PBSC Online: Identity, Vision, Mission, and Strategic Goals
Identity
PBSC Online is the current name for the College’s online learning support and advancement function, formerly referred to as eLearning. The term PBSC Online does not identify a separate online college, academic campus, or independent academic unit within Palm Beach State College. Rather, PBSC Online serves the College as a centralized support, innovation, and coordination function for online and hybrid education.
PBSC Online partners with academic departments, faculty, staff, and College leadership to support the quality, accessibility, delivery, and expansion of online learning opportunities across Palm Beach State College. Its responsibilities include supporting faculty and students in the online learning environment; advancing effective online course design and delivery; maintaining and governing the Learning Management System and related educational technologies; supporting online student readiness and success; and helping expand awareness, access, and availability of online programs offered by the College.
Online programs and courses remain academically housed within the appropriate College departments, schools, and academic leadership structures. PBSC Online supports those academic areas by providing the infrastructure, services, expertise, and strategic coordination needed to advance high-quality online learning throughout the institution.
Mission
The mission of PBSC Online is to support and advance high-quality online and hybrid learning across Palm Beach State College. PBSC Online enhances the online learning experience by providing faculty development, instructional design expertise, technical support, online student support services, and effective governance of the College’s Learning Management System, third-party integrations, and educational technology tools.
In collaboration with the College’s academic units and administrative departments, PBSC Online also supports the strategic expansion, visibility, and accessibility of online programs that meet the evolving needs of students, the workforce, and the broader community.
Vision
PBSC Online aspires to position Palm Beach State College as a recognized leader in accessible, high-quality, and flexible online education. We envision an institution in which students can pursue their educational goals through well-designed online learning opportunities that expand access without compromising academic quality, engagement, or support.
PBSC Online envisions a learning environment in which students receive the services, technology, and guidance needed to persist and succeed, regardless of where they are located or how they access their education. We also envision faculty who are equipped, supported, and empowered to design and deliver effective online instruction through sound pedagogy, innovative technology, and responsive institutional support.
Strategic Goals
To advance its mission and institutional role, PBSC Online pursues the following goals:
1. Advance High-Quality Online Education
Support the development and delivery of rigorous, engaging, accessible, and student-centered online and hybrid courses through effective instructional design practices, quality standards, course development support, and continuous improvement processes.
2. Expand Online Program Opportunities
Collaborate with academic leadership and departments to identify, develop, strengthen, and promote online program offerings that expand student access, respond to workforce and community needs, and advance the College’s enrollment and student success priorities.
3. Support Student Readiness, Persistence, and Success
Provide services and resources that prepare students to participate effectively in online learning, including support for the use of Canvas and related learning technologies. Coordinate responsive online student support services that help students navigate the online learning environment, remain engaged, and progress toward completion.
4. Empower Faculty and Staff
Equip faculty, instructors, and relevant staff with the pedagogical knowledge, instructional design support, accessibility guidance, and technical assistance needed to design, deliver, and continuously improve effective online and hybrid learning experiences.
5. Govern and Integrate Educational Technology
Provide effective governance, administration, and support for the College’s Learning Management System, approved third-party integrations, and educational technology tools that enhance teaching, learning, accessibility, communication, and student engagement in online and hybrid environments.
6. Promote Accessibility and Inclusive Online Learning
Advance equitable access to online learning by promoting accessible course design, accessible digital instructional materials, inclusive teaching practices, and compliance with applicable institutional requirements and disability-related laws and regulations.
7. Increase Awareness and Engagement
Support strategic outreach, communication, and digital marketing efforts that increase awareness of Palm Beach State College’s online learning opportunities. These efforts may engage current students and inform prospective students, both domestic and international, about flexible online programs and pathways offered through the College.
8. Support Global Access and Educational Connection
Advance opportunities for students to access information, expertise, learning resources, and educational experiences beyond geographic boundaries through online learning technologies, digitally supported engagement, and collaboration with appropriate College units responsible for global and international education.
Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
Overview and Institutional Requirement
Palm Beach State College (PBSC) uses Canvas as its official Learning Management System (LMS). Developed by Instructure, Canvas is a widely adopted platform that supports online, hybrid, and in-person instruction through a centralized, user-friendly environment.
Canvas enables faculty to deliver course content, facilitate communication, assess student learning, and manage course operations, while providing students with consistent access to instructional materials and learning tools.
