What is PBSC Online?
What is PBSC Online
PBSC Online includes programs that utilize a learning [course] management system (LMS) to assist with instruction or present programs fully online. PBSC Online also supports the integration of technology in the learning environment, use of the Internet as a resource in the classroom, email, compressed/stream video, Web conferencing and other instructional technologies.
Palm Beach State College offers PBSC Online programs in both credit and non-credit areas that require few (if any) on-campus meetings. Classes are designed to provide close interaction with instructors while also allowing greater time and space flexibility to serve the students' needs.
Use of course-mail, discussion boards, synchronous online chat rooms, blogs, wikis, Web conferencing, and face-to-face meetings occur to encourage effective communication with students and instructor or student-to-student interaction. These courses are rigorous and cover the same material as on-campus classes. Credits earned though PBSC Online course work are transferable and appear on transcripts just like any other class.
Quality of Courses
Quality of Courses
The course name and number of PBSC Online courses shall be the same as traditional in-class courses. The course goals and objectives, learning outcomes and the time frame for completion of all instructional activities will also be equivalent to the traditional in-class courses.
Curriculum
Academic Services maintains course outlines for the courses offered at Palm Beach State College (www.palmbeachstate.edu/utilities/CourseOutlines). From these course outlines, faculty/instructors will create individual class syllabus. The course outlines are continuously updated through curriculum actions and State Course Numbering System transactions. e-Learning classes use the same course outline as face-to-face classes.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Criteria: "The Commission recognizes the legitimacy of distance learning, such as that conveyed through off-campus classroom programs, external degree programs, branch campuses, correspondence courses and various programs using electronically based instruction offered geographically distant from the main campus."
In 2001, Palm Beach State College (PBSC) was approved to offer e-Learning (distance learning) by SACSCOC through a substantive change. In 2012 SACSCOC reaffirmed PBSC accreditation.
E-Learning Goals:
- To provide an alternative education delivery system for greater access by our students;
- To provide flexibility of time and location;
- To promote the integration of technology in the learning environment;
- To promote globalization of education through electronic access to information and experts worldwide;
- To ensure quality of online course structure and delivery;
- To ensure student LMS (Canvas) readiness and provide online student support.
- To provide faculty, instructors and supporting staff continuous quality training and technical support.
Who are Palm Beach State College’s e-Learners?
Who are Palm Beach State College Learners?
PBSC Online courses and programs at PBSC serve students in the community in order to provide access to students that do not have the ability to attend classes on campus for the following reasons:
- No transportation
- Disability
- Work commitment requires extensive travel
- Personal commitment requires time flexibility
- Lack of child care
- Work/place….
Currently 85% of the PBSC Online students at Palm Beach State attend class on one of the campuses as well as take PBSC Online courses.
PBSC Online Delivery Systems
PBSC Online Delivery Systems
Palm Beach State College’s commitment to students is to provide anytime, anyplace learning opportunities through an array of e-Learning technologies and delivery systems. The primary difference between e-Learning courses and face-to-face (traditional) courses is the delivery format, not the content. PBSC Online courses go through the same rigorous curriculum process as face-to-face courses.
Online courses allow students to take courses on the Internet providing greater flexibility and convenience. Students can access the course from a computer with an Internet connection 24 hours a day/7-days a week from home, work, library, or a college facility. Each course will have specific deadlines for the completion of assignments, projects, and quizzes/exams that meet course learning outcomes just like classroom-based classes.
All courses in the Bachelor Degree Programs and a selection of Associate Degree courses require students to take exams using a Respondus LockDown browser and Respondus Monitor online test video-proctoring system (see the course syllabus for details/requirements). Palm Beach State College’s learning (course) management system is Canvas.
PBSC Online courses are offered at four delivery modes:
- Face-to-Face – The class meets in the classroom. The instructor utilizes a companion website for the face-to-face class where students may interact through messaging, the instructor may provide handouts, presentations slides, and/or administer assignment or tests.
- Live Online – Live Online courses require no physical classroom meetings. Instruction is synchronously scheduled/delivered with days/times for instruction and interactions. Uses electronic delivery methods (i.e. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, remote labs, video conferencing, chats, collaborations, or social learning technologies) to transmit instruction/information. Students may be required to take examinations utilizing a video-proctoring system (i.e. Respondus Monitor), or to take major exams in the College Testing Labs.
