Distance Learning FAQ
What is an online course?
This is a distance education course where all instruction is provided online. There are no on-campus class sessions during the semester. All instruction is provided via the BrightSpace Learning Management System. Online classes are designated by a section number of OL (i.e. PSY 101 OLA) in the course schedule.
What is a hybrid course?
This is a distance education course where the majority of the course content is provided via BrightSpace, yet, students are required to attend one or more face to face class sessions. This is not to be confused with a traditional face to face class that uses BrightSpace as an enhancement to the class. Hybrid classes are designated by a section number of HY (i.e. PSY 204 HYA) in the course schedule.
What is BrightSpace?
This is the Learning Management System that is used by KVCC to provide online and hybrid course content to our students. Students login to BrightSpace to access all aspects of their courses.
How do I access BrightSpace?
The main link to BrightSpace is found on the KVCC homepage or by clicking HERE. You access the site with the same credentials that you use for email and the MY KV Student Portal.
How do I use BrightSpace?
KVCC provides a range of online tutorials in the use of BrightSpace.
Who can take an online or hybrid course?
While all students are eligible to take these course at KVCC, it is important to make sure you are the type of student who would benefit from this option. Please see “How do I know if distance education is right for me?” below.
How do I know if distance education is right for me?
While not all alike, most successful hybrid and online students are able to download and upload files, send and receive emails with attachments, use web-links, view online video clips, save and edit files, and have basic computer skills. In addition, these students are self-motivated, set aside structured time each week for class work, learn effectively with little or no face to face instruction, ask for help when needed, and take responsibility for ensuring all assignments/assessments are completed as per the class syllabus. Most also have reliable computer systems with high-speed internet access at home. For those who don’t, there are excellent open computer labs on the KVCC campus. Many students also use systems at local libraries or other locations.
What if I have technical problems during class?
KVCC provides a helpdesk that is designed to offer timely and courteous customer service to distance education students. They can be reached at itsupport@kvcc.me.edu or by calling 453-5079. Please remember that most faculty require students to turn in required coursework each week. If your computer system becomes temporarily inoperable, you will still be required to submit your coursework on time. Please come to one of the open computer labs on campus or find another option in a timely manner.
Where do I find open computer labs on the KVCC campus?
The Fairfield campus has an open computer lab located in Room 104, King Hall and another lab at the Learning Commons in the Lunder building. There are instructional labs located in Carter Hall for specific programs of study; these labs are available for all students when they are not in use as a classroom.
The Alfond campus has an instructional lab in Room 209 located in the Averill building.