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L E A R N L I N C
STUDENT GUIDE
v e r s i o n 4 . 5

LearnLinc Corporation
385 Jordan Road, Troy, NY 12180-7601 USA
phone: +1 (518) 286-7000
fax: +1 (518) 286-2439
email: [email protected]
web address: www.learnlinc.com

Copyright © 1994-2000 LearnLinc Corporation.
LearnLinc is a trademark of LearnLinc Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Notice
Disclaimer of Warranty
LearnLinc Corporation makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this
manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect,
special, or consequential damages.
Copyright Notice
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, LearnLinc Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors
or omissions. This publication and features described herein are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2000 LearnLinc Corporation. All rights reserved. The program and information contained herein are licensed only
pursuant to a license agreement that contains use, reverse engineering, disclosure and other restrictions.
Permission to print
Customer is hereby authorized to print and copy the documentation contained on the enclosed media for use solely within its
enterprise, provided it reproduces the preceding copyright notice on the front of each copy or partial copy. Customer is not
authorized to print and copy and disseminate the documentation outside its enterprise.
Customer's failure to comply with these terms terminates this authorization and, in such case, customer shall promptly destroy the
machine-readable documentation, any copies thereof, and any media containing such documentation.
Trademarks
LearnLinc and the LearnLinc logos are registered trademarks of LearnLinc Corporation. All other products are trademarks of their
respective companies.
LearnLinc Corporation
LearnLinc has recently become part of a new total-solution e-learning company
385 Jordan Road
called Mentergy, Inc. LearnLinc joins Allen Communication and Gilat
Troy, NY 12180
Communications, Ltd. in this new organization, which remains committed to
phone: +1 518.286.7000
customer-focused, e-learning success. Mentergy will continue to offer
LearnLinc virtual classroom software, in addition to a full range of e-learning
fax: +1 518.286.2439
products and services for courseware development, consulting, self-paced and
[email protected]
live delivery systems, and hosted e-learning services.
http://www.learnlinc.com

• • • • •

LearnLinc Student Guide

• • • • •

Contents

Contents
1.

About this guide
Who should read this guide .................................................................................................................................................. 1
How the guide is organized .................................................................................................................................................. 1
How the chapters are organized ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Additional materials ...............................................................................................................................................................
Conventions in this guide......................................................................................................................................................
How to get help and submit suggestions .............................................................................................................................
Update information ................................................................................................................................................................

2.

2
2
3
4

Getting started
What is LearnLinc? ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
About the software ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
The Virtual Campus............................................................................................................................................................ 6
The Virtual Classroom........................................................................................................................................................ 6
System requirements ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Third Party Software......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Overview: Using LearnLinc ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Log-in to the Virtual Campus........................................................................................................................................... 18
Access online help for the virtual campus...................................................................................................................... 18
Register for a course......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Join a class ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Access online help for the classroom ............................................................................................................................. 19
Communicate with others in the classroom ................................................................................................................... 19
• • • • • i

LearnLinc Student Guide

Leave the class.................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Log-out of the Virtual Campus ........................................................................................................................................ 19

3.

Visiting the Virtual Campus
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................... 21
Key Concepts ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22
What is the Virtual Campus? ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Where is the Virtual Campus?.......................................................................................................................................... 24
What can I do in the Virtual Campus? ............................................................................................................................ 24
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................... 25
Finding your Virtual Campus.......................................................................................................................................... 25
Creating your own account ............................................................................................................................................ 27
Logging-in to your Virtual Campus ................................................................................................................................ 32
Locating information about another user....................................................................................................................... 36
Editing your user profile and password......................................................................................................................... 39
To learn more....................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Next Steps............................................................................................................................................................................. 43

4.

Working with courses
Key Concepts ....................................................................................................................................................................... 46
What is a course?.............................................................................................................................................................. 46
........................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
People ............................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Threaded discussion......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................... 52
Registering for and dropping courses ............................................................................................................................ 52

ii • • • • •

Contents

Using course and class resources ................................................................................................................................... 56
Participating in a threaded discussion............................................................................................................................ 59
Sending e-mail to an individual in your course ............................................................................................................ 61
Sending e-mail to everyone in a course ........................................................................................................................ 63

5.

Preparing your computer for your first class
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................... 67
Key Concepts ....................................................................................................................................................................... 68
About the classroom software ......................................................................................................................................... 68
Choosing between the “typical”, “advanced”, and “custom” installations .................................................................... 69
The downloading process................................................................................................................................................ 69
Web proxies...................................................................................................................................................................... 70
Add your picture to the LearnLinc palette ...................................................................................................................... 70
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................... 71
Downloading and installing the classroom software .................................................................................................... 71
Changing the “Location” description that displays in the palette ................................................................................. 75
Changing LearnLinc’s web proxy settings...................................................................................................................... 77
Next Steps............................................................................................................................................................................. 78

6.

Taking a class
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................... 80
Key concepts ........................................................................................................................................................................ 80
What is the Virtual Classroom? ........................................................................................................................................ 80
LearnLinc classes on your intranet vs. classes on the Internet ...................................................................................... 81
Floor control ..................................................................................................................................................................... 81
The LearnLinc palette ....................................................................................................................................................... 83
• • • • • iii

LearnLinc Student Guide

Assistant instructors .......................................................................................................................................................... 86
Audio and video conferencing ........................................................................................................................................ 86
The difference between full-duplex and half-duplex audio .......................................................................................... 88
Hand raising ..................................................................................................................................................................... 88
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................... 89
Joining a class.................................................................................................................................................................. 90
Making sure the class can hear you ............................................................................................................................... 96
Raising your hand ........................................................................................................................................................... 97
Talking to the class ......................................................................................................................................................... 97
Viewing live streaming video ......................................................................................................................................... 99
Viewing the class participant list .................................................................................................................................... 99
Using materials privately while you have the floor....................................................................................................... 99
Leaving a class ............................................................................................................................................................... 100
To learn more..................................................................................................................................................................... 101
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 101

7.

Using text chat to communicate with the class
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 103
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 104
What is text chat?............................................................................................................................................................ 104
Private messages............................................................................................................................................................. 105
Restricted text chat ......................................................................................................................................................... 105
Network status monitor messages ................................................................................................................................. 105
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................. 106
Sending a message to the class .................................................................................................................................... 106
Changing the font size for the text chat window ........................................................................................................ 107

iv • • • • •

Contents

Undocking the text chat window ................................................................................................................................. 107
Sending private messages ............................................................................................................................................. 108
Private text chat in Open Discussion ........................................................................................................................... 109
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 110

8.

Using multimedia content during class
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 111
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 112
What is multimedia content?.......................................................................................................................................... 112
Synchronization .............................................................................................................................................................. 112
Differing connection speeds among students affect some kinds of synchronization ................................................ 113
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................. 114
Working with synchronized ToolBook books............................................................................................................. 114
Viewing audio or video clips........................................................................................................................................ 115
Launching a multimedia book or clip for yourself...................................................................................................... 116
Launching a synchronized multimedia book or clip for the class.............................................................................. 117
Closing synchronized multimedia books, audio clips, and video clips ..................................................................... 119
To learn more..................................................................................................................................................................... 119
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 119

9.

Synchronizing web content
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 121
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 122
What is the synchronized web browser? ...................................................................................................................... 122
What does it synchronize? ............................................................................................................................................. 122
The difference between the Internet and an intranet .................................................................................................. 123
• • • • • v

LearnLinc Student Guide

Differing connection speeds among students affects web synchronization ............................................................... 124
Supported browsers ....................................................................................................................................................... 124
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................. 125
Viewing synchronized web content ............................................................................................................................. 125
Taking over the synchronized web browser ............................................................................................................... 125
Launching the synchronized web browser .................................................................................................................. 126
Closing the synchronized web browser....................................................................................................................... 127
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 127

10. Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 129
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 130
What is the whiteboard?................................................................................................................................................. 130
Who can use the whiteboard? ....................................................................................................................................... 131
Storing whiteboard files on your computer for use in a LearnLinc class.................................................................... 131
Whiteboard synchronization .......................................................................................................................................... 131
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................. 132
Using the whiteboard on your own outside of class .................................................................................................. 133
Grabbing a screen shot and placing it on the whiteboard ......................................................................................... 134
Saving whiteboard files ................................................................................................................................................. 135
Printing whiteboard files............................................................................................................................................... 136
Closing the whiteboard ................................................................................................................................................. 137
Launching the whiteboard for the class ....................................................................................................................... 138
Opening your whiteboard files for the class ............................................................................................................... 138
Updating the whiteboard for others............................................................................................................................. 139

vi • • • • •

Contents

Using the shared pointer............................................................................................................................................... 140
Adding text .................................................................................................................................................................... 140
Drawing lines, ellipses, rectangles, and freehand shapes........................................................................................... 142
Changing the line weight, line color and fill color ..................................................................................................... 143
Importing a picture ....................................................................................................................................................... 144
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 145

11. Sharing applications with the class
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 147
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 148
What is application sharing? .......................................................................................................................................... 148
What applications can be shared? ................................................................................................................................. 148
AppShare......................................................................................................................................................................... 149
AppView ......................................................................................................................................................................... 149
Deciding between AppShare and AppView ................................................................................................................. 149
Detailed directions for AppShare ...................................................................................................................................... 150
Watching the instructor use a shared application ....................................................................................................... 150
Sharing your own applications with the class ............................................................................................................. 151
Using someone else’s shared application .................................................................................................................... 152
Using AppShare in an Open Discussion class ............................................................................................................. 153
........................................................................................................................................................................................ 153
Taking control of AppShare in an open discussion class ........................................................................................... 156
Detailed directions for AppView....................................................................................................................................... 157
Watching AppView ....................................................................................................................................................... 157
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 157

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LearnLinc Student Guide

12. Giving instant feedback to your instructor
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 159
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 160
What is feedback?........................................................................................................................................................... 160
What are the answer options I might see?.................................................................................................................... 160
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................. 161
Sending a feedback answer .......................................................................................................................................... 161
Changing your answer .................................................................................................................................................. 161
Viewing the summary feedback results ....................................................................................................................... 161
Asking the class to use feedback to respond to a question in an Open Discussion class ....................................... 162
Changing the answer set in an Open Discussion class............................................................................................... 162
Sharing the feedback summary results with the class in an Open Discussion class................................................. 163
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 163

13. Responding to and asking multiple choice questions
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 166
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 166
What is Q&A?.................................................................................................................................................................. 166
Using Q&A on your own ............................................................................................................................................... 168
Using Q&A during class................................................................................................................................................. 168
Storing Q&A files on your local computer to use in a LearnLinc class....................................................................... 168
Detailed directions ............................................................................................................................................................. 169
Answering a Q&A question .......................................................................................................................................... 169
Creating a question list before class............................................................................................................................. 170
Removing a question from the list ............................................................................................................................... 172
viii • • • • •

Contents

Saving question sets ...................................................................................................................................................... 173
Merging question sets ................................................................................................................................................... 174
Launching Q&A for the class ........................................................................................................................................ 175
Adding questions on-the-fly during class..................................................................................................................... 176
Asking a question .......................................................................................................................................................... 177
Viewing the answer statistics in summary form .......................................................................................................... 178
Viewing the answer details ........................................................................................................................................... 178
Sharing the answer statistics with the class ................................................................................................................. 179
Closing Q&A .................................................................................................................................................................. 179
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................................................... 179

14. Working in Breakout Groups
What you need to know before reading this chapter ................................................................................................. 181
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 182
What is a breakout group? ............................................................................................................................................ 182
How does open discussion work?................................................................................................................................ 182
What will happen when my instructor sends me to a breakout group?.................................................................... 183
Detailed Directions ............................................................................................................................................................ 184
Taking the floor............................................................................................................................................................. 184
Collaborating with your group ..................................................................................................................................... 185
Synchronizing latecomers ............................................................................................................................................. 186
Returning to the main class .......................................................................................................................................... 187

15. Viewing Recorded LearnLinc Classes
Key Concepts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 189

• • • • • ix

LearnLinc Student Guide

What is the Classroom Player? ....................................................................................................................................... 190
How do I Get the Classroom Player? ............................................................................................................................ 190
Detailed Directions ............................................................................................................................................................ 191
Playing a recorded class................................................................................................................................................ 191
Downloading a recorded class ..................................................................................................................................... 193
Playing a downloaded recorded class.......................................................................................................................... 198

Glossary, Appendix, and Index
Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................................... 203
Appendix A: Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................ 221
Index.................................................................................................................................................................................... 263

x • • • • •

About this guide 1

1
About this guide
This guide provides student information about the LearnLinc Virtual Campus and Virtual
Classroom. Specifically, it addresses concepts and tasks associated with the use of the Virtual
Campus, and the installation and use of the Virtual Classroom software. For more advanced
information concerning teaching in the LearnLinc environment, authoring LearnLinc content,
and administering the LearnLinc environment, please see the LearnLinc Advanced Guide, also
included in your LearnLinc package.

Who should read this guide
The LearnLinc Student Guide is intended for LearnLinc students. The LearnLinc
documentation set assumes you have a working knowledge of the Microsoft Windows
operating system and its conventions, and basic web browsing skills. Wherever possible, the
documentation refers you to additional resources on topics outside the scope of this guide.

How the guide is organized
This chapter, and the following chapter, Getting Started, provide important information
regarding this guide and the LearnLinc environment. Please review both chapters before
reading the remaining chapters and using LearnLinc.
• Chapters 3 and 4 provide information about visiting the LearnLinc Virtual Campus web site,
and working with courses.
• Chapters 5 and 6 provide information about preparing for and participating in classes.
• Chapters 7-13 provide information about using the LearnLinc classroom tools.
• The remainder of the guide provides a glossary, a troubleshooting appendix, and a
complete index.

• • • • • 1

1 LearnLinc Student Guide

How the chapters are organized
The chapters in the main body of this guide are organized to provide information in a
consistent and logical order.
• The chapter introduction includes a one to two sentence statement of the chapter’s subject,
a list of tasks to be learned in the chapter, a series of questions that will be answered by the
content of the chapter, and a “pre-requisite” list of information you should know before
reading the chapter.
• “Key concepts” includes a series of related concepts that are necessary to your
understanding of the chapter topic. Notes and definitions are in the margins next to the
concept to which they relate.
• “Detailed directions” includes step-by-step instructions, with screen shots, of each task that
is related to the chapter’s topic. In addition, most tasks have a “Quick Steps” section in the
margin of the page for experienced users who need a quick overview of the procedure.
• Finally, “Next Steps” provides guidance for where to go next in the manual, and with
LearnLinc by referring you to other useful chapters in the guide.

Additional materials
In addition to the LearnLinc Student Guide, the LearnLinc package contains the:
• Quick Start Guide (for all LearnLinc users)
• LearnLinc Advanced Guide (for instructors, content authors, and administrators)

Conventions in this guide
The following textual and graphic conventions are used throughout this guide:

Textual conventions
• Web page titles, web link text, window titles, error messages, and dialog names appear in
“quotes”.
• Button names appear in plain text with an Initial capital letter.
• Keyboard keys appear in <brackets>.
• Book and chapter titles appear in italics.
• Book sections appear in “quotes”, followed by a page reference.
• Variable input (text that you will replace with your own information) appears in italics.
• Actual input (text that you should enter exactly as shown) appears in Courier New.
2 • • • • •

About this guide 1

Graphic conventions
• All chapters use a two column layout. The column closest to the page edge contains notes,
definitions, and Quick Steps. The column closer to the binding contains body text,
warnings, and screen shots.
• Notes are indicated by a check mark þ and appear in the outside margin of the page, next
to the topic to which they relate. An example appears next to this text.
• Definitions are indicated by an arrow Ä and appear in the outside margin of the page,
next to the topic to which they relate. An example appears next to this text.
• Warnings are indicated by a circled arrow Ü and appear directly below the text to which
they relate. Further, rules appear above and below warning text. An example follows.

þ This is a note. Notes contain
useful, but non-essential information about the topic next
to which they appear.

Ä This is a definition. Definitions
describe LearnLinc or
LearnLinc-related terms that
are used in the topic next
which they appear.

This is a warning. Warnings contain essential information that you should
consider before completing the tasks with which they are associated.
• Unless otherwise noted, information in the following screen shots is for example only. In
some cases, partial screen shots may be used, which represent part of a larger interface
element, rather than the entire interface. Partial screen shots are represented by jagged,
“tear off” edges.

How to get help and submit suggestions
In addition to the Student guide, you can find concept and task information online in the
Virtual Campus online help system, Virtual Campus Quick Tour, LearnLinc palette online help
system, and help systems for the classroom tools.
If this guide and the other resources provided in your LearnLinc package do not provide the
information you need, please contact your LearnLinc administrator. He or she may be able to
provide further assistance.
If you would like to submit a suggestion for future releases of LearnLinc, please ask your
LearnLinc administrator or project manager to forward your suggestion to LearnLinc Customer
Service.

• • • • • 3

1 LearnLinc Student Guide

Update information
The LearnLinc documentation set and help systems are updated with each release of the
LearnLinc product. If your organization has a current support agreement, you will receive all
product documentation with your upgrade package. For most upgrades, new hard copy
manuals are distributed, however LearnLinc Corporation reserves the right to distribute online
documentation update packages as well.

4 • • • • •

Getting started 2

2
Getting started
This chapter explains the LearnLinc environment and provides an overview of the LearnLinc
system requirements, software, and the basic tasks for using LearnLinc.

What is LearnLinc?
LearnLinc is an online learning environment that your organization can use to train students
who are in your offices and at a distance, including those at other offices or locations, those
who telecommute from home or while traveling, and those who contract with your
organization to receive training.
LearnLinc is a complete learning environment that supports both self-paced and interactive
learning. You may use some course materials on your own for self study, then join LearnLinc
classes to work on them with an instructor and other students.
You can register for a LearnLinc course on the LearnLinc Virtual Campus web site. Once you
have registered for a course, you can use its materials and join its classes. When you join a class
in the LearnLinc Virtual Classroom, you can collaborate with other students and your instructor
using a variety of tools, including audio or video conferencing.

About the software
The LearnLinc environment has two main interfaces—the Virtual Campus and the Virtual
Classroom. The Virtual Campus is a web site that you can use to see LearnLinc information,
register for courses, access course resources, and join classes in the Virtual Classroom. The
Virtual Classroom is an online meeting space in which you can use the LearnLinc classroom
tools to interact with your instructor and other students.

• • • • • 5

2 LearnLinc Student Guide

The Virtual Campus
The LearnLinc Virtual Campus is a web site that provides you with easy access to LearnLinc
information, including information about courses, classes, course resources, and other users. In
addition, the Virtual Campus provides you with links to join LearnLinc classes. In most cases,
your Virtual Campus will be a private web site that is owned and controlled by your company.
The Virtual Classroom
The LearnLinc Virtual Classroom is an online meeting space in which students, an instructor,
and assistant instructors can communicate, interact, and collaborate using a variety of
classroom tools. You gain access the Virtual Classroom by registering for a course in the Virtual
Campus. If that course contains any classes, you can join these classes.
The LearnLinc palette is the main interface element in a LearnLinc class. The palette displays
the most commonly used tools, including conferencing (audio or video), the class list, the
agenda list, feedback, and text chat. These tools enable interaction between students and
instructors in a real time environment. For example, when you raise your hand, the instructor
sees a hand raise notification next to your name in the class list. Similarly, when you send out a
text chat message, the rest of the class sees the message right away, and can respond to it.
Your class may be held in either an instructor led or open discussion floor control format.
A floor control format is a style of presentation that is assigned to a class when it is scheduled.
LearnLinc has two floor control formats: instructor led and open discussion. In instructor led
floor control classes, the instructor is always in control of who has the floor. When someone
“has the floor”, their microphone is on and they can control LearnLinc applications and content
for the class. Instructor led floor control works well for large and/or lecture based classes, or
classes that are a combination of lecture and interaction.
In open discussion classes, the instructor has no more control of the floor than a student.
Anyone can take the floor at any time, though hand raising helps to ensure order for the class.
Open discussion floor control works well for small, highly interactive classes or meetings.
For either format, only one person can be the floor holder at a time. The floor holder controls
audio or video conferencing and any applications or content that are in use. The floor holder
can launch applications and content for everyone in the class. The LearnLinc palettes for
instructor led and open discussion classes differ slightly. Diagrams of each palette follow.

6 • • • • •

Getting started 2

Instructor led palette

• • • • • 7

2 LearnLinc Student Guide

Open discussion palette

8 • • • • •

Getting started 2

Generally, the differences between the two palettes concern the amount of information that
you see. In open discussion classes, you see some additional information that is not available
to you in instructor led classes.
Interface element

Instructor led class

Open discussion class

Take floor/pass floor

Click to return floor to
instructor when you are done
speaking.

Click to take floor from any
student at any time.

Class list

Displays students currently in
class.

Displays students currently in
class. Also shows hand raises and
feedback responses.

Agenda shortcuts

Shortcuts for whiteboard, Q&A,
synchronized web browser, and
application sharing.

Shortcuts for whiteboard, Q&A,
synchronized web browser,
application sharing, and privacy.

Feedback

Radio buttons for selecting from
current answer set. Summary pie
chart is only visible if instructor
chooses to share it with the
class.

Radio buttons for selecting from
current answer set. Summary pie
chart is always displayed. If you
have the floor, you see the
current answer count, and
summary pie chart.

Private text chat

You can only send private
messages to the instructor and
assistant instructors.

You must undock text chat to
send a private message. You can
send a private message to
anyone in the class.

Whiteboard
The whiteboard is a collaboration tool that students and the instructor can use to share simple
drawings, text, imported pictures, and screen captures. When you have the floor, you can add
to, edit, or delete the information on the whiteboard. Everyone can save or print a copy of the
whiteboard. You can also use the whiteboard outside of class to create or edit whiteboard files.
For more information about whiteboard please see “Collaborating with the class using the
whiteboard” on page 129.
• • • • • 9

2 LearnLinc Student Guide

Q&A
Q&A is a multiple choice question tool. Your instructor can use Q&A to ask a series of multiple
choice questions and view the class’ response. If you have the floor during class, you can ask
questions using Q&A. You can also use Q&A outside of class to create or edit question files.
For more information about Q&A please see “Responding to and asking multiple choice
questions” on page 165.

þ A multicast network is a local
or wide area network (LAN
or WAN) that has multicast
enabled routers. Multicast
enabled routers send data to
the computers on their network more efficiently than
standard routers, so that a lot
of data can be sent without
overloading the network.
Multicast classroom tools,
such as AppView, Multicast
audio conferencing, and Multicast video conferencing
cannot work over the public
Internet. Your instructor or
administrator will determine if
your class is on a multicast
network.

10 • • • • •

AppShare and AppView
AppShare and Appview enable your instructor to share his or her software applications with
the class. Students do not have to have the applications installed on their computers.
AppShare enables your instructor to share his or her actions on an application with you and the
rest of the class, and to let you use the application as well. In addition, your instructor can use
AppShare to let you share your own applications with the class. AppShare can be used in any
LearnLinc class.
AppView enables your instructor to use an application on his or her computer, and show his or
her actions to the class. You do not have to have the application installed on your computer.
You cannot use the instructor’s application, nor can you share your own applications with
AppView. AppView can be used in any LearnLinc class on a multicast network. For more
information about AppShare and AppView please see “Sharing applications with the class” on
page 147.

Getting started 2

System requirements
For the LearnLinc client (the LearnLinc classroom software), system requirements are based on
the conferencing option you use during class. Locate the conferencing option that you will be
using in your class, and make sure your computer meets those requirements. If you are unsure
of which conferencing option you will be using, contact your LearnLinc instructor. If you are
using more than one option, make sure your system meets the higher requirements
Data Only

Windows 95 or 98
• Intel Pentium 75
• 24 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with 20
kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

Windows 2000
• Intel Pentium 200
• 64 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with 20
kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

Windows NT 4.0
workstation with sp 3
• Intel Pentium 133
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with 20
kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

• • • • • 11

2 LearnLinc Student Guide

Unicast Audio Conferencing

Windows 95 or 98
• Intel Pentium 133 *
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with at
least 28.8 kbps
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• 16 bit Sound Blastercompatible sound card with
support for DirectX6; full
duplex recommended
• Microphone and headphones
• Monitor supporting 800x600,
16 bit color or higher

Windows 2000
• Intel Pentium II 300
• 96 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with at
least 28.8 kbps
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Microphone and headphones
• Monitor supporting 800x600,
16 bit color or higher

Windows NT 4.0
workstation with sp 3
• Intel Pentium 166*
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with at
least 28.8kbps
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Microphone and headphones
• Monitor supporting 800x600,
16 bit color or higher

* In unicast audio conferencing classes that use the “Low” bandwidth setting, users must have Intel
Pentium II 233 processors or higher to achieve lower bandwidths while retaining audio quality.

12 • • • • •

Getting started 2

Multicast Audio Conferencing (for intranet or LAN only)
Windows 95 or 98
• Intel Pentium 133
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP multicast connection
with 30 kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Microphone and
headphones
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

Windows 2000
• Intel Pentium 300
• 96 MB RAM
• TCP/IP multicast connection
with 30 kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Microphone and
headphones
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

Windows NT 4.0
workstation with sp 3
• Intel Pentium 166
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP multicast connection
with 30 kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Microphone and
headphones
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color higher

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Multicast Video Conferencing (Using ProShare 150 or ProShare 200)

Windows 95 or 98
• Intel Pentium 90
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP multicast connection
with 512 kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Intel Proshare 150 or 200
• Microphone and
headphones
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

14 • • • • •

Windows 2000

Windows NT 4.0
workstation with sp 3

Not Available

Not Available

Getting started 2

Multicast Video Conferencing (Using Intel ProShare Video 500*)

Windows 95 or 98
• Intel Pentium II 266 with
MMX
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/ IP multicast connection
with 240 kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Intel ProShare 500
• Microphone and
headphones
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

Windows 2000

Windows NT 4.0
workstation with sp 3

Not Available

Not Available

* Note that all participants in the class must have ProShare 500 to achieve lower bandwith.

