Classes designed and taught by full time faculty and working professionals
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Limited enrollment provides individual attention, peer and faculty interaction
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24/7 tech support and online help desk
Online Learning: Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How do online courses work?
A:
Online courses at Fitchburg State College are offered fully online through Blackboard, our online learning management system. As a student, you access and complete all your work in an online setting with a very user-friendly interface.
Q:
Where do I go to access the course?
A:
The web address for all courses is http://blackboard.fsc.edu. As a student, you are given a username and
password to access the courses in which you are enrolled.
Q:
How often do I need to be online?
A:
One of the greatest advantages of online learning is that you can access the course at whatever times
are most convenient for you. How often you access the course depends on you, but we recommend that
you stay involved throughout each week of the course.
Q:
Are there set times to be online for class?
A:
Typically, there are no set times. This is what we refer to as “asynchronous learning.” You access the
course at times that are most convenient for you. However, you will have a schedule to keep so that the
course has structure. For example, the assignments and activities might have weekly deadlines. This
depends on the instructor’s format for class, and will be clearly identified. Some courses in the Master of Science in forensic nursing program require some “synchronous learning”, and you may have to be at your computer at a particular time of day.
Q:
Is prior computer experience necessary to enroll in an online distance learning course?
A:
Yes. A working knowledge of and experience with computer applications is recommended prior to enrollment
in online distance learning classes.
Q:
What types of support do I have?
A:
A lot! Technical support is available from our Information Technology Helpdesk 24/7, at 978-665-4500.
There’s also a Distance Education Coordinator available via e-mail or telephone at mleamy1@fsc.edu or
978-665-4783.
Q:
How do I register?
A:
You can register for online courses the same way you register for traditional courses. Registration details
are available through the registrar at: www.fsc.edu/registrar.
