eLearning
eLearning supports student success through a commitment to the development and design of quality online learning and teaching environments.
eLearning provides campus-wide training and support for Canvas, BTC's online Learning Management System (LMS), as well as for other instructional technologies, such as Panopto and Big Blue Button.
Learning - Students Online at BTC
Bellingham Technical College supports the success of its students by providing flexible learning opportunities.
CANVAS
Canvas is BTC's Learning Management System (LMS). Most online, hybrid and web-enhanced classes at BTC are available in Canvas. Take a look at Canvas 101 for a short tutorial that will introduce you to Canvas's basic features and technology requirements. Log in to Canvas.
Is Online Learning Right for Me?
Online learning offers flexibility for students who have busy schedules outside of school. Successful online students are comfortable using computers and basic internet technologies, are organized and motivated to work independently, and are willing to ask questions and connect with teachers and classmates online. Check out Learning to Learn Online, a short tutorial course, to find out how ready you are to be an online student.
Technology Requirements
You'll need access to a stable internet connection and a reliable, fairly modern computer or laptop for the best online learning experience. The Canvas app for mobile devices is a great supplemental learning tool, too, although most online courses cannot be completed via mobile access alone.
Some courses require a webcam or other accessories to participate in the course. Be sure to check course requirements when you register. Your course syllabus will contain this information, as well.
For specific details on technology requirements for Canvas, including recommended browsers and operating systems, take a look at the Canvas Student Guide.
Computer Skills
If you are feeling rusty or unsure about using a computer, you can learn or review basic technology skills using the free Northstar Digital Literacy program.
Getting Help
If you have questions about your homework or course content, please contact your instructor via the contact information provided in your syllabus. If you have questions about using BTC student technologies, the BTC Library provides drop in student technology support on the third floor of the Campus Center building. Email library@btc.edu for more information.
For questions about how Canvas features work, please consult the Canvas Student Guide, or click on the Help icon inside Canvas.
Learning Modalities
Online courses
Online courses are 100% available on the web. In online courses, students use the internet and technology to connect with instructors and classmates and to complete all coursework. Most of BTC's online courses are offered through Canvas, BTC's Learning Management System (LMS). Some online courses require students to come to campus for meetings or exams, so be sure to check the requirements for the course when you register.
- Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
- Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid courses
Hybrid courses are a mixture of online and face-to-face teaching and learning, where at least 20% of instruction takes place online. The amount of online work depends on the course, so be sure to check the course description when you register.
- Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
- Hybrid Synchronous- This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Web-Enhanced courses
Web-Enhanced courses are face-to-face classes that meet like a traditional class, but some components of the class are available online.
Face-to-Face courses
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
For eLearning related questions, please contact the eLearning Department at 360.752.8555 or elearninghelp@btc.edu.
eLearning Student Links
BTC Technology Camp
Canvas Login
Canvas 101 for Students
Panopto Overview
Teaching - Instructors Online at BTC
eLearning: Supporting Teaching and Learning at BTC
- Facilitates, encourages and supports quality online instruction.
- Promotes and supports effective instructional use of web and digital technologies.
- Provides orientations, training and professional development for teachers who use the Learning Management System and other digital instructional technologies.
Online Teaching Guide
The Bellingham Technical College's Online Teaching Guide for faculty provides information and support to BTC instructors. Whether you are brand new or an experienced veteran of online teaching, the guide will help you be successful as you design and deliver your courses at BTC.
Canvas
Canvas is BTC's Learning Management System (LMS). Most online, hybrid and web-enhanced classes at BTC are taught using Canvas.
Every course is created in Canvas every quarter and is automatically populated with your student rosters. The lead instructor of record for any Canvas course can add other teachers to their courses (check out this guide for instructions on how to add other teachers, or contact eLearning).
Take a look at Canvas 101 for Instructors for an introduction to Canvas's key features and technology requirements. For more in-depth Canvas training, eLearning provides group workshops for faculty and staff at the start of each quarter, and customized one-on-one training throughout the academic year, as needed. Please call, email or drop by eLearning to set up an appointment.
Panopto
Panopto is a lecture recording system integrated into Canvas. Using Panopto, teachers can record an in-class lecture, or prepare an online presentation for students to watch at their convenience. Panopto is available inside every Canvas course.
For an overview of how to record a Panopto session for your Canvas course, take a look at this BTC Introduction to Panopto overview.
eLearning provides group trainings on Panopto for faculty and staff each quarter, and customized one-on-one training throughout the academic year, as needed. Please call, email or drop by eLearning to set up an appointment.
Class Recordings Decisions Tree: ADA & FERPA
It is important to consider the accessibility and privacy rights of your students when you are planning to record instructional sessions. Download the Class Recordings Decision Tree which is also available in in the BTC Online Teaching Guide for help determining the best approach for your teaching.
Synchronous or Asynchronous Teaching?
To Zoom or not to Zoom? That is the question. As we move instruction online, it is tempting to try to recreate the physical classroom experience and require students to attend synchronous lectures and labs. However, one of the most significant benefits of online education is the flexibility it allows in accommodating the demands of family, work and other challenges.
If you plan to hold synchronous online class sessions, be sure to include that information in your course syllabus or calendar. Students who cannot participate synchronously will be able to drop the course and choose a class that better fits their needs without financial or other penalties.