GED On Demand Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to be able to access GED study videos on my television using Video On Demand?
You need digital cable service from Mediacom.
I don’t have cable TV—how do I get it, and can I afford it?
Mediacom provides cable television service in approximately 300 Iowa communities. Digital cable is a level of service with interactive features, a step above Family Cable. To encourage you and other Iowans who are studying for a GED, Mediacom provides a 20% discount on the digital service component of your cable bill.
Here’s how the process works to get your discount on digital cable service:
- During your first visit to your local Community College Adult Literacy Center, you will be given information about using GED On Demand.
- If you live in a community with Mediacom service, you’ll use the GED Verification Form included in the informational packet from your Community College contact.
- The Community College staff will sign your Verification Form, and you will bring the signed form to your local Mediacom office (note: service is available in many more communities than those with a Mediacom office. Go to any Mediacom office convenient to you.).
- Tell the Mediacom customer representative at the counter that you’d like to get digital cable for the purpose of helping you complete your GED. Show them the paperwork or form from the Community College. You will be given a 20% discount on the digital service component of your monthly digital cable bill, effective for up to 12 months.
I have Family Cable from Mediacom but not digital cable—how do I get digital?
Many people receive Family Cable channels without the need for a cable box. Digital cable, however, requires a digital box that activates the advanced tools and options of digital cable. To upgrade to digital, take the GED paperwork that you received from your local community college to your local or nearest Mediacom office (a list of Mediacom offices is attached). If you do use an older converter box for a non-cable-ready TV, take that box with you to exchange for a digital box. Tell the Mediacom customer representative at the front counter that you’d like to subscribe to digital cable in order to access GED study videos.
Generally, a subscription for digital cable is $10 more per month than a Family Cable subscription. The customer representative will apply a 20% discount to the digital cable portion of your monthly bill. The discount is effective for 120 days and can be renewed for up to one year.
I already have digital cable but would like to get the discount for GED. How do I do that?
Go to your local or nearest Mediacom office (a list of local offices is attached). Show the customer representative the paperwork that you received from the community college and tell them that you’d like the GED discount. You will receive a 20% discount applied to the digital cable portion of your Mediacom service. The discount is effective for 120 days and can be renewed for up to one year.
How do I access the GED study videos on demand?
Press “guide” on your remote. Scroll through the on-screen program guide to reach Channel ONE (or key-in channel one directly). Programs on the Channel ONE menu include "Mediacom Local." Highlight your selection and press enter. Find "GED On Demand". Highlight and press enter. Choose the subject category and then the specific video you need to watch. Again, highlight your selection and press enter. You can pause and rewind at any time. 39 classes are available; each is 30 minutes in length. You can watch each video as many times as you choose.
I'm having technical problems with my "on demand" service. Who do I call?
Call Mediacom at 1-866-755-2225. A customer service representative is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What additional help is available to me as I study for the GED using GED On Demand?
Your Community College instructor will inform you about workbooks that you may use to help you work through what you learn while watching the videos. There are a few copies to check out for a short time and information about how to order your own workbooks will be provided.
What if I have not completed my viewing of GED On Demand before the discount period ends for my 20% savings?
The Community College staff can sign your original Verification Form to document that you are continuing with your GED study and are authorized to receive the 20% discount for an additional 120 days. The supplemental form must be taken to a Mediacom office and processed by a customer service representative at the office. If another 120-period is reached, the same process can be repeated. Your discount is valid for a full year if you are continuing to work toward completion of your GED.
How do I prove to my community college that I took the classes?
The Mediacom bill that you receive each month will list the names of the study videos that you watched. Don’t worry—there is no additional charge for accessing each class. Keep the bills listing the titles of each video that you’ve watched and present it to your contact person or adult education liaison at your community college. You will also have a log on which to record the hours spent studying using the videos and/or the workbooks at home.
Why is it important to let your GED instructor know what you have watched?
This is important because your instructor needs to know when you are ready for a practice test or a GED test. In addition, your progress will count toward earning certificates to recognize your hard work.
Do I only have access to GED study videos when I’m getting the GED discount?
No. You can access all of Mediacom’s digital programming. There is a wide-range of free content available; but also, the screen information will indicate that fees apply to pay-per-view movies and special event programs
Can I keep digital cable service even after I take my GED test?
Yes. Mediacom’s regular rates will resume after 12 months. However, you can’t extend the discount for GED classes beyond 12 months.
Does the 20% discount apply to Mediacom Internet and phone services?
No. The discount applies only to the digital cable TV services.
Where can I get all my statewide GED information from one place?
Be sure to visit the following Web site to find out more about the GED, where to visit your closest Community College Adult Literacy Program and the contact information: www.readiowa.org. If you are unable to access the web, call 515-281-7308 and you'll be given information about how to contact your local community college.