New Student Orientation

Those who are unable to go to the distance learning office for an orientation should review the following pages:

Step 1 - Before students begin working in their courses, they will need to:

• Pay any course or book/material fees
  
• Obtain course materials, an installation CD, and a user ID and password from the distance learning office. Those who are new to our program should be aware that a brief orientation when picking up materials from the distance learning office. This will make the difference between a successful, rewarding experience and a frustrating, confusing experience as students transition from a traditional classroom setting to distance learning. A brief orientation is also available in MDLP Tools.
  
• Follow the instructions on MDLP Tools CD for your type of computer.
  
  
  1. Insert the MDLPCD. Install MDLP Tools on your computer. Open MDLP Tools. The first page should identify what type of computer you have and whether or not you are logged in as the Administrator on your computer. Follow the plug-in installation instructions for your type of computer. After installing the plug-ins, go through the Student Orientation.
     
     
  2. You may now remove the installation CD. If you change computers, install the plug-ins again.
     
     
  3. If you do not have the MDLPCD, you may download and install MDLP Tools here:
     

  Download MDLP Tools for Windows here
  
  Download MDLP Tools for Macintosh here
  
  
  
  Installation instructions for MDLP Tools
  
  

  Necessary Software - Instead of downloading MDLP Tools, you may download the software and plugins below:

Authorware Web Player and plug-ins (install plug-ins to access quizzes, tests, and interactivities) Windows Windows Vista Click here for directions to install plug-ins on a Vista computer. Windows XP Run the diagnostic page to install plug-ins on a Windows XP Macintosh OSX Follow the instructions on the Mac Tips' page.

QuickTime Player (download and install to view online movies) QuickTime (7.0) for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista QuickTime for Macintosh (for current operating systems) QuickTime Player for Macintosh (10.2.8 to 10.3.9)

Adobe Acrobat Reader download and install to open .pdf files

 

Step 2 - Create a folder for each course on the computer's desktop

• Students should create a folder on the computer's desktop for each course they are taking and save their assignments in the folder for that course. Finding assignments is easier when students know where they are saved. Saved assignments are then uploaded through the student portfolio for each course.
  
  
• Students should also back up assignments on an outside drive (such as a usb drive or CD). Distance learning is not responsible for lost assignments.

Step 3 - Set up a planner or calendar

• We suggest that distance learning students set up a planner or calendar to mark the start and end date for each course. Parents/students may use the calendar to note the time a student spends working in their courses. This information is then transferred to the Timesheet Calendar. Each student is given 18 weeks to complete a course during the regular school year. Summer school students will need to adjust the amount of time they have to complete a course because of summer time constraints.
  
  
• During the regular school year, up to four courses at a time will be assigned to full time high school students and six courses to full time junior high students (grades 7-8). Part time distance learning students should contact the registrar for information about fees and the number of courses allowed. Keep in mind that as students complete a course, another may be added by contacting the distance learning registrar.

Step 4 - After installing the plugins, log in to the Student Page and begin working in the course(s)

• The timesheet/attendance calendar automatiically records student attendance.
  
• Click on the 'User Information' link to update personal information.
  
• The 'How To Movies' link contains information about submitting assignments, contacting instructors, and other help topics.
  
• Mac users: Click on the Macintosh help link for help if you are using a Macintosh computer.

How Do I Work in the Course?

• Click on a course link from the 'Student Page.'
  
• Click on the 'Course Information' button located on the 'Welcome' page for the course. The Course Information page contains an introduction video, information about materials, textbooks, course expectations, and grading.
  
• Click on the 'Lesson Checklist' button. Use the Lesson Checklist to access lessons and assignments and navigate through the course.
  
• Submit assignments through the student 'Portfolio.' Student assignments and grades are stored in the online portfolio.
  
• Communicate with the instructor through the 'Messagebox.'

Parent Information:

• Log in to the 'Parent' page.
  
• View course information, current grades, and student progress.
  
• Update personal information and request weekly progress reports. Update timesheet/attendance.

Problems?

Contact Technical Support Monday- Friday between 8 am and 4 pm at 602-402-8451.