Getting Started with

Online Learning

This page is designed to answer the basic questions you may have about getting started with online learning as well as provide you the tools, resources, and services that you can utilize this semester.

Online Learning Checklist

  1. Complete the e-Learning Orientation (New Students: Complete Online Panther GPS Orientation)

If you have never taken an online course before, there's an Online Learning Orientation that takes less than an hour to complete and you can take any time. The orientation is meant to give you a good sense of what the online learning experience will be like, prepare you for the differences and challenges you will face as an online student, and provide you with the skills you will need to succeed in your online courses. For instructions on how to enroll and participate in this free online course, click here.

  1. Determine whether your class is synchronous, asynchronous, or both.

Asynchronous: Asynchronous class meetings do not require you to log in to your virtual classroom at a specified time. Students do not have to follow a strict schedule to engage in live classes or discussions, and the only requirement regarding when they turn in their work is the assignment deadline, not an arbitrary timeline. Assignment deadlines and exams days/times are maintained and included on the class syllabus. Per best practices, instructors should create non-mandatory opportunities for live interactions with and among students. Your CUNYfirst will show "ONLINE" without a day/time attached to it.

Synchronous: Synchronous classes meetings resemble traditional on-campus In-Person classes in that students must be (virtually) present at the same time. Though they are conducted virtually, synchronous classes meet in real-time. Students must commit to scheduled class times and sign onto their virtual learning platform on schedule. During these classes, students will engage with the instruction during online lessons and presentations and even have virtual class discussions. Assignment deadlines and exams days/times are maintained and included on the class syllabus. All synchronous class meeting days/times must be listed in the schedule of classes for students. Per best practices, instructors should make effective use of learning management systems for the posting of class materials and submission of class assignments. Your CUNYfirst will show "DAY/TIME" + "ONLINE" to indicate that the course will meet online at that specific day and time.

  1. Login to Blackboard

To login to Blackboard, use your CUNYfirst login credentials here: http://bbhosted.cuny.edu

  1. Login to BMCC Portal + Download MS Office 365

To login to the BMCC Portal, click here.
For instructions on how to reset your BMCC Portal account, click here.
For instructions on how to access your free copy of MS Office 365, click here.

  1. Login/Activate your BMCC e-mail account

To login to your BMCC e-mail account, it helps to have your BMCC Portal account as well. Follow these instructions to claim your BMCC Portal account. When you complete the process, you will be shown your BMCC Portal login information as well as your BMCC e-mail address.

  • First, go to the BMCC Portal login page (https://mybmcc.bmcc.cuny.edu/) and click on the “Account & Password Help” link below the login fields.

  • Fill out all of the required fields and click "Submit"

  • Create and confirm your new password, then click "Submit"

  • After resetting the password your username and email will be displayed. Note that for students, both the BMCC Portal username and the Office 365 email will be displayed.

"Which Digital Tools do I have access to?"

BMCC and CUNY offer you many ways to stay connected with your professors and peers, as well as stay active in the CUNY Community. It is important to remember your BMCC Portal and CUNYfirst accounts and their purpose. Below are tips to remember your accounts, accessing digital tools and services, and much more.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe has provided temporary at-home access to their Creative Cloud suite to term-active CUNY students to assist in your distance learning. Follow the link to learn how to access Creative Cloud Desktop Apps on your personal device.

Email

Students are strongly encouraged to check their BMCC email on a regular basis, especially in the event of course disruption. Email access information, as well as other support, can be found at this BMCC Email page.

Faculty will be contacting you via your BMCC email. It is your responsibility to check in regularly.

If you haven't used Zoom before, please join the session a few minutes early so you can complete the first-time setup activities. You can avoid these activities by pre-installing and testing Zoom using the Zoom test page. If you've already installed Zoom but are unsure if it is working, this site can verify your voice, video, and sound are all functioning properly.

Blackboard

Review the Blackboard page on the BMCC website AND the Blackboard tab on this site to learn how to access and use Blackboard and participate in course activities. Log in with your CUNYfirst account (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu).

Microsoft Office 365

Log in to Microsoft Office 365 with your CUNYfirst login (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu) to access a wide range of Microsoft products. For example, Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for slides, and OneDrive for file sharing. Use the "Install Office" drop-down in the upper-right to install Office 365 applications to your computer. Mobile apps are also available for Apple and Android mobile devices. The first time you run the apps you will need to enter your CUNYfirst log-in information.

Dropbox

Claim your CUNY Dropbox account here using your CUNYfirst login (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu). Dropbox allows you to store and share files and folders, including those that are large in size. For more information about CUNY Dropbox accounts see the About CUNY Dropbox page. For general Dropbox instruction, see the Dropbox Help Center.

Google Drive

Google Drive is the easiest way to create and share folders, documents, presentations, and videos. Watch the video to learn how to Use Google Drive, set up your account, share, tag, leave comments, create folders, Docs, and Sheets.

There are many more features that you can explore once you master the basics.

YouTube

You can quickly and easily upload videos to YouTube from any computer or mobile device, and then share those videos with your professors or classmates. Choose the "Unlisted" setting so that only those with whom you share the link can view the video. See these step-by-step instructions.

CUNY eMall

Promotional discounts, special giveaways, and FREE software are also available for members of the CUNY community while shopping at the CUNY eMall. Log in with your CUNYfirst username and password.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that hosts tons of 'how to videos' on various topics. Students have FREE access courtesy of BMCC. Watch this video to learn how to activate and access your account.

Click on the buttons below to learn more about BMCC's services that can help you with course continuity in the event that classes are canceled or campus is closed.