Canvas is the approved LMS for PBSC, and all faculty are required to deliver and manage their courses within the platform. PBSC Online, through its Online Technology unit, is responsible for the administration, support, and governance of Canvas. This oversight ensures alignment with institutional standards for quality, accessibility, security, and student success.
Core LMS Capabilities
Canvas supports teaching and learning through the following core functions:
- Course Management
Organization of course content, assignments, discussions, quizzes, and multimedia materials.
- Communication and Collaboration
Announcements, messaging, and discussion tools support both real-time and asynchronous interaction.
- Assessment and Feedback
Tools for assignments, quizzes, grading, and rubrics enable consistent evaluation and timely feedback.
- Analytics and Reporting
Provides insight into student participation and performance to inform instruction.
- Mobile Access
Mobile applications allow access to course materials, submissions, and communication.
- Accessibility
Supports accessible course design to ensure equitable access for all learners.
- Integration and Customization
Allows approved third-party tools to extend LMS functionality.
Course Delivery Modalities
Fully Online Courses
- No required real-time meetings
- Instruction delivered asynchronously
- Requires reliable internet access and a camera-enabled device
Hybrid Courses
- Combination of on-campus and online instruction
- Approximately 50% face-to-face and 50% online
- Scheduled in-person meetings required
Live Online Courses
- Real-time virtual instruction
- Scheduled online class meetings required
- Requires internet access and a camera-enabled device
In-person Courses
- Traditional on-campus instruction
- Canvas is used for course materials, assignments, and communication
- Regular in-person attendance required
Third Party Integrations -Including AI
Canvas supports approved third-party integrations, including tools that incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI). All integrations must meet PBSC standards for:
- Security and data privacy
- Accessibility
- Instructional value
- Technical compatibility
Integration Governance and Approval Process
All Canvas integrations are reviewed and managed by the Online Technology unit. Only approved tools may be implemented within Canvas.
Approval Process
- Initial Review – Online Technology
Evaluates alignment with institutional standards, security, and instructional purpose.
- Associate Dean Online Learning | Educational Technology | Education Abroad Review (as needed)
Assesses impact on curriculum, pedagogy, and student experience.
- CIO Review (if required)
Provides final approval for integrations with institutional or security implications.
PBSC Online Consists of Five Units
PBSC Online carries out its mission through five integrated service teams that collectively support the College’s online and hybrid learning environment: Online Technology, Instructional Design, Faculty Development, Online Student Support, and Digital Media and Design. Together, these teams provide the specialized services, technical infrastructure, instructional expertise, faculty preparation, student support, and strategic communication necessary to advance high-quality online learning across Palm Beach State College.
Online Technology supports the Learning Management System, approved integrations, and educational technology tools essential to online instruction. Instructional Design collaborates with faculty and academic units to develop, review, and improve online and hybrid courses according to established quality standards and sound instructional design practices. Faculty Development equips instructors with the pedagogical knowledge, training, and support needed to teach effectively in online and hybrid environments. Online Student Support helps prepare students to use Canvas and navigate the online learning experience successfully by connecting them with appropriate guidance and resources. Digital Media and Design supports communication, outreach, and promotion of the College’s flexible online learning opportunities to current and prospective students.
These teams function collaboratively rather than independently. Quality online education requires reliable technology, thoughtfully designed courses, prepared faculty, responsive student support, and effective communication regarding available online opportunities. Through this integrated service model, PBSC Online supports faculty and students while helping the College strengthen, expand, and promote online and hybrid learning opportunities.
Online Technology Team
The Online Technology team is responsible for implementing and maintaining PBSC's Learning Management System (LMS) and the third-party tools integrated with Canvas. The group provides technical support to faculty in using these educational technologies for their teaching. Online Technology also oversees the Production Studio, helping faculty and students create professional, engaging audio and video recordings to support teaching and learning.
Instructional Design
The Online Instructional Design Team is responsible for working with faculty to develop and maintain quality online courses within fully online programs and pathways. Instructional Designers complete approved course developments as templated courses to satisfy online program needs, certify online course developments as approved by the appropriate dean and ensure that all online courses and programs adhere to quality standards.