• • • • • 15

2 LearnLinc Student Guide

Streaming Video (multicast or unicast)*

Windows 95 or 98
• Intel Pentium 166
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with 35
kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

Windows 2000
• Intel Pentium II 300
• 96 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with 35
kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

Windows NT 4.0
workstation with sp 3
• Intel Pentium 166
• 32 MB RAM
• TCP/IP connection with 35
kbps or more
• Supported browser (see
Third Party Software on
page 17)
• Sound card with support for
DirectX6; full duplex
recommended
• Monitor supporting
800x600, 16 bit color or
higher

* Can be used with data only, unicast, or multicast audio conferencing, or multicast video
conferencing

16 • • • • •

Getting started 2

Third Party Software
The LearnLinc classroom software also uses several third-party software programs to enable
synchronized multimedia content in the Virtual Classroom. The table below outlines the
software programs, their uses, and whether they are included in the LearnLinc installation.
LearnLinc includes all the software necessary to begin classes right away.
This list includes additional software you may want to use.

Third-party software

For use with

Installed?

Windows Media Player 6.0 and 6.4

Streaming Video capture

No

Asymetrix ToolBook 7.1 run-time

Synchronized ToolBook content
playback

Yes, in “Advanced”
installation option

Asymetrix ToolBook 6.0, 6.1, 6.5, 7.0
(full version or run-time)

Synchronized ToolBook content
playback

No

Asymetrix ToolBook 6.0, 6.1, 6.5, 7.0
(full version)

Synchronized ToolBook content
development

No

Macromedia Authorware 3.5, 4.0, 5.0

Synchronized Authorware content
development

No

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 and
5.01

Synchronized web browser

No. Included on CDs
for separate installation

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01w/sp1 Synchronized web browser
or sp2

No

Netscape Navigator 4.05, 4.08

Synchronized web browser

No

Netscape Communicator 4.7x

Synchronized web browser

No

Macromedia Director 7.0

Synchronized Director content
development

No

• • • • • 17

2 LearnLinc Student Guide

Overview: Using LearnLinc
This overview provides a brief look at the process for taking a LearnLinc class. Use this
overview to get a general idea of what is involved in using LearnLinc.

Log-in to the Virtual Campus
Your LearnLinc experience always begins by logging-in to the LearnLinc Virtual Campus web
site. Please contact your LearnLinc instructor or administrator if you do not know the web
address of your Virtual Campus. When you go to the web site, you can log-in, create a new
account, or just browse the Course Catalog.
If you choose to log-in, you can access courses, classes, resources, and the user directory.
Access online help for the virtual campus
Before you begin using the Virtual Campus, take the Quick Tutorial by clicking the “Quick
Tutorial” link on the left navigation bar.
While you are in the Virtual Campus, you can access online help at any time. To launch a
comprehensive set of help pages that describe concepts and tasks related to the Virtual
Campus, click “Help” on the top navigation bar in the Virtual Campus. When you are on your
home page, the course catalog page, or the directory page, you’ll also see direct links to related
help topics.
Register for a course
You must be registered for a course to use its resources or join its classes. You can register for
any course in the course catalog by clicking “Register” next to its name. You can drop a course
from your course list by clicking “Unregister” next to its name.
Your LearnLinc administrator or instructor may register you for additional courses, as well.
When you log-in, you see a list of all the courses for which you are registered on your home
page.
Join a class
When you are ready to join a LearnLinc class, locate it in the Virtual Campus by finding the
course that contains that class and clicking the course title. The course’s contents list displays,
including any classes that are part of that course. To join a class, click “join” next to the class

18 • • • • •

Getting started 2

name. Wait for your browser to minimize and the LearnLinc palette to display. The LearnLinc
palette displays tools that you can use to communicate with the rest of the class.

Access online help for the classroom
You can access online help for the classroom at any time by selecting Help > Help Topics from
the LearnLinc palette menu bar. The online help contains conceptual and task related
information for participating in a LearnLinc class.
Communicate with others in the classroom
While you are in class, you can see the actions of the current floor holder, and hear or see
them. If the floor holder launches an application or a multimedia book, it opens on your
computer as well. As the floor holder uses the application or book, you see his or her actions
on your copy as well. If the floor is passed to you, your “On Air” indicator displays, and
everyone can see and hear you. If you use an application, your actions are shared with others.
If you navigate to a web site, the class follows you there. When you are done, you can return
the floor to your instructor so that he or she can continue with class.
Leave the class
When class is over, you can leave by selecting File > Exit, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.
Once you have exited the class, the LearnLinc palette and most of the applications and content
that were opened during class will close. However, some applications, such as the whiteboard,
will remain open so that you can save your work, or continue working on the current
document.

Ä

When a user takes the floor
in a LearnLinc class, he or she
becomes the floor holder.
The floor holder is the student, instructor, or assistant
who is currently “on air” during a LearnLinc class. The
floor holder can be heard
and/or seen in the conferencing window, and can launch
and synchronize applications
for the class.

Log-out of the Virtual Campus
When you have finished working in the Virtual Campus, you can log-out by selecting “Logout”
from the top menu bar in the Virtual Campus. If you have been inactive in the Virtual Campus
for more than 15 minutes, you will be logged-out automatically, to prevent your account from
being used by others.

• • • • • 19

2 LearnLinc Student Guide

20 • • • • •

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

3
Visiting the Virtual Campus
This chapter explains the benefits and use of the LearnLinc Virtual Campus web site. You can
use the Virtual Campus web site to work with LearnLinc courses, classes, and resources.
In this chapter you will learn how to:
• Find your Virtual Campus
• Log-in to the Virtual Campus
• Locate information about a user
• Edit your user profile and password
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is the Virtual Campus?
2. Where is the Virtual Campus?
3. What can I do in the Virtual Campus?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concepts:
The difference between the
Internet and an intranet

“The difference between the Internet and an intranet” on
page 123.

web browsing

Your Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
documentation.

URL

“URL (Uniform Resource Locator)” on page 219.

• • • • • 21

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using the Virtual Campus correctly.
Specifically, you need to know:
• What is the Virtual Campus?
• Where is the Virtual Campus?
• What can I do in the Virtual Campus?

What is the Virtual Campus?
The Virtual Campus is a web site that displays LearnLinc information and provides you with a
way to access courses and resources and join classes.
The Virtual Campus contains the:
• welcome page
• home page
• course catalog
• user directory
• quick tour
• download page
• log-out page
• help

Ä An authority level is a LearnLinc setting that determines
what information users can
access and edit. When you
create your own account you
have the authority of “self-register”. You can register for
courses and take LearnLinc
classes. Only the LearnLinc
administrator can give you a
higher authority level.

22 • • • • •

The welcome page
When you navigate to the Virtual Campus in your web browser, the welcome page displays. By
default, the start page has three options:
• If you have a LearnLinc account, click “I’m a LearnLinc user and I’d like to log-in” to log-in
and begin working in the Virtual Campus.
• If you don’t have an account, you can create a new account by clicking “I’d like to create
my own account”. Your new account will have the authority level of “self register”.
• If you want to view the course catalog without logging-in, click “I’d like to browse the
course catalog as a guest.”
Your LearnLinc administrator may choose to change the options on this page.

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

Your home page
The home page is personalized for each user when he or she logs-in. When you log-in you see
a list of all the courses that you are registered to take. Each course title is a link to more
information about that course, and its classes and resources.
The course catalog
The course catalog lists all available LearnLinc courses. You can see more information about,
and register for, any course in the list by clicking on its title.
User directory
The user directory lists all LearnLinc users in your organization. You can see user profile
information for anyone in the directory, and edit your own information and password.
Quick tour
Take the quick tour to learn more about using the Virtual Campus and joining classes.
Download page
The download page provides links for downloading and installing the LearnLinc classroom
software. You must download and install the classroom software before attempting to join a
LearnLinc class. By default, the download page lists options for typical, advanced, or custom
installations. However, your LearnLinc administrator may choose to change the options on this
page. If you have questions about which installation option to select, contact your LearnLinc
instructor or administrator.
Log-out page
The log-out page enables you to exit the Virtual Campus and ensure that your account cannot
be used by others. As an added security measure, if your account is inactive for approximately
15 minutes, you will be logged-out automatically. This includes the time spent in the virtual
classroom–if you are in class for more than 15 minutes, you are automatically logged-out of the
Virtual Campus. This does not affect your ability to participate in the class.
Help
Online help is always available to you in the Virtual Campus. Online help contains key
concepts and detailed directions for using the LearnLinc Virtual Campus, and for participating
in LearnLinc classes.

• • • • • 23

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

Where is the Virtual Campus?
The address, or URL, for your organization’s Virtual Campus web site is decided by your
LearnLinc administrator, system administrator, or web master. If you don’t know the address of
your organization’s Virtual Campus, contact your LearnLinc instructor or administrator.
What can I do in the Virtual Campus?
Most students have one of two authority levels: self registered or student. Your authority level
determines what you can do in the Virtual Campus and Classroom. “Self registered” is
automatically assigned to anyone who creates his or her own account from the Virtual Campus
start page. “Student” is assigned to users by a LearnLinc administrator.

24 • • • • •

Authority level

Activities in the Virtual Campus

Student

A student can:
• Browse the course catalog and user directory
• Change personal profile information and password
• Register for courses
• Use course and class resources
• Email course instructors or students
• Participate in course discussion lists
• Join classes

Self registered

By default, users who self register (create their own accounts) can
perform the same tasks as students. Your LearnLinc administrator may
choose to change the types of tasks self registered users can perform.

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for using the Virtual Campus,
specifically:
• Finding your Virtual Campus
• Creating your own account
• Logging-in to your Virtual Campus
• Locating information about another user
• Editing your user profile and password

Finding your Virtual Campus
1. Contact your LearnLinc instructor or administrator to get the URL of your organization’s
Virtual Campus.
The URL of your Virtual Campus is specific to your organization.
2. Launch your web browser.
You can use either Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 w/sp 1 or higher, or Netscape
Navigator 4.05 or higher to visit the Virtual Campus.
3. Type the URL in the “address” or “location” field, and press <Enter> to navigate to your
Virtual Campus.

Quick Steps
1. Ask your LearnLinc
administrator for the Virtual
Campus URL.
2. Use your web browser to go
to that URL.

þ The screen shots in this guide
show the Virtual Campus in an
Internet Explorer browser
window. If you are using
Netscape Navigator, your
Virtual Campus may appear
slightly different, and some
browser menus or options
may have different names.

• • • • • 25

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

The LearnLinc Virtual Campus welcome page displays.

• To create your own LearnLinc account, see the following task, “Creating your own
account”.
• To log-in using an existing LearnLinc account, see “Logging-in to your Virtual Campus”
on page 32.

26 • • • • •

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

Creating your own account
1. Launch your web browser and navigate to your Virtual Campus.
The Virtual Campus welcome page displays.

Quick Steps
1. Launch your web browser
and navigate to your Virtual
Campus.
2. Click “I’d like to create my
own LearnLinc account”.
3. Enter the required
information for all fields and
click “Continue”.
4. When the confirmation page
displays, click “Continue” to
create your account.

• • • • • 27

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

2.

Click “I’d like to create my own LearnLinc account”.
The “New account information” page displays.

3.

Enter the required information in each field:
• Name–your full name, ex. “William Shakespeare”. Your full name displays on your
home page, and in the class lists in the Virtual Campus and the Virtual Classroom.
• Log-in ID–ex. “WillS”. Your log-in ID may be either your full name, or an abbreviation
or nickname. Your log-in ID must be unique–if the ID you choose is already in use, you
will be prompted to pick a new one.
• Log-in Group–select a group from the list. By default, users who create their own
accounts can join the “Self Registered” group. You may be able to join other groups as
well.
• Password–enter and verify a password for your account. Passwords are case sensitive.

þ Click once in the “Name”
field to enter your name.
Then press <Tab> on your
keyboard to advance to the
next field. Use the <Tab> key
to progress until you have
entered all the information.

þ Be sure to choose a log-in ID,
log-in group, and password
you can remember. You must
know your log-in information
to enter the Virtual Campus.

28 • • • • •

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

4.

Enter your contact information in each field, if desired:

• Email address–enter your email address, ex. [email protected]. If you enter
your email address, students and instructors can send email to you via the Virtual
Campus.
• Home page–if you have a personal or corporate home page, you may enter it here, ex.
http://www.xyzlearning.com.
• Contact information–enter your phone, address, office hours, or other information
here.
• Comments - add your personal comments.

• • • • • 29

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

5.

Click “Continue” to submit your account information.
The “Thank you” page displays, confirming your information.

• If any information is incorrect, click “Make Changes” to return to the “New Account
Information” page. Correct the errors and click “Continue”.
• If all the information is correct, click “Continue” to go to your Virtual Campus home
page.

30 • • • • •

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

You are now logged-in to the Virtual Campus. Your Virtual Campus home page displays
with word “Welcome” and your name at the top.

• To locate another user, skip to step 2 of “Locating information about another user” on
page 36.
• To edit your user information, skip to step 2 of “Editing your user profile and password”
on page 39.

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3 LearnLinc Student Guide

Logging-in to your Virtual Campus
Quick Steps
1. Go to your Virtual Campus.
2. Click “I’m a LearnLinc user
and I’d like to log-in.”
3. Enter your account
information and click Login.

You must have a LearnLinc user account to log-in. If you do not have an
account, please see “Creating your own account” on page 27 before
proceeding.
1.

2.

þ The screen shots in this guide

show the Virtual Campus in an
Internet Explorer browser
window. If you are using
Netscape Navigator, your Virtual Campus may appear
slightly different, and some
browser menus or options
may have different names.

32 • • • • •

Launch your web browser.
You can use either Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 w/sp 1 or higher, or Netscape
Navigator 4.05 or higher to visit the Virtual Campus.
Type the URL in the “address” or “location” field, and press <Enter> to navigate to your
Virtual Campus.

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

The Virtual Campus Welcome page displays.

• • • • • 33

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

34 • • • • •

3.

Click “I'm a LearnLinc user and I'd like to log-in.”
The log-in page displays.

4.

Click once in the “Log-in ID” field to enter your log-in ID. Then press <Tab> on your
keyboard to advance to the next field. Use the <Tab> key to progress until you have
entered your ID, group, and password.
• If your entered your account information incorrectly, the log-in page displays again,
prompting you to re-enter your information.
• If you entered your account information correctly, your personalized home page
displays. If you are registered for any courses, they are listed on your home page.

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

When you see your home page, you are logged-in to the Virtual Campus.

• • • • • 35

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

Quick Steps
1. Log-in to your Virtual
Campus.
2. Click User Directory in the
left navigation bar.
3. Click the name of the
desired group.
4. Click the name of the
desired user.

36 • • • • •

Locating information about another user
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus and go to your home page.
Note the side navigation frame, which displays links to common areas, including the user
directory.
2. Click “User Directory” on the left navigation pane.
A list of all the LearnLinc log-in groups for your organization displays.

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

3.

Click once on a log-in group name in the list to view the users in that group.
A list of all the users in that log-in group displays.

• • • • • 37

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

4.

Click a user name to view that user’s profile.
The user’s profile displays, listing his or her account and contact information.

• If the user has provided email and home page information, you can click the email and
home page links to send email or visit his or her home page, respectively.
• To return to the list of users in the log-in group, click the “Group” link., or click the
“User Directory” link at the top of the page to return to the list of all groups.

38 • • • • •

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

Editing your user profile and password
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
2. Click “User Directory” on the left navigation pane.
A list of all the LearnLinc log-in groups in your organization displays.

Quick Steps
1. Log-in to your Virtual
Campus.
2. Click User Directory in the
side navigation bar.
3. Click "personal profile" in the
descriptive text at the top of
the page.
4. Edit your profile information
as desired and click Save.

• • • • • 39

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

3.

40 • • • • •

Click your log-in group name.
A list of all the users in your log-in group displays.

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

4.

Click your user name to view your profile.
Your user profile displays.

• • • • • 41

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

5.

6.

42 • • • • •

Click the Edit tab.
The Edit page for your profile displays.

• Change your personal information as desired.
• Change your password by entering a new password in the “New password” and “Verify
new password” fields.
Click Save.

Visiting the Virtual Campus 3

To learn more
To learn more about:

please see:

The Internet and the World Wide Web

“Learn the Net” at http://www.learnthenet.com
“NetLearn” at http://www.rgu.ac.uk/~sim/research/
netlearn/callist.htm
“The Internet Information Center at
http://www.austria.eu.net/iic/

Next Steps
In this chapter, you have learned about the Virtual Campus, how to get basic LearnLinc
information, and how to perform tasks such as logging-in, and changing your password. To
learn more about registering for courses and joining classes, please see:
• Chapter 4, Working with courses
• Chapter 6, Taking a class

• • • • • 43

3 LearnLinc Student Guide

44 • • • • •

Working with courses 4

4
Working with courses
This section explains the benefits and use of courses in the Virtual Campus.
In this chapter you will learn how to:
• Register for a course
• Drop a course
• Use course and class resources
• Send email to an individual or to everyone in a course
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is a course?
2. What kinds of resources are in the course list?
3. What is threaded discussion?

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4 LearnLinc Student Guide

Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using courses correctly. Specifically, you
need to know:
• What is a course?

• Threaded discussion

What is a course?
A LearnLinc course is a container for classes and resources. You must register for a LearnLinc
course to be able to attend its classes and access it resources. You can register for and access
courses in the LearnLinc Virtual Campus.
Courses may be either public or private. Any LearnLinc user can register for a course that is
listed in the course catalog. Private courses are not listed in the course catalog. Your LearnLinc
instructor, author, or administrator must register you for private courses. Once you have been
registered for a private course, you can access it from your home page.
You can see the following information for each course for which you are registered:
• a description
• course contents list
• people list
• threaded discussion
The following picture shows the contents list for a typical course.

46 • • • • •

Working with courses 4

• • • • • 47

4 LearnLinc Student Guide

Course resources
You may find several types of resources in a course. The course’s resources are stored in its
contents list. You can access these resources by clicking once on their titles in the contents list.
In addition, you and your instructor can access course resources while in class by selecting the
course resources list from the agenda tab. A description of each resource type follows.
Application
LearnLinc has several classroom tools, or applications, including: Application Sharing,
AppView, Glimpse, Q&A, Streaming Video, Synchronized Web Browser, and Whiteboard. You
will use most of these applications with your instructor during class.
Audio clip
An audio clip is a digital audio file. When you click on an audio clip link in the Virtual Campus,
the clip plays in Windows Media Player. You might use audio clips during class, or on your
own.
Book
A book is a multimedia file that contains a combination of text, sound, still and motion pictures,
animations, and other media formats. These books, created in either Asymetrix ToolBook or
Macromedia Authorware, can be synchronized in LearnLinc classes. You may be able to use
these books on your own as well.
Director Movies
A Director movie is a multimedia file that contains a combination of text, sound, still and
motion pictures, animations, and/or other media formats. These movies are created in
Macromedia Director and can be synchronized in LearnLinc classes. You can add these movies
to a course contents or agenda list so that students can download them before class for stand
alone use, or so that they can use them in synchronization with their instructor during class.
Director movies are used primarily in class.
Note
A note is a text item that displays in the Virtual Campus. When you click on a Note link, the
note displays in your web browser. You may see notes from your instructor in your course
contents list.

48 • • • • •

Working with courses 4

PowerPoint
Your instructor can make PowerPoint presentations available to you by converting them to web
pages. When you click on a presentation’s web page link in the course contents list, a new web
browser opens and displays the presentation. You might use PowerPoint presentations during
class, or on your own.
Q&A files
Q&A files are lists of multiple choice questions that are prepared by your instructor. You will
usually use these question lists in class with your instructor.
Recorded Classroom Files
A recorded classroom file is a recording that you make of one of your classes using the
LearnLinc Classroom Recorder. The Classroom Recorder captures all classroom activity,
including audio, video, text chat, and any actions on the screen. When you click the class
recording in your course contents list, the file plays in the LearnLinc Classroom Player.
URL
A URL is a web address on the Internet, or your intranet. When you click on a URL link, a new
web browser window opens and displays the web page. You might use URLs during class, or
on your own.
Video clip
A video clip is a digital video file. When you click on a video clip link in the Virtual Campus, it
plays in Windows Media Player. You might use video clips during class, or on your own.
Whiteboard
A whiteboard file may contain text, simple graphics, and imported pictures. You might use
whiteboard files during class, or on your own.

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4 LearnLinc Student Guide

People
Once you register for a course your name is added to the list of students for that course. Lists of
both the instructors and the students for the course display on the people tab. You can email
anyone who has an e-mail link next to his or her name, or click on anyone’s name to see his or
her contact information.

50 • • • • •

Working with courses 4

Threaded discussion
Every course has its own threaded discussion list. You can enter new messages in the list, or
respond to existing message threads once you register for the course.

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4 LearnLinc Student Guide

Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for using a course, specifically:
• Registering for and dropping courses
• Using course and class resources
• Participating in a threaded discussion
• Sending e-mail to an individual in your course
• Sending e-mail to everyone in a course

Registering for and dropping courses
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Note the side navigation frame, which displays links to common areas, including the
course catalog.
2. Click Course Catalog on the left navigation pane.
A list of all LearnLinc courses displays. The list may have courses and folders that contain
more courses.

52 • • • • •

Working with courses 4

3.

Locate the desired course and click Register next to it’s name.
The “Success” page displays.

4.

Click OK to return to the course catalog.

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Dropping a course
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Note the side navigation frame, which displays links to common areas, including the
course catalog.
2. Click Course Catalog to see a list of all LearnLinc courses.
The list may have courses and folders that contain other courses.

3.

54 • • • • •

Locate the desired course and click Unregister next to it’s title.

Working with courses 4

The “Success” page displays.

4.

Click OK to return to the course catalog.

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Using course and class resources
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Your home page displays, with a list of the courses for which you are registered.
2. Click the title of the course with which you wish to work.
The course contents list displays. The contents list may display resources, classes, or both.

56 • • • • •

Working with courses 4

3.

Click the title of the resource that you want to use.
• If the resource is a note, the note displays.

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• For all other resources, the details for that resource display.

4.

58 • • • • •

Review the information for the resource. Depending on the information, do either of the
following.
• If the resource has a “download” link, click the link to download the resource to your
computer.
• If you have downloaded and installed the resource previously, you can use the
“Location” link to launch it.

Working with courses 4

Participating in a threaded discussion
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Your home page displays with a list of all the courses for which you are registered.
2. Click the name of the course with which you wish to work.
The course contents list displays.
3. Click the “Discussion” tab.
The discussion page displays.

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4.

Click “Enter the course discussion list” to display the course’s discussion.

You can do any of the following:
• Click “Create a new topic” to begin a new thread in the discussion.
• Click a topic title in the list to view that message.
• Click the (+) plus box next to a title to view a list of responses to that topic.
• Once you have read a topic, click “Reply to this message” to add to the current thread.

60 • • • • •

Working with courses 4

Sending e-mail to an individual in your course
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Your home page displays, with a list of the courses for which you are registered.
2. Click the title of the desired course.
The course contents list displays.

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3.

Click the People tab.
Lists of instructors and students who are registered for the course display.

4.

Click “email” next to the desired user’s name.
Only users who have listed an email address in their user profiles will have email links.
Your email program launches and a new email message, with the recipient’s address,
displays.

5.

You must have email software installed and configured to send email
from the Virtual Campus.
6.

62 • • • • •

Enter your message and send the email.

Working with courses 4

Sending e-mail to everyone in a course
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Your home page displays, with a list of the courses for which you are registered.
2. Click the name of the desired course.
The course contents list displays.

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3.

Click the Discussion tab.

You can do any of the following:
• Click “send email to instructors” to send your message to all the instructors for the
course
• Click “send email to students” to send your message to all the students in the course.
“Send email to students” is not available in courses for which all users
are auto-registered.
• Click "send email to everyone" to send your message to both students and instructors.

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Working with courses 4

If a user has chosen not to add an email address to his or her user profile, your message
will not be sent to that user.
Note that you must have email software installed and configured on your
computer to send email from the Virtual Campus.
4.

Enter the message and send it.

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66 • • • • •

Preparing your computer for your first class 5

5
Preparing your computer for your first class
This chapter explains the necessary tasks for preparing for your first LearnLinc class. In this
chapter you will learn how to:
• download and install the classroom software
• change the location description that displays on the LearnLinc palette during class
• change your web proxy settings for LearnLinc
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is the classroom software?
2. What are my download options?
3. How do I know I’m ready to join a LearnLinc class?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concept.
the LearnLinc Virtual Campus

“Visiting the Virtual Campus” on page 21.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are ready to join a LearnLinc class.
Specifically, you need to know:
• About the classroom software
• Choosing between the “typical”, “advanced”, and “custom” installations
• The downloading process
• Web proxies
• Add your picture to the LearnLinc palette

þ Your LearnLinc administrator

may choose to provide the
LearnLinc software to you on
a CD or a network drive,
rather than through the
Virtual Campus.

68 • • • • •

About the classroom software
The LearnLinc classroom software, sometimes referred to as the “client” software, is a set of
tools that instructors and students use to connect, communicate, and collaborate in a LearnLinc
Virtual Classroom. Each LearnLinc user must have the classroom software installed on his or
her computer before attempting to join a LearnLinc class.
LearnLinc users join classes by clicking “join” links in the LearnLinc Virtual Campus. When you
click a join link, you are actually downloading a file from the Virtual Campus. The file supplies
information about the class to the LearnLinc classroom software. The classroom software
launches and reads all the necessary information about the class from that file. Without the
LearnLinc classroom software, your computer is incapable of acting on the information in that
file.
Once the classroom software launches, it connects to the LearnLinc server. The server allows
you to enter a class and connect to all the other users in that class. The classroom software
remains connected to the LearnLinc server throughout the class, so that everyone in that class
can continue to send information, such as conferencing and synchronization data, to each
other.
The classroom software is available in the Virtual Campus. Once you log-in to the Virtual
Campus, click the “Download” link on the top navigation bar to access the download page.
Once the download page displays, you can select from one of several installation options and
begin installing the software right away.

