Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Traits of Successful Online Students?
- Self-motivator
- Not a procrastinator
- Ability to stay on task without prompting
- Ability to read and follow written directions
- Works well alone
- Not easily distracted
- Organized
- Good communicator
- Good computer skills
Is Online Learning Right for Me? (Self-Assessment)
How Much Time Do Online Courses Take?
Plan to spend at least 10 - 12 hours per week on each online course. This time can
vary depending on your reading speed and comprehension, computer skills and how well
you grasp the concepts of the topic. Online courses are not self-paced, but you may
do your course work at times convenient for you within the course deadlines.
Do I Need to Be Online at a Certain Time?
Not usually. Some instructors do require students to be online at specific times for
chats. It is best to check with the instructor prior to registering for the course.
Do I Need to Register for Online Orientation?
The MyBC3 Technology Orientation is a free, self-paced and fully-online course that introduces students to the instructional technologies used and resources available to students at BC3. The estimated time to complete the MyBC3 Technology Orientation is: 2 hours.
- Students do not need to register for this course. Once enrolled in any credit course
at BC3, the student will see the MyBC3 Technology Orientation appear in the “My Courses” area in Blackboard. Students will periodically receive
email notifications alerting them to upcoming session start dates and reminding them
to complete the MyBC3 Technology Orientation.
- Please note: Completion of the MyBC3 Technology Orientation in Blackboard is required for all students taking online or hybrid classes at BC3. Students enrolled in a
face-to-face or iTV course may also be asked or required to complete this orientation
by their instructor. It is highly suggested that ALL students complete this orientation prior to the start of their first semester at
BC3.
- Completion of the MyBC3 Technology Orientation will be noted on the student’s academic record, and they will not be asked to complete this orientation again while studying at BC3. There is no tuition or fees associated with this course, it holds no credit value, and does not count towards the calculation of GPA.
Do I Need a Textbook for an Online Course?
Most Online courses do have a textbook requirement. You can check with the BC3 Bookstore
at http://bookstore.bc3.edu/SelectTermDept.aspx to find out what textbook and/or materials you need for each course. You can order
all online and hybrid course materials from the BC3 Bookstore either in person or
online. Click here for directions on how to find the books you need for your courses.
How Are Online Courses Delivered?
BC3 uses a Learning Management System (LMS) called Blackboard.
- Online:
An online course primarily 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 course is essentially an online course, but also requires four (4) or more on‐campus sessions. These on‐campus sessions may be used for any combination of lectures, discussions, presentations, labs, on‐campus examinations, and so on. Required on‐campus session dates are listed on the Credit Course Schedule.
- iTV:
An iTV course is a traditional, on‐campus course 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 courses may require assignments and assessments be completed online outside of the regular class time through the College’s Learning Management System (Blackboard).
How Do I Register for Online or Hybrid Courses?
If you are a new student, who has not yet applied, go through the Admissions Office. If you are a current student or a newly accepted student, you may meet with an advisor.
Registration for Distance Education courses is the same as traditional courses. Contact the BC3 Registrar at 724.287.8711 ext. 8253 or register online through the MyBC3 Portal. Students pay the regular tuition and fees for all distance education courses.
Online and hybrid courses will be charged an additional fee per credit hour. See Online Courses – Additional Cost Per Credit on the Tuition & Fees page. Some courses may require proctored exams or other methods of identity verification. Additional fees may apply.
Registration for Distance Education courses is the same as traditional courses. Contact the BC3 Registrar at 724.287.8711 ext. 8253 or register online through the MyBC3 Portal. Students pay the regular tuition and fees for all distance education courses.
Online and hybrid courses will be charged an additional fee per credit hour. See Online Courses – Additional Cost Per Credit on the Tuition & Fees page. Some courses may require proctored exams or other methods of identity verification. Additional fees may apply.
Will Online or Hybrid Courses at BC3 Transfer to Another College or University?
Online and hybrid courses are listed on your BC3 academic transcript just like any other courses. There is no online or hybrid designation. 70% of BC3 Students transfer their BC3 credits to a 4-year University.
- Before you take any course, find a transfer friendly program that interests you.
- Speak to your Advisor or to a Transfer Counselor.
- Decide which 4 year institution you want to attend and contact their Transfer Admissions Office.
- Stop by the University Partnership Center in the BC3 Student Success Center to speak to a University representative so you take the classes that do transfer to where you want to attend.
Do I Need to Own a Computer to Take Online or Hybrid Classes?
It is highly recommended that students have their own computer but not required. However, students enrolled
in online or hybrid courses are expected to have regular and unrestricted access to
an up‐to‐date computer system (Windows or Macintosh) and a reliable broadband Internet
connection (cable, DSL, T1/LAN). A dial‐up connection is not reliable and NOT recommended. Tablet computers (including iPads and Chromebook), smart phones, and some Internet
browsers may not be compatible. (See Personal Computer Requirements.)
Campus computer labs are available at specific times for all students to complete classwork; however, these labs 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Technical problems with a student’s computer, browser settings, firewall settings, Internet Service, or anything not working, other than BC3 Technology or Blackboard® non-scheduled outages is not a valid reason for missing class work or deadlines. Always have a backup plan in case of technical problems.
Campus computer labs are available at specific times for all students to complete classwork; however, these labs 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Technical problems with a student’s computer, browser settings, firewall settings, Internet Service, or anything not working, other than BC3 Technology or Blackboard® non-scheduled outages is not a valid reason for missing class work or deadlines. Always have a backup plan in case of technical problems.