an ability to type, read instructions, and prepare written assignments online. The ability to work on your own, get assignments in one time, pace yourself, and not put deadlines off are as important as technical skills.

Are BCC's online courses self-paced?

BCC does not offer self-paced online courses at this time. BCC's online courses run on a regular semester schedule, with the same add/drop, midterm, and finals schedule as on-campus courses. Online courses have weekly assignments, tests, and other requirements that must be turned in electronically on certain dates specified in the course syllabus.

Can I get my AA or AS degree online at BCC?

BCC has a Title III grant to develop a Liberal Arts AA degree online, in partnership with Greenfield Community College, by 2008. In the future, it is expected that more online degree options will be made available.

Will my online course transfer to a four-year college?

Online courses at BCC are fully equivalent to on-campus courses, and will transfer in the same fashion as the on-campus equivalent course.

Don't online courses take a lot of extra time?

Online courses use the same determination for credits as an on-campus equivalent course. What you may find is that you are using time differently in an online course: you will be spending less time driving to campus to get to class, and a bit more time (which is at a time that fits with your schedule) preparing and submitting your assignments and communicating with your professor and classmates online.

How does a typical online course work?

An online starts on the first day of classes. Instructors and students communicate through Blackboard CE6. Instructors will place a course syllabus, online lecture notes/handouts, assignments, schedules, discussion questions, and contact and office hours information in Blackboard CE6. Typically, students will be asked to post responses to discussion questions in the course's discussion board, in addition to completing assignments, tests, and papers. Students will receive graded work from the instructor, including feedback on participation either via Blackboard CE6 or email.

How do I find out more about distance learning at BCC?

Go to our website (http://www.berkshirecc.edu) and click on "BCC Online" under Quick Links
Email dlhelp@berkshirecc.edu
Telephone 413.236.2165 (Computer Lab) or 236-2160 (Academic Technology)