ITV Guide for Students
Courses delivered via Interactive Television (ITV) are very common at Columbia State Community College. When you walk into the ITV classroom you will see cameras, television monitors and microphones. This technology makes it possible to link two (or more) electronic classrooms that are miles apart to create one classroom environment.
Why Interactive Television?
ITV makes it possible for students on other campuses to take courses not available on their home campuses. There are a few small ways in which interactive television classes are different from the regular classroom experience to which we are most accustomed. This guide will give you a handful of tips that will make your ITV classroom experience more productive and pleasurable.
ITV Tips
Be on Time
We recommend that you arrive a little early for your class. If the technical setup which precedes the class is trouble free, then you may have time before class to talk with the instructor or students at the distant sites.
Audio
The microphones are always on. Be mindful of not making unnecessary noise. The rustling of papers, zipping bags and whispering are examples of sounds that will be "picked up" by the microphones. When speaking in class, face forward and talk normally. It is not necessary to lean forward but avoid speaking away from the front of the room. The audio system in the classroom is not a public address system, so to make yourself heard by the other people in the room with you remember to project your voice as you would in a normal classroom.
Participation
It is called interactive television because you are expected to participate in the experience. Be actively engaged in the classroom experience. We recommend that your instructor establish some type of protocol that allows you to get his or her attention. Feel free to interrupt the instructor if you can't hear or see what is happening. If more than two sites are connected the instructor may not be able to see you to know that you have a question or are confused. When you do ask a question or interrupt the instructor it is best to state your name and your site location. For example one could say, "Professor Harvey, this is Sue in Lawrenceburg and I have a question." Also you need to let the instructor know if she or he is talking too fast or if the information on the supporting graphics is too small or hard to see. The instructor controls the cameras and other devices at the location they are teaching. So if there is a problem with sound or picture, tell the instructor about it. It may be something easy to fix if the right person is made aware of the problem.
Providing a Helping Hand
As in a conventional classroom, you may be asked to help the instructor by collecting assignments at your site or handing out materials. You may also be asked to help fix a technical problem in your classroom, such as adjusting your speaker volume or switching your TV to the correct view. The instructor will guide you through the process. Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Class Recording
Columbia State ITV classrooms have video recording capability. Your classroom session may be recorded for evaluation purposes or for instructional use.
Assignments and Instructor Contact
Please refer to your course syllabus for assignments and instructor contact information. Some ITV instructors utilize Online Campus to distribute material, post assignments, and give tests.
Provide Feedback
Don't be shy! Providing feedback and input will improve your experience and make the path for future students easier.
Questions?
E-mail Bob Trybalski, Coordinator of Instructional Technology Support Services at rtrybalski@columbiastate.edu.