Online Education FAQs
Q 1. What is Brightspace?
Brightspace is the official online learning system used across the State University of New York (SUNY). A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software platform used to create, deliver, and manage courses online.
An LMS allows you to:
- Access course materials (slides, videos, readings)
- Submit assignments and take quizzes
- Participate in discussions
- Track grades and progress
- Communicate with instructors and classmates
Q 2: How can I log in to Brightspace?
Answer: All faculty and students can use this link to log in to their Brightspace account: https://brightspace.cobleskill.edu/. Our learning management system, Brightspace, uses multifactor authentication to log in. If you do not have that set up yet, then you will need to contact ITS at 518-255-5800.
Q 3: What browsers are supported by Brightspace?
Answer: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge are supported. Internet Explorer is NOT supported.
Q 4: When will I have access to my courses in Brightspace?
Answer: You will have access to your courses in Brightspace one week prior to the official start date of the course.
Q 5: Is there an orientation for online students?
Answer: Yes. All students have access to a Brightspace orientation course at any time. This course is also required for all first-year students as part of the FFCS course. Please use the following link to access the course: https://mylearning.suny.edu/d2l/home/2239575
Q 6: How do online classes work at SUNY Cobleskill?
Answer: Online courses at SUNY Cobleskill use a variety of instructional methods designed to support different learning styles and levels of flexibility.
Learning Format Definitions:
- Synchronous: Classes meet at scheduled times in real time using platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Students attend live sessions and interact with the instructor and classmates.
- Asynchronous: Students complete coursework independently on their own schedule within set deadlines, without required live meetings.
- Blended: A combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction.
- Hybrid: A combination of in-person and online instruction, which may include synchronous and/or asynchronous components depending on the course design.
- Hyflex: A flexible course format where students can choose how they participate each session. Attending in person, joining live online (synchronously), or completing coursework online asynchronously. All three participation modes are supported simultaneously.
Instructional Method Codes:
- COMBI: combination of online synchronous and online asynchronous instruction
- HYBON: combination of in-person classroom instruction and online asynchronous instruction
- HYBRE: combination of in-person classroom instruction and online synchronous instruction
- REMOTE: synchronous instruction completely online (live via Zoom or Microsoft Teams)
- ONLINE: asynchronous instruction completely online
- HYFLX: tri-modal instruction, meaning simultaneous in-person classroom, online synchronous, and online asynchronous participation
- DIGED: course delivered synchronously in-person with the instructor teaching remotely
Q 7. Do I need books and other hard copy materials? Where can I get them if we do?
Answer: Online classes use textbooks and other hard-copy materials just like any other college class does. In most cases, students can get their textbooks through a website such as Amazon.com or through the campus bookstore.
Contact Information for SUNY Cobleskill's Bookstore:
Phone: 518-255-5227
Fax 518-255-5505
Check the Bookstore's website for detailed information.
Q 8. Is the acceptance criteria different for online students than for on-campus students?
Answer: The acceptance criteria for online students is exactly the same as it is for on-campus students. Visit the Admissions office for more information.
Q 9. How can I submit an application for admission?
Answer: Visit the Admissions sections for the application procedures. You’ll find information about tuition and fees on the Student Account webpage.
Q 10. What would be the cost for taking an online class?
Answer: The cost of an online class is exactly the same as any other credit-bearing course. Information about tuition and fees can be found on the Student Financial Services webpage.
Q 11. What online courses are offered at Cobleskill?
Answer: A list of online courses can be found in the Course Listings section under the Online Education area of the SUNY Cobleskill website using the link below. These listings are also available in the College Catalog, which includes full course descriptions.
Q 12. I am a full time student at a different college. Can I take online courses at Cobleskill?
Answer: That would depend upon your reason for taking the online class at Cobleskill. Do you plan to transfer the credits back to the other college? If so, you would need prior permission from that college to transfer the credits before you take an online course at Cobleskill.
Q 13. I am an international student at Cobleskill. Can I take an online class in my home country during the summer?
Answer: Online courses are available anywhere there is Internet access.
Q 14. What kind of computer hardware and software do I need to take an online course?
Answer:
- Internet connection: wireless or wired
- Hardware: A desktop or laptop computer
- Software: Microsoft Office 2016 or better
- Operating System: Windows 10+ (Windows 10 or later); macOS Monterey or later
- Audio and video aspects
Please visit the Technical Requirements for more information.
Q 15. Can I access my online course from work?
Answer: Unless the place you work uses a restrictive firewall, you should be able to access your course from work. Only your employer can determine whether or not you should access your course from their network.
Q 16. What kind of technical support is available if I run into a problem?
