Distance Learning at Bridgewater State College

Online learning, while exciting and convenient, is not for everyone.  In order to be successful, you will need the following:

Commitment to:
  • Making time in your schedule to complete coursework.  These courses do not require you to be online at any specific time.  However, you still need to make time in your schedule to complete the coursework.
  • Keeping up with regularly scheduled course assignments.
  • Attending on-campus class meetings for 80/20 hybrid courses (indicated by Y in section number.)
  • Participating in virtual class meetings, if required for your course.  Some instructors use Blackboard, Moodle or Adobe Connect for scheduled, online lectures, discussions, and/or other class activities.
  • Collaborating with other students (e.g. online class discussion)
  • Communicating with your instructor when you need help with course material.
  • Contacting Information Technology Support when you need help with technical problems.
Daily access to a computer with the following minimum specs:
  • Windows XP or higher or Mac OS X or higher.
  • Internet connection: high speed (cable or DSL) strongly recommended.  A 56kb dialup connection may pose problems, since many instructors now use multimedia content that requires a high speed Internet connection.
  • Internet Explorer v6.0 or higher or Safari v1.0 or higher.
  • Current antivirus and anti-spyware software.
  • MS Office (2003 or more recent preferred) or compatible word processor.
Basic computer skills (minimum requirements):
  • Navigating the Windows or Mac operating system and desktop environment.
  • Saving files and organizing them in folders.
  • Sending and receiving email and email attachments.
  • Searching the Web efficiently.
  • Using MS Word or compatible word processor to write papers.
  • Additional skills specific to the course you plan to take may be required.

Getting Started

How do I claim my Blackboard User Account?

  1. Open your browser and go to the following web address: https://www.bridgew.edu/accountregistration.cfm
  2. Click the Activate a Blackboard User Account link
  3. Type your Student ID in the text box and click Submit
  4. Type your new password in the first Password field
  5. Type your new password again in the Verification field
  6. Click the Submit button. Your Blackboard User Account will be activated within 24 hours

For further review, a Blackboard QuickStart Tips sheet is available in  HTML format. It contains instructions for performing common Blackboard tasks such as claiming your Blackboard User Account, enrolling in your course sites, using the Digital DropBox, and more - all on a one-page handout.

How do I enroll in my Blackboard course?

  1. Open your browser and go to the following web address: blackboard.bridgew.edu
  2. Click the Course Catalog button
  3. Locate your course name, title, and section from the course listings. Click the Enroll button next to your course name
  4. A Login box will appear. Type your Blackboard username and password. Click the Login button
  5. Click the Submit button to enroll in your course
  6. You are now enrolled in your course. Click the OK button to proceed into your course

For further review, a Blackboard QuickStart Tips sheet is available in HTML format. It contains instructions for performing common Blackboard tasks such as claiming your Blackboard User Account, enrolling in your course sites, using the Digital DropBox, and more - all on a one-page handout.

Why can't I claim a Blackboard User Account?

If you do not have an active BSC User Account (the account that lets you do BSC E-mail, log into campus computers, etc.), then you must activate your BSC User Account at Account Registration : Bridgewater State College. After activating your BSC User Account, you can then claim your Blackboard User Account.

If you do have a BSC User Account and you still cannot claim your Blackboard User Account, contact the Technology Help Desk at 508.531.2555 and inform them of the problem.  You may already have a Blackboard User Account on the system from a past semester, in which case your Blackboard password can be reset.

Which web browser can I use?

You should be using either Internet Explorer v6.0 (or higher) or Safari v1.0 (or higher) to access Blackboard.

If you are accessing the internet through America Online, you can minimize the AOL browser and open Internet Explorer to use Blackboard.  If you do not have the Internet Explorer on your computer, visit the following web address to download the appropriate browser:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I register and enroll for a distance learning course?
Registration for all credit bearing distance learning courses (web, web-based, video/DVDÂ…) is completed through the Registrar's Office like every other course. You will need to complete a registration form and submit it to the Registrar's Office during the registration period for that semester. Please note that if you are a returning matriculated student, you will need your advisor's signature on the registration form.

What is the cost of a distance learning course?
All web and web-based courses carry the same tuition and fees as every other BSC 3 credit course. The video/DVD courses require an additional $50 fee for copying and license rights. The College Catalog will provide specific tuition and fee information.

What computer skills do I need to take an online course?

Basic computer skills are required for online courses.  These skills include sending and receiving email, word processing, cutting and pasting within documents, toggling between applications and using email attachments.  In specialized courses, other skills may be required.  These requirements will be listed in the course description.

Are textbooks included in the tuition and fees?
The cost of textbooks is not included in your tuition and fees. You can contact the BSC Bookstore at 508.531.6198 or visit the website at www.bridgew.edu/Bookstore/ to purchase books and other course material.

Are all BSC distance learning courses taught over the Internet?
A variety of methods may be used to deliver courses to your home or workplace. Courses are delivered via videotape, DVD, Internet, lecture, email and print materials.

Will the credit I earn apply toward my degree? Yes, if it is on your degree plan at BSC.

Do I need to be admitted to BSC to take a distance learning course? No. As long as there are spots available, non-matriculated students may register for a distance learning course.

How do I take exams? Each faculty member makes different arrangements for exams. Information on exams will be found in the course syllabus, on Blackboard or provided by the instructor. Some instructors may require students to come to campus for exams.

How do I interact with my professor?  Instructors answer email questions, participate in online discussions, and personally evaluate assignments.  Scheduled "office hours" are available weekly.

How do I interact with other students in my class?  You will communicate with other students through email.  You will also be able to post questions and comments to your course's threaded discussion using Blackboard.  This allows you to hold virtual conversations with other classmates without having to be online at the same time.

Are online courses equivalent to onsite courses? Bridgewater State College distance learning courses meet all of the same criteria as the onsite equivalent.

How much time does an online course require?  An online course mirrors its on-campus counterpart in terms of subject matter covered, homework and research.  You should be prepared to participate in online discussions to have a successful experience.

Who teaches the online courses? BSC credit distance learning courses are taught by the same faculty teaching onsite at the campus. They haven't changed what they teach, just how they deliver it.

How important are writing skills in an online course?  Excellent writing skills are critical in an online course.  You must be able to communicate effectively with your instructor and the other students.  Online students in a threaded discussion are expected to be concise, clear and to have well thought out comments.

What can I expect in an online course? You should expect the same rigorous requirements as you would find in a similar on-campus course. We certainly want to dispel any myths about online education being easy. In the online classroom, everyone participates. There is no "back of the class" and the interaction and discussion topics can be lengthy. Additionally, because of the web-based delivery, you will find yourself doing as much or more reading and writing than in traditional face-to-face environments.

What will help me succeed in an online course?

Determination, motivation and commitment are key elements to succeed in any course, but this is especially true for online learning.

Are courses self-paced? No. Courses are instructor-led and follow the same semester schedule as traditional courses. All specific course information is in the syllabus provided by the instructor, including how to reach the instructor, what work is expected, and deadlines to turn in assignments and take tests.

Will I need to visit campus from time to time? All courses listed with a W section designation do not require any on-campus meetings. Courses with a V, X or Y section designation will require some on-campus meetings. The number of meetings will depend on the course and the instructor.

Where can I get research materials, books and other tools?

Please send additional questions to distancelearning@bridgew.edu.

Last Modified: October 30, 2008