PrintThis preliminary chapter is meant to prepare registered Penn State students for success in one of the online classes in which this text, Nature of Geographic Information, is assigned. It should also be informative for prospective students considering future enrollment at Penn State (or in online programs offered by other institutions, for that matter).
The Learning Environments section described the two learning environments we use to deliver our online courses--the content management system called "Drupal" in which we present this text, and the password-protected course management system called "ANGEL" in which registered students submit their assignments and receive feedback from instructors.
Sections of this Orientation chapter also outlined roles and responsibilities of students, instructors, and other groups involved in providing this outreach service, and described the assignments that registered students complete to earn academic credit. The chapter described the various modes of communication among registered students and instructors, and recommended three study habits that will maximize students' chances of having a satisfying educational experience.
Have you completed the orientation?
Registered students should now review the Orientation checklist to make sure that they have completed all assigned tasks.
Ready to begin the course?
Click the Chapter 1 link in the Contents menu at left.
Comments and Questions
Registered GEOG 482 students are welcome to post comments, questions, and replies to questions about the text. Particularly welcome are anecdotes that relate the chapter text to your personal or professional experience. In addition, there are discussion forums available in the ANGEL course management system for comments and questions about topics that you may not wish to share with the whole world.
To post a comment, scroll down to the text box under "Post new comment" and begin typing in the text box, or you can choose to reply to an existing thread. When you are finished typing, click on either the "preview" or "post" button (post will actually submit your comment). Once your comment is posted, you will be able to edit or delete it as needed. In addition, you will be able to reply to other posts at any time.
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