Faculty Development
The PBSC Online Faculty Development team assists faculty in collaboratively enhancing their teaching and learning (pedagogy) through the effective use of technology. We offer one-on-one coaching, synchronous workshops, and asynchronous courses.
Contact us for the following:
Online Student Support
PBSC Online Student Support provides the necessary tools and resources for becoming successful online learners. The department offers one-on-one training for Canvas and third-party tools in person and virtually. In addition to personal instruction, PBSC Online Student Support provides a self-paced technical tutorial demonstrating how to use and navigate Canvas and third-party tools available in the Learning Management System (LMS). In addition to the technical tutorial, the department also offers the ELO1000 course - a free, self-paced, non-graded online course that teaches students how to get the most out of their online learning. Students are recommended to complete the course at least once within the first two days of the term but will always have access to the ELO1000 for use as a resource when needed. The course takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete.
Digital Media and Design
The Social Media team at PBSC Online leverages the power of social media for targeted outreach and marketing efforts. They inform prospective students, both domestic and abroad, about the flexible and versatile online program offerings available. This group plays a crucial role in enhancing visibility and engagement with PBSC Online's educational opportunities through strategic social media campaigns.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) Criteria
Palm Beach State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Palm Beach State College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Palm Beach State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
In 2022, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed Palm Beach State College's accreditation. This accreditation is vital to the College, not only enabling the receipt of federal funding but also highlighting our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and continuous institutional growth.
Palm Beach State College remains steadfast in its mission to advance the economic and social growth of our community and global workforce through innovative, high-quality learning experiences that transform students’ lives.
PBSC Online- Institutional Compliance: Impact, Regulations & Membership
Palm Beach State College participates in external organizations and statewide frameworks that support the quality, accessibility, delivery, and regulatory administration of online education. PBSC Online supports the College in carrying out responsibilities associated with online learning; however, PBSC Online is not a separate institution or independent online college. Institutional memberships, participation agreements, and regulatory obligations are held by Palm Beach State College.
Online Learning Consortium
The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is a professional organization focused on quality digital teaching and learning. OLC provides research, professional development, quality frameworks, and resources that may inform PBSC Online practices related to course quality, faculty support, student engagement, accessibility, and continuous improvement.
PBSC Online may use applicable OLC resources and quality principles to support the design, delivery, evaluation, and improvement of online and hybrid learning experiences across the College.
Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC)
Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) is Florida’s centralized shared services organization supporting public colleges and universities through resources related to distance learning, student services, academic advising, library services, and educational technology.
PBSC Online supports the College’s participation in applicable FLVC distance learning activities, including the maintenance and accuracy of institutional online course and program information made available through statewide resources such as FloridaShines.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Palm Beach State College participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Through this participation, the College may provide distance education to students located in other SARA member states, subject to applicable SARA policies, institutional obligations, and state and federal requirements.
PBSC Online supports the College’s NC-SARA responsibilities in coordination with appropriate institutional offices. Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting the accuracy of required distance education information and disclosures.
- Coordinating annual data reporting related to exclusively distance education enrollment and out of state learning placements, when applicable.
- Maintaining information related to the distance learning complaint process and directing students to the appropriate institutional procedures.
- Supporting institutional review of online program availability and applicable requirements for students located outside Florida.
- Coordinating with College leadership and relevant offices regarding renewal, reporting, and compliance requirements.
NC-SARA participation does not replace the College’s responsibility to comply with applicable federal, state, accrediting, institutional, or professional licensure requirements.
Administration and Oversight
PBSC Online shall monitor and support operational responsibilities related to online learning quality resources, statewide distance learning services, and applicable authorization requirements in collaboration with the appropriate College offices. Any required reporting, disclosures, renewal activities, or public information shall be reviewed and updated in accordance with institutional procedures and applicable external requirements.
PBSC Online Course Design and Development
In order to better meet the needs of Palm Beach State College’s students participating in the College PBSC Online programs, to better serve faculty/instructors in the development of their online course material, to serve the needs of the College; and to enhance the quality of college online courses, the following guidelines and services are provided. These guidelines address several key factors identified as opportunities to enhance the College’s PBSC Online programs, including:
- Standardizing the “look” of the online courses to create a branding image for the College’s online programs.
- Standardizing and simplifying course navigation to improve student engagement, success, and retention.
- Growing class offerings to meet student needs.