- Hybrid – In this type of class, 40-60% of the content must be in a face-to-face (classroom) environment. The remainder of the instruction is conducted online asynchronously utilizing the Canvas LMS.
- Online – In this class, all instruction is delivered asynchronously via the Canvas LMS. Students may be required to take examinations utilizing a video-proctoring system, i.e., Respondus Monitor), or to take major exams in the College Testing Labs.
PBSC Online Course Design and Development
PBSC Online Course Design and Development
In order to better meet the needs of Palm Beach State College’s students participating in the College e-Learning programs; to better serve faculty/instructors in 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 e-Learning program, including:
- Standardizing the “look” of the online courses to create a branding image for the College’s online programs;
- Standardizing and thus simplifying navigation of the courses in order to improve student engagement and retention;
- Growing class offerings to meet student needs;
- Assisting faculty/instructors in development of course material to meet set standards for online courses;
- Providing quality control and continuous enhancement of our PBSC Online program.
The PBSC Online Department provides the following services:
- Design and maintain a course template to provide a standard look of the online course sites. The department assigns these templates to instructional staff for development of course material;
- Provide workshops and online tutorials on course development standards, policies and best pedagogical practices;
- Provide assistance with development of course material, including general advice on site organization of material, as well as assistance with file formatting and development of course material;
- Certify courses to ensure quality and compliance with course standards/requirements;
- Work with assigned faculty/instructors to develop PBSC College-owned course templates;
- Develop and provide instructional staff with training/personal-development resources for Canvas, best practices, and various other instructional software;
- Meet with faculty to provide one-on-one coaching and workshops.
- Manage/distribute Bachelor Degree Programs’ and other various departmental master course templates;
- Meet with the PBSC Online Advisory Committee on regular basis to review policies, procedures and possible course site 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 consist of a College approved page inclusive of the banner, module tile structure/navigation, resource links/icons, color scheme and contain standard information per College developed and adopted course home page design.
Content & Delivery – Hybrid & Online
Hybrid and Online course content must be organized into Modules, each module containing a related set of instructional content and activities. Modules may be titled as lessons, units, chapters, etc. (per instructor/faculty preference), taking into account the module titles must be descriptive to provide students an effective/intuitive navigation structure to locate desired instructional material.
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 LM/CF (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 textbook, writing a term paper, etc.) does not count toward online course instructional contact time.
Course Certification Criteria
The course site certification review evaluates the following online course site design and content delivery pedagogical principles:
- Hybrid and Online Course
Must use approved standard course Home page design (e-Learning department provides a template of the approved Home page for instructor adoption) and must satisfy the following four online learning pedagogical principles:
- Contact Time and Content Organization
- For every instructional hour removed from the classroom, an equal one hour of online instructional activities must be provided.
- Instructional content must be organized into a set of 'Modules' (titled as lessons, units, chapters, etc.), with each Module presenting a series of related activities (presentations, discussions, assignments, assessments, etc.).
The time it takes to complete all Modules (lessons, units, etc.) needs to equal traditional 'in-class' contact time. Traditional 'homework' (i.e. reading textbook, writing term paper, etc.) does not count for online instructional activity time.
- Periodic Assessments
- Students must receive continuous/periodic feedback to let them know how well they are doing.
- Faculty need to assess whether students are completing assigned instructional material, and assess students’ comprehension/achievement of the learning outcomes.
Assessments can be applied in a variety of formats. It is recommended to provide this assessment/feedback in every Module (lesson, unit, etc.). In an online environment, the need to provide periodic assessments is much greater than in a traditional classroom -- a 'midterm and a final' is not enough to ensure an effective assessment schedule. Since faculty do not see if the students are attending class and paying attention, more frequent assessments are required.
- Interactive (critical-thinking-skill) Exercises
- Online Instructional Activities need to include faculty and student interaction.
This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, students need to interact with faculty and be given the opportunity to discuss concepts and theories to stimulate conceptual thinking and provide an additional learning modality. In the online course environment faculty need to initiate these interactions -- since students are not in a controlled environment (classroom), 'online class time' competes with many external stimuli, and thus many students are not likely to initiate the collaboration on their own account.
