Orientation

ITV Government 2305

What books/items are needed?

Title: Democracy Under Pressure/Election Update (edition: 10TH - Current Edition) REQUIRED Author: Cummings, Milton C. / Wise, David Publisher: Thomson Learning/Wadsworth 2007; ISBN 0-495-502138 Title: Student Course Guide for Voices In Democracy : U.S. Government (edition: 3rd Edition Election Update) REQUIRED Author: Lynch, Keith, and Lee Publisher: Thomson Learning/Wadsworth 2008; ISBN 0-495-091073 Title: Voices in Democracy DVD Series (ITV) optional Author: N/A Publisher: Dallas TeleLearning 0000; ISBN N/A

Where do you find the ICR?

All course information for this class can be found on our class homepage. Our homepage is on the Distance learning page. Accessing the Class Site The student will access the class site in the following manner: Go to: http://dl.tccd.edu and select the "Virtual Classrooms (Log In)" link. (Logicampus) Enter the username and password on this page.

This class page also has a chat room and a discussion board. These two items can be very helpful to you. Those students who use the discussion boards and chat room usually do better than those who do not.

High Points from ICR

Videos:

You may stream these from our class page. If you cannot do this, the ICR tells you when and where the videos will be broadcast.

High Points from the ICR

Exam material please note that lessons do not match up with chapters but with the lessons in the Course Guide Book. Exams: EXAMINATION SCHEDULE Exam One: Covers Material: Video Programs: 1 - 9. Study Guide Lessons: 1 - 9. Exam Two: Covers Material: Video Programs: 10 - 18. Study Guide Lessons: 10 - 18. Exam Three: Covers Material: Video Programs: 19 - 26. Study Guide Lessons: 19 - 26.

High Points from ICR

Exams cont.

EXAMINATION MATERIAL

Each exam will contain 50 objective questions of a true/false or multiple-choice nature. All components of the course including video lessons, assigned readings, and study guide materials are important. Test questions will be taken from each course component. Questions 51-55 on each test are extra credit questions worth 2 points each. This is the only opportunity for extra credit in this course. The student may choose to not attempt the Extra Credit questions; however there is no penalty for an incorrect answer on an Extra Credit question. Each correct answer will be worth 2 points.

High Points from ICR

Exams cont.

Exam Information In order to take an exam, students must present a current photo TCC ID card, or a printed copy of the students current TCC class schedule, plus a photo ID, such as a driver's license. Your name on your photo ID, and schedule must match. There will be no exceptions to these requirements. Students must know their Colleague ID before entering the testing center as they will be required to enter this number on the exam Scantron form. Students can obtain their Colleague ID by logging in to WebAdvisor at http://wa.tccd.edu.

High Points from ICR

Exams (cont) The Testing Centers are usually filled to capacity during evening hours. Students are advised to take their exams early in the day if they wish to avoid waiting in line.
Students must turn off all electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, pagers, etc.) and remove ear phones/headsets before entering the Testing Center. If a students cell phone or pager goes off during testing, the exam may be taken away and the student will forfeit the right to complete the exam.

High Points from ICR (cont)

Exams (cont) Exams will be given on only the days listed in your ICR make sure you make it there The Testing Centers will provide all materials necessary for exams and writing assignments.

Once testing has started, if a student leaves the testing area, he/she will not be allowed to return and complete the exam or assignment. In the event a grade is challenged, the student must provide a complete set of original receipts and/or assignments showing proof of completion of all required activities.

High Points from ICR (cont)

Exams (cont) Testing Center (check with the campus for specific room) and Hours Locations South Campus: Southeast Campus: Northeast Campus: Northwest Campus: Trinity River Campus Hours 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. (No objective tests given after 8 p.m.; no written tests given after 7 p.m.) All exam materials must be completed and turned in by 8:45 p.m. Students are strongly advised to take their exams early in the day if they wish to avoid waiting in line.

High Points from ICR (cont)

E-mail

All e-mail will be sent to the student's campus cruiser account. It is the student's responsibility to frequently check e-mail sent to that account. Students who fail to check e-mail on a regular basis risk missing important class announcements, instructions, and assignments. There are two ways to check e-mail: All Internet faculty have committed to reading and responding to email messages at least five days per week, typically within twenty-four hours. Please note, requests for assistance with technical issues should be directed to the Help Desk at help@dl.tccd.edu and not the course instructor. Any questions you might have can be emailed to me. I will usually check my email in the evenings between 7-9pm. .

How to contact me

The best way to contact me is via email. I will check my email each evening sometime between 7pm and 9pm. If you email me at noon, please be patient as I usually will not check my email prior to 7pm! Office Location: TBA Office Hours: TBA

What is expected of you!

ITV Government is a self directed and in some ways self paced class. Each student needs to check the ICR for lessons to be covered for each test. Each student should read the relevant chapters and do the lessons for each chapter from the course guide

What is expected of you (cont.)

The objectives and questions you answer from the course guide will not be turned in to me. These are for your benefit!! You must report to campus on the day(s) testing is offered for each lesson. Tests must be taken on campus. If you cannot get to campus this is not the course for you.

What is expected of you (cont.)

Testing dates are set and students are expected to take the tests on the specified dates. I offer a single make up exam if you have missed a test but not if you have not done well on a test!

What is expected of you (cont.)

I do not offer make up tests to change your grade but only if you have missed a test! I will offer a make up exam in my office only for the most EXTREME cases. Please make arrangements to take the tests on the dates listed!

What you can expect from me:

I will hold office hours each week. These will be posted on the ICR. I will check email daily during the week. I will check email occasionally on the weekends. I will provide reviews for you for each test. Reviews will be posted on the discussion board.

What you can expect from me:

I will answer questions and help you to understand the material to the best of my ability. I will make myself available prior to tests to be in the chat room or answer questions on the discussion board. I will post grades on the class page as quickly as possible.

Tips for Government 2305

Read! Read! Read! Do the review questions at the end of each lesson. (No, I am not taking these from you but
you will benefit greatly from completing these) Define and explain the terms and concepts given to you in the review posted on the discussion board.

Make sure you are using information from the lessons for each test the concept may be discussed in multiple places

Tips for Government 2305 (cont)

Find a study group or study partner. Research shows you will know and remember 70-80% of what you talk about as opposed to 40-50% of what you read and write! If you dont understand a term or concept post it on the discussion board your classmates will answer and I will make sure they are on target!

Good Luck

I have not covered everything in the ICR you are expected to read it and send questions if you have them. Good luck and I hope you do well in US Government!