Preparing your computer for your first class 5

Choosing between the “typical”, “advanced”, and “custom” installations
There are three installation options on the download page. The option you choose depends on
the types of content and conferencing you will use in your classes. Check with your LearnLinc
instructor or administrator before choosing an option. In some cases, your administrator may
choose to remove all but one option from the download page. In this case, simply click the
remaining link to begin your installation. A brief description of each of the installation options
follows.
Typical
The typical installation is sufficient for most users. It includes the following components:
• LearnLinc classroom tools
• sample files
• documentation files
• audio and video conferencing components
• LearnLinc Classroom Player
• Microsoft Streaming Media Player
Advanced–Multimedia Content
The advanced installation contains all the components of the typical installation, with the
addition of content synchronization for ToolBook and Authorware. If you are using
synchronized multimedia content in your classes, choose this option.
Custom
In most cases, either the typical or advanced installation options are sufficient. However, if your
instructor or administrator directs you to do so, you can choose the custom installation and
select specific components to install.
The downloading process
LearnLinc uses the latest Internet technology, called “install from the web” to provide you the
most efficient software installation. “Install from the web” enables you to begin installing the
LearnLinc classroom software without downloading the entire software package first. As you
begin the installation, the installer checks your current computer configuration, and downloads
only the necessary components. In this way, your download and install time may be
significantly reduced.

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Ä A web proxy server is a computer that acts as a gate
between users on a network
and the Internet. Using a web
proxy enables an organization
to ensure security, administrative control, and cache Internet information. Using a web
proxy reduces network traffic
and speeds the response time
of your web browser by caching, or storing, local copies of
each page that its users visit.

þ Adding your picture to the
palette is not necessary if you
are using video conferencing.
Your live video image will display in the palette, rather than
a still picture.

70 • • • • •

Web proxies
LearnLinc is an online learning tool that connects users via the Internet or an intranet. This
means that you can use your organization’s network to connect to LearnLinc classes. When you
connect to a LearnLinc class, you are sending and receiving information through the same
connection that your web browser uses. If your organization filters its web browser information
through a web proxy, then your LearnLinc information will go through that web proxy as well.
You can check to see if your web browser is configured to use a web proxy by opening the
“Preference” dialog for Netscape browsers, or the “Internet Options” dialog for Internet
Explorer browsers. Different versions of these browsers store proxy information in different
locations–generally you can look for “Advanced”, “Security”, or “Connections” to find the proxy
or LAN settings. If your web browser is using a web proxy, you can configure LearnLinc to use
the same proxy settings during installation, or by editing the information in the LearnLinc Client
Configuration control panel.
Add your picture to the LearnLinc palette
Once you have installed the LearnLinc classroom software, you can join and participate in
classes immediately. However, you can enhance your class participation by adding your picture
to the LearnLinc palette–so that it displays when you have the floor. Displaying your picture in
the palette personalizes your interaction with the class by “putting a face with the voice”.
You must have your LearnLinc administrator’s help to add your picture to the LearnLinc palette.
Your picture can be in bitmap (.bmp), jpeg (.jpg), or ping (.png) format. To add your picture to
the palette, your administrator must upload it to the LearnLinc server. Your administrator can
find directions for doing so in the LearnLinc Advanced Guide. Once your picture has been
added to the server, it displays in the palette any time you have the floor in a class that is being
held on that server.

Preparing your computer for your first class 5

Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for:
• Downloading and installing the classroom software
• Changing the “Location” description that displays in the palette
• Changing LearnLinc’s web proxy settings

Downloading and installing the classroom software
1. Log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Your home page displays.
2. Click “Download” on the top navigation bar.
The download page displays.

Quick Steps
1. Log-in to the Virtual
Campus.
2. Click “Download” on the
top navigation bar.
3. Click an installation option
to begin.

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72 • • • • •

3.

Click “Begin install from the web” for the option you wish to install.
Your LearnLinc administrator may have removed some options from this page, or made
other modifications.
The “Loading Installation” page for the option you chose displays.

4.

Click the “Install from the web” button.
The “LearnLinc Client” dialog displays, and the setup files are downloaded to your
computer.

Preparing your computer for your first class 5

When the setup files have been downloaded, the “Setup” dialog and the LearnLinc splash
screen display.
5. When the “Welcome” screen displays, click Next.
The “Software License Agreement” screen displays.
6. Review the license agreement
• To exit the installer without accepting the terms and installing the software, click No.
You are prompted to “Exit Setup” or “Resume”. If you choose to resume, you must
accept the terms of the agreement. If you choose Exit Setup, the installer closes.
• To accept the terms of the agreement, click Yes. The “Choose destination location”
screen displays.
7. Click Browse if you wish to change the location to which LearnLinc will be installed.
8. Click Next.
The “Edit your location” screen displays.
9. Enter a short description of your location and click Next.
The description will display on the “Live from” line on the LearnLinc palette.
The “Verify” screen displays.
10. Select your Internet connection type.
• If you use a modem to connect to the Internet, you connect directly to the Internet.
Select “I connect directly to the Internet” and click Next. Skip to step 12.
• If you are on a network, you may connect via a web proxy server. If you are unsure,
check your web browser’s proxy settings or contact your system administrator. If you
use a web proxy server, select “I use a web proxy server to connect to the Internet and
click Next. Proceed to step 11.

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þ You can change your web
proxy server settings for
LearnLinc after installation by
selecting Start > Programs >
LearnLinc > Client Configuration, and updating the
information in the LearnLinc
control panel.

74 • • • • •

11. Enter your web proxy server information.
• If the fields are blank when the screen first displays, contact your IS department for the
correct web proxy server information.
• If the fields are filled when the screen first displays, accept the information in the fields
unless you know you will be using a different web proxy server to connect join
LearnLinc classes.
Click Next. The “Start copying files” screen displays.
12. Review the information in the “Current settings” list.
• To change the information, click Back.
• To start the installation, click Next.
13. When the installation is complete, select “Yes, I want to restart my computer now.” and
click Finish.
When your computer restarts, the LearnLinc Audio Wizard will display. Be sure to
complete all the steps in the audio wizard to ensure your audio will work properly in class.

Preparing your computer for your first class 5

Changing the “Location” description that displays in the palette
1. Select Start > Programs > LearnLinc > Client Configuration, from the Windows taskbar.
The LearnLinc Client Configuration control panel displays.

Quick Steps
1. Select Start > Programs >
LearnLinc > Client
Configuration, from the
Windows taskbar.
2. Enter a new description in
the “Location” section.
3. Click OK.

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2.

In the “Location” section of the panel, enter a new description.
The description displays on the LearnLinc palette, under the conferencing window, during
LearnLinc classes.

“Location” description

3.

76 • • • • •

Click OK to save your changes and close the dialog.
Your new location information displays the next time you join a class.

Preparing your computer for your first class 5

Changing LearnLinc’s web proxy settings
1. Select Start > Programs > LearnLinc > Client Configuration, from the Windows taskbar.
The LearnLinc Client Configuration control panel displays.

SAAAA

Quick Steps
1. Select Start > Programs >
LearnLinc > Client
Configuration, from the
Windows taskbar.
2. Select “Specify a proxy
server to use”.
3. Enter the proxy server’s
address and port number.
4. Click OK.

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2.

3.

In the “Web proxy” section of the panel, select “Specify a proxy server to use”.
• Enter the proxy server address and port number. You can find this information in your
web browser’s “Preferences” (Netscape) or “Internet Options” (Internet Explorer)
information.
• Check “Force all requests to use the proxy server” if you are only connecting to
LearnLinc servers outside your company’s firewall.
Click OK to save your changes and close the dialog.

Next Steps
Now that you have installed the LearnLinc classroom software, and copied your picture to the
LearnLinc server, you are ready to take your first LearnLinc class. For more information on
participating in LearnLinc classes, please see Chapter 6, Taking a class.

78 • • • • •

Taking a class 6

6
Taking a class
This chapter explains the basics of participating in a live, online, LearnLinc class. In this chapter
you will learn how to:
• Make sure the class can hear you
• Talk to the class
• View live streaming video
• View the class participant list
• Raise your hand
• Get the floor
• Use materials privately while you have the floor
• Leave a class
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is the Virtual Classroom?
2. How are classes on an intranet different from classes on the Internet?
3. What is on the LearnLinc palette?
4. What is floor control?
5. What is an assistant instructor?
6. What are the different audio and video conferencing options for a class?
7. What is the difference between full-duplex and half-duplex audio?
8. How does hand raising work in the Virtual Classroom?

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What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a thorough understanding of
the following concepts:
The Virtual Campus

“Visiting the Virtual Campus” on page 21.

Downloading and installing
the LearnLinc classroom
software

“Preparing your computer for your first class” on page 67.

The Internet vs. an intranet

“The difference between the Internet and an intranet” on page 123.

Key concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are ready to take a LearnLinc class.
Specifically, you need to know:
• What is the Virtual Classroom?
• LearnLinc classes on your intranet vs. classes on the Internet
• Floor control
• The LearnLinc palette
• Assistant instructors
• Audio and video conferencing
• The difference between full-duplex and half-duplex audio
• Hand raising

What is the Virtual Classroom?
The Virtual Classroom is a meeting space in which students, an instructor, and assistant
instructors interact using a variety of classroom tools.
Once you register for a course in the Virtual Campus, you can join its classes. You must have
the LearnLinc classroom software installed on your computer before you join your first class.
When you join a class you are actually using the LearnLinc classroom software to make a
connection to the LearnLinc server. Your classroom software remains connected to the
LearnLinc server throughout the class, and connects you to the rest of the class. Your
connection to the server is a “channel” through which you can send information, such as text
chat messages or audio conferencing to the class and receive information in return.
80 • • • • •

Taking a class 6

Once you join a class, you receive information from the class in real time–just as if you were in
a traditional classroom. If a student sends a text chat message, you see it immediately. If the
instructor or floor holder speaks to the class, you hear him or her as if they were sitting in the
same room with you.
All the tools for participating in the class are contained in the LearnLinc palette. The LearnLinc
palette displays on the left side of your computer screen when you join the class. The
LearnLinc palette presents information about the class such as the class list and agenda. For
more information about the LearnLinc palette, please see “The LearnLinc palette” on page 83.

Ä The floor holder is the stu-

LearnLinc classes on your intranet vs. classes on the Internet
The LearnLinc Virtual Classroom is created when two or more LearnLinc users connect to the
LearnLinc server to join the same class. In addition to knowing that the LearnLinc server plays
an important part in your ability to join a LearnLinc class, it is also important to realize that the
location of that server, and how your computer connects to it, affects your participation in the
class.
• If you are on an intranet such as your office network, you can take classes that are held on
that intranet. If your office provides Internet access, you can take classes on the Internet as
well.
• If you are on the Internet, for example using a modem to dial into your Internet Service
Provider (ISP), you can take classes on the Internet, but not on an office intranet. In some
cases you may be able to use your modem to dial into your office’s network–in which case
you can take classes on their intranet.

Ä An intranet is a private net-

Floor control
Floor control is a format, or style of presentation, that is assigned to a class when it is
scheduled. LearnLinc classes can be in one of two floor control formats: instructor led or open
discussion.
For either format, only one person can be the floor holder at a time. The floor holder, the
person who “has the floor”, can be heard and/or seen, and can launch and synchronize
applications for the class.
In instructor led floor control classes, the instructor takes the floor automatically when he or
she joins the class. The instructor can pass the floor to any student, and take the floor back at
any time. The instructor is always in control of who has the floor. Instructor led floor control

Ä The Internet is a worldwide

dent, instructor, or assistant
who is currently “on air” during a LearnLinc class. The floor
holder can be heard and/or
seen and can launch and synchronize applications for the
class.

work or series of networks
that is contained within an
organization. Many organizations use their intranets to
share company information
and computing resources
among their members, including the ability for groups to
share information collaboratively, using tools such as
LearnLinc.

system of computer networks,
in which a user on a computer
on one network can get information from any other computer on any other network,
assuming he or she has permission. The Internet is a public resource that is used by
millions of people around the
world.

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works well for large and/or lecture based classes, or classes that are a combination of lecture
and interaction.
In open discussion classes, the instructor has no more control of the floor than any other
student in the class. Anyone can take the floor at any time, although using the hand raise
feature helps to ensure order for the class. Open discussion floor control works well for small,
highly interactive classes or meetings.

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Taking a class 6

The LearnLinc palette
The LearnLinc palette is your tool palette–use it to interact with your instructor, assistant
instructors, and other students during a LearnLinc class. The following diagram highlights the
main areas of the LearnLinc palette for instructor led classes. A brief description of each callout
follows the diagram.

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On Air/current speaker indicator
When you see the red “On Air” indicator, you have the floor. When you are have the floor, you
can be seen and/or heard, and you can control any applications or content that are running. If
you launch an application or piece of content, it is launched for everyone in the class.
When someone else has the floor, you see his or her name in place of the On Air indicator.
That person is the floor holder, and controls the class content and conferencing.
Hand raise button
Click the hand raise button to raise your hand electronically. When it turns green, the instructor
and assistants see your hand raise request. They may or may not choose to pass the floor to
you. If they pass the floor, you hand is lowered automatically. Otherwise, you can lower your
hand by clicking the button again, or your instructor may choose to lower it for you.
Return floor to instructor
In an instructor led class, the button at the top right of the student palette is the “Return floor to
instructor” button. When you have the floor you can pass it back to the instructor, but not to
another student.
In an open discussion class, the button at the top right of the student palette is the “Take floor”
button. You can take the floor from anyone at any time.
Conferencing window and location
If video conferencing is in use, you see and hear the current floor holder in real time in the
conferencing window. If audio conferencing is in use, or no conferencing is in use, you see a
picture of the floor holder, or the default pictures for instructor or student. You see the location
of the floor holder listed below the conferencing window as well.
Mute conferencing checkbox, or Talk button
If conferencing is in use, you see either a Mute checkbox or a Talk button below the
conferencing window. The item you see depends on the type of sound card installed in your
computer, and how you configure your audio settings in the LearnLinc Audio Wizard.
Volume indicators
The volume indicators show the volume level for your speakers (or headset) and microphone.
Watch the volume indicators to see if you are speaking loud enough while you have the floor.
Green indicates that your volume is acceptable. Red indicates that your volume is too loud.
84 • • • • •

Taking a class 6

Network bandwidth monitor
The network bandwidth monitor flashes green, yellow, and red to indicate the status of your
network connection during class. Green indicates sufficient bandwidth to participate in class.
Yellow indicates that there is not enough bandwidth for all LearnLinc information, resulting in
poor quality audio or slow text chat, for example. Red indicates that there is not enough
bandwidth to participate in the LearnLinc class at all.
If the network monitor turns yellow or red, wait a few minutes. Usually, it will return to green
and you will be able to continue with the class. If it remains yellow or red, notify your
LearnLinc administrator.
Class list
The class list displays the names of everyone in the class, including the instructor. In addition,
the class list has two counters: one for the total number of attendees, another for the total
number of hands that are raised at any time.
In open discussion classes, you see indicators for hand raises and feedback responses next to
each name in the class list.
Agenda
The agenda contains a list of all the resources for the current class. You can click on any item
in the list to launch it, with the exception of notes (which cannot be displayed in the Virtual
Classroom). Additionally, you can display the course contents list by selecting it from the
agenda drop down box, or run an application from the shortcuts at the bottom of the tab.
If you have the floor, anything that you launch from the agenda is launched for the whole class.
Feedback
Feedback is a polling application that you can use to respond to questions from your instructor.
Feedback displays a set of answers with a radio button next to each answer. When the
instructor asks a question, you can select one of the answers from the set by clicking its radio
button. If the instructor chooses to share it with you, you can see a chart of the class’ answers
in the answer summary pie chart.
In open discussion classes, you see the answer summary pie chart at all times. In addition, the
ability to control feedback is based on floor control–so that the current floor holder can ask
questions, change the answer set, and reset feedback.

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Text chat
Text chat is an instant messaging tool that is available to you throughout class. You see the text
chat transcript at all times and can send messages at all times.
In instructor led classes, you can send private messages to the instructor and any assistants in
the class. Private messages go to the instructor and all the assistants–you cannot send a private
message to the instructor only, or just an assistant. If the instructor chooses to do so, he or she
can restrict text chat to him or herself and the current floor holder.
In open discussion classes, you must undock text chat to send a private message. You can send
a private message to any individual at any time. As with instructor led classes, only the
instructor can restrict text chat.
Assistant instructors
Assistant instructors are participants in the class who have some extra privileges. These
privileges enable an assistant to manage some of the classroom activities for the instructor. If
your class includes an assistant instructor, he or she may respond to your private text chats, and
monitor your feedback responses and hand raises. Your class may have one or several assistant
instructors, or none at all.
Audio and video conferencing
Audio and video conferencing are additional options that your organization may choose to add
to your Virtual Classroom. Consult your LearnLinc instructor or administrator to find out which
conferencing options, if any, you may have in your LearnLinc classes. The audio and video
conferencing options are:
• Internet audio
• Multicast audio
• Multicast video
• Streaming live, one-way video
Classes that do not use any of these options are considered “data only”. Some organizations use
the “data only” option and supplement it with phone conferencing, satellite video, or a third
party conferencing tool.
If you use any of the LearnLinc conferencing options in the previous list in your class, they will
display in your LearnLinc palette, in the conferencing area. Brief descriptions of each of the
conferencing options follow.
86 • • • • •

Taking a class 6

Internet audio
If your class is connected by the Internet, or an intranet, it may include Internet audio for twoway audio conferencing. Internet audio conferencing is often used in classes in which students
have low bandwidth connections to the LearnLinc server.
Multicast audio
If your class is connected by an intranet, or a local area network (LAN) or wide area network
(WAN), it may include multicast audio conferencing for two-way audio conferencing. Multicast
audio cannot be used over the Internet.

þ Internet and multicast audio
work the same way when you
are in class. The difference is
the type of connection that
you have to the class–via the
Internet or your intranet.

Multicast video
If your class is connected by an intranet, or a local area network (LAN) or wide area network
(WAN) it may include multicast video conferencing for two-way video conferencing. Multicast
video requires additional video conferencing hardware for your computer, and cannot be used
over the Internet.
Streaming live, one-way video
If your class is on the Internet, or an intranet, it may include streaming video. Streaming video
is transmitted one-way, from the instructor to the students. When a student takes the floor, the
instructor remains in the video window, but the student can control synchronized applications
and content, and speak to the class.

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Ä A sound card is a piece of
hardware that you can add to
your computer to play and
record audio. For example,
you use your sound card
when you listen to music CDs
on your computer. You can
use your sound card to send
and receive live audio as well
as prerecorded audio. LearnLinc requires a sound card to
enable live audio or video
conferencing during a LearnLinc class.

The difference between full-duplex and half-duplex audio
Your sound card hardware and software may be either full-duplex or half-duplex. The
difference between full- and half-duplex is the amount of data that can be sent at one time.
Full-duplex cards can send data in two directions at once, similar to a telephone conversation.
Half-duplex sound cards can only send data in one direction at a time, similar to a CB radio or
walkie-talkies. Your sound card type determines whether you see a “Mute” checkbox or a
“Talk” button displayed on the LearnLinc palette under the conferencing window.
• If you see the “Mute” checkbox below the conferencing window, you are in full-duplex
mode. When you have the floor, you can hear the instructor while you are speaking. You
can check the box to silence your audio and/or video conferencing while you have the
floor, and then clear the box to start sending audio and/or video again. For example, if you
have the floor during a break in which everyone is working on their own, you may wish to
mute your audio and video during the break.
• If you see the “Talk” button below the conferencing window, you are in half-duplex mode.
When you have the floor you must click Talk, or hold down the <CTRL> key, to send your
audio to the class. While the Talk button is pushed in, you cannot hear the instructor. When
you click it again, or press <CTRL> again, so that the Talk button appears in the “raised”
position, you can hear the instructor.
When the Talk button is in the “raised” position, you still have the floor,
even though the class cannot hear you. Your actions on shared content
and applications are still visible to the class. Click "Return Floor" to give
the floor back to the instructor.

Hand raising
During class, one of the easiest ways for you to communicate with your instructor is by raising
your hand. In LearnLinc, you can raise your hand electronically by clicking the hand raise
button on the top left corner of your LearnLinc palette.
In instructor led classes, when you raise your hand the instructor’s and assistants’ hand raise
indicators flash. Also, a hand raise icon displays next to your name in the instructor’s and
assistants’ class lists. Additionally, the hand raise counter on everyone’s palette increases by
one.
In open discussion classes, everyone sees a hand raise icon next to your name when you raise
your hand.
88 • • • • •

Taking a class 6

Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for participating ina LearnLinc
class, specifically:
• Making sure the class can hear you
• Talking to the class
• Viewing live streaming video
• Viewing the class participant list
• Raising your hand
• Using materials privately while you have the floor
• Leaving a class
The following directions are for participating in instructor led classes.
When directions for participating in open discussion classes differ, they
appear in italics at the end of the topic.

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Quick Steps
1. Log-in to the Virtual
Campus.
2. Click your course name.
3. Click “Join” next to your
class.

90 • • • • •

Joining a class
1. Launch your web browser and navigate to your LearnLinc Virtual Campus.
The Virtual Campus Welcome page displays.

Taking a class 6

2.

Click “I’m a LearnLinc user and I’d like to log-in.”
The log-in page displays.

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3.

92 • • • • •

Enter your user name, group, and password, and click “Login”
Your home page displays.

Taking a class 6

4.

Click your course name to display its contents list.
The course content’s list displays. The list contains classes and resources for your course.

note
class
book
URL

You must be registered for a course to join its classes.

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5.

Locate the class in the course contents list and click “Join” next to the class.
You must download and install the LearnLinc classroom software before
attempting to join the class. If you try to join the class without installing
the LearnLinc classroom software, you will be prompted to download
the file “join.asp”, and you will not be able to join the class.
Your web browser minimizes and the classroom software launches. When you see the
LearnLinc palette on the left side of your screen, you are in class. It may take several
seconds for all the class information to display in the palette.

Quick Steps

Configuring your LearnLinc palette
1. Select Tools > Local > Preferences, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.

1. Select Tools > Local >
Preferences, from the
LearnLinc palette menu bar.
2. Check or clear the
preferences as desired.

2.

94 • • • • •

• By default, “Hide Desktop Window” is selected, as indicated by a check mark. When
checked, your desktop and any icons or images on it are covered by the LearnLinc
background image.
• By default, “Always On Top” is not selected, as indicated by the absence of a check
mark. When checked, the LearnLinc palette cannot be hidden by other windows.
Check or clear these preferences as desired by selecting them from the Preferences menu
list.

Taking a class 6

Monitoring the network status
Monitor the amount of bandwidth available on your network throughout class by watching the
network status indicator. The network status indicator has three states, which are described in
the following table:
Green indicates that there is sufficient bandwidth for you to participate in class.
Yellow indicates that some of the bandwidth-intensive LearnLinc tools, such as
conferencing, may not function properly. However, you can still participate in the class.
Red indicates that there is not enough bandwidth available for you to participate in the
class.
• If this indicator flashes, you may be experiencing a temporary fluctuation in bandwidth
that will resolve itself.
• If this indicator displays continuously, you may attempt to participate in the class. If you
cannot participate in class, there is not enough bandwidth available. Contact your
LearnLinc administrator to resolve this issue.

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Quick Steps
1. Select Tools > Local >
Audio Wizard, from the
LearnLinc palette menu bar.
2. Click Next.
3. Select “Headset” or
“Speakers” and click Next.
4. Click Play and adjust the
volume, then click Next.
5. Speak into your microphone
and then click Next.
6. Click record and speak into
your microphone.
7. Click Playback.
8. Click Finish.

þ You can run the audio wizard
when you are not in class by
selecting Start > Programs >
LearnLinc > Audio Wizard,
from the Windows task bar.

96 • • • • •

Making sure the class can hear you
1. If the class is unable to hear you while you have the floor, run the LearnLinc Audio Wizard
by selecting Tools > Local > Audio Wizard, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.

The LearnLinc Audio Wizard displays.
Click Next to begin.
The “Select Headset or Speakers” screen displays.
3. Select either “Headset” or “Speakers”.
• If you are using a headset select that option. When you have the floor, you can hear the
instructor while you are speaking, as long as you have a full duplex sound card.
• If you are using speakers, select that option. When you have the floor and you click the
Talk button you cannot hear the instructor. Even if you have a full duplex sound card
you will not hear the instructor while you are speaking. Using this setting prevents
feedback and echoes from your speakers while you are speaking.
4. Click Next.
The “Adjust playback volume” screen displays.
5. Click Play and adjust the slider until the volume is at a comfortable level.
6. Click Next.
The “Adjust Recording Volume” screen displays.
7. Speak into your microphone for several seconds.
Speaking into your microphone sets your sound card’s recording volume.
8. Click Next.
The “Test Audio Quality” screen displays.
9. Click Record and speak into your microphone for several seconds.
10. Click Playback to hear your recording.
If the volume is not acceptable, click Back twice to return to the “Adjust Playback Volume”
screen. Use the slider to adjust the volume, then return to the “Test audio quality” screen.
11. Click Finish.
2.

Taking a class 6

Raising your hand
Click “hand raise” in the upper left corner of the palette to raise your hand.

• The instructor and assistants see a flashing hand raise indicator.
• The instructor and assistants sees a hand raise icon next to your name in the class list.
• The hand raise counter, which is below the class list, is incremented by one.
You can lower your hand by clicking the hand raise button again, or the instructor may lower it
for you.

Talking to the class
1. Make sure you have the floor.
You must request the floor from the instructor by clicking on your hand raise button. You
have the floor when you see the red “On Air” indicator at the top of the LearnLinc palette.

2.

Determine if you have full- or half-duplex audio.
• If you see a “Mute” checkbox below the conferencing window, you have full-duplex
audio and can begin talking to the class as soon as you see the On Air indicator.

Quick Steps
1. Make sure you have the
floor.
2. If you see the Talk button
click it once or hold down
<CTRL>.
3. Begin speaking to the class.
4. If you clicked Talk or pressed
<CTRL> to speak, click Talk
again or let go of <CTRL>.

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• If you see a “Talk” button below the conferencing window, you have half-duplex audio.
You must click the Talk button, or hold down <CTRL>, before you begin speaking.
When you are done, click Talk again, or let go of <CTRL> to hear the instructor.

Muting audio and video while you have the floor does not affect
synchronization. The class will still see your actions on synchronized
applications and content.

þ Note that the same button is
used for slightly different
actions in instructor led and
open discussion classes.
In instructor led
classes, click this
button to return the
floor to the
instructor.
In open discussion
classes, click this
button to take the
floor.

