January 7, 2009
How do online courses differ from regular classes?
What resources does the library provide to online students?
How do online courses work?
Who takes online courses?
How do I register for an online course? Can I register online?
Who teaches online classes?
Can I talk with the instructor before registering for an online course?
Are these classes transferable to other colleges?
What computer skills do I need to take a web class?
What kind of computer do I need?
What if I need to talk with my instructor?
How much time each week do I need to spend on my course?
What if my course has a lab component?
What if I can't finish my course on time?
Can I purchase my textbooks online?
Can I take a sample online course to see what its like?
How do I access library subscription resources?
What resources does the library provide to online students?
How do I get a BHCC ID card / library card?
How do I find the library's webpage?
Will I ever need to come to the BHCC campus in person?
How do online courses differ from regular classes?
The only difference is the manner in which course materials are accessed. Every online course is the equivalent in content and academic rigor to those in a traditional classroom. Students are expected to maintain continuous progress in their web course(s).
What resources does the library provide to online students?
The library provides access to services and materials (books, articles, and more) in electronic formats available through the internet. See http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/distanceaccess.htm for a guide to library services for distance learning. To access some library services, a library card is required.
How do online courses work?
Online courses are available over the internet. The student accesses all course materials via a user name and password provided by the college and completes research and assignments independently. Most courses have exams (such as a midterm and final) that the student must take at the BHCC campus.
Who takes online courses?
Motivated, self-directed, mature students with busy schedules tend to be most successful in online classes. However, any student who requires the convenience and flexibility of an online course should consider the option. In all cases, strong reading and writing skills are strongly recommended for prospective students.
How do I register for an online course? Can I register online?
You may register for your online course by mail, phone or fax by providing your VISA, Master Card or Discover information. Contact the Registrar's office to find out the last day for mail, phone and fax registration at 617-228-2422. You may also register in person until the last day for evening credit courses. Once you have registered for your course, visit the bhccOnline site and complete the My Course Access process. If you are currently a student at BHCC and wish to register online for distance learning courses, email bsakamoto@bhcc.mass.edu.
Who teaches online classes?
The majority of online instructors are full-time faculty members at member colleges. In all cases, the instructors have undertaken extensive training in online instruction and have redesigned their existing classes to best accommodate this mode of instructional delivery.
Can I talk with the instructor before registering for an online course?
That depends upon the instructor and to some extent, the provider college. Often, the provider college will have academic advisors and student advocates who can answer your questions or forward specific inquiries to an instructor on your behalf. Be sure to visit the distance education office at your institution for more information.
Are these classes transferable to other colleges?
Online courses enjoy the same transferability as those offered by the provider institution in a traditional classroom environment. As with all courses, students must consult with the transfer institution.
What computer skills do I need to take a web class?
You must have basic computer skills, such as sending and receiving e-mail, word processing, cutting and pasting within documents, toggling between applications and using e-mail attachments. For specialized courses, other skills may be required. These requirements will be listed under "Special Considerations" in the course description.
What kind of computer do I need?
Students should have (or have access to) a computer which runs Windows 98 or above, access to the Internet via 56k connection or better, an e-mail account and access to a printer. Students also need Netscape or Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater. Courses are compatible with both Macintosh and personal computers. Hardware requirements in excess of those listed above will be detailed in the course description under "Special Considerations" when appropriate.
What if I need to talk with my instructor?
Once enrolled, students may contact instructors via e-mail. In some courses, instructors hold regular live chat sessions, post electronic office hours and list telephone numbers where they can be reached. Early reports from online students suggest they have as much, if not more, access to instructors in an online course than in the traditional classroom setting.
How much time each week do I need to spend on my course?
That depends on the course and your abilities. In general, you should plan on spending at least six to ten hours per week, per course. Some courses may require more.
What if my course has a lab component?
Courses with lab requirements are considered "Special Consideration" classes and may be handled in a variety of ways including (but not limited to):
"Special Consideration" requirements will be noted in the course description for these classes.
What if I can't finish my course on time?
Most instructors understand that problems arise that may prevent students from completing their work in a timely fashion. If effort has been expended and significant progress achieved, in-progress (IP) grades may be available. However, the instructor is the sole arbiter concerning the completion of work in his or her course, absent any institution-wide policy at the provider college.
Can I purchase my textbooks online?
Yes, students can use familiar outlets such as Amazon.com or bn.com to purchase textbooks online. Students are advised to consult the BHCC Bookstore first, as online providers can be out-of-stock or in a back-ordered situation which may cause serious delays.
Can I take a sample online course to see what its like?
Yes. You can access a demo course demo course.
How do I access library subscription resources?
A guide to accessing library resources online is available at http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/SubscriptionDatabaseAccess.pdf. All BHCC students have access to the library's materials, including its collections of electronic resources, featuring e-books and articles online.
What resources does the library provide to online students?
The library provides access to services and materials (books, articles, and more) in electronic formats available through the internet. See http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/distanceaccess.htm for a guide to library services for distance learning. To access some library services, a library card is required.
How do I get a BHCC ID card / library card?
Students with courses on campus can obtain a BHCC ID card (link: http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/idcard.htm) with a copy of a current course schedule and a government issued photo ID.
Distance education students are not issued student ID cards, but can obtain a library card number to access library services, databases, and other materials. Students may apply for a distance education BHCC Library card number only if they are not able to access the BHCC campus. The application for this library card is available at http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/distanceaccess.htm
How do I find the library's webpage?
The webpage and online library services are available 24/7 at this URL: http://www.noblenet.org/bhcc/
Will I ever need to come to the BHCC campus in person?
Most courses have exams (such as a midterm and final exam) that must be taken in person at the BHCC campus. Dates and times for testing are flexible and you can contact the BHCC Online office at 617-228-2466 for further information about testing procedures.
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