- Assisting faculty/instructors in the development of course material to meet set standards for online courses.
- Providing quality control and continuous enhancement of our PBSC Online programs.
PBSC Online Department Provides the Following Services
- Design and maintain a course template to provide a standard look for online courses. The department assigns these templates to instructional staff for the development of course material.
- Provide workshops and online tutorials on course development standards, policies, and best pedagogical practices.
- Provide assistance with the development of course material, including general advice on course organization of material, as well as assistance with file formatting and development of course material.
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Certify courses to ensure quality and compliance with course standards/requirements.
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Work with assigned faculty/instructors to develop PBSC College-owned course templates.
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Develop and provide instructional staff with training/personal development resources for Canvas, best practices, and various other instructional software.
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Meet with faculty to provide one-on-one coaching and workshops.
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Distribute Bachelor’s Degree Programs’ and other various departmental master course templates;
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Meet with the Academic Innovation Committee on a regular basis to review policies, procedures, and possible course certification resolutions.
PBSC Online Certification Policies and Certification Guidelines
Course Site Certification and Site Requirements
All Online and Hybrid courses must be certified by the PBSC Online department to qualify for instructional use. Certification of Live Online and Face-to-Face LMS support sites/courses is encouraged but not required. To achieve certification, the course site must adhere to the following guidelines:
Standard Course Home Page Design – Hybrid & Online
The course home page must follow a college-approved design and include appropriate college branding elements such as official banners, consistent color usage, and functioning links, in accordance with the college-developed and adopted course home page standards. If a textbook is required and listed in the syllabus, it is strongly recommended that a visual of the textbook be displayed on the course home page so students can easily recognize and acknowledge it.
Content & Delivery – Hybrid & Online Course
Hybrid and Online course content must be organized into Modules, with each module containing a related set of instructional content and activities. Modules may be titled as lessons, units, chapters, or other faculty-preferred terms; however, titles should remain clear and descriptive to provide students with an intuitive navigation structure for locating instructional materials efficiently.
Modules are to contain, at minimum:
- Introduction Page (learning outcomes, outline of the lesson components/requirements, special instructions, reading assignments, etc.)
- Instructional Content (i.e., personal faculty expertise presentations, handouts, videos, resource links, animations, etc.)
- Discussion(s)
- Assessment(s) (i.e., tests, quizzes, assignments, student presentations)
- All other material related to that particular Module (lesson, unit, etc.)
- Each Module is to engage students in appropriate student contact time – equivalent to classroom contact time. Traditional homework assignments/time (i.e., reading a textbook, writing a term paper, etc.) do not count toward online course instructional contact time.
Publisher-based materials should be integrated into the course modules when graded activities are used and the textbook is listed as required in the syllabus. If activities are completed in the publisher’s LMS, they should be linked to the Canvas gradebook. Non-graded resources, such as chapter reading links, tutorials, and study aids, should also be included within the modules to support student learning and course navigation.
Course Certification Criteria
Hybrid and online courses must use a standardized Home Page template provided by the PBSC Online department and follow four key instructional principles:
- Course content must be organized into modules (lessons, units, chapters, etc.) that include related instructional materials and activities. Online instruction and activities should replace the equivalent amount of traditional classroom contact time.
- Courses must include regular assessments and timely feedback to monitor student progress and support learning throughout the term.
- Courses should include meaningful faculty-student interaction and interactive learning activities that promote engagement and critical thinking.
- Instructors should incorporate their own expertise, guidance, and instructional presence to enhance the learning experience and provide value comparable to traditional classroom instruction.
The majority of course content should reside within the College Learning Management System (Canvas), with departmentally approved flexibility as needed. As a general guideline, at least 51% of the instructional content and activities should be housed in Canvas. External publisher resources and third-party instructional sites may be used to supplement instruction, but should not serve as the primary course environment.
Core instructional components, including assignments, discussions, grades, and student progress tracking, should be maintained within Canvas whenever possible. If external testing platforms are used, grading criteria and grade records should also be reflected in the Canvas gradebook.
Courses should include instructor-led interaction and collaborative learning activities and should not rely solely on auto-graded assignments. Once course development is complete, instructors must submit the course for certification through the PBSC Online department. Certified courses may be shared and distributed with appropriate approval and authorization procedures.
