PBSC Online
PBSC distance learning classes provide increased student access through alternative education delivery systems and flexibility of time and location. Distance learning 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 on-campus/classroom-based courses and distance learning courses is in the type of course delivery. In addition to on-campus/classroom-based courses, PBSC offers distance learning courses in the Online, Live Online and Hybrid course delivery modalities.
Types of Distance Learning
In Online courses, materials and instructional activities are provided within a Learning Management System (LMS). Students learn on their own time asynchronously (with a possible exception for testing and/or special class sessions), meeting periodic learning and assessment completion/submission dates. Students collaborate with their professors and other classmates via the LMS, inclusive of course email, discussion forums, live chats or, in some special instances, synchronous online or on-campus meetings.
Live Online courses are presented online synchronously (live) via a webinar system, providing course lectures, meetings, presentations, and discussions on a set day/time schedule. The Learning Management System (LMS) is utilized to supplement the live course meetings, providing functions such as additional instruction material (handouts/resources), assignment uploads, examinations, and after-class faculty and student collaborations.
Hybrid courses consist of a combination of in-class meetings and LMS-based online instructional content. Classroom attendance and the asynchronous LMS-based online learning are split 50-50 between the classroom and the online instructional activities. Classroom sessions meet during designated days/times per class schedule. Online instructional activities are completed asynchronously, meeting periodic learning and assessment completion dates.
The Online, Live Online and Hybrid courses have the same educational objectives as the traditional classroom-based courses, are fully accredited and appear on a student’s transcript identically as classroom courses. Additional fees apply for Online, Live Online and Hybrid courses. For more information, please visit palmbeachstate.edu/online. Students log on to the LMS at palmbeachstate.edu/canvas to access their online courses.
Who Should Take an eLearning (online) Class?
Successful distance learning 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. If a student has questions about typical requirements and nuances of learning online, they should contact the Student Online Course Support & Advising Center at elearningsuccess@palmbeachstate.edu | 561-868-3303, or their academic advisor.
Support Services for Distance Learning Students
Students registered in distance learning courses are provided the option to obtain/receive student support services remotely (online), the same services as are provided on-campus. These services include registration, advising, financial aid, documented disability accommodations, bookstore services, tutoring, library services and Testing Center services, as well as many others.
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, tutoring, scholarships, a salary supplement award for qualified applicants, technical assistance for early child care educators, and a new micro-credentialing system that recognizes the expertise in our students' careers, hence motivating them to progress along their educational and career pathways. The goal is to create 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 training, as the Institute offers outcomes-driven training opportunities, focusing on the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in early learning environments. 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 innovative approach to professional development and its programs and services, visit www.pbsc.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.pbsc.edu/careerpathways/pathway-education.aspx or call 561-868-3823.
Library Learning Resource Centers
Library resources and services support the curriculum, faculty and students at all locations. Campus libraries maintain a diverse collection of materials including books, periodicals, newspapers, research databases, streaming videos and reference materials. Access to print and electronic collections is available through the library catalog. The collections include 190,000 print volumes, more than 150 databases, 150,000 e-books and 50,000 e-journals. Florida Atlantic University provides Palm Beach State College at Boca Raton with Library services through a joint-use agreement.
Faculty librarians are experts in the research process. They work closely with students to find and use information and to develop 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.
Additional library services include interlibrary loan linking all Florida community college, state university and public libraries for cost-free borrowing of books; a reserve collection of course materials; computer and instruction labs; study rooms and private study areas; laptops and photocopiers; and the Ask-A-Librarian virtual reference desk. Students also have borrowing privileges at all Florida state colleges and universities through a reciprocal borrowing agreement and at regional member libraries of the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN)
Library hours vary on each campus and between terms. For more information, visit www.pbsc.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 CCP 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, https://www.pbsc.edu/slc, for course schedules and further information.