- Present Personal Expertise
- The course must be enhanced with instructor's personal expertise to provide instructional material comparable to the traditional in-classroom lecture presentations and/or demonstrations.
This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as voiceover presentations, video, text based material, scripted discussions, feedback on assignments, etc. The Instructional Design Technology (IDT) Department assists faculty with development of this multimedia material upon request.
E-Packs, Cartridges, Building Blocks and Third-Party Instructional Sites
E-Packs, Cartridges, Building Blocks and Third-Party Instructional Sites
The majority of course instructional content must reside in the College Learning Management System (Canvas). The use of e-Packs, Cartridges, Building Blocks and/or Third-Party Instructional Sites (publisher provided systems/courses) cannot constitute the majority of the course content. Instructional components such as discussions and assignments must be performed/submitted within Canvas. If external sources are used for testing purposes, grading criteria must be provided in Canvas and all grading records must be transferred/posted into Canvas course grade book.
Course Instruction
Course Instruction
Courses cannot be instructed in an 'auto-run' delivery, utilizing only auto-graded activities as periodic assessment/feedback and without instructor initiated collaborative components. Collaborative components and faculty assessment/feedback on students’ performance must be present periodically within the course activities.
Course Certification Requests
Course Certification Requests
When an instructor finishes development of their Online or Hybrid course site, a request for certification needs to be sent to the PBSC Online department. The site will be reviewed to identify availability/application of the the 'Online Course Certification Guidelines' principles and the instructor will be notified of the result. Workday will be updated to reflect instructor's approved certification status.
Granting of Certified Course Use
Granting of Certified Course Use
Individual faculty members can volunteer to allow other instructors to use a copy of their certified course for instruction or designate the course as a ‘departmental template.’ Permission of such must be granted in writing (sample form below) and be authorized (co- signed) by the supervising administrator. A copy of the form must be forwarded to the PBSC Online department for records. When the form is approved and received, the PBSC Online department will provide a certification record for the faculty granted to use the certified course and copy the designated certified course into the receiving faculty’s section. This instructor can then be assigned to instruct such course as long as the instructor possesses basic skills for online instruction. If the course is designated as a departmental template, PBSC Online will archive the course and distribute copies per departmental needs. The department must assign a course template manager to provide management/updates of the course template and serve as a course template liaison to the PBSC Online department.
Sample Form:
I (name of faculty) give permission for (name of faculty/department) to use my certified (course prefix/number) Canvas course site (reference number of section to copy) for instruction.
Granting Faculty Signature: _____
Supervising Administrator: _____
Online Course Template (Department Cluster Owned Templates)
Online Course Template (Department Cluster Owned Templates)
Based on the needs of a department and/or cluster, 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 director.
Upon the Vice President of Academic Innovation and Strategy approval, the department/cluster may contract with a content expert to develop the instructional material per compensation guidelines listed below. The content expert will be expected to work closely with an assigned PBSC Online instructional designer that will assist the content expert with development of the course template and instructional content, ensuring the course template meets the College’s online course certification standards. The PBSC Online instructional designer will format, structure, and publish the instructional material into the course template. Instructional Design Technology staff member will be assigned to assist with development of multimedia instructional material.
The course template will then undergo a review process (as listed in the Scope of Work – Online Course Template Development and Maintenance Form). 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) that 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 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 the department’s request.
Prior to submitting a course for certification for the first time, faculty are expected to complete the Online Teaching Toolkit for Faculty training course. Please submit your completion badge for the course to InstructionalDesign@palmbeachstate.edu along with the course URL, the term in which the course should be certified for, and the level of certification required.
The following guidelines govern the compensation for online course template development/redevelopment:
College Requested Online Course Template Development
College Required Online Course Template Redesign
College Requested Online Course Template Development
College Requested Online Course Template Development
1. A department/cluster must submit the ‘Scope of Work – Online Course Development and Maintenance’ form and receive an approval from the Vice President of Academic Innovation and Strategy before any compensation is offered to a content expert/developer and development of the template is started.
2. A scope of work, 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 fully developed and approved, the course belongs to the College and can be assigned to any faculty member.
