MSCD Social Work Department

Information Literacy Permit
& Distance Education
Driver’s License Handbook

Introduction - The Requirements

The purpose of this Information Literacy Permit and Distance Education Driver’s License Handbook website is to provide you with entertaining yet informative guidelines on how to use information technology to be a successful MSCD Social Work Department student.

As part of the social work education process, students will receive, research, and report large amounts of information. Knowing how to cope with such huge quantities of information is a vital skill. Therefore, at a basic level, social work students need to be “information literate.” We cannot assume everyone knows the why, when, and how of information. We want to help students know the tools and processes in an age of abundant information.

The Driver’s License Handbook website is a summary of information available concerning aspects of the distance education experience. There are elements applying to all students in the MSCD Social Work Department as well. Contents include not only skills relevant to information technology, but address a human approach while utilizing distance education tools. The Driver’s License Handbook website is based on current MSCD Social Work Department distance education options and trends; however, the contents are subject to change and serve primarily as a guide. Students are urged to refer to all additional resources provided throughout the website. The MSCD Social Work Department invites your questions, comments, and/or suggestions pertaining to the Driver’s License Handbook.

The Driver’s License Handbook is not intended to be an all-inclusive training manual for how to use information technology tools. The computer technology is secondary to distance education learning objectives. The student may need to use tutorials provided throughout this Driver’s License Handbook to accomplish some of the computer technology aspects of course performance.

Don’t discard the Driver’s License Handbook after you have obtained your license; bookmark it and keep it available as a reference in the future. You may choose to print this document or simply refer to it online as necessary.

Nondiscrimination Policy
Metropolitan State College of Denver does not discriminate on the basisof race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability in admissions or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities.

The Requirements

1.1 The Information Literacy Permit Requirement

The Social Work Department values computer technology for the enhancement and delivery of its courses. This approach will require student ability to utilize computer-mediated courses, databases, assignments, and interaction with peers and instructors. Therefore, the department requires completion of the Information Literacy Permit as part of the general admission packet for students applying to the major. The Information Literacy Permit ensures a basic level of competency with information technology.

Students can obtain an Information Literacy Permit by completing an application and answering 20 questions surveying basic knowledge of information technology. It may also be used to notify the department regarding your intent to obtain a full license. A student must score at least 80% in order to obtain a valid Information Literacy Permit.

When you are ready to attempt the Information Literacy Permit, go to the Links page of Driver’s License Handbook website.

^back to top

1.2 The Distance Education Driver’s License Requirement

Social Work distance education course opportunities are available. The Social Work Department has obtained CSWE accreditation for course delivery--onsite, online, and hybrid. Please see the social work department website for more specific details regarding course availability and structure.

However, distance education courses require a unique set of skills and role demands for the learner. Students in online courses become self-directed learners, not just receptacles of information. The “luxury” of lectures are replaced with a collaborative learning environment to make logical connections, interpret facts, devise arguments, and synthesize knowledge. Distance education learners will write more often, which can be more challenging than oral discussion. In addition, students will need organization, time management, and intrinsic motivation to progress through courses.

Therefore, the Social Work Department requires students who intend to take any social work core curriculum course via a distance learning format (i.e., online or hybrid) to successfully obtain the Social Work Department’s Distance Education Driver’s License before enrolling in certificate or upper-division (3000+ level) Social Work distance education courses.

^back to top

1.3 Obtaining the Requirements

The process is similar to obtaining a state department of motor vehicle driver’s license; hence, the terminology of this Driver’s License Handbook parallels motor vehicle driver's license processes. Students will begin by visiting the Distance Education page of the MSCD Social Work web site.

Permits and testing for the license are on a first come, first served basis. All processes take place via internet computer technology. Therefore, no appointment is needed for permits or testing. However, students are encouraged to allow ample time to complete the Information Literacy Permit prior to the admission application deadline or the Distance Education Driver’s License before beginning any social work distance education course.

First, the entire Driver’s License Handbook is available online through a series of web pages. Students should review the Handbook in its entirety prior to attempting any stage of the driver’s license process. Subsequent to receiving a Social Work Department Information Literacy Permit or Distance Education Driver’s License, students should occasionally refer to the Driver’s License Handbook for any updates.

Second, all students in the Social Work certificate, minor, and major apply for an Information Literacy Permit. An Information Literacy Permit is a survey of basic knowledge of information technology as a social work student. An Information Literacy Permit may also be used to notify the department regarding the intent to obtain a full license. A minimum score of 80% is necessary to receive an Information Literacy Permit. The student name, subsequently, is kept on file within the department, allowing students to contact the department with any questions regarding obtaining a full License. This stage of the process is similar to new drivers being accompanied by a licensed driver who is riding in the passenger seat of an automobile.

Please note:

All students in the Social Work certificate, minor, and major must obtain an Information Literacy Permit.

However, only students who intend to take any social work core curriculum course via a distance learning format (i.e., online or teleconferencing) must successfully obtain the Social Work Department’s Distance Education Driver’s License.

The final licensing stage consists of two tests, one written and one driving test. The written test covers the contents of this Handbook including not only skills relevant to information technology, but also those addressing a human approach while utilizing distance education tools. The driving test is the most important part of the examination because it provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to be a competent online student, capable of navigating and learning course content.

The written test is available as a study guide in preparation for submitting answers as part of the final license process. The written test is an OPEN Driver’s License Handbook, OPEN notes, OPEN web format. However, the driving test is a step-by-step, task-oriented examination. No review is available to students prior to actual examination.

When you are ready to attempt the written test, go to the Links page of Driver’s License Handbook website.

Students must score 80% on the written test before proceeding to the driving test. A minimum score of 80% is necessary on the driving test to obtain full license status. Completing the licensing process provides the student with a file copy of the license (available for printing). The Social Work Department will also make the appropriate indication in the student file. Therefore, duplication or renewals are not necessary. Protect your license privilege by proceeding in distance education courses with care and consideration for self and others during the educational process. Cancellation, an action to void a valid license, may occur in cases of major violations relating to the care and consideration for self and others in the distance education experience. (See specific department procedures for Student Performance Review.)

When you are ready to attempt the driving test, go to the Links page of Driver’s License Handbook website.

Students may attempt re-examination on the permit, written, and driving portions as many times as necessary to successfully obtain a permit or full license; however, students must observe a waiting period of 7 calendar days between re-examinations.

^back to top

1.4 Exemptions

Students not declaring social work as a major, yet who want to take only one social work distance education course, may not need the department Distance Education Driver’s License prior to registration. Exemptions are available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the department for more specific details.