Answer: If you have questions or problems with Brightspace, you can submit a support ticket with the office of Online Education through TeamDynamix using the following link https://cobleskill.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/277/Portal/Home/ or you contact the following Online Education staff:
Vinny Basile
Director of Online Education
basilevm@cobleskill.edu
518-255-5849
Q 17. How can I get advice on which degree/program I should apply for?
Answer: You can visit the Admissions site for more information or you can call or email the Admissions Office:
Toll Free: 1-800-295-8988
Local: 518-255-5525
Email: admissions@cobleskill.edu
Q 18. How are tests conducted? Are final exams given?
Answer: Testing varies from course to course. Some courses are writing intensive and do not emphasize tests. Other courses might have weekly quizzes which you have a certain amount of time to complete. Some courses may require you to come to campus to take tests, as might be the case with a hybrid course. Some courses may use online exams that you submit electronically to the instructor. Each instructor explains testing activities, as well as their course requirements, ;in the syllabus that is posted on the course website.
Q 19. Is there a team assignment for online classes? How do team assignments work? How often are they assigned?
Answer: Team Assignments are given at the discretion of the instructor who would direct students in the assignment. How often they are given is also at the discretion of the instructor. There is no set rule for this criteria so make sure to read your syllabus and check the course website to be sure.
Q 20. How do I register for my online classes?
Answer: If you plan to take online courses in summer, you can register online. If you are interested in taking online courses during other semesters, visit the Registrar's Office for more information, or check out their webpage.
Q 21. What payment plans are available?
Answer: Information for payment plans can be found at on the Student Financial Services webpages.
Students Financial Services, Knapp Hall, Room 118A
Phone: (518) 255-5539
Fax: (518) 255-5844
Or visit this site: Payment FAQ.
Q 22. How much time should I devote each week to my online course?
Answer: During a typical fifteen week semester, an on-campus student spends at least three hours a week in the classroom and is expected to spend an additional two hours per credit hour (six hours for a 3 credit class) studying and/or preparing for the course. Over a fifteen week time frame, the total hours expected in a three-credit course would be 135 hours, or 9 hours per week. However, in an online class that time can be higher since the class does not meet and the burden of making time is on the student. In a condensed situation, such as summer classes that are only six weeks long, the amount of time spent per week in an online class will be significantly larger.
Q 23. How do I find the course textbook information?
Answer: The Bookstore on campus has all the information on what books you'll need for the courses you are taking. You can call this number 518-255-5227 to find out. Check this site for textbooks or eTextbooks.
Q 24. What computer skills should I have to be successful in an online course?
Answer: In order to be successful, an online student should have decent typing skills and general familiarity with their computer, including:
- File Management, specifically locating, naming or renaming and saving files
- A basic understanding of file types and extensions (.doc, .PDF, .jpeg, etc.)
- Knowledge of how to use Microsoft Office including mail services
- An understanding of OneDrive and knowledge on how to use it
- Using Google Chrome or another web browser to navigate the Internet
- Experience with the use interface of your computer, specially it’s hardware and software
Q 25. How do I communicate with my online instructor?
Answer: In addition to announcements and assignments posted in Brightspace, the primary method of communication with your instructor is email. Brightspace also includes an email feature that allows instructors to send messages directly to students; however, these messages are delivered to your college email account. There is also a Messaging tool within Brightspace that allows for private communication within the platform. Your instructor’s email address can be found on both your course site and the college website. Because instructors may send both individual and group emails, it is important to check your email regularly. Instructors may also provide feedback through the Gradebook. Once grades are posted, be sure to review any comments your instructor may have included about your work.
Please see the links below for additional help with email and messaging in Brightspace.
- Email Others Using the Brightspace Email Tool
- Communicate Using the Brightspace Instant Messages Tool
Q 26. How do I interact with other online students ?
Answer: Many instructors use the Discussion Forum tool in Brightspace to facilitate student interaction and engagement. In many online courses, instructors will post weekly topics for students to respond to. In addition to submitting your own post, you may also be asked to reply to and engage with posts from your classmates.
This tool provides a meaningful way to interact with both your peers and your instructor beyond traditional communication methods. You may also use the email and messaging features in Brightspace to communicate with your classmates when appropriate.
Q 27. Are library resources are available online?
Answer: Yes. On the Online Education homepage, you’ll find a direct link to Cobleskill's library resources. Among these resources, you can search numerous databases of current journals in most academic fields. From these searches, you can access full-text articles that you can use for course assignments or papers. The library resources can also be reached by the library homepage.
Q 28. Will taking an online course let me complete my degree early?
Answer: This depends upon how many credits you take or have taken over the academic year. You are allowed to take a maximum of 18 credits for the spring and fall semesters and online courses allow you to gain credits without being physically present. However, you should definitely consider whether you feel you can handle it before committing yourself to an 18 credit workload.