3. The content expert/developer must request a mid-development review by department dean, associate dean or director and the PBSC Online director to ensure course instructional content (at mid-point of development) meets department’s standards, is aligned to course outcomes, and meets approved course template structure.
4. Payment of $2,100 for a completed course template will be issued upon approval of the Vice President of Academic Innovation and Strategy.
College Required Online Course Template Redesign
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 submit the ‘Scope of Work – Online Course Development and Maintenance’ form and receive an approval from the Vice President of Academic Innovation and Strategy before any compensation is offered to a content expert/developer and redevelopment of the template is started.
2. The needed changes must be clearly identified by the department/cluster to identify/evaluate needed changes/updates and determine the percentage of course modification to be developed.
3. A scope of work, 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 expert/developer must request a mid-redevelopment review by department’s dean, associate dean or director and the PBSC Online director to ensure course instructional content (at mid-point of development) meets department’s standards, is aligned to course outcomes, and meets approved course template structure.
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 Vice President of Academic Innovation and Strategy.
For the Scope-of-Work Form, please see the website at: http://edtech.palmbeachstate.edu/elearn/Resources/Academic-Manual/Scope-of-Work-Work- for-Hire---Course-Template-&-QM-Certification.pdf
Development and/or Revision of a Faculty’s Personal Online, Hybrid and/or Face-to-Face Courses
Development and/or Revision of a Faculty’s Personal Online, Hybrid and/or Face-to-Face Courses
Such development and/or revisions will not be compensated, as they are considered part of normal job responsibilities of teaching faculty and instructors.
Canvas Training & Faculty Development
Canvas Training & Faculty Development
The PBSC Online department provides course certification guidelines on the PBSC Online Website and the following Canvas Courses to familiarize faculty/instructors with the functions and use of the Canvas course delivery system.
Growing with Canvas - Faculty Training / Basics of Canvas
This beginner-level course instructs on how to use and apply the most popular Canvas Tools.
Online Teaching Toolkit for Faculty
This course focuses on best practices in curriculum design and pedagogy for the online environment. Faculty who successfully complete this course will earn a micro-credential. Completion of the Online Teaching Toolkit for Faculty course is required for faculty who wish to build a fully Online PBSC course.
Using Kaltura Video and Media Storage in Canvas
This course offers instructions on how to record videos with Kaltura and highlights best video hosting practices.
PBSC Canvas Faculty Corner
This faculty-mentor discipline-based interactive course facilitates discussions on instructional content, course delivery, and best practices within specific academic disciplines.
Canvas Training Course Participation Requirements
Completion of these asynchronous courses is highly recommended for faculty readying their courses for delivery in Canvas, developing new courses, or preparing a course for certification, as well as new faculty wishing to teach Hybrid or Online courses. They are also helpful for faculty practicing online instruction and wanting to expand their knowledge of Canvas and related instructional tools.
Requesting Canvas Support
Requesting Canvas Support
The College has contracted Tier 1 Support services. Canvas Tier 1 Support is available 24/7, 365 days per year. The same Help icon in the navigation bar will direct faculty and students to the following support choices, based on their contact preference:
- Chat with Canvas Support - Connect live in a chat room with a Support Agent.
- Canvas Support Hotline - Connect live by telephone with a Support Agent.
- Request Assistance - Fill out a support request ticket and a response will be received via email or phone (based on your indicated preference).
Tip: it helps to be as specific as possible when describing the nature of the requested assistance. Based on the type of assistance requested, Canvas Tier 1 Support staff, PBSC’s PBSC Online staff, or the PBSC Information Technology (IT) department will respond to provide assistance.
Additional Training Opportunities
Additional Training Opportunities
Many additional resources are provided. They can be accessed through the main navigation bar buttons in Canvas:
- Commons: Utilize the Filter and the Search function within the Commons area to identify the type of resources and subject area(s) in which you are interested.
- Help: Explore the following five training resources provided by Canvas inside the Help section
- Canvas Field Guide: demonstrates basic tools used for instruction.
- Training Services Portal: offers a collection of instructional videos, courses, and webinars. You will also be able to check Canvas’s Training Calendar to browse and register for live Webinars hosted by Canvas’ Training Teams.
- Canvas Training Shop: provides a plethora of training opportunities.
- Search the Canvas Guides: provides a list of guides for Canvas products. The following products/services are available to you: Canvas, Commons, Community, and Mobile.
