Distance Learning

Click on a question to go to the response.

What kind of computer do I need?
Do I need a username and password for my course?
When does my online course begin?
Who provides my Internet access from home?
What if I don't have a computer?
Do I need to know Windows?
What if I use a Macintosh computer?
Can I use any browser: Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL?
I don't know the Internet, can I still take the course?
What help will I get?
What is the cost?
How much time will the course take?
What if I have extenuating circumstances or my schedule is really erratic?
Can I finish the course early?
Do I ever need to come to campus?
What if I want to see the instructor?
Do I need a textbook?
When do I get my password and can enter the course?
Do I need to be on the computer at any specific time?
When does the course start?
How do I register?
What are the college's policies for withdrawing from an online course?
I still have questions.

What kind of computer do I need?
A PC or a MAC with an internet connection is appropriate. To check to see if your computer is compatible go to the computer settings page.

Do I need a username and password for my course?
You will be assigned a username and password for your online course. This information will be sent to you approximately 1 week before the semester begins. If the semester has already begun, you should receive the information by email within 2 business days. YOU CAN NOT CHANGE YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD. If you change the assigned username and password you will NOT be able to get into your course.

When does my online course begin?
Your online course begins the first day of the beginning of the academic calendar. Unless otherwise instructed, your class begins on the first day of the semester.

Who provides my Internet access from home?
You are responsible for your own ISP (Internet Service Provider). This could include AOL, MSN, Compuserve, Comcast, Verizon, Optimum Online, etc.

What if I don't have a computer?
You could use the computers in the free time labs or the library, however, if you do not own your own computer with an Internet connection we recommend that you do not take an online course at this time.

Do I need to know Windows?
You should be able to navigate the Windows OS, have strong email and word processing skills and be able to save a word processing file in RTF (rich text format).

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What if I use a Macintosh computer?
You should be able to navigate the MAC OS, have strong email and word processing skills and be able to save a word processing file in RTF (rich text format).

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Can I use any browser: Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL?
To access the features of the online courses you must use Internet Explorer, 6.0 or higher, Netscape, 7.2 or AOL 9.0 or higher. Please note: Netscape Communicator 6.0 is NOT compatible with all the features in your WebCT course. Netscape 7.1, Mozilla 1.5, Firefox 1.0 and 1.5 browsers for Microsoft Windows or Macintosh OS X are now compatible with WebCT.  For the latest please check the support page at BlackBoard's CE/Vista WebCT Web site.

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I don't know the Internet, can I still take the course?
No. You should have strong internet skills and how to navigate through a browser before taking an online course. We recommend that you NOT take an online course at this time.

What help will I get?
You are responsible for all course information and course navigation throughout the semester. Once you have logged into your course you can ask fellow students and your instructor for assistance.

What is the cost?
Online courses cost the same per credit hour as any other course at Bergen.

How much time will the course take?
The same as a regular in-class course, the equivalent of 3 class hours and 3-6 hours of homework a week. Because you are taking this course at your convenience you are responsible for keeping up with the coursework.

What if I have extenuating circumstances or my schedule is really erratic?
You are responsible for all course requirements. If you have specific circumstances, speak to your instructor to discuss assignments and completing the online course. This should be done at the beginning of the course or when you are aware of certain circumstances.

Can I finish the course early?
This depends on the calendar set up by the instructor and the course requirements

Do I ever need to come to campus?
Many courses require on-campus proctored exams. However, arrangements can be made at a college that is closest to your home. Additionally, some instructors may have an optional orientation program that you are required to attend. Please check with the course requirements online or directly with the instructor.

What if I want to see the instructor?
You can arrange this with the instructor. Many Instructors will post their on-campus office hours on the course Web site.

Do I need a textbook?
Textbooks and other materials for the course can be ordered directly through the Bergen Community College Web site and possibly your home college campus bookstore. Each course requires specific guidelines for textbooks and/or access codes to enter the course. Go to Bookstore

When do I get my password and can enter the course?
Online courses follow the same academic calendar that traditional on-campus courses at Bergen Community College. Approximately one week prior to the first day of the semester you will receive a letter/email identifying your username and password. If the semester has already begun, you should receive the information by email within 2 business days. YOU CAN NOT CHANGE YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD. If you change the assigned username and password you will NOT be able to get into your course.

Do I need to be on the computer at any specific time?
No. You can log into your course at your convenience. However keep in mind that many instructors require specific online course requirements throughout each week. You are responsible for all online course requirements.

When does the course start?
Online courses start the first day of the academic semester. Please check the campus calendar.

How do I register?
You can register online through your WebAdvisor account. If you do not have a WebAdvisor account, you can request one at http://go.bergen.edu.

What are the college's policies for withdrawing from an online course?
Bergen Community College's policies for withdrawing from an online class are based on the academic calendar of the institution offering the course. For complete information about course withdrawals and refunds go to http://www.bergen.edu/pages/352.asp.

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I still have questions.
If you have specific questions about course requirements or academic majors, please contact the Academic Advisment center office at aacenter@bergen.edu , if you have technical questions please e-mail us at CIT@bergen.edu. Include your full name and your complete question.