Sit in the classroom or at the computer. If you have access to the technology, try out the equipment before the classes or sessions begin. Look over the available apparatus and test it for response time. To become comfortable with the sound time delay when you use interactive television, try talking out loud. Focus the camera on yourself and watch what happens at the remote site. Make sure the equipment is working without system problems. Test the various controls. Which are adjustable? How do you adjust them? How do you change them? How do you convert them back to the original settings?

If you are taking an on-line course, learn how to download the material. That way you will have a hard (printed) copy. When you use e-mail, learn how to reply, forward, and attach your homework to a message. When participating in a Chat Room, print the pertinent materials and add them to your notebook or folder.

Whenever possible, have an expert demonstrate the equipment. Pay extra attention when anything goes wrong. Ask questions. Write your own instructions. If necessary mark the screen with a water-based pen during the demonstration. When the demonstration is complete, ask the expert to watch you while you try out the instructions by testing the machinery. Send a Fax. Send e-mail to someone and copy (CC) yourself. Check to see if the person received the Fax or e-mail. Access the web site. Look at the various topics on the site. Bookmark interesting sites and write the URLs in your notebook.

Ask what to do if the equipment goes down or fails to operate. Get telephone numbers or have the technician show you the location of the emergency numbers.

When you want to ask a question, announce your name, your location, and that you have a question. You can say, "Hi. This is Ina from Oakton Community College and I have a question." You can also raise your hand but if the instructor is not used to the system, he or she may notimmediately acknowledge you.

Fix the camera so that others can see your expression. If you can focus the camera on yourself and use the "zoom" setting to facilitate as much eye contact as possible, you will get better results from your cohort (other students) and your instructor. Let them see your expressions. React to others’ jokes.

Learn how to adjust and control the volume. Sometimes the participants are quiet and the air conditioning is loud. Make sure that you let your needs be known. If necessary, talk to the technicians to see if the microphones can be adjusted or the room can be rearranged to facilitate better sound reception.

Small noises can be distracting. Clicking your pen, tapping your fingers, or shuffling your papers are noises that the sound-sensitive microphones and your classmates can hear. The microphones are super sensitive. Do not say anything you do not want others to hear!

If you are a quiet speaker and others have trouble hearing you, sit close to one of the microphones. You should not have to yell or strain your voice.

Send in your work two different ways. In fact, you can select two of the following methods: e-mail, Fax, overnight delivery, and first class mail. If you hand-deliver, keep a copy for yourself. Note: Be sure to identify each piece of paper you send out to you instructor. Include a header or a footer that contains your name, class, instructor, and date.

Ask for confirmation of delivery. If you e-mail your assignment, ask for confirmation. If you mail your assignment, call to ask if it was received. If you send it with a member of your cohort, ask for e-mail confirmation or call the instructor.

Inform the receiver(s) about what they will receive. List the number of pages or items that they will receive. Tell them what to expect. You need to know that they have received all you intended to send.