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Volunteer State Community College

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    Distance Learning at Volunteer State
 

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Welcome to COM 100 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (VIDEO)
Prof. Leonard Assante
 

Familiarize yourself with these requirements in order to maximize your opportunity for success in your distance learning course. After you review the course orientation, you can begin working with your distance learning course content on the first day of classes.
 

Click on any of the questions below:

Does this course cost the same as a regular course?

Tuition for video courses is the same as for classes that meet on campus.  The video tapes required for this course can be borrowed free of charge, but must be returned to the College at Home Desk in the Library (or to the Community Education Office at McGavock high School) at the end of the term.
 

Does this course count the same as a regular course?

Yes.

Does this course transfer?

Yes, but students should check the catalog, as with any other course.  You may also wish to consult your advisor.
 

How can I contact my professor?

Leonard Assante
Associate Professor of Communication and Department Chair, Volunteer State Community College
1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN  37066-3188
Phone:  615/452-8600 x3727 or 888/335-VSCC, 615/230-3228 FAX, 615/230-0973 (home) 
E-Mail:  Len.Assante@volstate.edu  (I prefer this address to the WebCT E-Mail, but I check both.)
Office Hours are by arrangement for summer.  Also, will be available before and after each class meeting and on discussion boards as noted in the syllabus.
 

How is this course taught without meetings?

This class will actually meet four times.  (See the syllabus and/or Websites for dates.)
Class meeting #1:  Overview of course, review of procedures, text, videos, workbook, web sites.
Class meeting #2:  Informative Speech presentations.
Class meeting #3:  Persuasive Speech presentations
Class meeting #4:  Small group in-class portion (certain sections only), impromptu speech presentations.
Students will review the videos, read text chapters and complete homework in a self-paced manner. 

Please see the COM 100 College at Home (Video) orientation page for more information: http://www2.volstate.edu/humanities/comm/com100c@horientation.htm
Course syllabus:  http://www2.volstate.edu/lassante/com100/vidsyl.html
 

Do I have to come to campus to complete this course?

Yes.  There will be 4 class meetings (see the syllabus for times, dates and locations).  Exams can be scheduled to be taken on campus during an exam "window" or time period.  You may come to campus any time the library is open to take the exams.  (You will need approximately one hour to complete the exam, so you need to make an appointment with the College at Home Desk. (230-3409, http://www2.volstate.edu/distance/) for a time at least one hour before closing.  Homework and other written materials may be mailed, faxed, e-mailed or turned in personally.  (There may be opportunities to take some of the exams after class, depending on the schedule.)
 

How do I access the course content and materials?

Syllabi and other course materials will be distributed at the first class meeting.  The instructor maintains a website that includes course materials for this class.  Go to:  http://www2.volstate.edu/lassante/
There is also a WebCT package for this course.  WebCT is a course management and delivery system that uses the world wide web.  Course materials plus interactive communication tools can all be accessed from the course WebCT site.  The syllabus has access information, or go here: 
http://vswebct.volstate.edu/
Remember: 
All course information can be accessed via the course syllabus (including WebCT, etc...) at:
 
http://www2.volstate.edu/lassante/com100/vidsyl.html
 

What are the computer requirements?

You do not need a computer to complete this course.  This a video course enhanced with web components.  However, in order to use the course website, WebCT enhancements, etc., you will need access to a computer equipped with Internet access.  Additionally, the textbook includes a CD-ROM.  You will need a CD-ROM drive on your PC to use this disk.  Please contact your instructor or visit this web site if you have questions about your PC:  http://www.tn.regentsdegrees.org/students/hardware_software.htm
In addition, you will need access to a VCR (VHS format) to view the videotapes.  
 

How do I get started?

You will receive all information at the class orientation meeting.  (See syllabus for date, time and location.  In addition, feel free to call or E-Mail the instructor.  (Contact information appears above.)
 

What do I do if I need assistance with technology or the course?

Technology questions should be directed to this website:  http://www.tn.regentsdegrees.org/students/hardware_software.htm
or you may contact the instructor for any course-related questions.
 

How is attendance taken in a distance course?

Attendance will be taken at each class meeting.  Failure to attend any of the meetings may impact your grade.  See syllabus for details.
 

What is expected of me in this course?

The syllabus serves as a contract between student and instructor.  As the instructor, I pledge to teach what is in the syllabus in the fashion described.  As the student, you should pledge to do assignments in the fashion indicated.  This includes turning materials in by the due date in the format required, attending all class meetings, and reviewing the text and videos.  All expectations are fully described in the syllabus.
 

Where do I find my assignments?

All assignments as well as directions for completing them can be found in the syllabus.  http://www2.volstate.edu/lassante/com100/vidsyl.html
 

How do I know when assignments are due?

Dates are included in the syllabus and on the Web CT calendar.
 

How do I communicate with other students?

There are several methods of communicating with your classmates.  WebCT provides e-mail links to all students either as individuals, as groups of students you pick, or you may e-mail the whole class.  All students are issued Volunteer State Community College E-Mail addresses.  We will also have four class meetings which will allow opportunities for student interaction.  WebCT also provides the option for discussion boards where you may communicate electronically in "real time" with any other students logged on at the time.
 

How do I submit my assignments?

Assignments may be turned in via e-mail, postal mail, fax, or turned in to me in person or in my mailbox in Room A-201 in the Ramer Administration Building on campus.  Contact information appears above and on the syllabus.

How do I take a test?

Exams will be given at the College at Home desk in the Thigpen Library on campus.  You may come to campus any time the library is open to take the exams.  (You will need approximately one hour to complete the exam, so you need to make an appointment with the College at Home Desk. (230-3409, http://www2.volstate.edu/distance/) for a time at least one hour before closing.  Homework and other written materials may be mailed, faxed, e-mailed or turned in personally.  (There may be opportunities to take some of the exams after class, depending on the schedule.)
 

Can I finish the course early?

Yes.
 

How do I find my grades?

Grades will be posted at the end of the semester.  You may access your grades through Web For Students.  You may also call me (not e-mail) after the end of the semester to learn your grade.

Student Pages  |  Classes & Schedules  |  Faculty Pages  |  RODP  Contents

Orientation  |  Resources  |  Research