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Online Education FAQs

Getting started

Q 1. What is Brightspace?

Brightspace is the official online learning system used across the State University of New York (SUNY). It is a Learning Management System (LMS), which is a software platform used to create, deliver, and manage courses online.

Brightspace is made by D2L (Desire2Learn), the company that owns and develops it. You may see the D2L name on some Brightspace help pages and websites.

In Brightspace, you can:

  • Access course materials, including slides, videos, readings, and other resources
  • Submit assignments and take quizzes
  • Participate in course discussions
  • View your grades and track your progress
  • Communicate with your instructors and classmates
Learn more about Brightspace

For students

For faculty

For everyone

Q 2. How can I log in to Brightspace?

All faculty and students can log in to their account through the SUNY Cobleskill Brightspace login page.

Our learning management system, Brightspace, uses multifactor authentication to log in. If you do not have that set up yet, please submit a support ticket.

Q 3. What browsers are supported by Brightspace?

Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge are supported. Internet Explorer is NOT supported.

Use the latest version of your browser, and make sure JavaScript and cookies are turned on. For full details, see Brightspace browser support guide.

Q 4. When will I have access to my courses in Brightspace?

You will have access to your courses in Brightspace one week prior to the official start date of the course.

Faculty: you do not need to make your courses available or change their start or end dates. The Department of Online Education handles this for all courses.

If you can’t find your course or run into problems getting started, see How to start your courses and resolve common problems. If you are still having issues, please submit a support ticket.

Q 5. Is there an orientation for online students?

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 FFCS 101 (Foundation for College Success), a mandatory 1-credit course taken during a student’s first semester.

The orientation course also includes the Student Support Hub to help you with your courses and find support. You can access it here: Brightspace orientation course.

How online courses work

Q 6. How do online classes work at SUNY Cobleskill?

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 methods
In-Person F2F
Course activities are organized around scheduled, in-person instruction.
Online Asynchronous ASYNC
All course activities are conducted online with no required scheduled class sessions or in-person activities, including examinations. An asynchronous course may include some synchronous components.
Online Synchronous
The course is delivered through web-based technologies, with at least some activities occurring during scheduled class or examination times. A synchronous course may also include asynchronous components.
Hybrid HYBRID
The course has reduced in-person class time compared with a traditional in-person course. Online asynchronous or synchronous activities are used to complete the remaining instructional or “seat time” requirements.

Q 7. What online courses are offered at Cobleskill?

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 8. How much time should I devote each week to my online course?

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 9. How are tests conducted? Are final exams given?

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.

For help taking quizzes in Brightspace:

Proctored exams with Respondus

Some exams may be proctored using Respondus. Respondus LockDown Browser is a secure browser for taking quizzes in Brightspace. While the quiz is open, it prevents you from printing, copying, visiting other websites, or opening other programs. Some instructors also use Respondus Monitor, which uses your webcam and microphone to record you while you take the exam.

If a quiz requires LockDown Browser, you can’t take it in a regular browser. The first time you open the quiz in Brightspace, you’ll be prompted to download and install it. If your instructor offers a practice quiz, take it first to make sure everything works before your graded exam.

More information on Respondus can be found in the Introduction to Brightspace course, within the Student Support Hub.

If you have trouble with Respondus, please submit a support ticket.

Q 10. How do I submit assignments?

Most assignments are submitted online in Brightspace through the Assignments tool. Your instructor creates an assignment folder for each assignment, and you upload your work there before the due date. Depending on the assignment, you may upload a file (such as a Word document or PDF), type your response directly into Brightspace, or record audio or video.

After you submit, Brightspace shows a confirmation and you will receive a confirmation email. If you don’t see a confirmation, your work may not have been submitted. Once your instructor grades the assignment, you can view your grade, comments, and rubric feedback in Brightspace.

Always check your syllabus and the assignment instructions for due dates, accepted file types, and any other requirements.

Turnitin

Some instructors use Turnitin with Brightspace assignments. Turnitin compares your submitted work with websites, published sources, and previously submitted papers, then creates a Similarity Report that highlights matching text and shows where it came from. A similarity score does not mean you plagiarized. It shows how much of your writing matches other sources, including properly quoted and cited material. Your instructor reviews the report to help check for proper citation and original work.

You submit to Turnitin the same way you submit any Brightspace assignment. If your instructor allows it, you may be able to view your own Similarity Report and revise your work before the due date.

If you have trouble submitting an assignment, please submit a support ticket.

Q 11. Is there a team assignment for online classes? How do team assignments work? How often are they assigned?

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 12. How do I communicate with my online instructor?

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.

You can also communicate through EAB Navigate. EAB Navigate is SUNY Cobleskill’s student success platform, which connects students with faculty, advisors, and campus support staff. Through Navigate, you can send messages, schedule appointments, and receive progress reports and alerts from your instructors about how you are doing in your courses.

Learn more about EAB Navigate:

Please see the links below for additional help with email and messaging in Brightspace.

Q 13. How do I interact with other online students?