98 • • • • •

Returning the floor to the instructor
Click “Return floor” at any time to give the floor back to the instructor. You cannot give the
floor to anyone other than the instructor.

In an open discussion class, you can pass the floor to anyone by double-clicking a name in
the class list.

Taking a class 6

Viewing live streaming video
If your instructor is live using streaming video, you will see him or her in the conferencing
window as soon as he or she joins the class. You can see and hear the instructor in real time as
he or she talks to the class. Streaming video is a one-way application, so that the instructor’s
video image is always visible to you–no matter who has the floor.
When you get the floor you can control the synchronized tools and speak to the class, but they
will continue to see the instructor in the video window.
Viewing the class participant list
Scroll through the class list to see the name of each person in your class. The class list is
located in the middle of the LearnLinc palette, and is updated continuously as students join and
leave the class.
Using materials privately while you have the floor
Privacy is only available to students in Open Discussion classes.

To use synchronized content and LearnLinc applications privately while you have the floor,
click “Privacy”. Privacy is off when the window shade is up. Privacy is on when the window
shade is down, and the background is red.
Privacy is off–window shade is up
Privacy is on–window shade is down, and the background is red.

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Leaving a class
Select File > Exit, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.

If the instructor leaves an instructor led class in which the instructor is the current floor holder,
students who remain in class cannot use LearnLinc features that rely on floor control, such as
audio or video conferencing.
If the instructor leaves an instructor led class in which a student is the current floor holder, that
student can use LearnLinc features that rely on floor control, but cannot pass the floor to
another student.

In open discussion classes, students who remain in class can continue to pass the floor and
use features that rely on floor control after the instructor leaves.

100 • • • • •

Taking a class 6

To learn more
To learn more about downloading and installing the LearnLinc classroom software, please see
“Downloading and installing the classroom software” on page 71.

Next Steps
Once you are comfortable with the basic tasks for participating in a LearnLinc class, you may
wish to explore some of the classroom tools that are available for your use during a class. If
you would like to know more about the LearnLinc classroom tools, please see:
• Chapter 7, Using text chat to communicate with the class
• Chapter 8, Using multimedia content during class
• Chapter 9, Synchronizing web content
• Chapter 10, Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
• Chapter 11, Sharing applications with the class
• Chapter 12, Giving instant feedback to your instructor
• Chapter 13, Responding to and asking multiple choice questions

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102 • • • • •

Using text chat to communicate with the class 7

7
Using text chat to communicate with the class
This chapter explains the benefits and use of text chat during a LearnLinc class. In this chapter
you will learn how to:
• Undock the text chat window
• Change the font size for the text chat window
• Send a message to the class
• Send private messages
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is text chat?
2. Who can send and receive private messages?
3. What is restricted text chat?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concept:
the LearnLinc classroom

“Taking a class” on page 79.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using text chat correctly. Specifically, you
need to know:
• What is text chat?
• Private messages
• Restricted text chat

What is text chat?
Text chat is an instant messaging tool that you can use to communicate with your instructor,
assistant instructors, and the other students in class. When you send a text chat message it is
immediately visible to everyone in the class. The message displays with your name in bold
before the message text. Anyone can enter a message in text chat at any time during class.

Text chat is part of the LearnLinc palette, and is visible throughout the class. Text chat can be
“undocked” from the palette to enable resizing, but it cannot be closed. You may wish to
“undock” text chat and resize it if there is a lot of text chat activity. Doing so enables you to see
more text at one time.
Text chat messages display in several colors:
• Messages to the class from students and assistant instructors display in plain black text.
• Messages to the class from the instructor display in green text.
• Private messages from your instructor or an assistant instructor display in red text.

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Using text chat to communicate with the class 7

Private messages
In addition to sending messages to the entire class, you can also choose to send a private
message to the instructor and assistant instructors. The message always goes to the instructor
and all assistants–you cannot select the instructor alone, or one assistant, for your message.
Anyone in the class can send a private message to the instructor and assistants at any time. In
addition, the instructor or an assistant can send you a private message at any time. When you
receive a private message, it displays in red text, with the name of the sender and the recipient
in bold before the message text.
Restricted text chat
Your instructor can choose to restrict text chat to him or herself, assistant instructors, and the
current floor holder at any time during class. When text chat is restricted, only the instructor,
assistants and the current floor holder can enter messages, however, everyone can see the
messages in their own text chat windows. If the instructor passes the floor to another student,
they gain the ability to enter messages in text chat, and the previous floor holder loses that
ability. When the instructor restricts text chat, your text chat text box turns grey and you cannot
type in it–unless you become the floor holder.
You can check “Private” and send a private message to the instructor and assistants while text
chat is restricted.
Network status monitor messages
When your network status monitor is red for more than one minute (indicating critical network
problems), you, your instructor, and any assistant instructors receive a warning message in text
chat. If the network status monitor is yellow for more than one minute (indicating network
congestion), only you will receive a warning message in text chat.
The messages help the instructor and assistant instructors monitor any bandwith problems you
may be having, which are negatively affecting LearnLinc performance. When the class is over,
the text chat is automatically saved in your temporary Windows directory. Each saved text chat
file overwrites the previously saved file.

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Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the tasks for using text chat in a class,
specifically:
• Sending a message to the class
• Changing the font size for the text chat window
• Undocking the text chat window
• Sending private messages
The following directions are for participating in instructor led classes.
When directions for participating in open discussion classes differ, the
topic title appears in italics at the end of the detailed directions section.
Quick Steps

Sending a message to the class
1. Click in the text box at the bottom of the LearnLinc palette.

Type your message in the text
box at the bottom of the
palette and press <Enter>.

2.

106 • • • • •

Type your message and click Send, or press <Enter>.
Your message is sent to everyone in the class.

Using text chat to communicate with the class 7

Changing the font size for the text chat window
1. Select Tools > Local > Text Chat Font Size, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar, or right
click on the text chat area.

2.

Quick Steps
1. Right-click on the text chat
transcript area.
2. Select a font size from the
right mouse menu.

Select “Small”, “Medium”, or “Large” from the list.

Undocking the text chat window
1. Select Tools > Local > Dock My Text Chat Window, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.

Quick Steps
1. Right-click on the text chat
transcript area.
2. Select “Dock My Text Chat
Window” from the menu.

2.

Clear the checkmark next to “Dock My Text Chat Window” to undock the window.
The text chat window displays in the bottom quarter of the content area. You can resize it
as desired.

Docking the text chat window
Click the “Close” box in the upper right corner of the text chat window to return it to the
LearnLinc palette.

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Quick Steps

Sending private messages
1. Check “Private”.

1. Check “Private”.
2. Type your message and
press <Enter>.

2.

108 • • • • •

Type your message and click Send.
The instructor and any assistant instructors in the class receive your message in red text.

Using text chat to communicate with the class 7

Private text chat in Open Discussion
In open discussion classes, you can send a private message to anyone in the class. To do so,
you must:
1. Select Tools > Local > Dock My Text Chat Window, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.

2.

Clear the checkmark next to “Dock My Text Chat Window” to undock the window.
The text chat window displays in the bottom quarter of the content area. You can resize it
as desired.

3.

Check “Private”.
The “To” list box is enabled once you check “Private”.
Click the list box to display the list of people in the class and select the person to whom
you wish to send the private message.
Type your message and click Send.
The selected person receives your message in red text.

4.
5.

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Next Steps
Text chat is one of several LearnLinc classroom tools. If you would like to know more about
the other LearnLinc classroom tools, please see:
• Chapter 8, Using multimedia content during class
• Chapter 9, Synchronizing web content
• Chapter 10, Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
• Chapter 11, Sharing applications with the class
• Chapter 12, Giving instant feedback to your instructor
• Chapter 13, Responding to and asking multiple choice questions

110 • • • • •

Using multimedia content during class 8

8
Using multimedia content during class
This chapter explains the benefits and use of multimedia content in LearnLinc classes. In this
chapter you will learn how to:
• Launch and close synchronized multimedia books, audio clips, and video clips
• Work with synchronized multimedia books
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is multimedia content?
2. How is it synchronized?
3. What happens when the floor holder runs an audio or video clip in a class that uses live
audio or video conferencing?
4. How is synchronization affected by differing connection speeds among students?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concepts:
The Virtual Campus

“Visiting the Virtual Campus” on page 21.

Working with courses

“Working with courses” on page 45.

Taking a class

“Taking a class” on page 79.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using synchronized content correctly
during class. Specifically, you need to understand:
• What is multimedia content?
• Synchronization
• Differing connection speeds among students affect some kinds of synchronization

What is multimedia content?
In general, “multimedia” refers to the combination of text, sound, and/or motion video. In
LearnLinc, a “multimedia book” is a presentation file that contains a combination of text, still
pictures, audio clips, video clips, animations, and other media. Often, these files are used in
Computer Based Training (CBT) and Web Based Training (WBT), in which students work on
their own to review and learn the content. In addition, LearnLinc also supports multimedia
files, such as audio and video clips.
In LearnLinc, instructors use the same types of multimedia content during class, with the added
benefit of synchronization. For example, each time the instructor turns a page in a multimedia
book, the page turns on each student’s copy of the content as well. If the instructor passes the
floor to a student, his or her actions are synchronized for the class. In addition, each student
can use the content independently while in class, and later on their own.
Synchronization
Synchronization can only take place during a LearnLinc class. When the instructor or the floor
holder launches a synchronized content file during class, everyone in the class gets a copy of
the content on their computers as well. The copies of the content are all linked, so that as the
instructor turns pages or takes other actions on the content, everyone sees the actions on their
copies of the content. The process is similar to viewers around the country tuning in to a TV
channel to watch a TV show. Everyone tunes their TV to the same channel, and views the same
show at the same time. However, LearnLinc differs in that there is only one remote control, and
it can be passed to everyone in the class. In most classes, the instructor decides who gets that
remote control.
Common actions that can be synchronized include page turns, navigation, and annotation. The
type of synchronization that you will see in class depends on the piece of content you are
using, and the functionality that the content author chose to use when designing the book.
112 • • • • •

Using multimedia content during class 8

Differing connection speeds among students affect some kinds of synchronization
When you are using multimedia books during class, everyone sees the actions of the floor
holder at the same time, because everyone has his or her own copy of the book on his or her
computer before class begins. Alternately, if your instructor chooses to use streaming video or
audio clips during class, everyone in class must download the clip at that time.
While streamed files download very efficiently, the speed at which you are connected to the
Internet or your organization’s network still affects how quickly you receive the streamed file.
Although everyone in the class receives data telling them to view the streaming video or audio
file at the same time, you will receive the streamed media file at a pace based on your
connection speed. For example, if you are on an office network with a very large, dedicated
connection to the Internet, you will see the video clip much more quickly than students who
are at home with 28.8 kbps modems.
To make sure everyone in class has a chance to view the entire file, your instructor may ask
you to raise your hand, or use feedback, to let him or her know when you’ve received and
viewed the audio or video clip.

þ “Connection speed” does not

equal “modem speed”. In
most cases, when you connect to the Internet or dialed
into a network using a
modem, you do not connect
at the fastest rate your
modem is capable of. For
example, if you have a 28.8
kbps modem, you might get a
connection speed of
24.4kbps. If you are on an
older, noisy phone line, you
might only get a connection of
19.2 kbps.

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Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the tasks for using multimedia content in a
class, specifically:
• Working with synchronized ToolBook books
• Viewing audio or video clips
• Launching a synchronized multimedia book or clip for the class
• Closing synchronized multimedia books, audio clips, and video clipsTo learn more

Ä A navigator is a standard set
of tools for students to use
when viewing a LearnLinc
synchronized ToolBook book.
Some ToolBook books may
have their own custom navigation controls instead.

Working with synchronized ToolBook books
The following descriptions refer to the default ToolBook navigator, which is included with
LearnLinc. ToolBook books that use other navigators, and Authorware books, have their own
custom navigation systems.
Use these buttons to navigate through the book at your own pace. Whenever the floor holder
turns a page or takes any other action on the book, your copy of the book will reflect the floor
holder’s action, resynchronizing you to their copy of the book. If you are the floor holder, your
actions will be reflected on the others’ books.
Click Contents to display the contents of the book. The book’s author may or
may not include a table of contents in the book.
Click Print to print pages from the book. Any annotations that are visible on the
page appear on the printed version.
Click Shared pointer to point out parts of the content to everyone in the
class when you have the floor. Click the shared pointer icon, then click your
cursor anywhere on the content. Everyone in class sees the pointer in the
location where you clicked.
Click Draw, then hold down the left mouse button and drag the cursor, to draw
on the page. When you draw on a page, the drawings displays on each student’s
copy of the book.

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Using multimedia content during class 8

Click Eraser to remove any markings made with the draw tool. When you are
the floor holder, erasing the drawings on your copy of the book erases them for
everyone.
Click Select color to choose the color of the draw tool and the shared
pointer. You can choose a color from the palette, or create your own.
Click Notes to create a “sticky note” on your copy of the book. You can:
• type text on the note
• move the note by clicking on its gray border and dragging
• minimize the note by clicking the minimize note button
• mail your note to everyone in the class by clicking the mail button
• save your sticky note to a text file by clicking the disk icon
• delete the note by clicking the trash can button
Click Page history to turn back to the last page you viewed.

Click Page forward to turn to the next page in the book.

Viewing audio or video clips
In addition to multimedia books, your instructor may choose to use video or audio clips during
class. If the instructor or floor holder launches an audio or video clip for you, your Media
Player will launch and begin downloading the clip. As the clip begins to download to your
computer it starts to play in the Media Player window. You can watch or listen to the clip,
pause, rewind, or fast forward as desired. Refer to the Media Player help file for more detailed
directions for using Media Player.

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Quick Steps
1. Click the “Agenda” tab on
the LearnLinc palette.
2. Double-click on an item to
launch it.

Launching a multimedia book or clip for yourself
1. Click the “Agenda” tab on the LearnLinc palette.
The “Agenda” tab is located in the middle of the palette, under the “People” tab.

þ You can launch resources from
the course contents list for the
current course by clicking the
Agenda drop-down box and
selecting “Course resources”.
All the resources that can be
used in class, and note titles
display in the list. Double-click
a resource to launch it.

116 • • • • •

2.

Double click on a book, clip, or other resource in the Agenda list to launch it.
If your class uses audio or video conferencing, the floor holder must stop
conferencing to enable the clip to play. If you try to play the clip on your
own it will not work.

Using multimedia content during class 8

Launching a synchronized multimedia book or clip for the class
When you are the floor holder in class, you can launch synchronized multimedia books or clips
for the class in one of two ways. Both procedures follow.
If your class uses audio or video conferencing, you cannot run an audio
or video clip until you suspend conferencing. Your instructor must
suspend audio or video conferencing for the class.

Launching a multimedia book, audio clip, or video clip from the agenda.
1. Make sure you are the floor holder.
You must be the floor holder to launch an agenda item for the class.
2. Ask your instructor to suspend audio or video conferencing, if they are in use.
Once conferencing is suspended, you cannot talk to the class. You can use text chat to
send messages to the class if necessary.
3. Click the “Agenda” tab on the LearnLinc palette.
The “Agenda” tab is located in the middle of the palette, under the “People” tab.

4.

Quick Steps
1. Make sure you are the floor
holder.
2. Ask your instructor to
suspend Audio/Video if
necessary.
3. Double-click the desired
item in the Agenda.

Double click the item you wish to launch for the class.
The content launches on each student’s computer.

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Quick Steps
1. Make sure you are the floor
holder.
2. Select Run > Library.
3. Double-click on the desired
item.

Launching a multimedia book, audio clip, or video clip from the library
1. Make sure you are the floor holder.
You must be the floor holder to launch a library item for the class.
2. Ask your instructor to suspend audio or video conferencing, if they are in use.
Once conferencing is suspended, you cannot talk to the class. You can use text chat to
send messages to the class if necessary.
3. Select Run > Library, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.

The “Library” dialog displays.

4.
5.

118 • • • • •

• If you want to launch a book, double click “Book Resources”.
• If you want to launch an audio clip, double click “Audioclip Resources”.
• If you want to launch a video clip, double click “Videoclip Resources”.
Highlight the desired book or clip by clicking it once.
Click “Open Material” to launch the resource.
The book or clip opens on your computer, and on everyone’s computers.

Using multimedia content during class 8

Closing synchronized multimedia books, audio clips, and video clips
Click the “Close” button in the top right corner of the window.

To learn more
To learn more about:

Please see:

Macromedia Authorware or
Director

http://www.macromedia.com

Asymetrix ToolBook

http://www.asymetrix.com

Streaming media

http://www.streamingmediaworld.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/NTServer/mediaserv/exec/overview/
FAQ.asp
http://www.realaudio.com

Next Steps
In this chapter, you have learned about using multimedia content during LearnLinc classes, and
how conferencing affects multimedia content. To use other synchronized content options,
please see:
• Chapter 9, Synchronizing web content
• Chapter 10, Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
• Chapter 11, Sharing applications with the class

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Synchronizing web content 9

9
Synchronizing web content
This chapter explains the benefits and use of the synchronized web browser. The synchronized
web browser is a LearnLinc classroom tool that your instructor can use to take you to web
pages on the public Internet, or your organization’s intranet.
In this chapter you will learn how to:
• View synchronized web content
• Launch the synchronized web browser
• Send the class to a specific web address when you launch the synchronized web browser
• Close the synchronized web browser
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is the synchronized web browser?
2. What is the difference between the Internet and an intranet?
3. What is the difference between HTML and other web content?
4. What browsers does the synchronized web browser support?
5. How is synchronized web browsing affected by differing connection speeds?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concepts:
the Virtual Classroom

“What is the Virtual Classroom?” on page 80.

the LearnLinc palette

“The LearnLinc palette” on page 83.

floor control

“Floor control” on page 81.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using the synchronized web browser
correctly. Specifically, you need to know:
• What is the synchronized web browser?
• What does it synchronize?
• The difference between the Internet and an intranet
• Differing connection speeds among students affects web synchronization
• Supported browsers

Ä A URL (Uniform Resource
Locator) is the address of a
web page or other resource
on the Internet, or an intranet.
A URL might take the form of
http://www.servername.com/
filename.htm.

What is the synchronized web browser?
The synchronized web browser is actually an “add on” to your Microsoft Internet Explorer or
Netscape Navigator web browser. This “add on” enables your instructor, or the floor holder, to
lead the class while navigating the World Wide Web, or an intranet. When the instructor or floor
holder launches the synchronized web browser, it launches on your computer as well. You can
navigate the web as you would normally. However, each time the instructor or floor holder
navigates to a new URL your browser goes there as well.
What does it synchronize?
The synchronized web browser synchronizes HTML navigation. Over the past several years,
many other technologies have been developed for presenting information on the web. CGI
scripts, Javascript, VBScript, ASP, Java, and Macromedia Shockwave presentations are several
popular presentation technologies that you have probably encountered when surfing the web–
possibly without even knowing it. These technologies have developed to meet the growing
need for more sophisticated presentations and higher levels of interactivity on most web sites.
While you may navigate to web pages that use these technologies with the synchronized web
browser, they cannot be synchronized. Since they do not use HTML links, the synchronized
web browser cannot “tell” the rest of the class to follow the floor holder as he or she interacts
with these items. If you encounter an interactive presentation or application on the Web, and
your actions using it are not shared with the rest of the class, it is likely that it uses Java, ASP, or
another web technology.
You may find that in many cases, this functionality is advantageous. For example, your
instructor may use the synchronized web browser to take you to a page that contains a web

122 • • • • •

Synchronizing web content 9

form that you are to take as a test. Once the instructor leads the class to that page each person
can take the test and submit it on their own.

The difference between the Internet and an intranet
The Internet is a worldwide system of computer networks, in which a user on a computer on
one network can get information from any other computer on any other network, assuming he
or she has permission. The Internet is a public resource that is used by millions of people
around the world. Two of the most common uses of the Internet are sending email and
browsing the World Wide Web. The Web is made up of millions of web sites that are connected
through hypertext links. These hypertext links are “cross references” that visitors can follow
instantly with a simple mouse-click. Often, the pages of a web site are developed using
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Using HTML, a web site owner can add text, images, and
hypertext links to a page. Using the synchronized web browser, your instructor can lead you
around the Web as he or she clicks on hypertext links. Your instructor can also pass the floor to
you, so that you can lead the class as you navigate the Web.
By contrast, an intranet is a private network or series of networks that is contained within an
organization. Many organizations use their intranets to share company information and
computing resources among their members, including the ability for groups to share
information collaboratively, using tools such as LearnLinc. Intranets typically contain an internal
web site as well. Anyone whose computer is on the intranet can access the internal web site,
but all others are blocked from visiting. In addition, many intranets do provide access to the
Internet for those on the “inside” through firewalls that have the ability to screen messages in
both directions so that company security is maintained.
What difference does this make to the synchronized web browser?
Your connection to the Virtual Classroom affects the types of web content that you can access.
• If you join the class from the public Internet, you can navigate to any content on the
Internet, but not content stored on an intranet.
• If you join the class from your intranet, you can navigate content on your organization’s
intranet, but you cannot access the public Internet unless your organization allows Internet
access through a firewall.
• If your instructor is on an intranet, but you join class via the Internet, you will not be able
to see content on the instructor’s intranet. If the instructor can reach the Internet, you can
see content he or she browses on the Internet.
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þ “Connection speed” does not
equal “modem speed”. In
most cases, when you connect to the Internet or dial
into a network using a
modem, you do not connect
at the fastest rate your
modem is capable of. For
example, if you have a 28.8
kbps modem, you might get a
connection speed of
24.4kbps. If you connect
through an older, noisy phone
line you might only get a connection of 19.2 kbps.

Ä Frames enable multiple pages
to display together in a single
browser window. For example, many web sites have two
frames: a navigation frame on
the left or right that contains a
“table of contents”, and a content frame, that displays the
contents of the site and takes
up the remainder of the
browser window.

124 • • • • •

Differing connection speeds among students affects web synchronization
The speed at which you are connected to the Internet or your network affects how quickly you
receive web synchronization. When your instructor navigates to a web page, your web browser
must download that page, and each graphic on the page, one at a time. If you have a slow
connection, you may download the page more slowly than others in the class.
The pace at which you download the page elements depends on your connection speed. For
example, if you are on your office network, which has a very large, dedicated connection to
the Internet you will download a page much more quickly than you might at home with your
28.8 kbps modem. However, if you are sharing your fast network connection with 100 other
users, many of whom are also browsing the web, you may actually have faster speed at home!
Your instructor may ask you to raise your hand or select a feedback response to indicate that
you have finished downloading the page.
Supported browsers
The LearnLinc 4.0 synchronized web browser supports the following browsers:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.01 with service pack 1 or 2, or 5.0
• Netscape Navigator versions 4.05 or 4.08
• Netscape Communicator 4.7x
Synchronizing navigation in frames
Although LearnLinc supports both Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, synchronizing
navigation in frames is handled differently in each browser.
• For frames to work properly with Internet Explorer, both the floor holder and the students
must have Internet Explorer. If you and the floor holder are using Internet Explorer, you
will see content that uses frames properly.
• Netscape users cannot view synchronized content containing frames. If you are using
Navigator, you will see the content of one of the frames, and you may have multiple
windows display on your screen. When you take the floor, ask the previous floor holder for
the address of the frame set and navigate there first, so that you can see all the frames.

Synchronizing web content 9

Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for using the synchronized web
browser in a class, specifically:
• Viewing synchronized web content
• Taking over the synchronized web browser
• Launching the synchronized web browser
• Closing the synchronized web browser

Viewing synchronized web content
If the instructor or floor holder launches the synchronized web browser, it launches on your
computer as well. Each time the floor holder goes to a new URL, your web browser
automatically follows. You can use the synchronized web browser to navigate the Web on your
own, but each time the floor holder clicks on a link or goes to a new address, you follow.
Taking over the synchronized web browser
If the synchronized web browser is running on everyone’s computers, and the floor is passed
to you, you can control the browser for the class. Use the browser as you normally would.
Each time you navigate to a new URL, the class follows.
If the other members of the class have different connection speeds, be sure to allow enough
time for everyone to download the page. Try the following to make sure everyone is following
your navigations:
1. Ask the instructor to change the feedback answers to “Assignment status”, and share the
answer summary results pie chart with the class.
2. Ask the class to use feedback to let you know when they receive the page. You can
monitor their progress by watching the pie chart.

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Quick Steps
1. Make sure you have the
floor.
2. Click the agenda tab on the
LearnLinc palette.
3. Click the synchronized web
browser shortcut.

Launching the synchronized web browser
1. Make sure you are in a class, and you are the current floor holder.
If you are the current floor holder, the red “On Air” symbol displays at the top of the
LearnLinc palette.

2.

Click the “Agenda” tab on the LearnLinc palette.
The “Agenda” tab is located under the class list, which is indicated by the “People” tab.
The Agenda tab contains a list of links to class resources, and shortcuts to commonly used
LearnLinc classroom applications.

3.

Click the synchronized web browser shortcut to start the synchronized web browser.

The synchronized web browser launches on your computer, and on each student’s
computer.

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Synchronizing web content 9

4.

Type a web address in the “Address” field of your browser and press <Enter>.
Everyone in the class navigates to that address.

þ In Netscape Navigator, type the
address in the “Location” field.

As you navigate, the class follows in their own browsers. You can navigate using HTML
links, favorites or bookmarks, or by entering addresses in the “Address” field.

Closing the synchronized web browser
You can close the synchronized web browser for yourself at any time by selecting File > Close,
from your browser’s menu bar.

Next Steps
The synchronized web browser is one of several options for viewing synchronized content
during class. To learn more about other synchronized content that you might use in class,
please see:
• Chapter 8, Using multimedia content during class
• Chapter 10, Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
• Chapter 11, Sharing applications with the class
• Chapter 12, Giving instant feedback to your instructor
• Chapter 13, Responding to and asking multiple choice questions

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Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

10
Collaborating with the class using the
whiteboard
This chapter explains the benefits and use of the whiteboard, LearnLinc’s shared workspace.
In this chapter you will learn how to:
• Use the whiteboard outside of class
• Use the whiteboard during class
• Update the whiteboard for others
• Save and print whiteboard files
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is the whiteboard?
2. Who can use the whiteboard?
3. Where are whiteboard files stored?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concepts:
the Virtual Classroom

“What is the Virtual Classroom?” on page 80.

the LearnLinc palette

“The LearnLinc palette” on page 83.

floor control

“Floor control” on page 81.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using the whiteboard correctly.
Specifically, you need to know:
• What is the whiteboard?
• Who can use the whiteboard?
• Storing whiteboard files on your computer for use in a LearnLinc class
• Whiteboard synchronization

What is the whiteboard?
The whiteboard is a shared work space in which you can present information to and
collaborate with your class. When you have the floor, you can use the whiteboard to make
notes, draw simple graphics, import images, and grab screen captures of other applications. If
the instructor or another student has the floor, you can see their actions in the whiteboard.
When the you scroll the whiteboard and place an object on it (such as the shared pointer or a
graphic), the students’ whiteboards scroll to view the new object. The students’ whiteboard
focus always follows your cursor movements.

