Blended Learning Courses at Berkeley College - FAQ

What is a blended learning course?

What is a typical course schedule?

Is blended learning right for me?

What should I expect in a blended learning course?

What are the requirements for taking blended learning courses at Berkeley College?

Tips for success in blended learning.

What are the other benefits for students who take a blended learning course?

What's next?

 

A blended learning course combines face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. There is reduced on-site class time complemented by online learning during the full 12 week course. As an example, a 12 week course may meet six weeks on-site and six weeks online.

The on-site/online schedule is the same for all blended courses offered during a specific quarter. Advisement will provide you with the schedule prior to registration so that you can determine whether the schedule is suitable for you. This schedule cannot be altered during the quarter. As an example, the schedule will require on-site class meetings to be held during weeks 1, 2 , 3 , 6, 9, 12, and online class meetings to be held during weeks 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11. Again, you must check with Advisement for the blended schedule specific to the quarter in which you are planning to register.

Blended learning is for students who wish to retain some face-to-face contact with the faculty and other students on-site, rather than undertaking a fully online or on-site experience. Successful blended learning students are interested in active and participatory learning both in the classroom and online and are comfortable with using the computer, the Internet, and Blackboard. They are especially suitable for students who are busy with work or family and want to replace some travel and on-campus time with online study.

Since blended learning is partially online and partially on-site, you must be comfortable with both modalities and transitioning from one to the other. Adaptability and flexibility are important, and you must be organized and accountable for your learning. Learning takes places through studying the learning units delivered on-site and online, successfully completing the various assignments, and actively participating with faculty and your classmates. Syllabus, learning units, and assignments are posted on Blackboard, and all assignments must be completed by their designated deadlines.

1. As you are required to attend the on-site portion of the course at the designated campus, you must manage your personal schedule to allow you to fulfill this attendance requirement.

2. You are required to complete the Road to Success in Online Learning (RTS) before enrolling in a blended learning course.

3. You will need to own or have access to a computer on a regular basis.

4. You must have access to the Internet with sufficient throughput to handle large files and videos.

5. Your computer must have standard software packages such as Microsoft Office, an appropriate browser, such as Internet Explorer, to access the web, Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to read .pdf files, specific software loaded such as QuickTime, Flash, and Java for multimedia, and have appropriate levels of virus protection software. The full set of computer hardware and software requirements can be found on http://berkeleycollege.edu/Blackboard/Blackboard_Student_Documentation/system_requirements.htm

  • Get organized: Make time for learning and participating with your professor and your classmates. Keep track of deadlines, and give yourself plenty of time to complete assignments. Check online discussions on a regular basis and give yourself extra time to handle any technology related problems.
  • Prioritize your work:  Organize your learning and your assignments and determine the order in which you need to tackle them. Utilize a calendar to map out your study plan.
  • Log in regularly:  Check your school email and Blackboard daily. There may be new class announcements, responses to questions, new learning units, assignments, and new discussion postings by the professor and your classmates.  Active participation in learning activities is critical for your learning success.
  • Do not fall behind:  It is easy to wait until the last minute to complete your assignments, or to skip one learning unit, or to miss an on-site class.  You will find yourself struggling to catch up and becoming de-motivated and pressured as a result.
  • Participate, participate, and participate:  A lot of learning is realized through these classroom and online interactions. Participation reveals new ideas and thoughts and develops your critical thinking skills.
  • Be comfortable with technology:  Ensure that you have access to the Internet and Blackboard, and that you are comfortable with using the required software technologies.

The skills you build and use in blended learning - organizational, time management, and problem solving – are life skills that will benefit you in your study at Berkeley College, in your work, and in your personal life.  

What’s next?

Contact your academic advisor to discuss blended learning courses and to enroll.


 

 

Berkeley College 1-800-446-5400