“P” Credit Courses FAQs

Here is information about the 30 Hour “P” Credit Course learning format. We hope that this information will help to get you started in your new online classroom. If you should need more information than what is provided here, please contact bgolubtchik@teachersnetwork.org.

What is the course fee?

The fee is $300 per course for each New York City “P” Credit Course, plus materials. This fee includes the NYC After-School Professional Development Program registration fee of $100. Course fees are non-refundable.

How much credit can I earn?

Each New York City “P” Credit Course earns three “P” credits from the New York City Department of Education. “P” credits can be applied towards salary differentials.

How do I register for a course?

In order to register, go to http://schools.nyc.gov/Teachers/aspdp and complete the registration information. You will then be directed to http://teachersnetwork.org/pcc at the Teachers Network website. Click on “Register Now” at the top of your screen. From here, you will be able to order materials and pay for your course(s) at one time.

A complete course schedule is posted at http://teachersnetwork.org/pcc/i_calendar.cfm.

It is important to include your DOE file number or another unique number when registering. This number will serve as your password. In addition, the DOE records credits earned using file numbers, not names. Please note: The DOE places a zero in front of your file number, giving you a seven-digit number. You may choose to use your file number with our without the zero for your Teachers Network password.

What are the required materials for the course?

Materials for each of the courses are listed on the registration form. If you did not order your materials when you first registered, contact bgolubtchik@teachersnetwork.org for more information.

For a complete listing of materials for P credit courses, go to: http://www.teachersnetwork.org/pcc/materials.cfm

What are the system requirements for taking online courses?

Hardware
You'll need your own computer or reliable access to a computer with internet access.

Web Browser
Internet Explorer
Netscape
Safari

*AOL Users: be sure to set your spam filter to receive messages from http://schools.nyc.gov/Teachers/aspdp and bgolubtchik@teachersnetwork.org. You can do this by adding these URLs to your address book. Check your spam filter regularly.

What do I do if I have trouble viewing my CD ROM?

Go to the Apple web site (http://apple.com) and download QuickTime for whichever platform you are using—Mac or PC. QT is free and downloads fast.

1. After installing QuickTime, open QuickTime.
2. Insert CD-ROM into computer CD drive.
3. Open CD folder (from My Computer if you is using Windows).
4. Open Movie folder (found inside CD folder).
5. Slide movie files onto Desktop.
6. From QuickTime, open one of the movies.

After installing QuickTime, the CD will probably work simply by inserting it into the computer. The step-by-step is just in case.

How do I access my course?

Log on to your course at http://teachersnetwork.org/pcc/Login.cfm. Your login is generally your first initial and last name and your password is your DOE file number. If you have forgotten your password, click on the link, “Forgot your password?” and type in the email address that you used when you registered: An email will be sent to that email address with your username and password. For more help, contact bgolubtchik@teachersnetwork.org.

When do I have to start attending class?

Students will receive an email prior to the start of the course. It is imperative that you access the course within the first week. You may make other arrangements with your facilitator if there is a problem. Your registration fee will be forfeited if you do not join your course.

What happens if I cannot take the course due to personal reasons?

All course and registration fees are non-refundable.

What are attendance requirements for P-Credit Courses?

The beauty of an online course is that you have access 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the section. It is not necessary to be online at the same time as anyone else. Your attendance is demonstrated by participation in the online discussion, completion of activities by the due date, submission of discussion question postings, etc. Your course facilitator will provide more information to you about required due dates for assignments. It is imperative that you submit your work according to the stated timeline. Failure to do so violates the DOE attendance guidelines. A major part of the course work involves interaction between participants as well as the facilitator. If you do not complete assignments according to the due dates set by the facilitator, you will miss out on an important component of the online community. Consistent lateness is cause for failure.

Where do I get my course syllabus and resources?

All of your course materials are available in your online course area. Check the tabs at the top of your screen once you have entered your course.

How will the facilitator know to contact me about the course?

If you are registered, the facilitator has access to your email address via his/her grade book. The instructor will be sending private email to you only if there is a private issue to be discussed; otherwise all correspondence will take place in the online classroom. In addition, you will have access to the private email of your facilitator; this should only be used for personal matters.

Please be sure that your email address is updated.

How frequently should I communicate with my facilitators?

Check in on your class frequently, at least every 48 hours. Successful students have recommended that you check your course daily.

Is there a required number of logons?

You will need to complete each assignment and respond to at least two of your peers for each assignment. You may log in as necessary to complete this requirement.

When are assignments due?

Students are expected to submit assignments by the due date, as specified in the syllabus or by the facilitator. You will be unable to post after the course closes.

Is there an evaluation of online courses by students?

You will be asked to fill out a brief evaluation at the end of the course. We appreciate all comments!

What are Teachers Network’s resources for new teachers?

• Lesson Plans - A collection of lesson plans are available on our web site. They can be accessed for daily use and/or as creative resources.
• TeachNet – Web-based curriculum units
• How To articles – Check our table of contents to find articles on just the topic you need. As an added bonus, you can contact the authors with follow-up questions.
• New Teacher Helpline and New York City New Teacher Helpline - On-line mentors are available to answer individual questions within 72 hours of posting. They are available for any question you might face from your daily classroom experience.
• Lesson Plans by New Teachers, For New Teachers - We catalog high quality teacher produced work as a resource for new teachers.
• Grants and Opportunities - We have lots of 'em.
• Teachers Network Leadership Institute (TNPI) - Our think-tank of teacher fellows tackles education policy issues and conducts classroom action-research. A summary of their work is available on our web site as well.
• Search Our Site powered by Google!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Teachers Network:

• email: bgolubtchik@teachersnetwork.org
• phone: 212-966-5582

Good luck with the courses!!

Teachers Network

*Teachers Network is a nationwide, non-profit organization that has been working for more than 25 years to support, recognize, and connect innovative teachers through grants and networking opportunities in the area of curriculum, leadership, policy, and new media. Teachersnetwork.org is designed by teachers, for teachers featuring curriculum projects, activities, and lessons; grants and resources, new teachers help line; teacher research; bulletin boards and more.