eLearning
eLearning classes through the Internet provide increased student access through alternative education delivery systems and flexibility of time and location. Online courses promote the integration of technology in the learning environment and the globalization of education through electronic access to information and experts worldwide. The only difference between face-to-face courses and distance learning courses is in the type of course delivery. Course materials are online with the possible exception of testing. Students may contact their professors and other classmates via telephone, email, chat rooms, bulletin boards, or in some instances, on-campus meetings.
These courses have the same educational objectives as face-to-face classes, are fully accredited and appear on a student’s transcript the same as a face-to-face class. Additional fees are required. For more information, go to www.palmbeachstate.edu/eLearning or send an email to elearning@palmbeachstate.edu. Students log on at https://palmbeachstate.blackboard.com for online courses.
Who Should Take an Elearning Class?
Successful eLearning students need to be highly motivated and have good study and time management skills. They must be willing to contact their faculty/instructor for assistance when needed and be responsible for completing assignments on time and without reminders. Before students register for their first eLearning class, they should visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/eLearning or contact an academic advisor for any questions regarding the requirements of eLearning classes.
Support Services for Elearning Students
Students registered in eLearning courses receive the same support services as on-campus students. These services include registration, advising, financial aid, disabled student services, bookstore services, tutoring, library services and Testing Center services, as well as many others.
Internet Courses
Internet classes offer a world of resources to students who have Internet access. These classes provide some of the materials in an anytime anywhere mode. Students can keep in touch with the faculty/instructor and other students by using the communication tools of the Internet.
Internet courses include:
Pure Internet courses are taken entirely over the Internet. On-campus time is NOT required. Some faculty/instructors may request an optional on-campus orientation meeting or testing.
Hybrid courses require attendance in a face-to-face classroom in conjunction with activities involving the use of the Internet.
Component courses are face-to-face classes supplemented with some Internet activities.
Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education
The Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education provides the child care workforce of Palm Beach County with a comprehensive approach to career development. Offerings include an extensive training selection, career advising, scholarships for qualified applicants, and technical assistance for early child care educators. The goal is a quality, seamless professional development system for early childhood personnel entering and exiting the system at any level. A quality assurance system ensures the quality of trainers and pieces of training. The quality assurance system incorporates guidelines and standards for training activities, including a process for approving trainers who meet these standards. The Institute maintains a registry of approved trainers and training. For more information on the Institute’s offerings and support, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/IEECE.
Teacher Education
The Teacher Education Program at Palm Beach State College offers a variety of educational opportunities for teaching professionals in Palm Beach County. The Teacher Education programs are collaboratively working with both the School District of Palm Beach County and private institutions, to provide:
An Alternative Teacher Certification Program — a certification pathway for professionals with non-education bachelor's degrees. Courses such as classroom management, instructional strategies, and the teaching and learning process are excellent for the new teacher and are taught by seasoned administrators.
Test Preparation- noncredit workshops for Florida Teacher Certification Exam preparation and select subject area exams such as ESE K-12 and Elementary Education K-6.
Professional Development opportunities— noncredit workshops for personal growth in areas such as classroom management, and credit courses for ESOL compliance. Teacher
To find out more about Teacher Education, visit https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/career-pathways/pathway-education.aspx or call 561-868-3823.
Library Learning Resource Centers
Library services and resources support the curriculum, faculty and students at all locations. Campus libraries maintain a diverse collection of materials that includes books, periodicals, local, state and national newspapers, microfilm and reference materials. Access to all library materials and electronic collections of books, periodicals and journals is available through LINCC (Library Information Network for Community Colleges), the online catalog. More than 150 full-text databases and eBooks are available online. The Collection includes 190,000 volumes, over 100,000 eBooks and 50,000 ejournals (both online and digital), and 250 periodicals. Florida Atlantic University provides Palm Beach State College at Boca Raton with library service through a joint-use agreement.
Librarians are faculty members who are professionals in the research process. They work closely with students in finding and using information and developing information literacy skills. Librarians offer individual and classroom instruction in the use of resources and work collaboratively with other faculty to develop innovative approaches to using library resources. Librarians teach credit courses in the use of electronic resources and teach online courses using the latest technology.
Additional services provided by the library include: an interlibrary loan service that links all Florida community college libraries, universities and public libraries together for cost-free lending/borrowing of materials; a reserve collection of materials; a computer/instruction lab; study rooms and private study areas; photocopiers, and a virtual reference desk (Ask-a-Librarian). Students also have borrowing privileges at FAU and with area libraries that are members of the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN).
Library hours vary on each campus and between terms. For more information, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/Library.
Vocational Preparatory Instruction Lab
The Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI) Lab offers a series of short-term courses for CCP students who need to remediate all or part of TABE. Students enrolled in Trade and Industry programs who require TABE remediation will be required to register for corequisite VPI courses. Taking the TABE is a requirement to complete any CCP program that is 450 or more hours in length.
The VPI Lab offers personalized instruction with learning specialists and tutors. Computer programs and additional learning materials are available for the student.
The TABE remediation courses are:
VPI 0100 - Vocational Preparatory Reading
VPI 0200 - Vocational Preparatory Mathematics
VPI 0300 - Vocational Preparatory Language
Before registering for a TABE remediation course, a student should first meet with a CCP advisor to discuss the entrance requirements for his or her specific program. Students should then visit the VPI Lab, www.palmbeachstate.edu/slc/lake-worth/VPI-Lab.aspx, for course schedules and further information.