Interactive Television Courses

PCC is a leader in the use of high quality interactive video and audio conferencing systems. ITV courses use this videoconferencing technology to connect classrooms at all four PCC campuses. Students are able to choose the location most convenient for them. Some ITV classes are simultaneously broadcast over the college cable channel. Instructors and students interact in a live video conference at scheduled times and locations. Students see their instructor on a large screen in the ITV classroom and use push-to-talk microphones to immediately communicate with participants at the other sites. Multiple sites can collaborate on documents and participate in discussions and activities together, in real time, just as if they are all together in the same classroom.

Successful students are self-directed and like the autonomy provided by an ITV class, but they also appreciate having an instructor immediately available for help if needed. A brief orientation explaining the features of each ITV class is given on the first day. In this orientation students are given all the information they need to successfully take a class.

Available sites are listed for each class in the class schedule. Students must contact the ITV Coordinator if unable to attend the first class. Students may be dropped from the class if they do not attend on the first day.

Advantages of ITV

ITV classes are accessible, flexible, and allow students to have instant contact with instructors. There are many more reasons to choose ITV classes:

Accessible:: ITV classes are offered at many locations in the Portland area. You can take an ITV class at a convenient site close to your home or workplace and still be able to see, hear, and talk to your instructor.
Live:: ITV is a live, state of the art, multi-site, videoconferencing system connecting you to your instructor and to students taking the same class at other ITV sites. You meet at the same time, just as you would in a regular classroom.
Interactive:: ITV students are able to talk to the instructor, ask questions during lectures, and participate in live class discussions and activities. Large video monitors, cameras, microphones and electronic whiteboards in every classroom allow immediate interaction and allow all participants to share data and collaborate on the same projects.
Monitored Progress and Attendance:: Because ITV classes are live, attendance is required. Instructors take roll during class and give immediate feedback to questions or comments. Attendance and participation are important aspects of success. ITV classes require and foster discipline in these areas.
Flexibility:: Hectic schedules and traffic congestion frequently make attending a class difficult. ITV classes are offered at multiple locations and students are often welcome to attend class at any of the available sites as long as advance notice is given.
Greater Selection of Courses:: Specialty classes can be delivered to more locations because ITV pools small enrollments from one site with enrollments from other sites thus making unique courses feasible as well as convenient.
Variety of Learning Styles:: ITV classes use a variety of teaching and learning styles. Lectures, reading, discussions, and group activities enable students with diverse needs to develop the knowledge and skills needed to master most subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take ITV classes?

Anyone can take an ITV class. You don't need any special skills or equipment. However, you must be able to attend scheduled classes at one of the various ITV sites.

Where do I take an ITV class?

Specially equipped ITV classrooms are located at several sites in the Portland area. You can take an ITV class at the site most convenient for you. Specific sites for each class are listed in the PCC schedule.

Sylvania campus , TCB 107 and TCB 111
Cascade campus, MAHB 216
Rock Creek campus, Building 9 Room 201
Southeast Center, Mt. Tabor 120

PCC's ITV system can connect with compatible interactive systems throughout Oregon. The department offering the ITV class determines locations. For more information about ITV statewide locations contact the ITV Coordinator.

How do students use the ITV technology?

Each ITV facility is user friendly. Technical operations are controlled from a central location at the Sylvania campus. Students push a button on a desktop microphone to speak to their instructor and classmates. The instructor has constant live visuals of every site and students can see the instructor, other students, electronic whiteboard notes, graphics, videos and other selected images on a large screen in their classroom.

Specific instructions are available in every ITV classroom and an orientation is given at the beginning of each term. A direct telephone line is available for immediate technical questions or assistance.

What if the students need help at the ITV site?

Students are given contact information and troubleshooting instructions on the first day of class. A direct telephone line is available during class for immediate questions or assistance. Site support is available and scheduled according to class needs.

Where can I find contact information?

An ITV Directory is posted in every ITV classroom. This directory provides contact information for instructors, site support, and ITC classroom telephone and FAX numbers.

How do I take the orientation for my ITV class?

On the first day of class, students are given a short orientation to ITV. This includes training students to use the system, how to send and receive course materials, and what to do if a problem occurs.

How do I get the class handouts and other materials?

Course materials are delivered to ITV sites through the PCC inter-campus mail department. During orientation, students are given specific directions where to pick up incoming and drop off outgoing mail. Fax machines are also available at all locations.

How do I turn in my homework or other assignments?

Each site has established a system for students to send materials to their instructor through the PCC inter-campus mail department. This information is given out during the orientation on the first day of class.

The following instructions should be followed at every site:

Attach special STUDENT EXPRESS stickers to the outside of the intercampus ITV envelopes to notify mail handlers to expedite the materials.
Mailing labels for each instructor are located in each appropriate classroom mailbox. Attach these to the ITV envelope to ensure the proper address is used.
Use cover sheets when mailing or faxing materials to ensure proper delivery and distribution.

Are there services for students with disabilities?

Visit the disability services page for information on available accommodations.

What about tests and finals?

At the beginning of each term, students are given specific testing information and contact people for each campus. Testing support varies at the different locations.

What if there are technical difficulties at my ITV site?

Classes are videotaped in case of technical difficulties at any of the ITV sites. These tapes are available for 30 days for student viewing at the Sylvania Library only. Since these are "live," interactive classes, students are expected to attend class, not view tapes. Special arrangements must be made to save tapes longer than 30 days. Contact the ITV Coordinator for more information or assistance.

How do I get help with questions about my course materials or requirements?

For questions pertaining to specific course materials or curriculum requirements, contact the instructor or the department offering the course. For example, if you want to know if it is okay to use your calculator in a math class, contact the Math Department.