- Ask the Community: is a great place to ask for help and collaborate with peers across the globe.
Genera PBSC Online Policies and Guidelines
Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet at Palm Beach State College
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. Access to resources is shared equitably among all Palm Beach State users and provides a dynamic/expanded 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)
Accessibility (ADA)
The Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all qualified students with disabilities, in compliance with federal and state statutes. The PBSC Online 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 The Center for Student Accessibility (CSA). Students in need of accommodations need to contact the PBSC CSA Manager at the home campus to submit appropriate documentation and request services, including Internet and Canvas Course accessibility accommodation requests. Please see the website at www.palmbeachstate.edu/CSA/. CSA Office will coordinate with PBSC Online and provide all necessary accommodations for every properly documented student disability.
The most common of the most common Disability Support Services requests is an extension of allowed time for time restricted examinations. This can be applied/achieved by the instructor utilizing Canvas Test Availability Exceptions provided in Test Options. Students that present an authorized letter from the CSA office must be provided with stated time extensions.
Testing Integrity and Verification of Student Identity
Testing Integrity and Verification of Student Identity
It is recommended to provide all Assessments (Tests and Quizzes) via the Canvas course site to Live Online, 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 access the Web (browser) and/or use any other computer files and applications while they are taking their exams,. 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 Canvas 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.palmbeachstate.edu/testing.
Video Streaming System
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/CAnvas building block also provides desktop and webcam recording capabilities with one-click-publishing.
Advertisement of PBSC Online Courses
Advertisement of PBSC Online Courses
A number of marketing activities are used to promote e-Learning classes at Palm Beach State:
- PBSC Online Website at Palm Beach State
- Workday Palm Beach State Class Search
- SREB Electronic Campus Listing
- FloridaShines / Florida Virtual Campus Catalog / Course Listing
Interaction with Students and Office Hours
Interaction with Students and Office Hours
Communication between students and faculty is vital for student success in online learning. Specific requirements for frequent use of course-mail, chat or discussion boards should be designed in course materials. Faculty should announce specific feedback timeframes in each course syllabus. For example: “Instructor’s course-mail will be checked once per day Monday – Friday” or "Email will be responded to within 24 hours."
It is highly recommended that faculty check and respond to course-mail and discussion postings daily Monday through Friday for Online and Hybrid courses. Since students work asynchronously, it is crucial to provide feedback as quickly as possible.
As part of the full-time faculty member’s required 10 office hours per week on campus, faculty are encouraged to use some of the 10 hours per week for online students.
Publishing Courses
Publishing Courses
All courses must have all courses published by the assigned faculty member 48 hours before the first day of courses. This action is performed by the instructor. All modules and course activities/pages in the courses must also be published.
Observance of Major Holidays and Due Dates
Observance of Major Holidays and Due Dates
While online courses are generally instructed in an ‘asynchronous’ method and students are provided a certain amount of time/days to complete and turn in assigned activities, general observance of major holidays must be observed. Due dates should not be set for any major holiday and student activity load needs to take into account all major holidays and official PBSC breaks.
Ownership of Material / Copyright
Ownership of Material / Copyright
Palm Beach State College employees must observe US laws governing copyright. Any violation of copyright or any other law is the sole responsibility of the author of that Web page. Authors or originators using photos and images may need the permission of not only the person or organization that owns the photo or image, but also from any persons included within the images. Any use of other copyrighted material must have the express written permission of the person or organization that owns the copyright. Palm Beach State reserves the right to require proof of the written permission and to remove the material if that proof cannot be produced.
Lecture Recordings
Lecture Recordings
Students may audio or video record a faculty lecture, defined as a planned presentation by a PBSC faculty member or instructor, during scheduled class times, delivered for the purpose of transmitting knowledge or information that is reasonably related to the pedagogical objective of the course in which the student is enrolled. Faculty are encouraged to let students know when the lecture portion of a class begins and ends. There are three permitted purposes for students making the recording:
(1) personal educational use, (2) for use in a complaint against the institution, or (3) for use as evidence in a civil or criminal proceeding. Students may not record for any other purpose without the consent of the instructor. Students are prohibited from recording classroom activities other than lectures, including but not limited to, class discussions, student presentations, labs, academic exercises involving student participation, and private conversations. Students are expressly prohibited from recording any other student’s image or voice. Recordings may not be used to engage in academic dishonesty and may not be published or shared in any way without the faculty member’s written consent. Publication is defined as showing or making available or distributing the recorded lecture by any means.