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Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

Who can use the whiteboard?
As with other LearnLinc classroom tools, the floor holder controls the whiteboard. The floor
holder can use all of the whiteboard tools, including the shared pointer, drawing and text tools,
and screen grab. The rest of the class can see the floor holder’s actions, but they cannot use
any of these tools. They can, however, save or print a copy of the whiteboard at any time.
Additionally, any LearnLinc user can use the whiteboard to create or modify whiteboard files
on their own once they have installed the classroom software.
Storing whiteboard files on your computer for use in a LearnLinc class
Whiteboard files must be stored locally, either on the computer of someone who is
participating in class, or on a network drive that everyone can access. When the floor holder
opens the file in his or her whiteboard, it is sent our to everyone in the class in real time.
Once the file is open, anyone who takes the floor can work on the file, print it, or save a copy
on their own computer.
Accessing whiteboard files from the agenda
If there is a whiteboard item in your class agenda, you may or may not be able to open the file.
• If the agenda item references a file to which you have access, on either you local drive or a
network drive, you can open it.
• If the agenda item references a file to which you do not have access, such a file stored on
your instructor’s computer, then you will not be able to open the file.
Whiteboard synchronization
During class your whiteboard may be in either of two states: in sync or waiting for sync.
• Students who are in a class and actively receiving whiteboard information are “in sync.”
• Students who have joined a class but are waiting to receive whiteboard information are
“waiting for sync”.
When other students are waiting for and update, in sync students and the instructor see
“waiting for update on their whiteboard status bars.

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Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for using the whiteboard in a
class, specifically:
• Using the whiteboard on your own outside of class
• Saving whiteboard files
• Printing whiteboard files
• Closing the whiteboard
• Launching the whiteboard for the class
• Opening your whiteboard files for the class
• Updating the whiteboard for others
• Using the shared pointer
• Adding text
• Drawing lines, ellipses, rectangles, and freehand shapes
• Changing the line weight, line color and fill color
• Importing a pictureNext Steps

132 • • • • •

Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

Using the whiteboard on your own outside of class
1. Make sure you have installed the LearnLinc classroom software, and that you are not in a
class.
2. Select Start > Programs > LearnLinc > Whiteboard, from the Windows task bar.

3.

Quick Steps
1. Select Start > Programs >
LearnLinc > Whiteboard.
2. Use the whiteboard as
desired.

The whiteboard opens on your computer.
Use the whiteboard as desired. You can:
• create new whiteboard files
• open, modify, and print whiteboard files

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Quick Steps
1. Select Grab > Grab
Snapshot.
2. Drag the capture tool on to
the application you want to
grab.
3. Stamp the screen capture on
the whiteboard.

134 • • • • •

Grabbing a screen shot and placing it on the whiteboard
1. Open the application you wish to capture and configure it as necessary.
2. Select Grab > Grab Snapshot, from the whiteboard menu bar.

The whiteboard minimizes and the “Select Window” dialog displays at the bottom of the
screen.

3.

Drag the capture tool over the title bar of the target window and release the mouse button.

4.

The selection pointer and a box the size of the picture display.
Stamp the screen capture on to the whiteboard by positioning the pointer in the desired
location and clicking once. The screen capture displays at that location.

Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

Saving whiteboard files
1. Select File > Save, from the whiteboard menu bar.

Quick Steps
1. Select File > Save.
2. Name the file and click
“Save”.

The “Save as” dialog displays.

2.
3.
4.

Select a drive and folder in which to store the whiteboard file.
Name the file in the “File name” dialog.
Click Save.

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Quick Steps

Printing whiteboard files
1. Select File > Print, from the whiteboard menu bar.

1. Select File > Print.
2. Choose a printer and
number of copies and click
“OK”.

The Print dialog displays.

2.
3.

Select the desired printer and number of copies.
Click “OK”.
Note that the whiteboard printing function automatically scales the
objects on the whiteboard so that they print on one page.

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Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

Closing the whiteboard
1. If desired, select File > Save, from the whiteboard menu bar to save the whiteboard.

Quick Steps
1. Select File > Save.
2. Select File > Exit.

2.

Select File > Exit from the whiteboard menu bar.

The whiteboard closes.

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Quick Steps
Click the whiteboard
shortcut on the
Agenda tab.

Launching the whiteboard for the class
1. Make sure you are the floor holder.
You must be the floor holder to launch an agenda item for the class.
2. Click the “Agenda” tab on the LearnLinc palette.
The “Agenda” tab is located in the middle of the palette, under the “People” tab.

3.

Click the whiteboard shortcut to open the whiteboard.

Quick Steps
1. Make sure you are the floor
holder.
2. Select File >Open.
3. Highlight the file and click
“Open”.

138 • • • • •

Opening your whiteboard files for the class
1. Make sure you are the floor holder.
2. Select File > Open.

Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

The “Open” dialog displays.

3.

Navigate to the desired drive and folder to locate your whiteboard file and click “Open”.
The whiteboard file you selected opens for you, and for each student. You can work with
the file as long as you have the floor. When the floor passes to another user, he or she
controls the whiteboard, and your file.

Updating the whiteboard for others
1. Watch the whiteboard status bar for the “waiting for update” message.
2. Select Sharing > Send Update, on the whiteboard menu bar.

Quick Steps
Click “Send Update” to
update the whiteboard
for others.

Anyone who was waiting for their whiteboard to be updated receives an exact copy of
your whiteboard. Once they have been updated, they see all new actions on the
whiteboard along with the rest of the class.

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Quick Steps
1. Click “Shared Pointer”.
2. Click anywhere on the
whiteboard.

Quick Steps
1. Click “Text”.
2. Drag to create a text box.
3. Enter the text.

Using the shared pointer
1. Click “Shared pointer” on the whiteboard toolbar.

2.
3.

Adding text
1. Click “Text” on the whiteboard toolbar.

2.

3.

Quick Steps
1. Click “Selection Pointer”.
2. Click once on the text box.
3. Edit the text.

The cross-hair cursor displays.
Position the cursor over the whiteboard and drag downward diagonally to create a text
box.
The blinking I-beam cursor indicates the starting point of the text.
Type the desired text.

Editing text
1. Click “Selection pointer” on the whiteboard toolbar.
2.
3.

140 • • • • •

The shared pointer cursor displays on your whiteboard.
Move your mouse to drag the shared pointer to the desired point on the screen.
Click the left mouse button to display the shared pointer on everyone’s whiteboards.
The pointer remains visible in that location until you click again.
If you scroll the whiteboard, everyone’s whiteboards will scroll when you click the shared
pointer in the new area.

Click the text to activate its text box.
The I-beam cursor displays.
Position the cursor at the text you wish to change and edit the text as desired.

Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

Moving or resizing a text box:
1. Click “Selection pointer”.
2.

Click on the text box once.
Square anchors display in each corner once the text box is selected.

Quick Steps
1. Click “Selection Pointer”.
2. Click once on the text box.
3. Drag the box border to
move it, or an anchor to
resize it.

• Move the text field by placing the mouse over the text box border and dragging while
holding down the left mouse button.
• Resize the text field by clicking on an anchor and dragging while holding down the left
mouse button.

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Quick Steps

Drawing lines, ellipses, rectangles, and freehand shapes
1. Click the desired graphic tool.

1. Click a graphic tool.
2. Drag the cursor to create
that type of graphic.

Use the line tool to draw horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines.
Use the ellipse tool to draw ovals and circles.
Use the rectangle tool to draw rectangles and squares.
Use the freehand tool to draw freehand lines.

2.

The cross-hair cursor displays.
Position the cursor over the whiteboard and drag while holding down the left mouse
button to create a graphic shape.

Quick Steps

Resizing a graphic
1. Click “Selection Pointer”.

1. Click “Selection Pointer”.
2. Click once on the graphic.
3. Drag an anchor to resize the
graphic.

2.
3.

142 • • • • •

Click on the graphic once.
Square anchors display in each corner.
Resize the graphic by clicking on an anchor and dragging while holding down the left
mouse button.

Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

Changing the line weight, line color and fill color
1. Click “Selection Pointer”.
2.
3.

Click on the graphic once.
Square anchors display in each corner.
Click “Line Weight”, “Line Color”, or “Fill Color”.

Quick Steps
1. Click “Selection Pointer”.
2. Click once on the graphic.
3. Click “Line Weight”, “Line
Color”, or “Fill Color”.

Select a line weight and type from the line selection box.
Select a line color from the color selection box.
Select a fill color from the color selection box.

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Quick Steps

Importing a picture
1. Click “Insert picture”. on the whiteboard tool bar.

1. Click “Insert Picture”.
2. Locate a picture and click
“Open”.
3. Stamp the picture on the
whiteboard.

The “Open” dialog displays.

2.
3.

Navigate to the desired drive and folder to locate your picture and click “Open”.
You can insert bitmaps (.bmp), jpegs (.jpg), and pings (.png).
Stamp the picture on to the whiteboard by positioning the pointer in the desired location
and clicking once. The picture displays at that location.

Quick Steps

Moving or cropping the picture:
1. Click “Selection Pointer”.

1. Click “Selection Pointer.”
2. Click once on the picture.
3. Drag the picture border to
move it, or an anchor to
resize it.

2.

144 • • • • •

Click on the picture once.
Square anchors display in each corner.
• Move the picture by placing the cursor over the picture border and hold the left mouse
button down while dragging the cursor.
• Crop the picture by positioning the cursor over one of the anchors and dragging while
holding down the left mouse button.

Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard 10

Next Steps
The whiteboard is one of several LearnLinc classroom tools. If you would like to know more
about the other LearnLinc classroom tools, please see:
• Chapter 8, Using multimedia content during class
• Chapter 9, Synchronizing web content
• Chapter 11, Sharing applications with the class
• Chapter 12, Giving instant feedback to your instructor
• Chapter 13, Responding to and asking multiple choice questions

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Sharing applications with the class 11

11
Sharing applications with the class
This chapter explains the benefits and use of AppShare and AppView–LearnLinc’s application
sharing tools.
In this chapter you will learn how to:
• Watch the instructor use shared applications
• Use the instructor’s shared applications
• Share your own applications with the class
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is application sharing?
2. What applications can be shared?
3. Why are there two tools for application sharing, and when should I use each?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concepts:
the Virtual Classroom

“What is the Virtual Campus?” on page 22.

the LearnLinc palette

“The LearnLinc palette” on page 83.

floor control

“Floor control” on page 81.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using AppShare and AppView correctly.
Specifically, you need to understand:
• What is application sharing?
• What applications can be shared?
• AppShare
• AppView
• Deciding between AppShare and AppView

What is application sharing?
Application sharing is the ability for one person in a LearnLinc class to share an application on
his or her computer with the rest of the class, when the rest of the class does not have that
application installed on their computers. The class instructor can share any application on his
or her computer with the class. The instructor can choose either of two tools, AppShare or
AppView, to share the application and determine what, if any, actions students can perform on
shared applications.
Depending on which tool your instructor uses to share the application, you may have some or
all of the following capabilities:
• view the instructor’s actions as he or she uses the shared application
• use the instructor’s, or another student’s, application as the class watches
• share your own applications with the class
What applications can be shared?
Your instructor can share any application that is installed on his or her computer. In addition,
the instructor may ask you to share an application that is installed on your computer.

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Sharing applications with the class 11

AppShare
AppShare can be used in any LearnLinc class. AppShare enables the class instructor to:
• share his or her actions on selected applications with you and the rest of the class
• allow you to use the instructor’s, or another student’s, shared applications
• allow you to share your own applications with the class
• allow another student to use your shared applications
Note that depending on the configuration for your class, AppShare may display either color or
grayscale images. Your instructor or the person who schedules the class can choose the
AppShare display settings based on your class’ bandwidth availability and the types of
applications you plan to share.
AppView
AppView can only be used in classes that are held on a multicast network. Your instructor and
LearnLinc administrator will determine if your network is multicast-enabled. AppView enables
the instructor to show his or her actions on any application to the class. The instructor can only
show one application at a time, and students cannot use the instructor’s shared application or
share their own applications with AppView.
Deciding between AppShare and AppView
Your LearnLinc instructor and administrator will determine which application sharing tool you
should use during class. In both cases, the instructor must launch the tool and configure it.
Students can not start an application sharing session.

Ä A local or wide area network
(LAN or WAN) is multicast if
it has multicast enabled routers. Multicast-enabled routers
send data to the computers
on their network more efficiently than standard routers,
so that a lot of data can be
sent without overloading the
network. Multicast classes cannot work over the public Internet. Check with your system
administrator to see if your
network is multicast-enabled.

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Detailed directions for AppShare
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for using AppShare in a class,
specifically:
• Watching the instructor use a shared application
• Sharing your own applications with the class
• Using someone else’s shared application
• Using AppShare in an Open Discussion class
• Taking control of AppShare in an open discussion class

Watching the instructor use a shared application
When the instructor shares an application with you it displays in your AppShare display
window.

You can see each action the instructor takes on the shared application. You cannot use the
shared application unless the instructor allows you to do so.

150 • • • • •

Sharing applications with the class 11

Sharing your own applications with the class
1. Launch and configure the applications you wish to share.
2. Use text chat to let the instructor know your applications are ready.
The instructor must configure AppShare so that you can share your applications.
3. When the instructor attempts to share your applications, you will be prompted with a
confirmation dialog.

4.

Quick Steps
1. Launch and configure the
applications you want to
share.
2. Let the instructor know you
are ready.
3. Click Allow Presentation,
when prompted.
When the instructor passes
the floor to you, you can
share your actions.

Click Allow Presentation.
The applications listed in the confirmation dialog display in your AppShare display
window, and everyone else’s display windows.
• Both you and the instructor can use your applications once you click Allow
Presentation. Everyone in the class can see your actions on the shared applications.
• If the instructor chooses to, he or she can enable others student to use the your shared
applications when they have the floor.

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Quick Steps
1. Wait for the instructor to
pass the floor to you.
2. Use the applications in the
AppShare viewer window as
desired.

Using someone else’s shared application
1. Wait for the instructor to pass the floor to you.
When you are the current floor holder, the red “On Air” symbol displays at the top of the
LearnLinc palette.

2.

Use the applications in the AppShare display window as desired.
You can only use the shared applications if the instructor allows you to do so.
The instructor may pass the floor to you without allowing you to use the
shared applications.

Your actions are reflected in each student’s display window. You can use the applications
as long as you are the floor holder.
Do not allow any other windows to overlap the applications you are
sharing. Doing so obscures the view for the rest of the class.

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Sharing applications with the class 11

Using AppShare in an Open Discussion class
1.

2.
3.
4.

Make sure your monitor is set to display 16 bit color (high color) or higher.
You can check this setting by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting “Properties”
from the shortcut menu. Your color palette information can be found on the “Settings” tab.
Take the floor.
Make sure the applications you wish to share are open and configured properly.
Select Run > Application Sharing, from the LearnLinc palette menu bar.
The “LearnLinc AppShare” dialog displays.

Quick Steps
1. Make sure your monitor is
set to 16 bit color or higher.
2. Take the floor.
3. Make sure the applications
you wish to share are open
and configured.
4. Select Run > Application
Sharing, from the LearnLinc
menu bar.
5. Click Change.
6. Check each application you
wish to share, or check
“Desktop”.
7. Check “Allow floor holder
to control presented
applications, if desired.
8. Select a position for the
display window.
9. Click Start.
10.Use the applications as
desired.

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5.

Click Change....
The “Select Application” dialog displays.

6.

Check each application you want to share with the class, or check “Desktop” to share all
your applications.
If an application that is running on your computer does not display in
your application list, even after refreshing the list, it is a 16-bit
application. You must share your entire desktop to share that application
with the class.

7.
8.

154 • • • • •

If you want others to use your applications when they have the floor, check “Allow floor
holder to control presented applications”.
Select “Upper half”, “Lower half”, or “Full content area” for the display window.

Sharing applications with the class 11

9.

Click Start.
Once the application has been shared, the “LearnLinc AppShare” window displays on your
computer, with a list of all applications that are being presented.

The AppShare display window launches on each student’s computer, and displays the
selected applications.
10. Use the applications as desired.
Your actions are reflected in each student’s display window as you take them.
Do not allow any other windows to overlap the applications you are
sharing. Doing so obscures the view for students.
Note that if another user takes the floor, you can continue to share your applications, but
you cannot change the applications you are presenting. The floor holder can stop your
presentation and starts his or her own at any time.

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Taking control of AppShare in an open discussion class
Quick Steps
1. Take the floor.
2. Restore the “LearnLinc
AppShare” dialog.
3. Click Change....
4. Click Yes when the warning
dialog displays.

5.
6.

Take the floor.If you have minimized the “LearnLinc AppShare” dialog, click its button on
the Windows taskbar to restore it.
Click Change....

The “LearnLinc AppShare warning” dialog displays.

• If you wish to stop the other user’s presentation and start sharing your own applications
with the class click OK.
• If you do not want to stop the other user’s presentation click Cancel.

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Sharing applications with the class 11

Detailed directions for AppView
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for watching AppView in a class.

Watching AppView
When the instructor chooses to, he or she can launch the AppView window on your computer,
and display an application in it. You can see his or her actions on the application. You cannot
use the shared application, or share your own applications with AppView.

Next Steps
AppShare and AppView are two of several LearnLinc classroom tools. To learn more about the
other classroom tools, please see:
• Chapter 8, Using multimedia content during class
• Chapter 9, Synchronizing web content
• Chapter 10, Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
• Chapter 12, Giving instant feedback to your instructor
• Chapter 13, Responding to and asking multiple choice questions

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Giving instant feedback to your instructor 12

12
Giving instant feedback to your instructor
This chapter explains the benefits and use of feedback, LearnLinc’s instant polling tool.
In this chapter you will learn how to:
• Send a feedback answer
• Change your answer
• View the summary feedback results
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is feedback?
2. What are the available answer options?

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a thorough understanding of
the following concepts:
the Virtual Classroom

Please see “What is the Virtual Classroom?” on page 80.

the LearnLinc palette

Please see “The LearnLinc palette” on page 83.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using feedback to its full potential.
Specifically, you need to know:
• What is feedback?
• What are the answer options I might see?

What is feedback?
Feedback is an instant polling application that your instructor can use to ask a question,
verbally (or via text chat), and see an instant tally of the class response as each student selects
an answer from a predetermined answer set. The instructor also sees feedback indicators next
to each student’s name in the class list, so that he or she knows each student’s answer.
Feedback is located just below the class list on the LearnLinc palette. You cannot move or close
the feedback display. Your instructor can use feedback at any time during the class, and change
or reset the answers throughout the class. The pie chart is continuously updated as students
select and change their answers.

þ In open discussion classes, the

instructor has no more control
of the floor than any student in
the class–anyone can take the
floor at any time.

160 • • • • •

In open discussion classes, you always see the summary pie chart, and the floor holder can
clear feedback or change the answer set.
What are the answer options I might see?
The “Pace” answer set is displayed by default, however, you may see any of the following sets:
• Pace (Faster, Perfect, Slower, Please Review)
• Agreement (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree)
• Assignment status (Not much progress, Still working, Almost finished, Completed)
• True / False
• Yes / No
• A, B, C, D
In addition, your instructor may choose to display his or her own custom answer set.

Giving instant feedback to your instructor 12

Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for using feedback in a class,
specifically:
• Sending a feedback answer
• Changing your answer
• Viewing the summary feedback results
• Asking the class to use feedback to respond to a question in an Open Discussion class
• Changing the answer set in an Open Discussion class
• Sharing the feedback summary results with the class in an Open Discussion class
• Clearing feedback answers in an Open Discussion class

Sending a feedback answer
When the instructor asks a question, select your answer by clicking one of the radio buttons in
the feedback area.

Your instructor sees an answer indicator next to each student’s name, and sees the answer
summary pie chart.

Changing your answer
You can change your answer at any time by selecting another radio button in the feedback
area. The instructor sees your changes immediately.
Viewing the summary feedback results
You can only see the answer summary pie chart if the instructor chooses to share it with you. If
you see the pie chart, it will be updated continuously, as students send and change their
answers.

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Ä In open discussion classes you
can take the floor at any time,
and control some applications, such as feedback. Your
instructor chooses either open
discussion or instructor led
format when he or she schedules the class.

Quick Steps
1. Right click on the feedback
area.
2. Select an answer set from
the right mouse menu.

Asking the class to use feedback to respond to a question in an Open Discussion
class
1. Ask a question verbally, or in text chat.
2. Ask the class to select an answer from the feedback answer set.
As each student selects an answer, your pie chart and class list are updated.

Changing the answer set in an Open Discussion class
1. Select Tools > Class > Change Feedback Answer Set, from the LearnLinc palette toolbar.
A list of answer sets displays.

2.

162 • • • • •

Select the desired answer set.
Feedback is updated with the new answer set on your palette, and each student’s.

Giving instant feedback to your instructor 12

Sharing the feedback summary results with the class in an Open Discussion class
Select Tools > Class > Show Feedback Summary Results, from the LearnLinc palette toolbar.

Quick Steps
1. Right click on the feedback
area.
2. Select “Share Feedback
Summary Results”.

• If the menu item is checked students can see the pie chart. The pie chart remains on the
student palettes, and is continuously updated, until you choose to stop showing it.
• If the menu item is unchecked, or you select it to clear the checkmark, students cannot see
the summary pie chart.

Clearing feedback answers in an Open Discussion class
Select Tools > Class > Clear Feedback Answers, from the LearnLinc palette toolbar.

Quick Steps
1. Right click on the feedback
area.
2. Select “Clear Feedback
Answers”.

Next Steps
Feedback is one of several LearnLinc classroom tools. If you would like to know more about
the other classroom tools, please see:
• Chapter 8, Using multimedia content during class
• Chapter 9, Synchronizing web content
• Chapter 10, Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
• Chapter 11, Sharing applications with the class
• Chapter 13, Responding to and asking multiple choice questions

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Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

13
Responding to and asking multiple choice
questions
This chapter explains the benefits and use of Q&A, LearnLinc’s question and answer tool. In
this chapter you will learn how to:
• Answer a Q&A question
• Launch Q&A for yourself and others
• Create questions before class
• Save and merge question sets
• Add questions on-the-fly during class
• Ask a question
• View the answer results
• Share the answer results with the class
• Close Q&A
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is Q&A?
2. Who can ask questions with Q&A?
3. Where are Q&A question files stored?

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What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a thorough understanding of
the following concepts:
the Virtual Classroom

“What is the Virtual Classroom?” on page 80.

the LearnLinc palette

“The LearnLinc palette” on page 83.

floor control

“Floor control” on page 81.

Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you are using Q&A correctly. Specifically, you
need to know:
• What is Q&A?
• Using Q&A during class
• Storing Q&A files on your local computer to use in a LearnLinc class

What is Q&A?
Q&A is LearnLinc’s question and answer tool. Your instructor can use Q&A to ask the class a
series of multiple choice questions, and see the answers to each question immediately. The
instructor sees the answers in a summary bar chart, and answer statistics that indicate who
chose each answer. He or she may choose to share the summary bar chart with the class. In
addition, if a student has the floor, he or she can use Q&A to ask questions as well.
Once the instructor asks a question, you can see the question and all its possible answers in
your Q&A window. You can select an answer, and change your answer for as long as the
question is available.

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Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

As you answer a question, the person who asked it sees a summary bar chart of the class’
responses. The bar chart and answer statistics are continually updated as students send and
change their answers.

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Using Q&A on your own
You can use the Q&A question editor to create or edit questions on your own and store them
in a question file for later use in class. Once you are in class, you can ask your questions when
you are the floor holder.

Using Q&A during class
While you have the floor, you can open question files, create new questions, ask questions,
and view and share the results with the class. If the floor passes to someone else, control of
Q&A and the ability to ask questions passes to that person as well.
When someone else has the floor, you can answer their questions, and see the answer statistics
if the floor holder chooses to share them. You cannot ask questions unless you have the floor.
Storing Q&A files on your local computer to use in a LearnLinc class
You must store Q&A question files on your local computer, or a network drive that you can
access during class. Once you open the question file in Q&A, you can send the questions to
everyone else in the class.
You may choose to access your question files during class by opening them from the Q&A file
menu, or by creating agenda items for them. Note, however, that if you create an agenda item
for a question file that is stored on your local computer, the agenda item will only work for
you. Anyone else who tries to use the agenda item will receive an error because they cannot
access the file from your computer.
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Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

Detailed directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for using Q&A, specifically:
• Answering a Q&A question
• Creating a question list before class
• Removing a question from the list
• Saving question setsSaving question sets
• Merging question sets
• Launching Q&A for the class
• Adding questions on-the-fly during class
• Asking a question
• Viewing the answer statistics in summary form
• Sharing the answer statistics with the class

Answering a Q&A question
When the floor holder asks a question, it is displayed along with its possible answers in the
Q&A window.
1. Select an answer by clicking its radio button in the Q&A window.

Quick Steps
1. Select an answer by clicking
its radio button.
2. Click Send my answer.

þ You can change your answer by
selecting another radio button
and sending your answer again,
for as long as the question is
available.

2.

Click "Send my answer".
Your answer displays in the floor holders’ Q&A window immediately.

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Quick Steps

Creating a question list before class
1. Select Start > Programs > LearnLinc > Q&A Question Editor, from the Windows taskbar.

1. Select Start > Programs >
LearnLinc > Q&A Question
Editor.
2. Click “OK” when the “Not
logged-in” dialog displays.
3. Double-click to open the
question editor.
4. Add your questions.

The “Not logged-in - Unable to share” dialog displays.

