Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet at Palm Beach State College
PBSC provides access to the internet and World Wide Web for purposes directly related to education in an environment. Access to resources is shared equitably among all Palm Beach State users to allow a learning environment. All Internet use is to be free of illegal or malicious acts and must show respect for others through proper Network Etiquette.
Accessibility (ADA)
The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all qualified students with disabilities, in compliance with federal and state statutes. The e-Learning Department is also committed to ensure that the integrity of all college standards and requirements is maintained. ADA compliance will be applied via a prudent method of providing alternate content, which meets the needs of a specifically challenged learner.
Students with disabilities are advised, in compliance with federal and state laws, that accommodations and services are available through the office of Disability Support Services (DSS). Students in need of accommodations need to contact the PBSC DSS Manager at the home campus to submit appropriate documentation and request services, including Internet and Blackboard Course accessibility accommodation requests. Please see the website at www.pbsc.edu/disability. The DSS Office will coordinate with e-Learning and provide all necessary accommodations for every properly documented student disability.
One of the most common Disability Support Services requests is an extension of allowed time for time restricted examinations. This can be achieved by utilizing Bb’s Test Availability Exceptions provided in Bb’s Test Options. Students that present an authorized letter from the DSS office must be provided with stated time extensions.
Testing Integrity and Verification of Student Identity
It is recommended to provide all Assessments (Tests and Quizzes) via the Blackboard course site to Hybrid and Online students. In order to prevent dishonesty, the assessments should be designed to draw random questions from large test databases, randomizing answers in multiple choice questions, providing one question at a time and not allowing revisiting of questions, limiting time for submissions, and not allowing checking of results until after submission time expires. Following these guidelines minimizes student ability to share answers and print out sample test.
It is highly recommended to apply the Respondus Test Proctoring System (LockDown Browser and Video Monitor) on all major examinations. The LockDown browser prevents students to copy/paste and/or use any other applications while they are taking their exams, and the Monitor provides the ability to check/record student identification and video-monitor the students during their online examinations.
Each Palm Beach State Testing Center in each campus also provides proctored testing in a secure environment. These centers in coordination with the faculty member can help establish testing sites outside of the Palm Beach County service area. It is possible, but not recommended unless absolutely necessary, to require students to take the Blackboard exam at one of the Palm Beach State's or participating partner Testing Center. The Respondus Test Proctoring System is the preferred recommendation. Please see the Testing Center Web page for more information and for procedures to schedule a proctored exam at the Center: www.pbsc.edu/testing.
Video Streaming System
All faculty produced/published instructional audio/video must be hosted on the PBSC licensed Kaltura system, which provides auto-formatting/streaming service based on user’s device and bandwidth. The Kaltura/Bb building block also provides desktop and webcam recording capabilities with one-click-publishing.