Rearrange the interactive television classroom to make the viewing angles more comfortable. Change the direction of the desks, chairs, and tables so you can easily see the viewing screens without twisting your neck. When you are finished, return the room to its original state. If the interactive television class lasts several hours, either bring a bottle of water or take several breaks to drink water so you do not become dehydrated.

Dress in layers. If the room tends to be cold, bring your coat or jacket. A fan will be noisy but if you are careful to place it far away from the microphones, it can circulate the air in a warm or stuffy room.

Some classrooms have hard chairs or seats that can be uncomfortable or difficult to use. Bring a cushion or borrow a comfortable chair from one of the adjacent offices or classrooms.

If the phone rings, answer it. Identify yourself and ask who is calling.

If you are participating in an interactive television course, get there early. If the technical support is not present or working on the setup, you may have to take steps to begin or improve the process.

In some interactive classrooms, the cameras are set to automatically focus on you. It is very embarrassing to have everyone pay attention to you when you are late.

If you are taking an online course, begin the communication process before the obligatory introductions. Send an introductory e-mail to your instructor after you register. At the same time, write a letter introducing yourself and Fax or mail the letter to the instructor. Refer to the e-mail and ask for a confirming answer.

Say hello to the others in the class. Get to know the other students in the class (at all sites). Find out how and when to contact the members of your cohort. This knowledge can be useful when you need to ask questions or discuss happenings with one or more of your classmates. You may want to call or contact those who can help you make decisions about your class work and homework.

When you start an online course or attend an interactive television class, you should expect "things" to happen. Sometimes the equipment does not work. Frequently, people do not speak clearly. You may be reduced to listening to the class on the telephone or from a speaker. Computer networks have breakdowns and sometimes the electricity is shut off.

Because you understand that "things" happen, you have to maintain a flexible attitude. You have to know how to contact the technical person. In certain instances, you may have to review the class videotape at a time other than during class time.

You can get the textbook(s) from the school bookstore, the teacher, the Internet, or the library. Call the bookstore, open an account, and arrange for delivery. Otherwise, you can ask the instructor to send the textbook(s) with the technology technician, another student, inter-office mail, or U.S. mail. Check Internet sites such as amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com for good textbook prices and availability order fast delivery. Interlibrary loan is available when the local library does not have book, but it takes some time to find secure a copy. Of course, borrowing from means that you cannot keep book after due date; however, if you do not want to keep the textbook, library loan is the answer.