Sample Form:
I (name of faculty) give permission for (name of faculty/department) to use my certified(course prefix/number) Canvas course (reference number of section to copy) for instruction.
Granting Faculty Signature: _____________________________
Supervising Administrator: _____________________________
Online Course Template Development (Department / Cluster Owned Templates)
Based on the needs of a department and/or cluster, the development of an online course template can be requested by the department’s dean, associate dean, or director. The request is to be sent to the PBSC Online Instructional Design Manager.
The course development process begins with a contract being sent to the designated Subject Matter Expert (SME). The SME completes the initial contract information, including the course details, the identified Cluster Chair and Associate Dean, and the predetermined level of course build required for template development.
The contract is then routed for the Cluster Chair approval, followed by Associate Dean approval. Once approved, the request is forwarded to the Instructional Design Manager, who reviews and verifies the submission before assigning an Instructional Designer to begin the course build process.
Course builds are assigned within a designated Spring, Summer, or Fall development cycle with a projected completion timeline that allows the course to be finalized during the following semester. For example, a course build assigned to begin in Spring 2026 would allow for finalization in Summer 2026. This process supports a rolling development and implementation schedule.
The assigned Instructional Designer will work closely with the Subject Matter Expert throughout the development process to ensure the course template and instructional materials meet the College’s online course certification standards. The Instructional Designer is responsible for assisting with course structure, formatting, organization, and publishing instructional materials into the approved course template.
The course will be built according to the current certification rubric (as listed in the PBSC Online – Online Course Template Development Contract). Upon approval, the content expert will be compensated for the development of the instructional material and the course template will become property of the College.
The department/cluster must appoint a template manager (must be a full-time employee, department chair is suggested and will be the default if no one is provided) who will serve as a liaison to PBSC Online and ensure the template’s instructional material remains current and ready for deployment for instruction. The PBSC Online department will assist with template updates and revisions.
The department/cluster must adopt the course template for instruction in all online sections of this course for subsequent terms. The department’s dean, associate dean, or director will submit to PBSC Online a list of all online sections at least 10 workdays before the first day of each term, and the PBSC Online department will manage the template’s distribution, populating all course sections based on the provided list.
The department/cluster may assign any credentialed instructor to teach the template-based courses -- PBSC Online will provide template-based faculty certifications. It is the department’s dean’s, associate dean’s, or director’s responsibility to ensure the instructor has the skills to instruct online utilizing the college-provided LMS. Should any training needs be identified by the department, PBSC Online will provide such training based on the department’s request.
Whether submitting a course for certification for the first time or developing a course template as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), faculty must complete either the Online Course Design Fundamentals training or obtain ACUE certification before the course certification process can be finalized.
Faculty should submit the appropriate documentation to along with:
- The course URL
- The term in which the course should be certified
The required level of certification
Guidelines Governing the Compensation for Online Course Template Development / Redevelopment
1. A department/cluster must request a PBSC Online – Online Course Template Development contract and receive approval from the Associate Dean of PBSC Online before any compensation is offered to a content expert/developer and development of the template is started.
2. A PBSC Online Course Template Development Contract, including project deliverables and timelines, will be completed and approved by the Pathway/Cluster Chair, Associate Dean, and Instructional Design Manager. The agreement will specify that, once the course is fully developed and approved, the course template becomes the property of the College and may be assigned to any appropriately credentialed faculty member.
3. The content developer must meet with their assigned Instructional Designer as scheduled in the course contract to ensure content delivery and course quality.
4. Payment of $2,100 for a fully completed course template will be issued upon approval by the Associate Dean of PBSC Online. A 50% course build option may also be approved, with compensation provided at 50% of the full development rate.
College Required Online Course Template Redesign
1. When a department/cluster and/or PBSC Online requests that a college-owned course template be substantially redesigned, the department/cluster must request the PBSC Online -Online Course Template Development contract and receive approval from the Associate Dean of PBSC Online before any compensation is offered to a content expert/developer and redevelopment of the template is started.
2. The needed changes must be identified by the department/cluster to identify/evaluate needed changes/updates and determine the percentage of course modifications to be developed.
3. A PBSC Online - Online Course Template Development Contract, with deliverables and timelines, will be completed and signed by the contracted course content expert/developer. The document will state that once the course is redeveloped and approved, the course belongs to the College and can be assigned to any faculty member.