Student Complaint and Course Grade Appeal Procdures
Student Complaint and Course Grade Appeal Procedures
A student seeking to file a complaint regarding derogatory or other inappropriate behavior on the part of a faculty/instructor or staff member that does not involve academic dishonesty, grade appeal, or another disciplinary action must follow the process outlined in the current-year’s Student Handbook: http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/studenthandbook.
A student seeking final grade appeal can follow an Informal Appeal and/or a Formal Appeal Process. Please see the current year’s Student Handbook for detailed procedures: http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/studenthandbook.
Canvas Guidelines
Canvas Guidelines
Canvas is a Learning [course] Management System that is used for the delivery of instruction online and supplemental instruction in face-to-face classes and other course delivery modalities.
Every course using Canvas must maintain a standard course design. Canvas can also be used for Organization Sites, Departmental Discussion Boards, and/or Webinar Meetings by departments, faculty clusters, committees, and sponsored clubs. In the sidebar to the right of the Canvas Dashboard, click Start a New Course to create a course and/or an organization site in the Palm Beach State Canvas system. If the Start a New Course button is not available in your Dashboard, send a request to Online Technology (OnlineTechnology@palmbeachstate.edu).
Student Support Services/Information and e-Learning
Assessment of Student Capability
Assessment of Student Capability
Students who are considering a PBSC Online course need to determine if they have all necessary skills to be successful. Three (3) self-assessment quizzes are available for students to assess their readiness at the following e-Learning Web page: www.palmbeachstate.edu/elearning/students.
A listing of student computing resources, computer system requirements and the user’s system check is provided at: http://https//community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66
Attendance Requirements
Attendance Requirements
Faculty must take attendance in online courses for federal government reporting purposes. PBSC Online courses do not operate in a traditional face-to-face manner. Students may be dropped or withdrawn from the course by the instructor based on instructor's policies as written in the course syllabus. An example of participation may be submitting assignments, responding to a discussion forum, and/ or the use of the course-mail system by pre-determined deadlines. See the specific course syllabus for details.
Student PBSC Online & Canvas Orientation
Student PBSC Online & Canvas Orientation
Students are provided an online Canvas course: ELO1000 – Canvas for Students. The course is organized into Modules. Start Here highlights important information that will help students be more successful in taking classes on Canvas. Introduction informs students of PBSC policies and lists different Student Support Services available to them in person and online. Each of the Other Modules focuses on one specific Canvas Tool.
When a student completes an entire Module they can claim a badge. When a student completes all Modules, the student can claim a Certificate of Completion. This Certificate may be required by the instructor to be submitted by the students in their course(s).
e-Library/Learning Resources
e-Library/Learning Resources
The Library Learning Resource Centers provide resources and services for the College, including PBSC Online students. Students, faculty/instructors, and staff have access to the catalog, databases, library services, and other resources. The e-Library’s website (LINCCweb) can be accessed from: www.linccweb.org/Discover?lib_code=FLCC1901&tab=books.
Student Assessment of Courses and Faculty
Student Assessment of Courses and Faculty
Student Assessment of Courses and Faculty evaluations are conducted each term. Near the end of the term, students are given the opportunity to assess their instructors on a variety of assessment items via an online survey.
Textbook/Bookstore
Textbook/Bookstore
Textbook Selection Guidelines must be followed for PBSC Online classes. Follett’s bookstore provides all books and materials for students taking classes at Palm Beach State College. Students can order their textbook and other required materials online through the Follet Bookstore at: http://www.bkstr.com/palmbeachstcentralstore/home.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Hardware and Software Requirements
All faculty members/instructors teaching an online course require access to a computer. The College provides computers to all full-time instructors at their primary office location. The Student Learning Center (SLC) open lab at each PBSC campus is available to all students and provides all hardware/software necessary to participate in all online courses (including the Respondus test proctoring system and webcam), as well as to all faculty/instructors (adjunct and full-time). The following are the minimum browser and computer system requirements.
