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 ask for an 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.
  
• Install the software and plugins needed from the installation CD. Watch the distance learning movie on the CD. Those who no longer have the installation CD may go to 'Necessary Software' below and download the software and plugins.
  
  
  1. Insert the installation CD. Click on the 'Diagnostic' button (Macintosh users should download and follow the installation instructions). It should automatically install within 2 minutes. If not, see the instructions or contact Technical Support at 602-402-8451 or 1-800-826-3386.
     
     
  2. Look for all green checks. Click on the red checks to install software.
     
     
  3. Click on the 'Movie' button. Watch the orientation movie.
     
     
  4. You may now remove the installation CD. If you change computers, use the installation CD again.
     
     
  5. Complete the 'Student Orientation,' then begin your classes.

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' 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 or 1-800-826-3386 (ask for distance learning).