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? 2. How do I know if online courses are a good option for me? 3. How do e-Learning classes work? 4. Do I have to be online or submit assignments at a certain time? 5. Will I be required to come to campus? 6. How much time should I expect to spend each week on an online course? 7. What is a "Blended" course as opposed to an "Online" course? 8. What are fast track classes? 9. How can I find out more about the course(s) that I am interested in? 10. How do I enroll in e-Learning classes? 11. Can I take an e-Learning course if I don't own a computer? 12. Are e-Learning courses easier than traditional, on-campus courses? 13. Are e-Learning courses the same as on-campus courses (same instructor, accreditation, outcomes, etc.)? 14. What technology skills do I need to be able to take an e-Learning course? 15. Do e-learners have the same student services and resources as on-campus students? 16. How do I order books for online courses? 17. How do I get help if I need it? 18. How much do e-Learning courses cost?

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 view a list of which courses are currently being offered online. Return to top of page.

2. How do I know if online courses are a good option for me?

Answer: Taking courses online isn't for everyone; it takes motivation, self-discipline, good time-management skills, and basic technology skills.  If you are not sure if online courses are right for you, start by taking a self-assessment quiz in the Getting Started section to the left.  Also read FAQ #14 below.  Return to top of page.

3. How do e-Learning classes work?

Answer: In general, for online classes, you will be required to complete assignments, take quizzes, and/or participate in discussions - all online. The course content resides within a learning management system that BC uses called Blackboard. 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. You'll log in right from the main page of the BC web site.  Return to top of page.

4. Do I have to be online or submit assignments 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 the due dates indicated in the syllabus. Return to top of page.

5. Will I be required to come to campus?

Answer: Some of BC's online courses 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. Return to top of page.

6. How much time should I expect to spend each week on an online course?

Answer: Online courses take the same amount of time or more than traditional classes.  For example, for a three-credit class, you would expect to spend three hours per week in a classroom plus several hours per week reading your text, doing homework, or studying for tests.  So if you typically need to spend a total of 10 hours per week on a traditional class, then you'll need to set aside at least that much time per week for your online class.  The best idea is to set specific times to log in to your e-Learning class just as you would attend an on-campus class at specific times.  The good part, however, is you get to choose those times and you don't have to spend extra time driving to and from class or finding a parking space.  Return to top of page.

7. What is a "Blended" course as opposed to an "Online" course?

Answer: 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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. One of the Learning Resource Centers (LRCs - see Student Resources), a public library, and/or an employer computer can be a good alternate to access e-Learning courses when a personal computer is not available or is not working properly. Return to top of page.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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:

1. 1. Know how to use a mouse and keyboard to select and start programs, and to enter information.
   2. Know how to connect to the Internet and use web browser software to locate information on the Internet.
   3. Know how to create and manage folders on a computer, including finding, uploading, downloading, and saving individual files.
   4. Know how to download and install "plug-in" software such as media viewers, java, etc.
   5. Know how to manage security settings on your computer through the Internet browser software and fire wall.
   6. Know how to use word processing software such as Microsoft Word to create, edit, and print text documents.
   7. Know how to send and receive messages using e-mail. Return to top of page.

15. Do e-learners have the same student services and resources as on-campus students?

Answer: Yes! e-Learning students can register and pay for classes online, meet with an advisor online, access tutoring services, use online library databases, contact the 24/7 help desk, and more.  Check out the Student Services section to the left for more information about the different types of services available to all BC students.  Return to top of page.

16. How do I order books for online courses?

Answer: Online, of course! You can order your textbooks online through the college bookstore and have them sent to you.  You are also more than welcome to go to one of the campus bookstores, if you prefer.  Return to top of page.

17. How do I get help if I need it?

Answer: If you have a question before you register, you can contact the e-Learning office at 954-201-6564 or elearning@broward.edu, or an advisor (see Student Resources at the left).  If you have a question after you've registered, you can contact the 24/7 Blackboard help desk for all your technical questions (see the Get Help section to the left).  If you have a question about course content or assignments, you'll be able to e-mail your professor from within the online course itself.  And don't forget to refer to this web site to get answers to most of your basic questions. Return to top of page.

18. How much do e-Learning courses cost?

Answer: Broward College's tuition and fees are among the most affordable in Florida. Students enrolled in online courses pay the regular college tuition and fees in addition to a distance learning fee of $5.75 per credit hour.  However, students in online courses do not pay lab fees.  For Blended and Web-enhanced courses, there is no distance learning fee but there may be a lab fee, where applicable.  Return to top of page.