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 classes at BTC are organized in Canvas, where students can interact with their instructors and classmates, submit work, and check grades. Students access Canvas with individual log-in credentials. Explore Canvas 101 for a short overview of Canvas's basic features and technology requirements.
Is Online Learning Right for Me?
Online learning is a great option for busy students because it offers flexibility. To succeed, you should be:
- Comfortable with using computers and the internet
- Organized and self-motivated
- Willing to ask questions and connect with teachers and classmates online
Tour the Learning to Learn Online tutorial course to see how ready you are for online learning.
Technology Requirements
Computer Skills
Need to brush up on your computer skills? The free Northstar Digital Literacy program can help you learn or review basic technology skills.
Getting Help
Homework or Course Questions: Contact your instructor using the information in your syllabus.
- Tech Support: The BTC Library offers drop-in student tech support in G Building. Email library@btc.edu for more information.
- Canvas Help: For questions about Canvas, check the Canvas Student Guide or click the Help icon inside Canvas.
Learning Modalities
Online coursesOnline 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 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.
Flexible courses
In Flexible courses, students choose whether to attend scheduled, in-person class times or to complete coursework asynchronously online.
Face-to-Face courses
Face-to-face classes are scheduled to meet in person at specific times. There is no online instruction, although the class syllabus and grade book are online in Canvas.
Note: All modalities have 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.
BTC Course Design Tool
The BTC Course Design Tool is intended for faculty who are creating or revising courses to self-assess course structure and content. It includes simple, practical guidance on accessibility, DEI, learning outcomes, assessments, and more. Developed by BTC Faculty/Instructional Designer and eLearning, this checklist tool will guide you through an evaluation of the key components of your course design.
Canvas
Canvas is BTC's Learning Management System (LMS). Most online, hybrid and flexible classes at BTC are taught using Canvas.
Every course is created in Canvas each 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).
Canvas 101 for Instructors is an introduction to Canvas's key features and technology requirements. For more in-depth Canvas training, eLearning provides group workshops for faculty and staff each quarter, and offers customized one-on-one training throughout the academic year, as needed. Please contact 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, please review this BTC Introduction to Panopto.
eLearning provides group trainings on Panopto for faculty and staff each quarter, and offers customized one-on-one training throughout the academic year, as needed. Please contact 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?
One of the most significant benefits of online education is the flexibility it allows for 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, so that students who cannot participate synchronously know to choose a class that better fits their needs.