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 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Review the list of frequently asked questions below. If you do not see an answer to your question, use BC's search feature in the banner above to locate information about your question. If you cannot find the answer to your question, click the Contact Us link on the left navigation menu to ask your question.
1. What BC programs/courses are available online?
Answer: Broward College offers five associate degrees and four certificate programs completely online. See the link on the left navigation bar for Degrees and Programs for more information on these programs. In addition, students can satisfy their general education and many program-specific requirements through e-Learning. See the link to Register for Courses on the left to learn how to search for a particular course and find out if it is offered online. Return to top of page.
2. Do I have to be online at a certain time?
Answer: For course components that are online, you do not normally have to be online at a certain time. Instead, you can study when it is convenient for you, as long as you complete and submit required assignments and tests by due dates indicated in the syllabus. Return to top of page.
3. How do e-Learning classes work? Will I be required to come to campus?
Answer: Just as on-campus courses are different because they are taught by different instructors, e-Learning courses are taught by different instructors, and they are offered in different formats, making each e-Learning course unique. Reading course syllabi is the best way to learn about the specific requirements of courses that you want to or have enrolled in. It is recommended that you view the "course preview page" for the online or blended course(s) that you are interested in (see FAQ #5).
In general, for online classes, you will be required to complete assignments, take quizzes, and/or participate in discussions - all online. Once registered for an e-Learning course, you'll be able to login to your course site at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) from any Internet-connected computer in the world. Some of BC's online courses, however, do have one or more required on-campus meetings that you will be expected to attend. These face-to-face meetings may include an orientation, tests, or lab assignments. Required meeting dates are normally indicated in the course schedule and in the course syllabus. Make sure that you understand the instructor's attendance policy before enrolling in a class that will have meetings that you know you won't be able to attend.
In general, for blended courses, you will be required to attend regularly scheduled on-campus meetings in addition to completing online activities and assignments. Unlike traditional courses, that might require students to attend on-campus courses two days a week for a total of three hours. A typical blended course might require students to be on campus only one day a week for 1 1/2 hours, in addition to completing online activities. Students in blended courses can access their course site at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) from any Internet-connected computer in the world. Return to top of page.
4. What are fast track classes?
Answer: Fast Track courses have been compressed into a short time period. Where a class would normally be completed over 16 weeks during a regular semester, fast track classes are completed over a period of just 8 weeks. These courses move very fast and can be "intense" since the same volume of material and assignments/tests are delivered in half the time. This format is a good choice for students who are motivated, self-disciplined, and who have the time that is needed to devote to accelerated studies. Many Fast Track courses are delivered in an e-Learning format for added convenience to learners. Other fast-track courses are delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. When registering, be sure to check the format of the course(s) you are registering for. Return to top of page. 5. How can I find out more about the course(s) that I am interested in?
Answer: Each online and blended e-Learning course has an online "course preview page" that can be viewed by clicking on the Course Schedule link on the left navigation menu. Select the "Additional Course Info" link, then scroll down to locate the course number, instructor and reference number that you wish to know more about. Return to top of page.
6. How do I enroll in e-Learning classes?
Answer: Once you are admitted to BC and have satisfied any required college-prep prerequisites, you may enroll in e-Learning classes using our regular on-campus or online registration processes. Students who are most successful in e-Learning courses are those who are self-motivated, self-disciplined (able to make and stick to a study schedule), and who have good technology skills. We recommend that you complete the Orientation to e-Learning before enrolling in an e-Learning course to make sure that this kind of course is a good option for you. Return to top of page.
7. Can I take an e-Learning course if I don't own a computer?
Answer: Yes, however, you must be able to get frequent access to a reliable computer in order to complete any e-Learning course at BC. Each of BC's campuses has an open computer lab that is available to students who are enrolled in BC courses. The open computer labs are located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in the library on each campus. Most public libraries also provide publicly available computers that may be suitable for accessing BC's e-Learning courses. Some students get permission to use computers at their workplace, outside of their normal working hours. Often, publicly available computers can only be used for a limited period of time, which may not be sufficient for you to complete necessary online study and/or assignments. In addition, BC cannot guarantee compatibility or reliability of the hardware or software of any non-BC computer for use with online courses at BC. For these reasons, most students prefer the convenience and security of using their own computer to access their e-Learning courses. LRC, public library, and employer computers can be a good way to access e-Learning courses when a personal computer is not available or is not working properly. Return to top of page.
8. Are e-Learning courses easier than traditional, on-campus courses?
Answer: The short answer is no. e-Learning classes teach the same material as our on-campus courses. Students who have poor technology skills or who need the discipline of regularly scheduled class meetings in order to stay on task, are likely to feel that e-Learning courses are more difficult than classroom-based courses. Students who have good technology skills, are self-disciplined, and regularly make time to study and complete assignments are likely to feel that e-Learning courses are similarly challenging to on-campus classes. Return to top of page.
9. Are e-Learning courses the same quality as on-campus courses?
Answer: Yes. The same content is taught in BC's e-Learning courses as is taught in our on-campus courses. In most cases e-Learning courses are developed and taught by the same Faculty who teach BC's on-campus courses. All online and blended e-Learning courses are reviewed by an instructional designer, other Faculty and students before they are delivered to e-Learning students. Broward Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the primary regional accrediting association for our region. Many of BC's programs are also endorsed or accredited by industry-specific agencies. To inquire about these specialized endorsements and accreditations, check with the department responsible for the program you are interested in. Return to top of page.
10. What technology skills do I need to be able to take an e-Learning course?
Answer: Students taking e-Learning classes are more likely to be successful if they possess the following technology skills before starting their e-Learning classes:
11. How much do e-Learning courses cost?
Answer: The cost of tuition is the same as for traditional, on-campus courses. However, students enrolled in e-Learning courses may be assessed special fees. Return to top of page. | ||
