Mar 19, 2024  
BC3 Academic Catalog: 2017-2018 
    
BC3 Academic Catalog: 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Online & Distance Education


BC3 offers over 100 classes in online and distance education formats, with several associate degree and certificate programs that can be completed 100% online or with limited on-campus meetings. Call 724-287-8711, ext. 8523 or visit http://www.bc3.edu/programs-classes/online-distance-education for more information.

Delivery Modalities

Online

An online class uses the Internet, the College’s Learning Management System (Blackboard), and other web-based applications for all instruction, activities, assessments, and class interaction.

Hybrid

A hybrid class is essentially an online class, but also requires four (4) or more campus meetings. These campus meeting are scheduled in advance by the instructor. May be used for any combination of lectures, discussions, presentations, labs, examinations, etc. Required campus meeting dates are listed with the course information.

iTV

An iTV class is a traditional, on-campus class taught by one instructor but delivered to two separate classrooms simultaneously using video conferencing technology and televisions and/or computers with Internet, video and audio capabilities. iTV classes may require assignments and assessments be completed online outside of the regular class time through the College’s Learning Management System (Blackboard).

Note: Not all BC3 credit classes are offered in the online, hybrid or iTV format. See the BC3 website for availability. Distance Education classes follow the same start date, end date, midterm and final exam schedule as all BC3 classes (unless otherwise noted) and have set deadlines for assignments and testing. 

Admissions

Students wishing to take courses and/or programs via distance education must first apply to BC3. For more information, please visit http://www.bc3.edu/admission.

For out-of-state students: Please visit http://www.bc3.edu/programs-classes/online-distance-education/state-authorization.html for a list of the states and territories for which BC3 is approved to offer Distance Education and for information regarding programs leading to professional licensure. 

Registration

Registration for Distance Education courses is the same as traditional courses. For more information, please visit http://www.bc3.edu/current-students/records.

Note: Completion of GENL 001 - ET Orientation is required for ALL students taking their first online or hybrid class at BC3. Students should add this class to their schedule first when registering for their first online or hybrid course. More information is provided below.

Tuition & Fees

Students taking an online or hybrid class will pay the regular BC3 tuition and fees, plus an additional fee per credit hour. Please visit http://www.bc3.edu/paying/tuition-fees.html for current tuition rates and associated fees.

Additional Course Materials

Additional costs for online and hybrid courses may be incurred separately from the College’s standard tuition and fees, for items such as course-specific materials and supplies, web-based services, online access codes, software, at-home lab kits, etc. Notification of potential additional costs will be provided to students at the time of registration. Specific items required will be listed on the College’s online Bookstore at http://www.bc3.edu/services/bookstore.html and on the instructor’s course outline. Costs may vary.

Online & Hybrid Class Requirements

Orientation

Completion of GENL 001 - ET Orientation is required for ALL students taking their first online or hybrid class at BC3 and for students who have not completed the ET Orientation within the past two years. This is a self-paced, online class that must be completed prior to the first day of class.

Students may register for this class in the same manner as registering for any other BC3 credit class. There is no fee for this course, and it holds no credit value. Grading is Pass/Fail only, and does not count towards the calculation of GPA.

Once registered, students will receive information via their MyBC3 email account approximately 2-weeks prior to the course start date with specific information and instructions for completing this requirement.

Skills and Abilities

Students enrolled in an online or hybrid class are expected to have basic computing, word-processing, reading and comprehension skills, and prior experience using the Internet and email. 

Students new to online learning can take the “Is online learning right for me?” self-assessment located on the BC3 website at http://www.bc3.edu/programs-classes/online-distance-education/faqs.html.

Computer Access

  • Students enrolled in an online or hybrid class are expected to have regular and unrestricted access to an up-to-date computer system (Windows or Mac). Unrestricted access means the student has the permission, rights, and ability to install software and plug-ins on the computer’s hard drive. Campus computer labs are available for all students to complete classwork; however, these labs are run on a virtual thin-client environment. Some software and web-based applications will not run in the virtual thin-client environment and/or installation of the application on a virtual server may not be permitted by the software manufacturer.
  • Students must have access to a broadband Internet connection (cable, DSL, T1/LAN). A dial-up connection is not recommended.
  • Tablet computers, smart phones, and some Internet browsers may not be compatible.  
  • A webcam and microphone are required for all online classes, and may be required for hybrid classes.
  • Additional software may be required. On-campus access will not be available for all software, for example, QuickBooks®.

For more information, please visit the http://www.bc3.edu/services/technology/system-requirements.html page.

Online Testing & Student Identity Verification Guidelines

In compliance with federal regulations (34 CFR 602.17(g)), online instructors shall require students who participate in such classes and/or take exams to verify their identity by using a secure login, a pass code, a webcam, and a microphone; or to take proctored exams.

Students may be required to have photo identification for proctored examinations, which may include video and audio recording with consent of the student. In addition, new or other technologies and practices to assist in verifying student identity may be utilized.

Additional costs for proctoring services or use of other technologies and practices may apply and notice of such costs will be provided to students at the time of registration. Costs may vary.

Online Course Listing

*Not all courses are offered every semester and/or may be offered as hybrid courses. See the current BC3 credit schedule for course availability and format.

 
 
 
  

 
  
AHEA 127 - Insurance & Reimbursement Methods  
  

  

 
 
  
BIOL 132 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II  
  

 
  
BUSN 119 - Microcomputer Keyboarding  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  

  

 
  

 
 
 
 
 
  

 
 
  

  

  
  

EDUC 103 - Children’s Physical Growth, Health and Safety  
EDUC 104 - Children’s Environment 
EDUC 111 - Academic Skills Prep for Educators  
EDUC 115 - Introduction to Education  

 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 
 
  

  
  

GENL 111 - Job Readiness  

 
   
 
 
  

  

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  

  

  

  
  
 
 
  
OADM 135 - Microsoft® Access  
  

  

 
PHIL 208 - Ethics  
  

  
  

  

 
 
 
  
PSYC 223 - Social Psychology 
PSYC 240 - Child Psychology