Note: When registering for classes, please consider the course format, meeting dates and times, and location(s) for in-person participation, as well as requirements for real-time virtual instruction. Students must allow appropriate transition times between classes to account for different meeting requirements and/or locations.
What are Flex Classes?
Starting in the Spring 2022 semester select sections of certain courses will be identified as FLEX. In a FLEX class, faculty use classroom technology to either record or live stream a class. This means faculty can:
- Record classes so students can review the content later
- Enable students to access course content when they are unable to attend
- Provide students with the opportunity to attend class in person, virtually or access content online, providing maximum flexibility (HY-FLEX only)
FLEX classes are identified in Peoplesoft:
Course Capture: In a Course Capture section, the faculty member records every class meeting, making the recordings available on Blackboard for at least thirty days. Students can watch the recordings if they want to revisit course content or if they missed class that day. Please be aware:
- There is an expectation that students attend class regularly. Students may be penalized for non-participation or missed assessments. Course Capture does not excuse absences, it ensures that students can access content they missed
- These videos are intended for students in the class ONLY. They should not be made public or shared outside of the class
- While the camera and microphone will be on the faculty, there is a chance a student may be recorded. If this is a concern, students should choose a class section that is not designated Course Capture
- Not every class is right for Course Capture
- There may be elements of a class that are not recorded (class breaks, small group activities, in class exams, or class discussions of a sensitive nature). The primary focus of Course Capture is recording the lecture
- Some course capture classes may provide audio only
HY-FLEX: A HY-FLEX class allows a student to choose, on a day-by-day basis, whether they attend class in person, virtually, or asynchronously (accessing information online) – based on their needs or preference.
- The professor will be teaching from their designated classroom
- Not every class is right for HY-FLEX
Response to COVID-19 and Distance Learning Plan
Technology Requirements
Learning Management System
Blackboard Learn learning management system is integrated into almost all courses at Frederick Community College. For best performance, Blackboard should be used on the latest version of the following browsers:
Blackboard requires an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers. Your computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.
Blackboard runs on Windows (Windows 10 recommended), Mac (macOS 10.14 or later), Linux, iOS, Android, or any device (desktop, laptop, or tablet) with a modern web browser. To verify that your browser meets technical requirements, click here.
Outlined below are the basic technical requirements* (minimum and recommended).
- Plugins: Adobe Reader
- Headset with microphone (USB or 3.5mm)
- Access to a Webcam (if needed)
*Some courses may have additional technical and software requirements.
Internet Access
You must have access to the Internet. A broadband Internet connection is preferred, but not required. It will be helpful to have a back-up plan in the event that you have technical difficulties and are unable to use your internet connection for any period of time.
Software Requirements
Before registering for a course, be sure that you have checked the software requirements. Some courses may require students to have access to specific software applications. Frederick Community College provides all students and employees with Microsoft Office 365 for home use. For instructions on how to obtain your free install, please click here.
Email
FCC provides every student with an email address. You are required to use this email address for all communication regarding classes. To access your email, please click here. Instructions for how to log in to your myfcc.frederick.edu email address are on the login page.
What do I do if I need help accessing my Blackboard login?
For assistance, the IT Help Desk is available between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can either call 301-846-2509 or submit an online request by clicking here and a technician will respond back to you within these hours.