Managing Your Distance Education

For more information contact Jean Lilly at (828) 448-3117

How to Manage Your Computer (and yourself) as a Distance Education Student

 Please read this excellent piece written by Dr. Linda Ray and Ray Tims, of Wake Tech, on being a Distance Education student.

Contemporary's online study is an interactive program designed to lead learners through a course of study to complete their  high school equivalency program through computer-based instruction.  The program provides instructional content designed to prepare learners for success on the GED^® tests.  Upon completing the program’s lessons and tests, students should be confident that they will not only pass, but score well in each of the five tests: reading, writing, math, social studies, and science.

The GED^® test is a program developed in the 1940s for soldiers returning from World War II who had not finished high school.  It has grown into a nationally recognized high school equivalency program for anyone and is accepted by most all institutions of higher education including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, and other technical or educational programs.  Most employers look favorably on a GED^® test credential in their hiring practices.  Students with a GED^® test credential are known to have skills that are easily utilized in a hands-on, application-oriented fashion.  In other words, they will have the knowledge from high school courses, and be able to apply it in real world situations.

Software and Hardware Requirements:  

• PC computer with Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system
• Web browsers - Internet Explorer 6.0+ or Firefox 1.5+
• Flash - 7+
• MAC OSX with Safari 2.0+ web browser

Computer Terminology

Understand common computer terms that you are likely to hear often:  (More in-depth definitions can be found on the Internet at www.sharpened.net.)

Points to Ponder Before Beginning Your Program:

• Your login and password will be emailed to you within 24 hours after you complete the orientation.
• You must complete 12 hours before you are officially registered as a student.
• You must show consistent activity ON THE ONLINE PROGRAM (not on some other area of the Internet!) in order to stay in the program.
• You can study for your GED^® test anywhere there is a computer and an Internet connection. 
• You can communicate through a private messaging system from within the program software with your teacher.
• Don’t swear at the computer or abuse a member of your household, even the dog, when you have computer problems.  Call the Contemporary Help Desk’s number at 1-800-678-2747.

Instructions for launching yourself into the GED Online cyberspace:

Complete instructions will be provided at your mandatory online orientation class at the Jim Richardson Complex.

GED^® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education. Used under license.