4. The content developer must meet with their assigned Instructional Designer as scheduled in the course contract to ensure content delivery and course quality.
5. Payment for redevelopment will be calculated based on the percentage of the course to be redeveloped and calculated as a percentage of the full course development payment of $2,100 (e.g., 50% of template redevelopment = $1,050). Payment for template revision will be issued upon approval of the Associate Dean of PBSC Online.
Online Course Template Development Contract
Canvas Training, Faculty Development and Support
PBSC Online provides faculty and instructors with training, professional development, and support resources for teaching and developing courses in Canvas. These resources are intended to promote effective use of the Learning Management System, strengthen online teaching practices, and support the quality of online and hybrid course delivery across Palm Beach State College.
Faculty Training and Development Courses
PBSC Online offers Canvas-based training courses and related resources to support faculty at different stages of online and hybrid instruction.
Developing and Managing Courses
This introductory course familiarizes faculty and instructors with commonly used Canvas tools and functions needed to organize, manage, and deliver course content.
Online Course Design Fundamentals
This course addresses instructional design principles and effective pedagogical practices for online learning. Faculty who successfully complete the course earn a micro-credential. Completion of Online Course Design Fundamentals is required for faculty who will develop a fully online PBSC course.
Using Kaltura Video and Media Storage in Canvas
This course provides instruction on recording, managing, and sharing instructional video content through Kaltura, including recommended practices for hosting and using media within Canvas.
Training Expectations
Faculty developing a fully online PBSC course must complete any required training identified by PBSC Online, including Online Course Design Fundamentals, before beginning or completing the online course development and certification process.
Faculty preparing to teach online or hybrid courses, preparing courses for delivery in Canvas, or seeking to strengthen their use of Canvas and related instructional technologies are strongly encouraged to complete applicable PBSC Online training resources. Additional training may be recommended based on the faculty member’s instructional assignment, course development responsibilities, or need for support with specific technologies.
Additional Canvas Training Resources
Faculty and instructors may access additional Canvas training and support resources through the Help and Commons areas within Canvas.
Canvas Commons provides access to shared instructional resources and materials that may be located by subject area or resource type through search and filtering tools.
The Help area in Canvas provides access to training and reference resources, which may include Canvas guides, instructional videos, webinars, training opportunities, and the Canvas Community. These resources may be used by faculty seeking additional support with Canvas features, course management practices, or related instructional tools.
Requesting Canvas Technical Support
Canvas technical support is available to faculty and students through the Help icon in the Canvas navigation menu. Available support options may include live chat, telephone support, and electronic submission of a support request.
When requesting assistance, faculty and students should provide specific information about the issue, including the course, tool, activity, error message, or steps that led to the problem, when applicable. Based on the nature of the request, assistance may be provided by Canvas Support, PBSC Online, or Palm Beach State College Information Technology.
PBSC Online Faculty Support Role
PBSC Online supports faculty and instructors through training, instructional consultation, course development guidance, educational technology assistance, and resources designed to strengthen online and hybrid teaching. PBSC Online is responsible for communicating applicable training expectations and course development requirements associated with online course design, certification, and delivery.
ACUE Certificate in Effective Teaching Practice
Palm Beach State College has partnered with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to offer faculty the voluntary opportunity to pursue a Certificate in Effective Teaching Practice, the only college teaching credential endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE). This offering aligns with our mission of providing accessible, student-centered teaching and learning experiences. The 25-week ACUE course is co-facilitated by the PBSC Online Faculty Development team.
Contact FacultyDevelopment@pbsc.edu to inquire about ACUE session schedules.
ACUE Commons
This online hub brings together certified or ACUE certification-pursuing faculty from PBSC and beyond. ACUE Commons includes the ACUE Learning Lab, with Quick Study courses addressing topics to elevate your teaching practice, as well as exclusive content and events.
Workday Coding for eLearning Courses
Special course notes are used to identify the delivery method of PBSC Online courses. Once the course is loaded in Workday by the campus, these additional special notes need to be added to designate to the students the course delivery method:
Fully Online Courses – delivery mode Workday designator ‘Online’
This class does not require real-time interaction; instead, instructional content is available online for you to access when it best suits your schedule, and assignments are completed by deadlines. You must have access to an Internet-connected computer with a camera. Canvas login: www.pbsc.edu/canvas/. Fully online courses are a good choice for students who enjoy the flexibility to learn at their own pace and from any location. They work well for those who are self-motivated, comfortable with technology, and able to manage their time effectively. These courses are ideal for learners who prefer independent study, value convenience, and can stay engaged without the structure of in-person meetings.
