Help

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Help

Instr. Assessments

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing your browser	Navigating the modules	Streaming Media
How do I email my completed work to my instructor? Can I print a copy of my work? How do I change the font size of the page? Why do I keep getting javascript error messages? What can I do if my computer is very slow to load pages?	What is the best way to get around the pages? Why are some words underlined? Do I have to do the module in any particular order? When do I do the support level assessments and practice activities?	I can't hear the audio. What do I do? How do I get the RealPlayer to work?

If this is your first time using a module, begin with the "Getting Started" tutorial under the Home tab. You may also wish to read the Module Structure and Help sections under the Orientation tab.

Preparing your browser

To use these modules, version 4 or greater of either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator is recommended if you are using a PC. Netscape Navigator or Communicator is recommended if you are using a Macinstosh. Make sure you have javascript and are java enabled (this is the default when you install a browser, but if you are having problems, read the java help section below)

You can tune-up your browser to best use these modules by personalizing your preferences. To customize your browser, choose Edit and select the Preferences option under the toolbar menus for Netscape users. For Internet Explorer users, you can find these options by choosing Tools and selecting the Internet Options option under the toolbar menus.

Email
Make sure your browser is set up for your email address, enabling you to send your assignments through the web. If you are in a computer lab--or on a computer other than your own--the email preferences may be set to someone else's email address. As a backup, keep a printed copy or email yourself a copy of any email you send to your instructor.

You can also email any part of the modules through an email program other than the one integrated in your browser: Select the text you wish to send, choose Copy under the Edit menu, select your email program and paste the selected text into an email message addressed to your instructor.

Printing a page
You can print responses to questions or other pages in a module. To print: select Print under the File menu. The current page will then print on a printer that is configured to work from your computer.

Font Size
Your browser may offer several features which you may find helpful in using a module. For example, you can enlarge or decrease the font size of your browser. Different browsers and different versions of the same browser place this option in different places.

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Java
JavaScript errors normally occur for one of two reasons:

The first is that the browser is too old to support JavaScript. Check to ensure that you are using a current browser.

The second main reason for javascript errors is that the browser has JavaScript disabled. JavaScript can be disabled manually, or in some cases as part of the installation procedure. Refer to your browser documentation or help files to find out the precise method used for enabling JavaScript.

Network Connections
These modules are designed to be distributed from a wide variety of computers and network configurations. If you are viewing the modules through a high speed connection (e.g. 28.8+ K dial-up or a T1, T3 direct connection) you will likely take advantage of the streaming media options for listening and watching the presentation and other content. If you are using a slower connection (such as 28.8 K dial-up), here are a few tactics for improving your experience while learning from these Modules.

Select the transcript option instead of viewing the streaming media version of the content.

Save or print module pages for later reference.

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Navigating the modules

Getting Started
Every module has four main sections: Orientation, Support, Lessons, and Practice. Absolute beginners should read the orientation section and then go directly to the first lesson.

Tips for quick navigation around the module:
As you become familiar with the module structure, you'll notice there are various paths to allow you freedom to move around the module. There are three basic navigation paths available.

The navigation bar at the top of the pages tells you which module and lesson you are working on--in this case, PBS Lesson 2
The bar also provides three easy methods for navigating the module:

1. By going to the complete table of contents, which covers the entire module:

2. By directly going to the level you need (Orientation, Support, Lesson, or Assessment.)

3. By using the arrows on the top and bottom of the right hand side of the page. These arrows allow you to go forward one page (right arrow), or back one page (left arrow) for the level you are using.

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Glossary Words
Glossary words or terms that appear in the text body are underlined. Click the underlined glossary item to see the definition. While viewing a glossary definition, click "Full Glossary" at the top of the top left of the definition window to view the entire module glossary.

Module Structure
You do not have to follow a linear path through the modules. Indeed, such a plan may lead to confusion. The support level of the module is designed to SUPPORT your learning. The modules's content is contained in the lessons. If you attempt to answer the directed questions and assessment in the support level before completing the lessons, then you may undergo some frustration, since the questions test material not yet covered. Therefore, it makes sense for most users to access the lessons BEFORE attempting the support level tasks, unless you wish to use the questions as a pretest.

As the title suggests, the support level is designed to assist you as you learn!

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Media and Transcripts
The content in the lesson preview and presentation is available in both media and transcript formats. The media format uses the RealPlayer to present the content as audio and synchronized images. Most users prefer the media format, however the media content is also replicated as a transcript for users unable to use RealPlayer or prefer to print the content. Clicking on any image in the transcript provides an enlarged view of the image.

Streaming Media

A feature of these Modules is the audio lectures accompanied by synchronous graphics. To experience these media presentations you need the RealPlayer. You can download it free from Real Networks. Your computer must have a sound card to enable you to hear audio files. If you are using a computer that is incapable of audio, you can still benefit from these modules by using the low bandwidth "transcript" options. The table below shows acceptable hardware and software configurations for experiencing these modules. Be sure to print out the handouts from the presentation page before you start.

Features	Platform Required	Software Required
Interactive Text and Graphics	WIN '95+ / 16Mb	Netscape 4x+ (or) MSIE 4.x+
Interactive Text and Graphics	MAC 68K or later / 16Mb RAM	Netscape 4x+ (or) MSIE 4.x+
Streaming Audio and Synchronous Graphics	Pentium 120+ / 16+ Mb RAM (32+ Mb RAM preferred)	Netscape 4x+ (or) MSIE 4.x+ & RealPlayer (download)
Streaming Audio and Synchronous Graphics	Mac PPC 166+ / 16+ Mb RAM (32+ Mb RAM preferred)	Netscape 4x+ & RealPlayer.