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.

Find study partners and study groups

Outside of your Brightspace courses, you can connect with classmates through CircleIn:

  • CircleIn: an online study community for SUNY Cobleskill students. You can join study rooms and video chats with classmates, share notes and study materials, ask and answer questions, and work together on course topics.

Q 14. Will taking an online course let me complete my degree early?

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.

Admissions, registration & cost

Q 15. Is the acceptance criteria different for online students than for on-campus students?

The acceptance criteria for online students is exactly the same as it is for on-campus students. Visit the Admissions office (opens in a new tab) for more information.

Q 16. How can I submit an application for admission?

Visit the Admissions sections for the application procedures. You’ll find information about tuition and fees on the Student Account webpage.

Q 17. How can I get advice on which degree/program I should apply for?

You can visit the Admissions website for more information or you can call or email the Admissions Office:

Admissions Office
Toll Free: 1-800-295-8988
Local: 518-255-5525
Email: admissions@cobleskill.edu

Q 18. How do I register for my online classes?

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 the Registrar's Office webpage (opens in a new tab).

Q 19. I am a full time student at a different college. Can I take online courses at Cobleskill?

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 20. I am an international student at Cobleskill. Can I take an online class in my home country during the summer?

Online courses are available anywhere there is Internet access.

Q 21. What would be the cost for taking an online class?

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 tuition and fees webpage.

Q 22. What payment plans are available?

Information for payment plans can be found on the Student Financial Services payment plan webpages (opens in a new tab).

Student Financial Services
Knapp Hall, Room 118A
Phone: (518) 255-5539
Fax: (518) 255-5844

You can also visit the Student Financial Services Payment FAQ (opens in a new tab).

Books & library

Q 23. Do I need books and other hard copy materials? Where can I get them if we do?

Online classes use textbooks and other course materials just like any other college class does. Depending on the course, these may be printed textbooks or digital materials such as eTextbooks and online access codes. In most cases, students can get their course materials through a website such as Amazon.com or through SUNY Cobleskill's online bookstore.

Check the online bookstore's website (opens in a new tab) for detailed information.

Q 24. How do I find the course textbook information?

Find textbooks or eTextbooks on the Bookstore's online textbook site (opens in a new tab). Your instructor should also list the required textbooks and course materials in the course syllabus.

Q 25. Are library resources available online?

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 from the SUNY Cobleskill Library homepage.

Technology

Q 26. What kind of computer hardware and software do I need to take an online course?

Internet connection
wireless or wired
Hardware
A desktop or laptop computer
Windows
Windows 11. Microsoft no longer supports Windows 10, and its final consumer security updates end October 13, 2026.
Mac
macOS 15 Sequoia or later (macOS 26 Tahoe and macOS 27 Golden Gate are also supported). Apple provides security updates only for recent versions of macOS.
Browser
The latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari (Mac only), with JavaScript and cookies turned on
Software
Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and Teams), free with your SUNY Cobleskill account. See “How to get Microsoft 365 for free” below.
Audio and video
A webcam, microphone, and speakers or headphones for live (synchronous) class sessions
How to get Microsoft 365 for free

As a SUNY Cobleskill student, you can use Microsoft 365 online and install the desktop apps on your own computer at no cost while you are enrolled.

  1. Go to Microsoft 365 (microsoft365.com) and select Sign in.
  2. Sign in with your SUNY Cobleskill email address and password.
  3. To use the apps in your browser, open Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or any other app from the home page. Nothing needs to be installed.
  4. To install the apps on your computer, select Install and more (or Install apps), then Install Microsoft 365 apps, and follow the prompts.
  5. Open any of the apps and sign in with your SUNY Cobleskill account to activate it.

You can also download the free Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Teams apps for your phone or tablet from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with your college account. If you have trouble signing in or installing, please submit a support ticket.

Not sure if your computer is ready? Run the system checks in the next question.

Q 27. Is my computer ready? Run a system check

Run these checks on the computer you will use for your course, before the semester starts.

Brightspace System Check

This official Brightspace check confirms that your browser is set up correctly.

Run the Brightspace System Check

Camera, microphone, and speakers

To test your audio and video before a live class:

  • Zoom: join a Zoom test meeting (opens in a new tab).
  • Microsoft Teams: open the Teams desktop app and sign in with your SUNY Cobleskill account. Select the Settings and more menu (…) next to your profile picture, choose Settings, then Devices, and select Make a test call. A recorded assistant will play back your message so you can check your microphone, speakers, and camera.

Q 28. What computer skills should I have to be successful in an online course?

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 user interface of your computer, specifically its hardware and software

Q 29. Can I access my online course from work?

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.

Getting help

Q 30. What kind of technical support is available if I run into a problem?

If Brightspace isn’t loading or seems slow, first check the Brightspace system status page to see if there is a known outage.

If you have questions or problems with Brightspace, please submit a support ticket, or contact:

Vinny Basile
Director of Online Education
basilevm@cobleskill.edu
518-255-5849