Hybrid Courses – delivery mode Workday designator ‘Hybrid’
This class is a combination of in-class meetings and online instructional content. Your class will meet during designated times as listed on your class schedule. You must have access to an Internet-connected computer. Canvas login: www.pbsc.edu/canvas/. Hybrid courses are a good choice for students who enjoy both online and on-campus learning. Hybrid classes replace some of the time that would normally be spent in a classroom with online learning activities. Attendance is 50% in an on-campus classroom and 50% online.
Live Online Courses – delivery mode Workday designator ‘Live Online’
This class is a real-time virtual course. Your class will meet online during designated times as listed on your class schedule. You must have access to an Internet-connected computer with a camera. Canvas login: www.pbsc.edu/canvas/. Live Online courses are a good choice for students who enjoy the convenience of distance learning while still benefiting from real-time interaction with instructors and classmates. They work well for those who value scheduled class times, active discussions, and immediate feedback, but prefer the flexibility of not having to travel a campus.
Face to Face (classroom) Courses – delivery mode Workday designator ‘In Person’
Face-to-face courses are traditional, on-campus classes that include a Canvas LMS component to enhance the in-person learning experience. Canvas may be used for accessing supplemental course materials, completing readings and quizzes, and submitting assignments. Students must have access to an internet-connected computer. Canvas login: www.pbsc.edu/canvas/. These courses require regular on-campus meetings.
General PBSC Online Policies and Guidelines
Accessibility and Student Accommodations
PBSC is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) is responsible for reviewing accommodation requests and providing approved accommodations while maintaining College academic standards.
Students seeking accommodations must contact the CSA Manager and provide the required documentation. Approved accommodations related to online or Canvas courses must be implemented by faculty as communicated by CSA. For example, extended testing time may be provided within Canvas through the appropriate test availability exception settings.
Faculty are also responsible for ensuring that online course materials and learning activities are accessible and ready for student use.
Academic Integrity, Assessment, and Proctored Testing
Maintaining academic integrity and verifying student identity are important components of online instruction. Faculty should administer online assessments through the Canvas course site and use appropriate assessment design strategies, such as randomizing questions and answer choices, when applicable.
The Respondus Test Proctoring System is recommended for major examinations. This system may restrict browsing, copying, and the use of other applications during an examination, while also monitoring and recording student activity.
PBSC Testing Centers may also be used for secure proctored testing. When an off-site testing location is needed, the appropriate coordination and approval process must be followed. Faculty and students should refer to the PBSC Testing Center webpage for applicable procedures and scheduling information.
Instructional Video and Media Hosting
Faculty-produced instructional videos used in online or hybrid courses must be hosted through PBSC’s Kaltura system. Kaltura supports effective video delivery by optimizing streaming according to the user’s device and available bandwidth.
Faculty Communication and Student Engagement
Effective and consistent communication is essential to student success in online learning. Faculty must clearly identify course communication expectations within the syllabus and Canvas course, including expectations for course-mail, chat, discussion board participation, and faculty feedback timeframes.
Faculty are encouraged to review and respond to student communications daily, Monday through Friday. Full-time faculty members should allocate a portion of their required office hours to supporting online students and providing timely assistance and feedback.
Course Publication and Readiness
All PBSC courses must be published by the assigned faculty member at least 48 hours before the first day of classes. This requirement includes publishing all modules, course activities, and pages needed for student access and participation.
Before the start of the term, faculty are responsible for ensuring that their courses are accessible, complete, accurate, functional, and ready for student engagement.
Major Holidays, College Breaks, and Course Due Dates
Faculty teaching online courses should avoid setting assignment due dates on major holidays. Course schedules and student workload expectations should also account for official PBSC breaks.
Copyright and Ownership of Instructional Materials
Faculty must comply with applicable United States copyright laws when selecting or creating instructional materials for online courses. This includes obtaining required permission for the use of copyrighted photographs, images, media, documents, and other protected materials.
PBSC reserves the right to request documentation of permission to use copyrighted materials and may remove materials when appropriate documentation is not provided.
