Read this page first, then return to the menu and continue.
Quick synopsis of some important information:
Testing must be proctored. Tests may be taken in the VHCC Learning Lab, or at an approved proctor site (typically the testing site of another college or university, though other arrangements are sometimes approved; please note, however, that testing through a college or university is much easier to get approved, and that due to differences between the nature of testing in college vs. pre-college environments elementary and secondary schools are not generally approved). Details are given later in this document.
Unless you are testing on the VHCC campus, no trips to VHCC are required.
Lectures are distributed in DVD format, to be accessed as video through your computer. All or some of this information may also be distributed in online format, but typical Internet connections do not yet deliver content with acceptable quality at a reasonable speed, though this is likely to change in the near future.
You will require the ability to play DVDs, or to convert the information on the disks to a device that will work with your computer or another device (e.g., by copying the DVD to a flash memory device, easily done on most publicly available computers).
The current format of the videos is MPEG-2, playable in a wide variety of media players (e.g., Windows Media Player and most others; free software is available for most computers using a non-Windows format).
You will need to purchase lab materials. Be sure to read the information on lab materials, costs, etc., located under the Course Materials link in the menu frame at left.
Do I need to come to the VHCC campus for anything? (Answer: no, but if you will not be testing in the VHCC Learning Lab you do need to arrange approved proctoring for your tests)
What is the text for the course? (Answer: see the link provided later in this document for textbook information)
How do I get enrolled in the course? (Answer: you may be able to enroll through the VHCC site, but in many courses you need to go through me to have your enrollment approved. Details are provided under the link to 'Registration Information')
I'm going to be out of the country for part of the term. Can we work around this? (Answer: You may get an early start on the course, and there is ample flexibility in due dates for assignments and tests. However work must be completed by the end of the term.)
What is the nature of learning in this course? (Answer: The core of the course consists of a structured series of questions/problems and answers/solutions. You answer each question, rate your understanding, then read the solution and if necessary you give a self-critique of your answer. Your instructor reviews your work and provides feedback and assistance. The goal is to develop an individual dialog between the instructor and each student. DVD's are presently used to deliver lectures and other materials in video format. Physics students purchase lab packages and do lab-related activities with nearly every assignment, with lab activities are integrated into the course. Some lab activities might optionally be done in collaboration with other students.)
Can I get an early start on the course? (Answer: This is generally possible, and this is especially encouraged for summer term ).
Much more detail is provided as you follow the given links.