Student Resources

In this supplementary section, you will find resources and documents to assist you throughout this course.

Course Icons and Glossary

You can access the course icon library for definitions of each icon used in this course.

The course glossary contains the definitions for the terms listed on each Module Overview page. Click on the key vocabulary links on each Module Overview page to access the course glossary.

Technology Resources

This section contains procedures for some tasks you may be required to perform on your computer in order to complete this course.

• Downloading and Uploading Files
• Suggested Resources for Audio and Video Assignments
• Tips for Viewing and Navigating Content Interactivities
• Tips for Viewing and Navigating Review Interactivities

Course Resources

• Citing Resources MLA Style
• Designing an Effective PowerPoint Presentation (Purdue Online Writing Lab)

The CIA World Factbook

As part of this World Geography course, you will research various information about countries around the globe. The CIA World Factbook provides information about hundreds of countries around the world, including historical, economic, and geographic facts and maps. It is a reliable resource to use for much of your research. By following the steps below, you can more easily navigate the CIA World Factbook website and find relevant information:

1. Access the CIA World Factbook website.
2. Using either the interactive map or the dropdown menu provided on the webpage, click on the country that you want to research.
3. Scroll down the webpage to locate the tab or tabs relevant to your research assignment, and then click on the information that you would like to read. Topics include the following:
   • geography
   • people and society
   • government
   • economy
   • energy
   • communications
   • transportation
   • military and security
   • transnational issues
4. Read the information in the World Factbook on the relevant topic(s), being sure to take notes in your own words for you to reference when completing the assignment.
5. If you use this resource, be sure to include the CIA World Factbook in a Works Cited document.

Tips for Writing a Reflection

At the end of each course module, there are reflection questions provided to you. To reflect is to ponder. It is thinking with a purpose and a focus. Reflection provides insight and is an opportunity for growth. Reflection takes place before, during, and after. You reflect before you move into a new phase, a new topic, etc. because you want to take the time out to understand what you may have learned previously, what you may want to do differently, or how you want to progress forward. It is always wise to reflect in the midst of experiencing something new or learning something new because you are able to stop and ask yourself, “Am I understanding the material?” “Is this meaningful?” “What have I learned so far?” Reflecting while reading helps you maintain a focus and a goal. Reflection is also done after the fact. When you reflect afterwards, you are focusing on what you have obtained as well as gained – “What did I learn?” “Why is this important?” “Did I gain any insight on the topic, experience, or about myself? “What will I do differently?”

As you are instructed to reflect, use the questions below to help guide your reflection:

• What is the focus of my reflection?
• What do I already know?
• What have I learned? What have I learned so far?
• What was meaningful? What was significant? What was insightful?
• How does this relate to me?
• What can I take from this?

 

Device Compatibility

This World Geography course has been designed using rapid e-learning software. This technology allows you to view all of the course components on different types of devices. The software is smart. It will deliver interactivities in a format that is compatible with your device, making this course fully functional on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device or a smartphone.

It is recommended that you use the course management system check before beginning a course. Typically, this tool checks each computer for JavaScript®, browser versions, cookies, and display. In addition to these computer requirements, you will need to have the free Adobe® Reader®. Videos in World Geography are provided in a variety of formats, due to their availability. You should have access to the most current free versions of both Windows Media Player® and Apple QuickTime®.

eMediaVA^SM and Interactivities

This World Geography course utilizes videos and interactivities from eMediaVA^SM, a digital media distribution system. When possible, these videos and interactivities have been included in course files; however, due to copyright, some videos and interactivities must be viewed on the eMediaVA^SM website. For information about your username and password for this resource, please contact your course instructor.