This document provides an orientation for students taking a virtual classroom course. It outlines key details about the course including that it is taught by a certified teacher through the learning management system (LMS), students need to log in daily and complete assignments on time, and technical support is available through the guidance counselor. Students are responsible for their own success and must practice good time management, communication, and academic integrity.

1. Welcome to your Virtual Classroom

2. A technique that is widespread in education, postsecondary, and business. You’re on the cutting edge. You have anywhere, anytime, access to your courses and materials eLearning provides courses that you need or wish to take to support your future plans These are Ontario courses, developed by the Ministry of Education, and taught by a certified GECDSB teacher All teaching and interaction takes place within the Learning Management System (LMS) You have access to technology at school supported by school board technicians Our eLearning Handbook is posted on line at http://gecdsbelearning.pbworks.com/ Your school guidance counsellor is the contact for elearning

3. All content for your lessons is in the LMS We will use the Internet for support materials Additional resources may be found in the Ontario Educational Resource Bank (OERB) Your teacher may provide additional resources Use the on-line Student Handbook (it shows you how to access data bases, OERB and how to use LMS tools) Access your school library and the Internet for research YOU!

4. You must attend by logging in and working daily. This is no different that any of your other courses. The course is designed for 110 hours but like all courses, you will need more time for assignments and homework Time Management – plan how and where you’ll work at your course Stay in contact with your teacher – they’re online every day too Stay involved in class with discussions – learn from and with your classmates Reply to all messages Consider the LMS material as the minimum…look outside for enrichment! Contact your teacher before small problems become big problems

5. All software is on school computers Your elearning period is on your timetable - you have preferred access to assigned computers in that period ONLY Report computer problems to your guidance counsellor IMMEDIATELY There is no support for home computers DO NOT SHARE PASSWORDS The LMS is optimized for Internet Explorer compatibility Back up all files for your own protection daily The LMS will work with text to speech readers

6. Be considerate of others Do not use profane or derogatory language Use full words and sentences in communications Do not give out descriptive info about yourself to anyone Keep passwords, access codes and security protocols secret Allow all classmates to have a voice Have a facilitator for all multi-person chats All communication must be held in the LMS Abuse of protocol will result in loss of LMS privileges…this is VERY problematic…no access to course = no success Read and abide by the LMS user agreement that you agree to when you log on

7. Like all courses, there are keys to success. Back up your work daily Loss is not an excuse Log in every assigned period Connect with your teacher often Watch the Course News for info DAILY Use integrity - do not become involved in academic dishonesty or plagiarism Read the on-line student handbook Assignments must be handed directly into the drop boxes ON TIME Report any problems with the course to your teacher Use the scheduler and be aware of deadlines

8. Teacher Guidance Office District elearning Contact Use the LMS Help Desk for problems inside of the course content only

9. Your access is the username and passwords provided at this orientation CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD NOW Attendance is kept and reported by the LMS….you must log in everyday…the LMS keeps track ALL session details Notify your teacher through the LMS If you cannot log in for a period of 5 consecutive days Notify your teacher AND your principal if you are not able to login for a period of 10 consecutive days Your attendance record will be tracked and phone calls to your parents, if necessary, will be made as in any traditional school. Your home school is defined as the school where YOU are registered Your host school is the Public Alternative Secondary School (PASS)

10. Your course contains the following: Content Expectations Overview Discussions Reviews and quizzes Questions Drop Boxes Assignments Resources Tests Teacher web pages and blogs Chats Email Course Syllabus

11. Organization Self direction and self motivation Time Management You are responsible for your own success Independent learning Willingness to Learn Problem solving skills Good communication skills Your interest in the subject matter Your interest in succeeding

12. Please take a moment and fill in the following on line form! http://tinyurl.com/sem10910 Adobe Connect

13. Firstname.Lastname is your username “ Virtual” is the default password CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD NOW! Log in and complete the LMS training before February 16, 2010

14. Your teacher may conduct virtual learning sessions with you through the GECDSB Adobe Connect service. The address is: http://connect.gecdsb.on.ca