Classroom Participation

The classroom component of regulatory education courses administered under the Real Estate Services Act (Applied Practice course, Legal Update course, and Ethics course), will be held in a virtual classroom.

Technical Requirements for Participation Permanent link to this section

Learners must have the technology required to fully participate in the virtual classroom. In order to improve the quality of your learning experience, we recommend using a hardwire internet connection, a headset and camera, a desk in a quiet location with no distractions, and adequate lighting. In addition, use of a computer rather than a tablet or smartphone will allow for easier navigation of required classroom resources. Learners are provided with information about these requirements with registration confirmation and are responsible for testing their equipment in advance to ensure that it meets the required specifications for participation.

Active Participation in Virtual Classroom Permanent link to this section

The virtual classroom is a simulation of the physical classroom, meaning that it involves audio and visual interaction among learners and instructors. To make these interactions possible, learners must be on camera during the virtual classroom session. If a learner does not actively participate on camera in classroom and breakout room discussions, they will not receive credit for completing the session and will be required to redo the session and pay a rescheduling fee which is 50% of the full course fee.

Disruptions such as walking away from the computer while the course is in session (as opposed to at organized break time), having discussions with individuals off screen, driving, or being in transit; conduct that is disrespectful or distracting to other learners or to the instructor; or activities that fall under “academic misconduct” or “non-academic misconduct” in BCFSA’s Academic and Non-Academic Discipline Policy will not be tolerated. Failure to comply after two warnings from the classroom administrator may result in the learner being removed from the classroom and subject to a rescheduling fee, and sanctions under the Academic and Non-Academic Discipline Policy, where applicable. In addition, the learner’s managing broker may be notified of the behavior. 

Exceptions Permanent link to this section

If a learner is unable to be on camera due to a “protected characteristic” under the Human Rights Code (British Columbia), they may make a request for accommodation in accordance with BCFSA’s Accommodation Statement.

If the learner is unable to be on camera for any other reason, they must notify BCFSA before the start of the virtual classroom session where possible, or as soon as possible after the start of the session, and provide the reason(s) why they cannot be on camera, together with supporting documentation, if applicable. In exceptional circumstances, BCFSA may exempt the learner from complying with the camera requirement, and/or provide alternative arrangements so that the learner may fulfill their continuing education requirements. Reasons such as not having a camera are not considered sufficient for the purposes of being exempted from complying with the camera requirement. In such cases, the learner will have to reschedule the classroom session of the course.