Lecture Recordings
Faculty are encouraged to clearly identify when lectures begin and end. Students may record faculty lectures for personal educational use, in connection with a complaint, or as evidence in preparation for a legal proceeding.
Students may not record other classroom activities or other students without consent. Lecture recordings may not be used for academic dishonesty or published without the written consent of the instructor.
Students seeking information regarding complaints or grade appeals should refer to the Student Handbook.
Student Readiness and Online Learning Resources
PBSC Online provides readiness self-assessment resources to help students evaluate their preparation for online learning. Students enrolled in online courses receive access to essential information and support resources through the ELO1000: Canvas for Students course and the E-Library website.
Online course attendance requirements must be clearly communicated to students in accordance with applicable College policies and course expectations.
Faculty Technology Requirements
Faculty teaching online or hybrid courses must have appropriate computer access, hardware, software, and Internet connectivity necessary to use Canvas and related instructional tools effectively.
Course Delivery Modes, Designators, and Fees
The campus Associate Dean is responsible for assigning applicable special designators and fees associated with course delivery modes.
Changes to a course delivery mode after student registration has begun may affect registered students because delivery modes may involve different fee structures and participation requirements. When a course delivery mode changes after registration begins, registered students must be personally informed of the change and its impact, including any required campus attendance or differences between asynchronous and synchronous delivery.
Faculty Credentialing and Online Teaching Certification
Instructors must be credentialed by PBSC before being assigned to teach a course. Credentialing is overseen by the campus Academic Dean or Associate Dean and is based on the requirements applicable to the course type, including non-credit, preparatory, or credit instruction.
Faculty who wish to teach online or hybrid courses must also obtain the required certification through PBSC Online. Once the faculty member has completed the applicable online or hybrid teaching certification requirements, eligibility is updated in Workday to support assignment to those course delivery modes.
Faculty Web Pages and Course Syllabi
All faculty teaching approved courses must maintain a faculty webpage and make course syllabi available online through the designated faculty home page and the Canvas course site.
Syllabi should be posted as soon as the course is loaded and no later than 30 days before the registration period begins. If a course is added after registration opens, the syllabus must be posted online within 24 hours.
Faculty should refer to the PBSC Academic Services webpage for additional information regarding faculty webpage and syllabus requirements.
Faculty Load Policy
Faculty Distribution
- The standard full-time faculty load is 90 points per academic contract (fall & spring) year.
- A minimum of 45 points must be taught through in-person and/or hybrid instruction each academic contract year.
- The remaining 45 points may be fulfilled through online modalities, which include live online (synchronous online) and asynchronous online courses, subject to the approval of the appropriate associate dean and academic dean.
Definitions
- In-Person: Traditional face-to-face courses that use an online component to augment or enhance the classroom learning experience.
- Hybrid: Courses that blend traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning, resulting in a 50/50 mix of in-person and online instruction. This type of course is considered equivalent in load to an in-person course.
- Live Online (Synchronous Online): Courses that are delivered in real time via an online platform, where faculty and students interact simultaneously. While the courses do not meet in a physical classroom, they are held during designated days/times. This type of course is considered equivalent in load to an online course.
- Online (Asynchronous): Courses delivered online without real-time interaction, where students access materials and complete work when it best suits their schedule.
Load Assignment and Approval
- All course modalities (in-person, hybrid, live online, online) are counted toward the faculty member’s teaching load, but asynchronous (online) courses may be weighted differently based on institutional policy.
- Decisions regarding the mix of instructional modalities should be made in consultation with the supervising associate dean and academic dean and must align with program/departmental needs and accreditation requirements.
- Exceptions or deviations from this policy are subject to review and approval by the vice president of academic affairs or designee.
- In-person teaching is a standard mode of instruction required for all faculty load assignments. However, exceptions may be made for academic programs that are formally approved and delivered fully online.
Summary Table
|
Term
|
Minimum In-person Points (In Person/Hybrid)
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Maximum Online Points (Live Online/Online)
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Approval Required for Online Over 45 Points
|
|
Fall/Spring
|
45
|
45
|
Yes
|
|
This policy ensures a balanced approach to instructional delivery, maintaining a significant in-person teaching presence while allowing flexibility for online and live online instruction, subject to administrative oversight.
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/June 2026