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Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

2.

Click “OK’ to open Q&A.

Reminder! To ask questions in class, you must close Q&A and re-open it
once you join a class and have the floor.
3.

Double click the line “Double-click here to add a question”.
The question editor displays.

4.
5.

Click once in the “Q1” field and enter your first question.
Press <Tab> to move the cursor to the “A1” field and enter the first answer. Repeat until
you have entered each answer. You must enter at least two answers for each question.
• Click Next Question to enter your next question, or
• Click the Close box to close the Question Editor.

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Quick Steps

Removing a question from the list
1. Highlight the question in the “Available Questions” list.

1. Highlight the question.
2. Select Question > Delete
Question.

2.

Select Question > Delete Question, from the Q&A menu bar.

Be sure you are ready to delete the question. The selected question is
deleted immediately and cannot be restored.

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Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

Saving question sets
1. Select File > Save Question File..., from the Q&A menu bar.

Quick Steps
1. Select File > Save Question
File.
2. Name the file and click Save.

The “Save As” dialog displays.

2.

Enter a location and file name for the question set and click Save.

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Quick Steps
1. Open a question set.
2. Select File > Merge
Question File.
3. Select a question set and
click Open.

Merging question sets
1. Open a question set.
(If you have a question set open already, save it.)
2. Select File > Merge Question File..., from the Q&A menu bar.

The “Open” dialog displays.

3.
4.

174 • • • • •

Select the question set you wish to merge with the current set and click Open.
The questions from the second set are added to the bottom of the current question set.
Select File > Save Question File..., from the Q&A menu bar to save the combined lists as a
new question set.

Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

Launching Q&A for the class
1. Make sure you are the floor holder.
You must be the floor holder to launch an agenda item for the class.
2. Click the “Agenda” tab on the LearnLinc palette.
The “Agenda” tab is located in the middle of the palette, under the “People” tab.

3.

Quick Steps
Click the Q&A
shortcut on the
“Agenda” tab.

Click the Q&A shortcut to open the Q&A window.

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Quick Steps
1. Double-click to open the
question editor.
2. Enter your questions and
their answers.
3. Click the close box.
4. Select File > Save Question
File to save the questions as
a new question set.

Adding questions on-the-fly during class
You can add a question to your “Available Questions” list at any time, but you must be the floor
holder to ask the question.
1. Double-click the line “Double-click here to add a question” in the Available Questions list.
The Question Editor displays.

2.
3.

4.

Enter your question in the “Q1” field.
Enter at least two answers in the answer fields (A1, A2, A3,A4,A5).
• Click Next Question to enter your next question, or
• Click the Close box to close the Question Editor.
Select File > Save Question File..., from the Q&A menu bar to save your new questions in
a Q&A file.

Once you have the floor, you can ask the class any of the questions in the list.

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Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

Asking a question
1. Make sure you have the floor.
2. Highlight a question in the “Available Questions” list.

3.

Quick Steps
1. Make sure you have the
floor.
2. Highlight a question.
3. Click Ask selected question.

Click Ask selected question.
All students see the question and its possible answers in their Q&A windows. As each
student selects an answer your answer statistics are updated.
If the floor passes to another student after you ask a question, your
question remains visible until the new floor holder asks a question.

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Viewing the answer statistics in summary form
As students submit their answers, you see the answer statistics in percentage format. The
percentages shown are of the total number of students who have answered the question, not
the total number of students in the class.

Viewing the answer details
1. Select Answers > Show Answer Details, from the Q&A menu bar.

The Answers menu is only available once you have asked a question.

The “Answer Details” dialog displays.

2.

178 • • • • •

Scroll to display a list of all the students who chose that answer.
You may wish to resize the window to see more of the details at one time.

Responding to and asking multiple choice questions 13

Sharing the answer statistics with the class
To share the answer statistics with the class, select Answer > Send Answer Statistics, from the
Q&A menu bar.

Once you send the statistics for a question, students can no longer answer it.
You cannot share the answer details with the class.

Closing Q&A
Your instructor can close Q&A for you when he or she is done asking questions. If you need to
close Q&A yourself, click the Close box in the upper right corner.

Next Steps
Q&A is one of several LearnLinc classroom tools. If you would like to know more about the
other classroom tools, please see:
• Chapter 8, Using multimedia content during class
• Chapter 9, Synchronizing web content
• Chapter 10, Collaborating with the class using the whiteboard
• Chapter 11, Sharing applications with the class
• Chapter 12, Giving instant feedback to your instructor

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Working in Breakout Groups 14

14
Working in Breakout Groups
This chapter explains how to work collaboratively with other students in breakout groups.
In this chapter you will learn how to:
• Collaborate with your group
• Synchronize latecomers
• Save whiteboard content
• Return to the main classroom
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is a breakout group?
2. What is open discussion?

Ä A breakout group is an
open discussion classroom
where students meet and
work collaboratively for a
period of time specified by
the instructor.

What you need to know before reading this chapter
To benefit from the information in this chapter, you should have a basic understanding of the
following concepts:
The LearnLinc palette

“The LearnLinc Palette” on page 83.

Floor control

“Floor control” on page 81.

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Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to help you use breakout groups effectively. Specifically, you
need to understand:
• What is a breakout group?
• How does an open discussion classroom work?
• What will happen when my instructor sends me to a breakout group?

What is a breakout group?
A breakout group is an open discussion classroom to which your instructor sends a group of
students to work collaboratively for a set period of time. In the breakout group, you can do
anything you can do in the main classroom, including sharing content, applications,
whiteboard files, and web navigation. You can also poll fellow students using Feedback or
introduce Q&A questions to the group.
When the breakout group time limit elapses, you and all students in your group automatically
return to the main class where you can share your group work with the rest of the class.
How does open discussion work?
Breakout groups are “open discussion” classes. In an open discussion class, anyone can take
the floor from the current floor holder. The instructor has no more control of the floor than any
other student in the class.
You click the Take Floor icon at the top right corner of the student palette to take the floor:

Take Floor

When you have the floor, you control and can open applications and content until another
student takes the floor.

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Working in Breakout Groups 14

What will happen when my instructor sends me to a breakout group?
When your instructor sends you to a breakout group, you will receive a message notifying you
that you are joining a breakout group and after a few moments you will enter the group. A
breakout group looks like the main classroom, but has some additional breakout room features
built in:
Click the Take
Floor icon to
take the floor.
In a new
breakout group
no one initially
has the floor.
You can return to the
main class at anytime
by clicking Return to
Class.

In a breakout
group, you see a
green notification
bar above the
People tab.
This will turn
yellow 30 seconds
before the end of
the breakout
group, reminding
you to save your
work.
The clock indicates
how much time is left
before you return to
the main classroom.

The class agenda in
a breakout group is
the same as the
agenda in the main
classroom.

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Detailed Directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the processes for working with breakout
groups, specifically:
• Taking the floor
• Collaborating with your group
• Synchronizing latecomers
• Returning to the main class

þ Note that the Take Floor icon
is used for slightly different
actions in the main classroom
(instructor led class) and the
breakout group (open discussion class). In the main
classroom, it means return
the floor to the instructor.

Taking the floor
Click the Take Floor icon to take the floor.
OR
To avoid interrupting each other, you may want to click the Raise
Hand icon to indicate that you would like to take the floor. The
current floor holder can then wrap up whatever he or she is doing
before you take the floor.
If groups use the raised hand approach, the floor holder can click the
student’s name and then the Give Floor icon to pass the floor, or just
wait until the hand raiser takes the floor.

Take Floor

Raise Hand

Give Floor

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Working in Breakout Groups 14

Collaborating with your group
1. When you are sure that the current floorholder is done speaking or completing a task, click
the Take Floor icon.
2. Interact with the class as you normally would. You can work on whatever is currently
open, or you can open new applications or content.
You will continue to be the floor holder until you pass the floor to another student, or until
another student manually takes the floor.
3. Continue to pass the floor among the group members, until the yellow warning bar
appears on the LearnLinc palette, stating that you will return to the main class soon and
should save your work.

4.

If you are using the whiteboard in your group, save the whiteboard file. The group may
want to designate one person to do this, or everyone can save a version to their hard drive.
See “Saving whiteboard files” on page 135 of this user guide for detailed instructions on
saving whiteboard files.

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Synchronizing latecomers
If a student joins the main class after breakout groups are started, your instructor can send the
latecomer to a group. When latecomers arrive in a group, the current floor holder needs to
update any content in use to synchronize the latecomer with the rest of the group. The
following table describes the steps to take depending on the type of content your group is
using:

186 • • • • •

If the breakout group is using . . .

Then . . .

whiteboard

the latecomer needs to open whiteboard and
the current floor holder clicks “Send Update”
on the whiteboard toolbar. Refer to Chapter
9, Collaborating with the Class Using the
Whiteboard, for more information.

Appshare

the “Update Students” warning displays
when the latecomer enters the group. The
current floor holder needs to click Update
Now. Refer to Chapter 10, Sharing
Applications with the Class, for more
information.

multimedia or PowerPoint content

the current floor holder needs to re-launch
the content for the latecomer. Refer to
Chapter 7, Using Multimedia Content During
Class, for more information.

synchronized web browser

the current floor holder will need to relaunch the synchronized web browser for the
latecomer. Refer to Chapter 8, Synchronizing
Web Content, for more information.

Working in Breakout Groups 14

Returning to the main class
Save your work and Click Return to Class if you want to return to the main class before the
breakout group time limit is reached, or if your instructor did not set a time limit on your
group.
OR
If you work until the group time limit elapses, you automatically return to the main class.
If you do not save your work before returning to the main class, it is lost.
You cannot return to a breakout group to retrieve files or information.

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Viewing Recorded LearnLinc Classes 15

15
Viewing Recorded LearnLinc Classes
This chapter explains how to play back recorded LearnLinc classes that your instructor has
added to your course contents list. In this chapter you will learn how to:
• play a recorded class
• download a recorded class to play later
In addition, this chapter answers the following questions:
1. What is the LearnLinc Classroom Player?
2. How do I get the LearnLinc Classroom Player?

Key Concepts
Review the following concepts to ensure that you understand the LearnLinc Classroom Player:
1. What is the Classroom Player?
2. How do I Get the Classroom Player?

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What is the Classroom Player?
The LearnLinc classroom player is an application that plays a recorded class file. The player is
automatically launched when you play the recorded file from your course contents list.

You can also download the file from the course contents list, save it to your hard drive, and
then play the file at a later time. The advantage of downloading and playing the file is that you
do not need to have an active Internet connection while playing the file and the file will play
continuously without stopping to buffer.

How do I Get the Classroom Player?
The LearnLinc Classroom Player is installed when you install LearnLinc, version 4.5. If you want
to play a recorded class on a computer that does not have LearnLinc 4.5 installed, you can
download and install the player from the Download page in the Virtual Campus.

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Detailed Directions
The following step-by-step instructions describe the tasks involved in playing a recorded class,
specifically:
• Playing a recorded class.
• Downloading a recorded class file.

Playing a recorded class
1. In the Virtual Campus, access the course containing the recorded class, and find the
recorded class resource in the course contents list.

Recorded Class
Resource

2.

Click Play.
The Classroom Player opens and begins playing your recorded class. As the file is opening,
you will see a “Please Wait. Initial screen loading” message.
When the first part of the file becomes available, the Classroom Player begins streaming
the file to your desktop. The classroom activity from the recorded class occurs on your
desktop, just as if you were participating in the class.

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While the recorded class plays, you can pause, stop, fast forward, or rewind the file using
the recorder controls. The following diagram describes each control and the information
the player displays about the recorded file.
View the size and total
playing time of the file in
hours and minutes.

View the name of the file.

Click Fast Forward or drag
the slider to move quickly
through the recorded file.

Click Rewind to rewind or
drag the slider to move
quickly back through the file.

Click Play to play the file. The
button is grayed out when the
file is playing.

Click Stop to stop the file and
rewind it to the beginning.
Click Pause to temporarily
stop the file in a particular
spot.

While the recorded file plays, the current playing time displays in the status bar below the
button controls. If the player needs to stop to download more data to play — a process called
buffering — the estimated buffering time will appear in the status bar.

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Downloading a recorded class
Note that the diagrams below show the download process in Internet Explorer. If you are using
Netscape Navigator or Netscape Communicator, the process may differ slightly.
1. In the Virtual Campus, access the course containing the recorded class, and find the
recorded class resource in the course contents list.

2.

Click the name of the file.

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The Edit Resource page appears.

Click Download.
Note that this page displays an estimated time for the file download. This
estimate is based on a 28.8 kbs Internet connection. If you are
connecting to the Internet at a higher speed — for example on a 56 kbs
modem or on an office network with a dedicated Internet connection —
the download time may be much faster than the estimate.

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The File Download dialog box appears.

3.

Select “Save this file to disk” and click OK.

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The Save As dialog box appears.

4.

Navigate to the location where you want to save the file, and then click Save.
It is important to remember where you save the downloaded file, so that
you can easily access it later when you are ready to play it.
The recorded classroom file begins to download.
The File Download dialog box displays the progress as your file downloads.

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When the download is complete, a message displays notifying you that it is done.

5.

You can play the file now, or wait and play it later:

If you want to . . .

Then . . .

play the file now

click Open.
The Classroom Player opens and plays the file.

play the file later

click Close.
The Download Complete dialog box closes and you are
returned to the Download Resource page in the Virtual
Campus.

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Playing a downloaded recorded class
1. Select Start > LearnLinc > LearnLinc Player.
The LearnLinc Classroom Player opens.

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2.

Select File > Open.
The Open dialog box appears.

3.

Navigate to the recorded classroom file and click Open.

Viewing Recorded LearnLinc Classes 15

The file opens in the Classroom Player.

Click the Play
button to begin
playing the file.

4.

Click the Play button to play the file.

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200 • • • • •

Glossary, Appendices,
and Index
The final section of this guide contains a glossary of LearnLinc related terms, a troubleshooting
appendix, and an index.
Glossary

page 203

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

page 221

Index

page 263

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Glossary
Administrator authority level
Administrators can perform all student, instructor, and author tasks. In addition, administrators
can add, edit, or delete user groups and user accounts, groups, and authority levels.
Advanced–Multimedia content installation
The advanced installation contains all the components of the typical install, with the addition of
content synchronization for ToolBook and Authorware. If you are using synchronized
multimedia content in your classes, choose this download option.
Agenda
A list of all the resources for the current class, that displays on the LearnLinc palette. Instructors
and students can click on any item in the list to launch it, with the exception of notes (which
cannot be displayed in the Virtual Classroom). Additionally, users can display the course
contents list on the agenda, and run an application from the shortcuts at the bottom of the
agenda tab.
Application
LearnLinc has several classroom tools, or applications, including: Application Sharing,
AppView, Glimpse, Q&A, Streaming Video, Synchronized Web Browser, and Whiteboard.
While you can add any LearnLinc application to a course contents list, most LearnLinc
applications are meant for classroom use only. The exceptions are Q&A, Whiteboard and
Streaming Video, which can be used outside of class to create or view files before class, and
are more likely to be included in a course contents list. The other LearnLinc applications are
more likely to be included in a class agenda, for use during class.
Application sharing
The ability of the instructor to share an application on his or her computer with students in a
LearnLinc class, when the students do not have that application installed on their computers.
The class instructor can share any application on his or her computer. There are two LearnLinc
tools, AppShare and AppView, that can be used to share an application.
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AppShare
A classroom tool that enables instructors to share their actions on an application with the class,
and to enable a selected student to use the application as well. In addition, an instructor can
use AppShare to let a student share his or her own application with the class. AppShare can be
used in any LearnLinc class.
AppView
A classroom tool that enables the instructor to use an application on his or her computer, and
show his or her actions to the class. Students do not have to have the application installed on
their computers. Students cannot use the instructor’s application, nor can they share their own
applications with AppView. AppView can be used in any LearnLinc class that is on a multicast
network.
Assistant instructor
A student in a class who has some extra privileges. These privileges enable the assistant to
manage the background activities of the classroom, such as monitoring text chat, feedback
responses, and hand raises. Assistant instructors enable the instructor to concentrate on
presenting new content to the class. A class can have one, or several, assistant instructors, or
none at all. Assistant instructors are assigned to a class when it is scheduled.
Audio clip
An audio clip is a digital audio file. When a user clicks on an audio clip link in the Virtual
Campus, the clip plays in Windows Media Player. Note: Windows Media Player is installed with
the LearnLinc classroom software. If you have not yet installed the LearnLinc classroom
software, you may or may not have another application installed on your computer that can
play the audio clip.
Author authority level
In addition to the student and instructor tasks, authors can add, edit, and delete courses in the
course catalog and any items in any course contents lists or class agenda.
Authority level
A LearnLinc setting that determines what information users can access and edit. Each LearnLinc
user is assigned an authority level as part of his or her user account. The default authority
levels are self register, participant, instructor, author, and administrator.
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Auto-register
When an author or administrator creates a course, he or she can choose to automatically
register, or “auto-register” all LearnLinc users for the course. Courses that have auto-register
turned on do not have individual or group student email lists.
Bandwidth
A measure of the amount of data transmitted or received per unit time, usually measured in bits
per seconds. Bandwidth is proportional to the complexity of the data that is being transmitted.
For example, it takes more bandwidth to download a photograph in one second than it takes
to download a page of text in one second. Large sound or video files require even more
bandwidth to download.
Book
A multimedia file that contains a combination of text, sound, still and motion pictures,
animations, or other media formats. For LearnLinc, these books are created in either Asymetrix
ToolBook or Macromedia Authorware and can be synchronized in LearnLinc classes. You can
add these books to a course contents or agenda list so that students can download them before
class for stand alone use, or so that they can be synchronized during class.
Breakout Groups
A breakout group is an open discussion classroom where an instructor sends a small group of
students to work collaboratively for a set period of time. Students can be assigned to groups
randomly or manually. In the breakout group, students can do anything they can do in the
main classroom, including audio and video conferencing, sharing content, applications,
whiteboard files, and web navigation via the synchronized web browser.
Class
A scheduled event in which two or more LearnLinc users meet online, via the LearnLinc
classroom software. Users can join a class by clicking a link in the Virtual Campus. Once in
class, they can interact with each other using a variety of classroom tools.

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Class list
Displays the names of everyone in the class, including the instructor, on the LearnLinc palette.
Hand raise icons display next to each student who has his or her hand raised, as do Feedback
response indicators for each student who has selected a response. The class list has buttons
that enable the instructor to select a student and give the floor to him or her, to put all hands
down, and to dismiss the selected attendee. In addition, the class list has two counters: one for
the total number of attendees, another for the total number of hand raises.
Classroom Player
The LearnLinc classroom player is a standalone application that plays a recorded class file.
Once you install the player, it is accessible on your Start menu. The player is automatically
launched when you play the recorded class from your course contents list or class agenda. The
player streams the recorded file from the server to your computer.
Classroom software
A set of tools that instructors and students use to connect, communicate, and collaborate in
LearnLinc’s Virtual Classroom. Each LearnLinc user must have the classroom software installed
on his or her computer before attempting to join a LearnLinc class.
Conferencing window
A window near the top of the LearnLinc palette that displays live video, or still pictures during
LearnLinc classes. If video conferencing is in use, you see and hear the current floor holder in
real time in the conferencing window. If audio conferencing is in use, or no conferencing is in
use, you see a picture of the floor holder, or the default pictures for instructor or student. You
see the location of the floor holder, listed below the conferencing window, as well.
Control panel configuration utility
The client control panel enables you to update your location description, web proxy settings,
and UDP audio conferencing settings for LearnLinc.
Content
see book.

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Contents list
A list of resources that is contained in a course, including classes, applications, audio clips,
books, notes, PowerPoint presentations, Q&A files, URLs, video clips, and whiteboard files.
Once a resource is added to a contents list, students can access the resource from the Virtual
Campus by registering for the course, and clicking links in the list.
Cookie
A small piece of information that your web browser stores on your hard drive. A web server
may request that your browser to save your information in a cookie. It is uniquely yours and
can only be read by the server that gave it to you, preserving your privacy. The LearnLinc
Virtual Campus uses cookies to establish if you are logged in or not. The cookies are only
temporary, and are removed when you close your browser.
Course
A container for classes and resources. Instructors, authors, and administrators can use courses
to group related classes and resources in one location that is accessible to LearnLinc students.
Similar to a college or university, students must register for a course to be able to attend its
classes and access it resources. All LearnLinc users can access courses via the LearnLinc Virtual
Campus.
Course catalog
A web page in the Virtual Campus that lists all available courses. Students can register for
courses from the course catalog, and then access that course’s resources and classes. Instructors
can modify courses for which they are registered instructors from the course catalog. Authors
and administrators can add, modify, and delete courses in the course catalog.
Course contents list
see contents list.
Custom installation
In most cases, either the typical or advanced installation options are sufficient. However, if your
organization chooses not to install certain LearnLinc components, you can use the custom
installation to select specific components to install. Be sure to ask your LearnLinc administrator
for detailed instructions concerning which components to select during the installation.

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Current speaker indicator
see On Air/current speaker indicator.
Data only
Classes that do not use LearnLinc audio or video conferencing are “data only”. Some
organizations choose the “data only” option and supplement it with phone conferencing,
satellite video, or other third party conferencing options.
Director movie
A Director movie is a multimedia file that contains a combination of text, sound, still and
motion pictures, animations, and/or other media formats. These movies are created in
Macromedia Director and can be synchronized in LearnLinc classes. Instructors can add these
movies to a course contents or agenda list so that students can download them before class for
standalone use, or so that they can use them in synchronization with their instructor during
class. Director movies are used primarily in class.
Download page
The Virtual Campus download page provides links for downloading and installing the
LearnLinc classroom software. All users must download and install the classroom software
before attempting to join a LearnLinc class. By default the download page lists options for
typical, advanced, or custom installations, however your LearnLinc administrator may choose to
change the options on this page. In addition, administrators can download the LearnLinc
administration tool from the download page.
Feedback
A classroom polling application that instructors can use to quickly poll the class using one of
several predetermined answer sets. Feedback displays a set of answers on the LearnLinc
palette, and a pie chart that shows the percentage of the class that selected each answer. The
instructor and assistants see individual Feedback responses in the class list, next to each
student’s name.

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Floor control
In a LearnLinc class, only one person can control the class at a time. In most cases, this person
is the instructor. He or she can speak to the class via audio or video conferencing, and control
synchronized applications and content. In addition, the instructor can pass the floor control to
an assistant or student at any time.
Floor control format
A format, or style of presentation, that is assigned to a class when it is scheduled. LearnLinc
classes can be in one of two formats: instructor led or open discussion. In instructor led classes
the instructor controls who has the floor at all times. In open discussion classes, anyone can
take the floor at any time.
Floor holder
When a user takes the floor in a LearnLinc class, he or she is the floor holder. The floor holder
is the student, instructor, or assistant who is currently “on air” during a LearnLinc class. The
floor holder can be heard and/or seen if conferencing is in use, and can launch and
synchronize applications for the class.
Folder
A group of related courses can be grouped in the course catalog in a common container
known as a folder.
Frames
A web page design technique that enables multiple pages to display together in a single
browser window. For example, many web sites have two frames: a navigation frame on the left
or right that contains a “table of contents”, and a content frame, that displays the contents of
the site and takes up the remainder of the browser window. When a user clicks a link the
navigation frame, the results display in the contents frame.

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Full-duplex
A sound card that can send data in two directions at once. Your sound card type determines
whether you see a “Mute” checkbox or a “Talk” button displayed on the LearnLinc palette
under the conferencing window. If you see the “Mute” checkbox, you are in full-duplex mode.
A full-duplex sound card enables you to send your audio and receive someone else’s audio at
the same time, as if you were on the telephone. In a LearnLinc class, this happens when the
instructor passes the floor to a student, and both continue to talk. Everyone in the class can
hear both the instructor and the floor holder at all times. If you select “headsets” when running
the Audio Wizard, LearnLinc will try to use full duplex.
Glimpse
A specialized classroom tool that an instructor can use to capture any student’s desktop during
a LearnLinc class. Glimpse is only available to the class instructor, and students are not notified
when glimpse is being used.
Group
see log-in group.
H.323 Multicast video
A LearnLinc class that uses video conferencing and is held on a LAN (Local Area Network) or
WAN (Wide Area Network). All users in the class must have Intel ProShare 500 hardware to use
H.323 multicast video.
Half-duplex
A sound card that can only send audio data in one direction at a time. Your sound card type
determines whether you see a “Mute” checkbox or a “Talk” button displayed on the LearnLinc
palette under the conferencing window. If you see the “Talk” button, you are in half-duplex
mode. A half-duplex sound card enables you to send audio, and receive it, but not at the same
time, as if you were using a CB-radio. In a LearnLinc class, you must have the floor, and click
the “Talk” button in to speak to the class. If you click the “Talk” button again to push it out, the
class cannot hear you, even though you have the floor. If you select “speakers” when running
the Audio Wizard, LearnLinc will use half-duplex.

210 • • • • •

Hand raise button
A button on the top left of the student’s LearnLinc palette that students can click to
electronically raise their hands. Instructors and assistants see the hand raise indicator flash, and
hand raise icons next to the students’ names.
Help
Online help is available to all users. Online help contains key concepts and detailed directions
for using the LearnLinc Virtual Campus, and for participating in a LearnLinc class.
Home page
When you log-in to the Virtual Campus, you see your home page. The home page is
personalized for each user when he or she logs-in, and displays the courses for which the user
is registered as a student or instructor.
Indeo Multicast video
A LearnLinc class that uses video conferencing and is held on a LAN (Local Area Network) or
WAN (Wide Area Network). All users in the class must have either Intel ProShare 150 or 200
hardware to send Indeo video.
Instructor authority level
In addition to the student tasks, instructors can add materials and classes to the course contents
list, edit the course information and display properties, edit classes and class agendas, and
delete items from the course contents list and class agenda in courses for which they are
registered instructors.
Instructor led
In instructor led floor control classes, the instructor takes the floor when he or she joins the
class. The instructor can pass the floor to any student, and take the floor back at any time. The
instructor is always in control of who has the floor. Instructor led floor control works well for
large and/or lecture based classes, or classes that are a combination of lecture and interaction.