Computer Specifications
For best performance, Canvas should be accessed with a computer that supports the most recent browser versions. It is recommended to use a computer five years old or newer with at least 1GB of RAM.
Operating System
Canvas only requires an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers. Your computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.
Internet Speed
Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments. It is recommended to have a minimum Internet speed of 512Kbps. However, certain content, such as videos and webinar-style meetings require higher bandwidth. It is recommended to have a minimum of 100Mbps download and 5Mbps upload Internet speed to be able to participate in such activities effectively. Internet connection speed can be checked at: https://speedtest.xfinity.com/results or https://www.verizon.com/speedtest.
Screen Readers
Macintosh: VoiceOver (latest version for Safari)
PC: JAWS (latest version for Chrome and Firefox)
PC: NVDA (latest version for Chrome and Firefox)
To test the system’s compatibility, visit: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics- Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66.
Workday Coding for eLearning Courses
Workday Coding for eLearning Courses
Special course notes are used to identify the delivery method of eLearning 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’
Course Registration Note:
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 to deadlines. You must have access to an Internet connected computer with a camera. Canvas login: https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/canvas
Online courses are a great way for students to complete degree requirements while juggling work and/or family responsibilities. These highly interactive courses engage students with course content through structured online learning activities. Although many of the College's online courses require no campus meetings at all, some do require on-campus meetings for an orientation, proctored tests, presentations, or group work. Required on-campus meeting dates are listed in the course schedule.
Hybrid Courses – delivery mode Workday designator ‘Hybrid’
Course Registration Note:
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: https://www.palmbeachstate.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’
Course Registration Note:
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: https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/canvas
Live Online courses require no physical classroom meetings. Instruction is synchronously scheduled with days/times for instruction and interactions. Uses electronic delivery methods (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams remote labs, video conferencing, chats, collaborations, or social learning technologies) to transmit instruction/information.
Face to Face (classroom) Courses – delivery mode Workday designator ‘In Person’
Course Registration Note:
This class contains an online component that supplements the in-class meetings. You must have access to an Internet connected computer. Canvas login:
https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/canvas
Face to Face courses are traditional, on-campus courses that use an online component to augment or enhance the classroom learning experience. These courses require regular on- campus meetings.
Course Delivery Modality and Changes
Course Delivery Modality and Changes
The campus Associate Dean is responsible for adding the appropriate special designators and special fees. Changing the modality of course delivery once registration has started may result in student registrations being cancelled due to different fee structures. Students already registered must be contacted personally and advised of the impact of the change (required attendance to campus, asynchronous vs synchronous mode of delivery, etc.).
Instructor Resource Management and Workday Instructor Canvas Course Certification
Instructor Resource Management and Workday Instructor Canvas Course Certification
Before an instructor can be assigned to a class, the instructor must first be credentialed by Palm Beach State College (Campus Academic Dean, Associate Dean). The process of credentialing is the institution’s guarantee that the instructor has met all the necessary credentialing to teach a class. This process differs depending on whether the instructor is teaching a non‐credit class, a preparatory class, or a credit class.
An instructor must receive an Online and/or Hybrid course certification to qualify to teach a course in that respective delivery mode. Once the PBSC Online department certifies a faculty/instructor's course for meeting the applicable guidelines/standards for a hybrid or an online course, an applicable code is placed in Workday on the Designate Instructor Eligibility screen. Only then will Workday allow the instructor’s assignment to the online or hybrid course.
Syllabi and Faculty / Instructor Web Page
Syllabi and Faculty / Instructor Web Page
All faculty who have courses that have been approved with Web Content designators must have a faculty web page and syllabi available online on the College designated faculty home page and in the Canvas course site. The syllabus should be posted as soon as the class is loaded, but at least 30 days before the registration period for the semester opens. If the class is added after the registration period opens, the syllabi should be placed online within 24 hours of the class being added to the schedule. Please see the webpage at http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/academicservices/information-and-reference/academic- affairs-policies-and-documents/faculty-webpage-syllabi.aspx for syllabus, templates, checklists and posting dates.
NOTE: Due to recent formation of the new PBSC Online department and development of new policies, changes to this Section N of the Academic Manual may be updated/published periodically throughout the 2023-24 academic year.