Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
2024-2025 Catalog and Student Handbook

Distance Learning and Modes of Instruction


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At Brightpoint, we’re invested in your success. Our fully online programs give you flexible options to meet your educational goals on your own terms. We offer:

Brightpoint is continuously adding to our offerings of fully online degree and certificate programs. See what you can get started in today!

ONLINE COURSES
ONLINE PROGRAMS

Need flexibility in your course schedule? Check out the wide variety of ways you can attend classes online at Brightpoint:

Instructional Modes

Brightpoint Community College offers a wide variety of instructional modes to provide students with flexibility in scheduling their courses.   

 

If you want to take an online asynchronous class:

  • Asynchronous classes are online and have no scheduled Zoom or on-campus meetings. Students are required to complete online assignments by published weekly deadlines. Those section numbers begin with “A” for “asynchronous.” Reliable internet access is required.
  • The Accelerate pathway also offers asynchronous game-based courses that utilize project-based assessments and open educational resources (OER), which means there are no textbook fees. Those section numbers begin with “XL” for “Accelerate.” Reliable internet access is required.

If you want to take a class that is located on either the Chester or Midlothian campus:

  • Section numbers that begin with “C” are in Chester and those beginning with “M” are in Midlothian. These classes meet in person on the specified days and times. Reliable internet access is required so that students can access course materials in Canvas.
  • Some on-campus classes allow students to also attend on Zoom. Those section numbers begin with “CZ” for classes in Chester and “MZ” for classes in Midlothian. Reliable internet access is required.
  • Some on-campus classes are Hybrid, which means that students must attend both on-campus and asynchronously online, with required online assignments due by published weekly deadlines. Those section numbers begin with “CA” for Hybrid classes in Chester and “MA” for Hybrid classes in Midlothian. Reliable internet access is required.

 

If you want to take a class on Zoom:

  • Students attend Zoom sections on specified days and times from anywhere using a Zoom-capable device. Those section numbers begin with “Z”. Reliable internet is required.
  • Some Zoom sections are Hybrid, which means that students attend on specified days and times and they are required to complete online assignments by published weekly deadlines. Those section numbers begin with “ZA”. Reliable internet access is required.

 

If you want to take a class where you can switch between attending on-campus, on Zoom, and asynchronously online throughout the semester:

  • Flex sections provide that flexibility. Those section numbers begin with “CF” for classes in Chester and “MF” for classes in Midlothian. Students attending online must complete required online assignments by published deadlines. Reliable internet access is required for on-campus, Zoom, and online attendance.
  • Flex Hybrids require all students to complete required online activities by published weekly deadlines, even if they choose to attend class on-campus or on Zoom. Those section numbers begin with “CFH” for classes in Chester and “MFH” for classes in Midlothian.  Reliable internet access is required.

All instructors at Brightpoint use Canvas to post course syllabi, announcements, grades, and other important course material. Therefore, no matter which kind of class you choose to attend you will need to have reliable internet access. If you don’t have access at home, Brightpoint offers a variety of technology tools and resources to assist you with your education. Find out more by going to the Brightpoint website and clicking on Technology Support or Requesting Library Technology under Library Services.

 

Expected Engagement Per Week for Asynchronous Distance Learning ** 

Course Length

1 Credit

2 Credits

3 Credits

4 Credits

Mini

 15-16 hrs/week

25-34 hrs/week

38-51 hrs/week

51-68 hrs/week

5-Week

9-12 hrs week

18-24 hrs/week

27-36 hrs week

36-48 hrs/week

7-Week

6-8 hrs/week

 12-16 hrs/week

19-24 hrs/week

25-32 hrs/week

10-Week

4-7 hrs/week

9-12 hrs/week

13-18 hrs/week

18-24 hrs/week

15-Week

3-4 hrs/week

6-8 hrs/week

9-12 hrs/week

12-16 hrs/week

**based on an average of 3-4 hours per week, per credit hour over a 15-week semester

SSDL Classes

The college also offers asynchronous online courses through Shared Services Distance Learning (SSDL). SSDL courses are offered in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) and other participating colleges within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). These courses allow students to enroll and earn credits from their home college while taking an online course with an instructor from another college within the VCCS. Brightpoint SSDL students have access to resources such as tutoring, testing, and library from the community college providing the course as well as all student resources at Brightpoint. Students enrolled in SSDL courses will receive a letter from NVCC and an invitation to participate in an online orientation, and a Brightpoint liaison provides support during the semester. SSDL courses follow the academic calendar of the college providing the SSDL course. Please review course notes for start and end dates.   

Test Proctoring

​Asynchronous courses may require proctored tests or activities.  Required proctored assessments can be completed at the Brightpoint Testing Centers located on both campuses, testing sites at other VCCS colleges, or any approved site outside of the state of Virginia. Brightpoint offers access to online proctoring that allows students to complete computer-based exams in the comfort of their own home. A reliable internet connection, webcam, and other technical requirements are necessary. Students are observed via a remote connection to the student’s machine to view computer and student activity. The use of this tool is offered at the discretion of each instructor and may not be available in all courses.  

Online Learning Support

Canvas is an online learning management system (LMS) used by the college. Students who are unsure if online learning is a good fit can try it out through the Online Test Drive. This orientation course covers the skills required to be successful as an online learner, an introduction to the Canvas learning environment, and an overview of online academic and student support services as well. Visit the Brightpoint Online Learning page to learn more.

Student technical support is offered by the college for educational technologies such as: 

For live student technical support or assistance with any of these tools, please visit the Help Hub or email helphub@brightpoint.edu. Should you have a request specific to Canvas outside of the Help Hub’s normal operating hours, feel free to contact Canvas directly using any of the following methods: 

 

Out-of-State Students

  • Brightpoint Community College, as a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), is authorized to accept students from any state (except for students residing in California), the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in our programs and courses. Learn more about reciprocity and state licensure.