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Internet
A worldwide system of computer networks, in which a user on a computer on one network
can get information from any other computer on any other network, assuming he or she has
permission. The Internet is a public resource that is used by millions of people around the
world.
Intranet
A private network or series of networks that is contained within an organization. Many
organizations use their intranets to share company information and computing resources
among their members, including the ability for groups to share information collaboratively,
using tools such as LearnLinc.
Internet audio
A LearnLinc class that uses audio conferencing and is held on the Internet, or in low bandwidth
classes on your intranet.
kbps
kbps is an acronym for “kilobits per second”. Your modem speed is measured in kbps, and has
a certain speed associated with it, for example, 28.8 kbps or 56 kbps. However that number
indicates the fastest connection that your modem is capable of–you may actually connect at a
slower rate. Refer to your modem documentation to determine your connection speed during a
LearnLinc class.
LearnLinc
LearnLinc is an online learning environment. Your organization can use LearnLinc to train
students who are at a distance, including those at other corporate offices or locations, those
who telecommute from home or while traveling, and those who contract with your
organization to receive training.
LearnLinc aware
Content that has been designed or converted for synchronized use in the LearnLinc Virtual
Classroom is LearnLinc aware. Content created in ToolBook, Authorware, PowerPoint, and
HTML can be converted to be LearnLinc aware.

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LearnLinc Palette
The LearnLinc palette is the main interface element in a LearnLinc class. The palette displays
the most commonly used tools, including conferencing (audio or video), the class list, the
agenda, feedback, and text chat. The palette displays additional information about the class,
and additional tools, for instructors. In addition, palette displays slightly different information
and tools depending on the floor control policy that is in effect.
LearnLinc classroom software
see classroom software.
Log-in
When you enter the Virtual Campus, or launch the Administration tool, LearnLinc requires that
you enter your user account ID, group, and password. Your information is then sent to the
LearnLinc Name Service database, where it is compared with the account information in the
database. If the two match, you can enter, or log-in, to LearnLinc.
Log-in group
A group is a container for related user accounts. Use log-in groups to create logical groupings
of users. For example, in a corporate setting, you might group your users by department:
training, human resources, IT, and so forth. In an academic setting, you might group users by
level within a department: freshman biology, senior nursing, and so forth. Users must know
their log-in groups to log-in to the Virtual Campus.
Log-out page
The Virtual Campus log-out page enables each user to exit the Virtual Campus and ensure that
his or her account cannot be used by others. As an added security measure, any account that is
inactive for approximately 15 minutes is automatically logged-out. This includes the time spent
in the virtual classroom–if a user is in class for more than 15 minutes, he or she is automatically
logged-out of the Virtual Campus.

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Multicast
A local or wide area network (LAN or WAN) is multicast if it has multicast enabled routers.
Multicast-enabled routers send data to the computers on their network more efficiently than
standard routers, so that a lot of data can be sent without overloading the network. Multicast
classes cannot work over the public Internet. Check with your system administrator to see if
your network is multicast-enabled.
Multicast audio
A LearnLinc class that uses audio conferencing and is held on a Local Area Network (LAN) or
Wide Area Network (WAN).
Multimedia book
see book.
Multimedia content
see book.
Mute
Users who have a full-duplex sound card, see a “Mute” checkbox below the conferencing
window. They can talk as soon as they are given the floor, and must check the box to silence
their audio and/or video conferencing while they have the floor.
Name service
A database that stores all LearnLinc information, including LearnLinc user account, course,
class, and resource information. In addition, the Name Service also stores system information
that is not visible to most LearnLinc users. The Name Service is part of the LearnLinc server.
Navigator
A standard set of tools for students to use when viewing a LearnLinc synchronized ToolBook
book. Some ToolBook books may have their own custom navigation controls instead.

214 • • • • •

Network bandwidth monitor
An indicator on the LearnLinc palette that flashes green, yellow, and red. Green indicates
sufficient bandwidth to participate in class. Yellow indicates that there is not enough bandwidth
for all the LearnLinc information, resulting in poor quality audio or slow text chat, for example.
Red indicates that there is not enough bandwidth to participate in the LearnLinc class at all.
Note
A note is a text item that displays in the Virtual Campus. You can add notes to a course
contents list that contain important information about the course and its contents, or you can
create an HTML link to a web page as the content of your note. You can add a note to a class
agenda, but only the title will display in the Virtual Classroom. Notes are limited to 129
characters.
Open discussion
In open discussion classes, the instructor has no more control of the floor than any other
student in the class. Anyone can take the floor at any time, although using the hand raise
function helps to ensure order for the class. Open discussion floor control works well for small,
highly interactive classes or meetings.
On Air/current speaker indicator
An indicator at the top of the LearnLinc palette that turns red, with the message “On Air” when
the user has the floor. When another user has the floor, the indicator displays the name of that
person.
Participant authority level
see student authority level.
Q&A
LearnLinc’s question and answer tool. Use Q&A to ask your students a series of multiple choice
questions during a LearnLinc class. You can make up questions before class, or add them onthe-fly during class. Once you ask a question, students can see the question and all its possible
answers. Each student can select an answer, and can change his or her answer for as long as
the question is available.

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Q&A file
A list of multiple choice questions and their answers. The file is created using the Q&A editor,
and is displayed in the Q&A application during class.
Quick tour
All users can take the Virtual Campus quick tour to learn more about using the Virtual Campus,
and joining classes.
Register
If a student wishes to participate in a course, he or she must “sign-up”, or register, for the
course. Doing so enables the student to access all resources and classes stored in the course. In
addition, an instructor, author, or administrator can register students for a course. When a
student is registered for a course, that course is listed on his or her home page.
Resource
A training material that has been added to a LearnLinc course or class. The LearnLinc resource
types are applications, audio and video clips, multimedia books, PowerPoint presentations,
notes, and Q&A and Whiteboard files. Any of these resources can be added to a LearnLinc
course contents list, or a class agenda or autostart list. Once added to one of those lists,
students and instructors can access them in the Virtual Campus and Virtual Classroom.
Restricted text chat
When text chat is restricted only the instructor, assistants, and the current floor holder can enter
messages, however, everyone can see the messages in their own text chat windows. Only the
class instructor can restrict text chat.
Self register
By default, users who self register (create their own accounts) can perform the same tasks as
students.
Sound card
A piece of hardware that you can add to your computer to play and record audio. For example,
you use your sound card when you listen to music CDs on your computer. You can use your
sound card to send and receive live audio as well as prerecorded audio. LearnLinc requires a
sound card to enable audio or video conferencing during a LearnLinc class.
216 • • • • •

Start page
When you navigate to the Virtual Campus, the start page displays. By default, the start page has
three options that allow you to log-in to the Virtual Campus, create a new account, or browse
the course catalog.
Streaming media file
Audio, video, or multimedia files that are stored on a web site or other accessible location.
When you access a streamed media file, it begins to play almost immediately, and continues to
download and store the remainder of the file as you are playing it. Using streamed files helps
you to avoid long waits while you download media files.
Streaming video
Streaming video is either a prerecorded video clip or live video that users can view as it is
downloading to their computers. Prerecorded streamed video clips are stored on a web server
or other accessible location. When you access a streamed video file it begins to play almost
immediately, and continues to download and store the remainder of the file as you are playing
it. Using prerecorded streamed video files helps you to avoid long waits while you download
media files. Live streamed video is captured by encoder software on the instructor’s computer,
sent to a server, and then sent to all the students in the class. Streaming live video is bandwidth
efficient, but is only a one-way video solution.
Student authority level
Students can create their own user accounts, browse the course catalog and user directory,
change their personal profile information and passwords, register for courses, use course and
class materials, email course instructors or students, participate in course discussion lists, and
join classes.
Synchronized content
Content that has been designed or converted to be used in the LearnLinc classroom. When the
floor holder uses the content, his or her actions affect everyone’s copy of the content. For
example, if the floor holder turns a page in a multimedia book, the page turns on each
student’s copy of the book as well.

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Synchronized web browser
An “add on” to your Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator web browser that
enables the floor holder in a LearnLinc class to lead the class as he or she navigates the World
Wide Web. Each time the floor holder goes to a new URL, or clicks a new link on a web page,
the class follows. In between navigations, each student can browse at his or her own pace.
Take floor
Instructors can click “Take floor” to regain control of the class, including conferencing and any
applications or content that are in use at any time during a LearnLinc class. In Open discussion
classes, students have a “Take floor” button as well.
Talk button
Users who have a half-duplex sound card, must click the “Talk” button below the conferencing
window after they get the floor, and before they can speak to the class. When they are done
speaking, they must click it again to hear the instructor. Clicking the Talk button does not affect
whether or not a user has the floor.
Text chat
A classroom tool that enables you to send messages to the whole class, or to an individual. Text
chat displays on the LearnLinc palette. Students may choose to send a private message that is
received by the instructor and any assistant instructors in the class. Instructors and assistants
can undock the text chat window and send private messages to any individual in class. The
instructor can restrict text chat to him or herself and the current floor holder.
Threaded discussion
Each course has its own discussion area, in which all users who are registered for that course
can read and post messages to create an on-going discussion. Messages that are entered are
available to everyone in the course, and are listed according to the category, or thread, to
which they pertain.
Typical installation
The typical installation is sufficient for most users. It includes the LearnLinc classroom tools,
sample files, documentation files, audio and video conferencing components, and Microsoft
Streaming Media Player.

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URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The address of a web page or other resource on the Internet, or an intranet. For web pages on
the Internet, a URL might take the form of http://www.servername.com/filename.htm.
URL–LearnLinc resource type
You can create a URL to add a link to a web address to your course contents list, class agenda,
or autostart list. When you click on a URL link, a new web browser window opens and displays
the web page. Note that users who are outside your company’s network cannot access content
on your intranet.
User account
A user account is a container for all the available information for one user. A user account
contains the user’s full name, log-in ID, log-in group, password, personal profile information
(email address, home page, contact information, comments), authority level, and registration
information.
User directory
The Virtual Campus user directory lists all LearnLinc users in your organization. Students,
instructors, and authors can see information for anyone in the directory, and edit their own
information and password. Administrators can add, edit, and delete user accounts and groups
as well.
Video clip
A video clip is a digital video file. When you click on a video clip link in the Virtual Campus,
the clip plays in Windows Media Player. Note: Windows Media Player is installed with the
LearnLinc classroom software. If you have not yet installed the LearnLinc classroom software,
you may or may not have another application installed on your computer that can play the
video clip.
Virtual Campus
The Virtual Campus is a web site that displays LearnLinc information, and provide students and
instructors with a way to access courses and materials, and join classes. Administrators, authors,
and instructors, can use the Virtual Campus to add, edit, and delete LearnLinc information as
well. In addition, the Virtual Campus provides users with links for each class, so that they can
enter a Virtual Classroom.
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Virtual Classroom
An online meeting space in which students, an instructor, and assistant instructors, can
communicate, interact, and collaborate using a variety of classroom tools. You gain access the
Virtual Classroom by registering for a course in the Virtual Campus. If that course contains any
classes, you can join these classes.
Volume indicators
Indicators on the LearnLinc palette that show the volume level for both the computer’s
speakers (or headset) and microphone. Green bars indicate an appropriate volume. Red bars
indicate that the volume it too loud.
Web proxy server
A computer that acts as a gate between users on a network and the Internet. Using a web
proxy enables an organization to ensure security, administrative control, and cache Internet
information. Using a web proxy reduces network traffic and speeds the response time of your
web browser by caching, or storing, local copies of each page that its users visit.
Whiteboard
A collaboration tool that students and the instructor can use to share simple drawings, text,
imported pictures, and screen captures during LearnLinc classes. The current floor holder can
add to, edit, or delete the information on the whiteboard. All users can save or print a copy of
the whiteboard. The whiteboard can also be used stand alone, outside of class, to create or edit
whiteboard files
Whiteboard file
A whiteboard file may contain text, simple graphics, and imported pictures. When you use a
whiteboard file during class, only the floor holder can edit the file.

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A

A
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
This appendix provides additional troubleshooting information for the LearnLinc Virtual
Campus and the LearnLinc classroom. In most cases, the tasks described in this appendix
require a LearnLinc administrator or help from your IS department.
The following issues are addressed in this appendix:
• Installation Issues
• Virtual Campus Issues
• Virtual Classroom Issues
• Classroom Tools Issues
• Multimedia Content Issues
• Administration Issues
• Audio Conferencing Troubleshooting
• Network Troubleshooting with Ping

Installation Issues
Administration Tool Installation
When I attempt to connect to the LearnLinc Server for the first time, I get the message, “Your
log-in cannot be validated. Please check your user name, group, and password and try
again.”
LearnLinc passwords are case sensitive. Be sure your user name and group are correct and reenter your password, being careful of capitalization.

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Server Installation
I copied my LearnLinc Data and Internet Audio license keys to the server, double clicked on
each one to apply them, and then rebooted my server. When I try to run an Internet audio
class, I receive an error stating that I am not licensed for this conferencing option.
1. Launch a web browser on the server, or another computer.
2. Navigate to “http://servername/ll/ll.dll/ServerInfo”, where servername is the name of your
LearnLinc server.
If the Server Information page displays only two licenses, either of the following may be the
case:
• You were not logged on to the server as either a local or domain administrator when you
applied the keys. Check your log in, reapply the keys, reboot the server and check the
Server Information page again to verify that the keys are properly installed.
• The IP address encoded in the key does not match the current IP address of the server.
Open the key files in a text editor, such as Windows Notepad. Verify that the IP address in
the key matches the IP address of your server. If these addresses do not match, you must
request new license keys from LearnLinc.

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Virtual Campus Issues
I can’t log-in to the Virtual Campus.
First, ensure that you have typed your user name and password correctly, and selected the
correct group.
If you have entered all your user information correctly, the problem may be caused by your
web browser configuration. To log-in to the LearnLinc Virtual Campus, you must enable the use
of cookies for your browser. The procedure for enabling cookies in Internet Explorer and
Navigator follow.
For Internet Explorer 4.x:
1. From the menu bar, select View > Internet Options.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Scroll down to the yellow exclamation icon under “Security” and select “Always accept
cookies”.
4. Click OK to save your changes.
For Internet Explorer 5.x
1. From the menu bar, select Tools > Internet Options.
2. Click the Security tab.
3. Select “Internet” or “Local Intranet”, depending on where your LearnLinc Virtual Campus is
located.
4. Click Custom Level... to display the “Security Settings” dialog.
5. Scroll down to the “Cookies” group.
6. Under “Allow per-session cookies (not stored)” select “Enable”.
7. Click OK to save your changes.
For Netscape Communicator 4.7x and Netscape Navigator 4.05 and 4.08
1. From the menu bar, select Edit > Preferences.
2. Click Advanced to display the “Advanced Options” dialog.
3. In the “Cookies” group select “Accept all Cookies”.
If your cookies are set properly and you still have trouble logging-in check the following:
• Make sure that your LearnLinc administrator has not changed your name, password, or
group.
• Check your computer's system time. If it is set for a future date and time, reset it to the
current time.

Ä A cookie is a small piece of
information that your web
browser stores on your hard
drive. A web server may
request your browser to save
your information in a cookie.
It is uniquely yours and can
only be read by the server
that gave it to you, preserving
your privacy. The LearnLinc
Virtual Campus uses temporary cookies to establish if
you are logged in or not.

þ We suggest that you always
allow cookies. If you choose
to be alerted before saving
cookies, you will be prompted
at every page after you log-in,
and you must accept each
cookie to remain logged-in.

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When logging into the Virtual Campus, I do not see any groups in the “Group” drop down
list.
The web server is unable to communicate with LearnLinc’s “Name Service” database. This
problem has several potential causes. Review the list potential causes and solutions provided
below, keeping in mind that many of these steps involve some technical knowledge of NT
Server and Internet Information Server. If you are not comfortable applying these changes,
please contact your IS professional or call LearnLinc Customer Service.
• Have you rebooted since the installation of the LearnLinc server software? If not, reboot
your server and log back in to the Virtual Campus.
• Inspect the LearnLinc Server Configuration screen for the proper IP address or server
DNS name. To access the Server Configuration screen, select Start > Programs >
LearnLinc Server, and click the Virtual Campus tab. Check the LearnLinc Main Server
field. If this is set to a DNS name, try putting the numeric IP address of the server, and
then rebooting the server.
• Are there multiple IP addresses or network cards on this server PC? Learnlinc installs
itself to the default web site and uses the associated IP address.
• If you recently upgraded to LearnLinc 4.5 and replaced the installed LL 4.5 database
with an earlier backed-up version of your database (4.0 or 3.x), LearnLinc will not
function properly. Follow the instructions provided in the “Upgrading to LearnLinc 4.5”
(included in your product package and on the Customer Support site) and reinstall the
server.
• Does the http://servername/ll/ll.dll/ServerInfo page work? If not, check the entire LL
virtual directory properties. Is the path correctly mapped to the physical LL directory? Is
the Anonymous User (IUSR_Servername) account used for directory security?
• Check that the Server ODBC source is configured correctly. Select Start > Settings >
Control Panel > ODBC, and click the System DSN tab. Find learnLinc40ServerDB and
make sure it is pointing to LearnLincServer\Sysdata\LLServer.mdb.
• Are there other LL or LearnLinc virtual directories of an existing website on this same
server - perhaps from previous installations of LearnLinc? Try removing these other LL
‘pointers’, leaving only one LL virtual directory pointing to newly created
LearnLincServer/Bin directory.
If applying some of the fixes suggested here does not resolve the problem, please contact
LearnLinc Customer Service, or access LearnLinc’s support site at http://support.learnlinc.com.

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I selected a user with the authority level of “student” to be the instructor for a course. Now,
that student can add and delete classes and resources in that course. What can I do?
We strongly recommend that you do not assign users with lower authority levels (student and
self register) as instructors for courses. Doing so will enable them to access the edit functions
for any course in which they are instructors. When you create user accounts, we recommend
that you give instructor or greater authority to anyone who should be teaching or managing
courses, and only assign those users as instructors.
When I created my account, I used more than one space in a row in my log-in ID (or
name). Now, I still have to enter all the spaces to log-in, but I only see one space when my ID
or Name displays in the Virtual Campus. Which should I use?
You should always use the exact characters, including spaces, that you entered when creating
your account. Because of the limitations of HTML, the language used to create web pages, the
Virtual Campus cannot display more than one space, but your user information is stored
exactly as you entered it.

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Virtual Classroom Issues
Trouble Joining a Class
When I click on “Join Class” I get a message that says: “Internet Explorer cannot download
from the Internet site...” What's wrong?
This message is often due to running a version of Internet Explorer that is not compatible with
LearnLinc. If you are using Internet Explorer 4.01, you must apply Service Pack 1 for it to work
with LearnLinc. Otherwise, your browser will be unable to work with Active Server Pages (ASP)
or Internet Information Server 4.0 (IIS), both of which are used by LearnLinc.
The Learnlinc client CD includes Internet Explorer 5.0, which fixes this problem. Install IE 5.0
from the LearnLinc CD or go to Microsoft's web page and download and install either Internet
Explorer 4.01 SP1 or SP2 or Internet Explorer 5.
I’m using Netscape, and when I click on a “join” link, I get a message that asks me whether
I want to open or save a file called join.lrn. What should I do?
When you click join, your computer should download the file “join.lrn” and launch LearnLinc,
so that you can join class. Your computer does not have the proper registry entries to launch
Learnlinc when you click “join”.
In most cases, if you select “Open it,” Learnlinc will launch. If the option is available, select “Do
not show this dialog again” to make sure that LearnLinc launches automatically every time you
click “join”.
When I click “join”, I get a message that asks me what program I want to use to open the file
“join.lrn.” What do I do?
The Learnlinc classroom software is either not installed or is not installed properly. Reinstall the
classroom software by downloading it from the Virtual Campus or installing it from the
Learnlinc client CD.

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When I click on Join Class, I get a message that says that all current licenses are in use.
What's wrong?
The Learnlinc keys for the server may have expired, are not installed properly, do not contain
the correct IP address for the server, or you need to purchase more licenses because they are
all in use.
First, check your LearnLinc server licensing through the troubleshooting page at
http://servername/virtualdirectory/troubleshooting.asp, where servername is the name of your
LearnLinc server and virtualdirectory is the name of the virtual directory in which your Virtual
Campus is stored. If your keys have expired or the server IP address has changed, contact
LearnLinc Customer Service to obtain new keys.
You can also try reappling your current keys by logging on to the Server computer as an
administrator, copying the files to the server, double-clicking on each file, and then restarting
the server.
When I click Join Class, I get the following message:, “You cannot connect to the LearnLinc
server”. What should I do?
Your computer cannot connect to the Learnlinc server to join the class.
1. Be sure that:
• the LearnLinc service is actually running on the server
• you have TCP/IP connectivity to the server
To check for TCP/IP connectivity, try “pinging” the server (for information on how to ping
a server, see “Network Troubleshooting with Ping” on page 258).
• If you can ping the server, but still get this message when trying to join a class, you may
be prevented from joining class by a firewall. The firewall may be preventing Learnlinc
information from travelling across the network to your computer. Contact your
Information Systems department for further help.
• If you cannot ping your LearnLinc server, check to be sure all of your network cables
are connected properly, restart your computer and try it again. If you still cannot ping
the server, then contact your Information Systems department for further help.
2. Have your LearnLinc administrator check the address of the server as it is reported in the
error message. If that address is not correct, your LearnLinc administrator must to run the

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Server Configuration Control Panel on the Learnlinc Server to make the appropriate
changes.

When a I try to join a class which has beginning and ending times set, I get a message
saying that it is either too early for the class or that the class has ended. I am trying to join
at the appropriate time. What’s wrong?
The LearnLinc classroom software uses the local time settings on the your computer to
determine if it is the correct time to join the class. When the beginning and ending times are
sent to the LearnLinc server, they are converted to Greenwich Mean Time and are then
converted back to the appropriate time zone for the computer that is joining the class. Make
sure that the date, time, and time zone for your computer are correct for your location.
Students are allowed to join the class beginning 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
When I try to join a class, one of the following happens to me:
• I get into the class and see the student palette, but only for about 20 seconds.
• The Learnlinc splash screen progress indicator hangs on “Joining the class…”
Why is this happening?
You may need to enable some of the additional connection options included in the 4.5 client
software. Try the following:
1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel and double click on the LearnLinc Client icon.
The Learnlinc Client Configuration dialog opens.
2. Under Web Proxy, select “Force HTTP Polling”.
3. Click Apply, and then OK.
4. Try to join class again (there is no need to reboot your computer).
5. If you still encounter the problem, return to the Client Configuration dialog and select
“Force all Requests to Use the Proxy Server,” click Apply and OK, and try to join the class
again.
6. If you still encounter the problem, return to the Client Configuration dialog and under
Internet Options, deselect the “attempt to use UDP audio” option, click Apply and OK, and
try to join the class again.
If, with both of these options enabled and UDP disabled, you still cannot join the class, please
contact Learnlinc Customer Service.

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When I click Join, I get an error "Unable to connect to the Learnlinc Server...” The end of the
error message displays HTTP status code 407 or HTTP status code 401. What does this mean?

Most likely your web proxy uses a type of authentication that LearnLinc does not support.
Authentication is used to control where internal network users can go on the Internet.
Internal network users who want to go out to the Internet must first “authenticate” to the
proxy server.
Some authentication schemes, such as Challenge-Response (NTLM) authentication, are not
supported by LearnLinc. Search for article QL9JD0000509 on the LearnLinc Customer Service
Support Site for details and possible solutions.
You can also try the troubleshooting steps outlined in response to the question When I try to
join a class, one of the following happens to me . . .” on page 228 of this appendix
document.
Audio Issues
When I join a class, no one in the class can hear me and/or I can't hear anyone else. What
might be wrong?
There are a few possible answers to this question. Consult the Audio Troubleshooting steps in
“Audio Conferencing Troubleshooting” on page 249 to resolve the most common audio
problems.

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When I talk during a class, most students can hear me but some cannot. What might be the
problem?
In situations where some students can hear your audio, and others cannot, the problem is with
either the audio hardware on those computers in question or the network.
Use text chat to ask the students what color their network indicators are. They may not have
enough bandwidth for good audio transmission.
• If they have yellow or red network indicators, there is not enough bandwidth for clear
audio. Use less bandwidth intensive content or applications, and pause after you take an
action, to allow the students’ computers to update before you begin speaking again.
• If their indicators are green, ask the students who cannot hear you consult “Audio
Conferencing Troubleshooting” on page 249 to resolve any problems with their audio
hardware. If a student goes through Audio Conferencing Troubleshooting, has his or her
audio working properly, but still cannot hear you, then contact LearnLinc Customer Service.
When I talk, everyone can hear me but they say the my audio is “breaking up” or is
“choppy.” What might be wrong?
There are three possibilities:
1. Bandwidth. If some or all of your students are on dial-up connections, using modems,
they may not have enough bandwidth to receive a smooth stream of audio. When you do
other things in a class (such as launch the Synchronized Web Browser or other content),
there is even less bandwidth available to transport audio.
The bandwidth monitor in Learnlinc should help you monitor the available bandwidth.
The bandwidth monitor is located underneath the conferencing window and is
represented by two computers with an arrow between them.
• If this monitor is green, then you have enough bandwidth.
• If the monitor turns red, bandwidth has dropped below acceptable levels. Pause for a
moment, and do not try to speak again until everyone's monitor returns to green (or at
least to yellow).

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2.

3.

As an instructor, there are several things you can do to make the audio smoother:
• Do not talk while you are launching or changing content pages.
• Click the “Mute” button whenever you launch content.
• Try to use less bandwidth intensive content (fewer graphics, etc.).
Processor interrupts. If the content you are using in a class is processor-intensive–that is,
when it opens it contains lots of graphics that take a little while to display on screen–your
audio may break up. When your computer has to display a graphic on screen, it interrupts
the processor to ask it to do so. As it does this, the processor momentarily stops playing
the audio stream, and the result is choppy audio. To resolve this problem:
• Don't talk while you are launching or changing content pages (pause until the graphic
displays).
• Use less graphic intensive resources in class.
• Have your students upgrade their processors.
You are overdriving your microphone. Some microphones are very sensitive. If you talk
into a sensitive microphone–even at a normal volume–it picks up too much noise for the
sound card to deliver smoothly. This can result in “choppy” sounding audio. Try turning
down your microphone volume in the Learnlinc Audio Wizard or in the volume control on
your computer.
• Select Tools > Local > Audio Wizard, on the LearnLinc palette menu bar to run the
Audio Wizard.
• Double-click on the speaker icon in the lower right of your Windows taskbar to launch
the Windows volume control panel.

