FAQs
Blackboard Classes taught by Bill Flood
No. The courses are run online using methods that don’t require the student to be online at a particular time or on a particular day. They are very convenient and easy to fit into any schedule.
Books are available at the Harford Community College bookstore – http://bookstore.harford.edu or through online retailers like Amazon.com
You will be able to access the college’s online course software automatically. Aside from that you should not need any particular kind of software.
You will be provided a login and password from Harford Community College approximately 5 days before the class start date. If you don’t receive this information, contact Rod Bourn at rbourn@harford.edu.
5.
How do I contact the instructor?
You may contact the instructor, William Flood prior to the class at his email address: wflood3080@wowway.com
Once in the Blackboard classroom and your course, you can email the instructor through the software using the email tool.
6. I haven’t been in school for a long time; will I be successful in the class?
This is a non-credit, personal enrichment course that is not graded. While you have to meet certain criteria to officially complete the class, you are not graded in the way traditional courses are graded. Instead, you are provided feedback on what you are learning. For example, if you prepared a marketing item such as a business card, the instructor would not grade it, but rather would provide feedback and comments on it, how to improve it, etc. It’s all for your benefit.
7.
How many classes do I attend per week?
Since there are no regularly scheduled class days/times you can access the class as many times as you like. Generally, you will want to go in to participate in discussions and work on projects around 3-4 times each week.
8. Are there quizzes and a final?
There are quizzes each week that will allow you to self-assess what you have learned. These are automatically scored by the course software and you will get immediate feedback. There is no final exam.
9. Is there homework?
The instructor has provided a series of hands-on projects designed to simulate real-world activities one would need to work on given the business opportunity. His intent is to give you an opportunity to experience things first hand. However, it’s not required that you tackle the homework in a real-world manner if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. Each project can be completed hypothetically as well, although you won’t get as much out of the experience.
10. How long does the course last?
Officially, the class is 12 weeks long. Students can complete the course early if they like, but are encouraged to go through the class at the weekly pace along with other students.
11. How much time do I need to dedicate to the class?
Students who dedicate about 2-3 hours per week do reasonably well. Students who spend extra time usually get more out of the course.
12. How do I pass the class and get a certificate?
The courses are offered through several colleges and each has its own procedures for whether they issue certificates or not and for which courses. However, in order to pass the class, the student needs to complete 70% of the quizzes, discussions, and assignments.
13. Will I be able to enter this field when I complete the class?
Yes. The class is designed to be an A-Z presentation of the subject. It is everything you need to begin.
14. Do I need to know a lot about computers to take this online class?
No. The software is reasonably easy to use. Most of your interactions with the computer will be much like writing email messages.
15. If I run into technical difficulty, who do I contact?
Start with the Online Help Desk at 443-412-2256 online@harford.edu . You may also contact the course technician directly, Carrie Dorman cdorman@harford.edu 443-412-2000, ext. 7286.