When I have the floor, other participants complain that they hear a loud hissing sound.
What’s wrong?
Either extremely sensitive or low-quality microphones can cause hissing sounds. Typically,
turning down the microphone volume will reduce the hiss, but may not remove the problem. If
the problem continues, try using a different microphone.

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When one or more participants talk during a class, some people hear an echo. They hear
what the person said again about 2-3 seconds after they heard it initially. What is wrong?
Echoes are caused by one of two situations:
1. Someone is using external speakers and a microphone. When they have the floor, other
people's voices come out of their speakers and go back in through their microphone, thus
causing the echo.
• Ask the participant who has the external speakers to use a headset instead.
• If the participant does not have access to a headset, he or she must run the LearnLinc
Audio Wizard and select “Speakers” when prompted. This will give the student a “Talk”
button on the LearnLinc palette, which he or she must click to talk once he or she gets
the floor. When the student is done talking, he or she must click the “Talk” button again
to listen. This “half-duplex” audio configuration resolves the echo problem by turning
off the students speakers when they are using their microphone.
2. A participant’s audio drivers are causing the echo. If one participant seems to be the cause
of the echo (i.e.; it only happens when they have the floor) but the participant is using
either the “Talk” button scenario described above or is using a headset, he or she may
need to update the computer’s audio drivers. Instruct them visit the Learnlinc Audio
Update web page for assistance (http://audioupdate.learnlinc.com).
Even though my sound card is capable of full-duplex sound, I get a “Talk” button in a
Learnlinc class. Why?
If you are sure you have a full-duplex sound card, either of the following may have happened:
• You selected “speakers” in the Learnlinc Audio Wizard. This would force the Talk
button to show up even if your sound card is full-duplex capable. This setting helps to
prevent audio echoes from participants who use external speakers during LearnLinc
classes.
To remove the Talk button, select Tools > Local > Audio Wizard, on the LearnLinc
palette menu bar to run the Audio Wizard. When prompted, select “Headsets” instead.
• Your sound card’s drivers are being detected as half-duplex, even though they are full
duplex. Update your audio drivers by visiting the LearnLinc Audio Update web page for
assistance (http://audioupdate.learnlinc.com), or your computer or sound card
manufacturer's web page. Download the latest audio drivers, install them, and restart
your computer. Run the LearnLinc audio wizard again, making sure to select “Headset”
when prompted.
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Video Issues
Why do some people in the class have video conferencing, while I only have audio
conferencing?
LearnLinc video conferencing comes in two types: Indeo and Multicast, each of which has its
own hardware requirements. The table below outlines the type of conferencing you will have
in classes that use video conferencing, based on your hardware.
In all cases everyone in the class can hear you, even if they cannot see you.
In a class that uses: If you have:

you will use:

Indeo video
conferencing

Intel ProShare 150, 200, or 400
hardware and software

video conferencing–everyone in class can
see you. When someone else has the floor
you can hear their audio but you can only
see them if they have ProShare 200 or 400
hardware and software.

Multicast video
conferencing

Intel ProShare 200 hardware
and software

audio conferencing–everyone in class can
hear you but not see you. When someone
else has the floor you can hear their audio,
but you cannot see them.

Multicast video
conferencing

Intel ProShare IBVC or 500
hardware and software

video conferencing–everyone in class can
hear you, only others with ProShare IBVC
or 500 can see you. When someone else
has the floor you can hear their audio, but
you can only see them if they have
ProShare 400 hardware and software.

To determine what type of conferencing your class uses locate the class in the Virtual Campus
by logging-in, clicking the course name on your home page, and then clicking the class name
in the course’s contents list. The conferencing type is listed on the class details page under
“Audio/Video”.
To determine what type of ProShare hardware you are using consult your ProShare
documentation or your IS department.

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Some students seem to take a long time to receive streaming video clips or a live video feed.
Why?
Streaming video is designed to work over lower bandwidth connections effectively–but it may
take longer to do so. If some students have more available bandwidth than others, they may
receive and view clips faster than others. This is normal. To improve performance, students
need a faster connection to the server and/or the Internet.
LearnLinc Palette Issues
The list of students in a class is either incomplete or contains multiple entries for some
students. What’s wrong?
The student list in the LearnLinc palette is refreshed periodically and may take some time to
synchronize for to all the computers in a class. If someone has left and reentered a class, his or
her name may appear twice for a short period of time. Alternately, if a new student enters the
class, it may take some time for his or her name to show up on everyone's list. Generally, after
a minute or two, the list will return to normal.

Classroom Tools Issues
Synchronized Web Browser
Sometimes, multiple windows launch in the synchronized web browser. Why?
1. LearnLinc support for frames differs for Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet
Explorer. The method by which the synchronized web browser connects to each browser
differs, and Netscape Navigator does not provide a way to communicate frames
information to the synchronized web browser.
• Netscape users will not be able to view synchronized content containing frames
properly.

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2.

3.

• For frames to work properly with Internet Explorer, both the floor holder and the
students must have Internet Explorer. We recommend that you use Internet Explorer on
all LearnLinc computers if your content contains frames.
Web pages that contain frames or complex uses of VBScript or JavaScript can cause the
synchronized web browser to launch multiple windows as well. (Simple uses of JavaScript
are usually safe.)
• If you are authoring your own HTML content, avoid using VBScript or JavaScript to
create iteration loops, page redirection, browser spawning, or other scripts that hold up
the CPU for a long time.
• If you are browsing sites on the public Internet, test them with the synchronized web
browser before using them in class to see if there are multiple window issues.
Some web sites contain scripts that launch a second browser window automatically when
you navigate to a page on the site. Test the site by viewing it with your regular web
browser first, to see whether it is launching second windows for you.

When I launch the Synchronized Web Browser, students with Netscape do not get a new
browser window.
When the instructor launches the Synchronized Web Browser and Netscape is already running
on a student’s computer, a new Netscape window will not open. The Synchronized Web
Browser will take control of the existing Netscape window. If Netscape is minimized, the
student must click Netscape on the task bar to restore the window.
Internet Explorer users will see a new browser window open when the instructor launches the
synchronized web browser.
When I type a URL into the Synchronized Web Browser, some students receive the page
instantly, while others have to wait for the page to load.
Many organizations use web proxy servers that cache web pages on their networks. When one
person accesses that page, the page is saved on the server. When other users access the page,
they are retrieving the cached page, rather than the original. Retrieving a cached page usually
occurs quickly.
If you have some students who are on a network with a web proxy server, and others who are
not, those who are not will have to retrieve the page from its source, which may take longer.

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When I type a URL into the Synchronized Web Browser, some students receive errors in their
browsers, informing them that they cannot access the page.
If you are accessing pages on your intranet, and some of your students are outside your
organization’s firewall, they may not have access to those pages. Many organizations choose
not to grant outside access to intranet pages to persons outside the firewall, for reasons of
confidentiality or security.
When I close the Synchronized Web Browser, Netscape crashes.
This is a known problem with Netscape Navigator 4.04. LearnLinc supports Netscape Navigator
4.05 or higher, Netscape Communicator 4.5 and higher and Internet Explorer 4.01/sp1 and
higher. Please upgrade your browser to a supported version.
A student closed his or her web browser while we were using the Synchronized Web
Browser. How do I get them back in sync with the rest of the class?
Click the agenda tab on your LearnLinc palette. Next, click the Synchronized Web Browser
icon. Doing so will re-launch the student’s browser. Once the student’s browser is open, click
the Refresh or Reload button on your browser to force all of the browsers in the class to resync
with yours.
I clicked on a link on a web page and now my students are telling me that the web page is
flashing continuously on their screens. It looks fine to me. What’s wrong?
or
Someone in the class clicked on a link on a web page and now the web page is flashing
continuously on my screen What’s wrong?
If the floor holder clicks on a link in a banner ad, or a link that gets redirected after it is clicked
(for example, a link that gets redirected to a secure server so that the url protocol changes from
“http” to “https” after it is clicked) the floor holder will follow the link properly, but everyone
else in class will see the page flash or flicker continuously in their browsers. To stop the
flashing, the floor holder can click on another link that does not redirect.
We recommend that you do not create content that contains banner ads or redirect links.

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When I am the instructor and launch a URL agenda item, one of my students gets an error
message “Unable to invoke Internet Explorer”.
LearnLinc web synchronization attempts to open the default web browser. If no default is set,
you may get this error. The definition of a default browser is the browser that automatically
opens when you click on a URL in any Windows application. To specify a default browser,
follow the instructions below for the browser you have installed on your computer. If this does
not work, try reinstalling your browser.
Internet Explorer 4.x
1. Open Internet Explorer 4.x.
2. Select Tools > Internet Options.
3. On the Programs tab, click the “Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the
default” check box.
4. Close all browser windows.
5. Open Internet Explorer again.
A dialog displays, asking if you want to make Internet Explorer the default browser.
6. Click Yes.
Internet Explorer 5.x
1. Open Internet Explorer 5.x.
2. Select View > Internet Options.
3. On the Programs tab, click the “Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the
default” check box.
4. Close all browser windows.
5. Open Internet Explorer again.
A dialog displays, asking if you want to make Internet Explorer the default browser.
6. Click Yes.

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Netscape Navigator or Communicator
1. Select Start > Programs > Accessories > Notepad, to open Notepad. You will use Notepad
to edit your Netscape preferences file.
2. In Notepad, select File > Open, and browse to C:\Program
Files\Netscape\Users\[USERID], where USERID is your windows user profile ID.
For example: C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\jonathanm
3. Change 'Files of type:' to 'All Files'
4. Select “prefs.js.”
You will receive a “Do Not Edit This File” message, which you can ignore.
5. Change the following line:
From:
user_pref("browser.wfe.ignore_def_check", true)
To:
user_pref("browser.wfe.ignore_def_check", false)
6. Select File > Exit, and then “Yes” to save changes.
7. Open your Netscape browser.
A message appears asking if you want to make it the default browser.
8. Click “Yes.”

Text Chat
I want to send a private text chat message to a student, but the private option is not
available.
Text Chat must be undocked from the LearnLinc palette for private chat to become available.
Right click on the text chat area and click “Dock my text chat window” from the shortcut menu
to clear it’s checkmark and undock text chat. Students cannot send private text chat messages
to each other.
Whiteboard
When I open up a Whiteboard file it takes a long time for the file to display on the student's
computers. And sometimes my audio gets choppy while the file is loading. What can I do?
Launching whiteboard files may take some time over a slow dial-up connection, and will use
up some bandwidth–so that the audio data may not get to the student in time. This can cause
audio to sound “choppy” in a low bandwidth situation. As a workaround, pause when you

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launch a whiteboard file, and do not begin speaking again until the whiteboard status bar says
“synchronized.”

When I try to launch the Whiteboard, it does not launch on my students’ computers. Why?
Be sure you have the floor before you launch synchronized applications like the Whiteboard. If
you do not have the floor, you will not be able to launch or close the Whiteboard on your
students’ computers.
When I launch a Whiteboard file from the agenda, I get a message that says, “Failed to
open document”. What's wrong?
The Whiteboard can not locate the file that is specified in the agenda item. The file may be
located on another computer or on a network drive that you cannot access. Complete the
following steps to check the path in the Whiteboard resource to find out where the file is
located.
1. Return to the Virtual Campus.
2. Locate the course you are taking and click it’s name.
The course’s contents list displays.
3. Click on the class name for the class you are taking.
The class’ details tab displays.
4. Click the “Agenda” tab.
The agenda list displays.
5. Click the tile of the whiteboard file with which you are having trouble.
The whiteboard file’s details page displays.
6. Check the location of the file.
• If the file is located on a local drive, such as “C:\” or “D:\”, you must have the file
stored in that same location on your computer to use the agenda item.
• If the file is stored on a network drive, you must have access to that drive to use the
agenda item.

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Application Sharing
When I launch an application, some of my students can only see part of it–the rest is off the
screen. Why?
You are running your monitor at a higher resolution than your students (such as 1024x768
versus 800x600). This gives you more “room” on your screen than your students, so that part of
the program is off screen for them. To resolve this issue:
• Lower your monitor resolution to match your students’.
• Ask your students to increase their monitor resolution to match yours.
• Resize the program or content window so that your students can better see the resources.
• Have students use the scroll bar that surrounds the Appshare window. This will allow them
to view different areas of the application.
When I am teaching a class, sometimes I don't seem to control the student's computers. They
don't synchronize correctly in the content window, or their applications don't shut down
when I close mine. Why?
You must have the floor whenever you want to synchronize your actions with the class.
Without the floor, you will not be in control of the student's computers. Look for the red “OnAir” indicator at the top of your LearnLinc palette before attempting to perform synchronous
activities such as shutting down shared applications, advancing to new screens in synchronous
content, or launching shared content (such as Question and Answer files, HTML files or
multimedia content).
When using Application Sharing, the students see the screen flicker and blink often, and some or
all of them are disconnected from class.
The instructor or presenting user’s PC color depth setting is probably set incorrectly for
Appsharing. Appshare requires that the PC that is presenting the application has a color setting
above 256 colors (at least 16-bit color).
To change your color settings:
1. Right click on the Desktop, and select “Properties.”
2. Click the “Settings” tab.
3. Under Color Palette, select “65,536” or one of the higher options.
When I try to run AppShare by clicking on the shortcut icon on the Agenda tab, I get AppView
instead. Why?
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If you are in a LearnLinc Multicast Audio or Multicast Video class the AppShare/AppView icon
will only launch AppView. You can run AppShare by selecting Run > Application Sharing from
the LearnLinc palette menu bar.

I installed LearnLinc on both sides of my dual boot (Windows 95/98 and Windows NT)
computer. I uninstalled LearnLinc from one of my drives, and now AppShare won’t work.
Regardless of where you choose to install LearnLinc the OpSession engine, which is necessary
for AppShare to run, is installed to “C:\Program Files\Common Files\OpSession”. If you
uninstall either copy of LearnLinc, AppShare will stop working with the remaining copy. To fix
this problem, reinstall LearnLinc on the drive on which you want to run LearnLinc.
One of my students joined class late, and now that student doesn’t see my cursor as I use the
shared applications in AppShare. Why not?
This is a known limitation of LearnLinc 4.0. To resolve this issue you must stop the AppShare
session for the entire class and then restart it. When a latecomer joins your AppShare session
you have the option to update them immediately, or wait until later. We recommend that you
choose to update later and finish the current task, then stop AppShare for the class and restart
it for everyone, so that the latecomer can see all the AppShare activity.
I was sharing my desktop with the class, and when I tried to switch to just one or two
applications, the students never got them. What should I do?
If you encounter this situation, click “Send Update” in the “LearnLinc AppShare” window.
Doing so will update everyone in the class, so that they see the new applications you have
shared. You may want to set Feedback to “Yes/No” and ask your students to click “Yes” when
they see the shared applications.

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I want to stop sharing the current application, but there are no other applications in the list.
How do I stop sharing it?
• If you are done with AppShare, click Exit in the “LearnLinc AppShare” dialog to stop
sharing the application and close Appshare.
• If you want to share another application, launch and configure that application on your
computer. When you are ready, click “Change” on the “LearnLinc AppShare” dialog. When
the “Select Application” dialog displays, click “Refresh List”. Clear the check mark next to
the current application and check the new application. Configure AppShare and click “Start”
to begin sharing the new application.
AppView
When I launch AppView and attempt to send the application to the students, they only see a
white window and not the application itself.
AppView only works on networks that use IP Multicasting. IP Multicasting is not currently
enabled on your network, or you are attempting to use AppView over the Internet, which does
not support IP Multicasting. As an alternative, use AppShare, or contact your network
administrator to discuss adding IP Multicasting to your network.
When I launch AppView on my Windows NT Workstation and send the application out to
the students, they see my entire desktop.
This is a limitation of the AppView application in the Windows NT environment. This does not
occur under Windows 95 or 98.

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Glimpse
When I click “Capture Screen” in glimpse, it takes a very long time to see the screen capture
and/or I can’t participate in class while I’m waiting for the screen capture to display.
When you use “Capture Screen” to view a student’s desktop, you are requesting a large amount
of data to be transferred from the student’s computer to your computer. If you have a slow
connection, it may take several minutes for the entire screen capture to display in your glimpse
window. Additionally, the transfer of glimpse data may affect the quality of your audio
conferencing or other bandwidth intensive LearnLinc applications.
• If you have a slow internet connection, for example a 26.4 kbps connection, use “Capture
Thumbnail” to conserve bandwidth.
• If you have a slow connection and you must capture a full screen, warn your students that
they may not be able to hear or interact with you for several minutes.
One or more of my students are not in the “Current Attendees” list.
The “Current Attendees” list in glimpse lists everyone who was in the class when glimpse was
launched. Click “Refresh List” to update the list if students join class after you launch glimpse. If
no students are in the list, make sure you have the floor, and then re-launch glimpse.
When I glimpse a student's screen, the image that I get is small and difficult to read. How
can I get a better screen image?
By default, the Glimpse application takes a “thumbnail” size picture of the student's screen.
This improves the speed of the screen capture, and is designed for the “overall” view–to see
what programs are open on a student's screen, for example. To see a more detailed view of a
student's screen, highlight his or her name in the “Current Attendees” list and click “Capture
Screen”. A much larger and more detailed image of the student's screen displays. Note that the
larger image takes longer to display. It may take as much as 30 seconds over a slow dial-up
connection.
When I glimpse a student's screen, it takes much too long. How can I get a quicker image of
the student’s screen?
To get a less detailed, but much faster image of a student's screen, use the “Capture Thumbnail”
button. Highlight the student's name in the “Current Attendee” list and click “Capture
Thumbnail” button. Using “Capture Thumbnail” produces a smaller, less detailed image of the
student's screen–but the image displays much faster than the “Capture Screen” option.
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Multimedia Content Issues
When I launch a Toolbook or Authorware multimedia resource, some or all students get the
error message “LearnLinc cannot invoke presentation name” What’s wrong?
Learnlinc is trying to locate and open the appropriate file, but can not find it. Usually, this is
because the file is not stored in the same directory on every student’s computer. Multimedia
files, due to their large size, must be distributed ahead of time to every student’s computer in
the same path and folder.
When the instructor launches a multimedia file, the instructor's computer simply tells all the
other computers in the class to go find it’s copy of the multimedia file in the same directory,
and open it up. If the file does not exist in that directory, the “Unable to Invoke” error will
display. For example, if the instructor launches the file “test.ili”, which is stored in
“C:\content\hr”, his or her computer tells each student’s computer to look in “C:\content\hr”
and open the file “test.ili”. If the file is not stored there on a student’s computer, he or she will
get the “Unable to Invoke” error.
There are two other less likely possible causes for this message:
• You are running the file from a network drive and directory, but not everyone in the class
has that drive mapped to the same drive. To correct this problem, be sure that everyone has
the drive mapped exactly the same, so that when anyone in the class clicks on “My
Computer” they see the same drive letter mapped to the same network drive. If this is not
possible, you must either distribute the file locally and recreate the resource in the Agenda.
• The file is being shared but is not marked as “read only”. If the file is not “read only”, the
first user to get to the file locks it–and no other users can open it. To correct this problem,
ask the user who does have the file open to close it. Locate the file on the server, right click
on it, and select “Properties” from the right click menu. Check the “read only” option, and
click OK. Try running the resource again.

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When I launch a multimedia file, it opens up on my computer, but does not open up any of
the students' computers. Why not?
To launch applications on other computers in a LearnLinc class, you must have the floor. If the
red “On-Air” indicator displays at the top of your LearnLinc palette, you have the floor. If you
do not see the On Air indicator, click the Take Floor icon on the upper right of the palette to
take the floor back (only the class instructor has the Take Floor icon).
When I play a multimedia file that has an audio clip embedded in it, no one can hear the
embedded clip play. Why not?
This may occur because the sound card is still being used by LearnLinc audio or video
conferencing.
1. Close the embedded media clip.
2. Select Tools > Class > Suspend Audio/Video from the LearnLinc palette menu bar. (This
option is only available to the class instructor.
Doing so will release the sound card, so that other applications can use it. Try playing the
embedded clip again. When the clip is done playing, select Tools > Class > Suspend Audio/
Video again to restart LearnLinc audio or video conferencing.
After I have played an audio or video clip, no one can hear me. What might be wrong?
Be sure that you have “unsuspended” audio/video after you finish the clip. When the clip is
done playing, select Tools > Class > Suspend Audio/Video, making sure that the check mark is
cleared from “Suspend Audio/Video” to restart LearnLinc audio or video conferencing.
When I try to run the Powerpoint to Toolbook converter, I get prompted to “select the
instance of LearnLinc” that I want to use. But nothing is listed in the screen. What Should I
do?
To use the PowerPoint to ToolBook converter, you must first open a blank ToolBook template.
The converter creates a bitmap for each slide in your PowerPoint file, and pastes them into the
blank template.
1. Exit the PowerPoint to ToolBook converter by clicking Cancel.
2. Open a template by selecting Start > Programs > Learnlinc Utilities, and then clicking on
one of the available LearnLinc templates. Choose the template based on the monitor
resolution that your students’ computers use.

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3.
4.
5.
6.

When you see the message stating that you are not logged in to LearnLinc, click OK.
The template opens, and displays a blank gray screen.
Run the PowerPoint to ToolBook converter.
Select your Powerpoint presentation on the first screen
The second screen displays, with the message “Select LearnLinc Content from this screen”
Make sure the template you opened in step 2 is highlighted and click Next to continue
with the conversion process.

When I launch a LearnLinc ToolBook template from the LearnLinc utilities program group,
I get the following message: “You are not logged-in to LearnLinc. You will not be able to use
LearnLinc resources until you log-in”. What should I do?
Click OK. This is a notification message that will not affect your ability to convert your
PowerPoint content. The Template will open and you will then be able to launch and use the
PowerPoint to Toolbook converter.
When I launch a PointPlus presentation in the synchronized web browser, the PointPlus
logo displays but the presentation does not display and the middle of the screen is blank.
What is wrong?
There are a few possibilities:
• The HTML file that was created by the PointPlus converter does not have the proper
“embed” command in it, or does not have the “application=” line in it. Open the HTML file
in NotePad, and look for the following lines:
<EMBED SRC="filename.css">
Where filename is the name of your PointPlus presentation file. Be sure this line actually
contains the extension “.css” after the filename. If it is not there, add it and save the file.
Now run the file again in your web browser.
If it does not work, edit the file to add the following line after the embed command:
TYPE="application/x-ilinc-PointPlus"
So that the line reads as follows:
<EMBED SRC="filename.css" TYPE="application/x-ilinc-PointPlus">
Add the line, save the file, and try it again.
• If the problem persists, the Pointplus plug-ins may not be installed properly on your
computer. Make sure you have administrative rights to the computer (if it is an NT
computer) and reinstall the Learnlinc client using the Custom installation. Select all the
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available options when prompted. After reinstalling LearnLinc, be sure that the following
files exist in your “Plugins” directory: “icssply.dll”, “ilssclnt.dll” and “npsquish.dll” (The
location of the plug-ins directory will be different depending upon the Operating System
you are using and the browser you are using. Generally it can be located by searching for
the directory called “Plugins.”)

When I try to launch a PowerPoint presentation that I converted to HTML or to a PointPlus
presentation, I can open the file, but some or all of my students get an error message that
the file can not be found. What could be wrong?
A common mistake is to try to view HTML files or PointPlus files in the synchronized web
browser from a local or network drive, rather than from a web server. When you use the
synchronized web browser to view the file, your computer tells the other computers in the
class to locate and open the file from the same location. If that location is a local or network
drive that you can get to, but that some or all of the students cannot get to (for example,
c:\myfiles\htmlfile.htm), then the students will not be able to open the file and will get error
messages such as “404 error file not found”. If you move your presentation files to a web
server, or other location that all your students can access, you will be able to use them
successfully during a LearnLinc class.
Place the HTML and/or .css files in a virtual directory on a web server (the LearnLinc server is a
web server) in the Inetpub\WWWroot folder). Use the synchronized web browser to view the
file by entering the file’s new location. For example, “http://servername/filename.htm” where
servername is the domain name of your server and filename is the name of the first HTML file
in your presentation.

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After uploading and converting my PowerPoint file using the upload feature (QuickLinc), the
agenda item does not work. I notice that http:/// (three slashes) shows in the URL location of

my browser when I run the item. Also, the view and description do not work when looking
at the agenda item’s information in the Virtual Campus.
The URL pointing to your converted PowerPoint slide may have more than 135 characters. The
URL is automatically created during the upload process using the course and folder name, as
well as the PowerPoint file name.
For example, if you are uploading “How to make a basket.ppt” to the course “Basket Weaving
101” which is in the virtual campus course folder “Arts and Crafts Courses”, then the URL will
be:
http://servername/learnlinc/content/arts_and_crafts_courses/basket_weaving_101/
how_to_make_a_basket/slide1.htm
(Note that the underscores in the URL count as characters)
Try shortening the file name before uploading, or shorten the name of the course that will
contain the PowerPoint URL agenda item, and then re-upload the file.

Administration Issues
I created an account with some punctuation in it (such as a period) and now I am having
trouble using the account. What’s the problem?
The LearnLinc Name Service database, where user names are stored, uses periods to separate
objects. When you use a period in a user’s log-in ID, or a course, class, or resource name, it
corrupts the object in the Name Service. Delete the account and recreate it without
punctuation.
I gave a user some additional rights by assigning them a higher authority level (such as
instructor), but they can not log in to the Administration tool to work with their course and
classes. What’s wrong?
To run the Learnlinc Administration tool, users must have Administrator level authority. For all
other authority levels, users are restricted to using the Web based administration utilities in the
Virtual Campus.

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Audio Conferencing Troubleshooting
Use this section to troubleshoot your audio problems. Follow the steps in order. Note that in
some cases, you may be asked to repeat certain steps. Where that is true, the instructions will
prompt you to move to a different Step if you have already completed a particular step once.

Step 1
Select Start > Programs > LearnLinc > LearnLinc Audio Wizard, from the Windows taskbar.
Step 2
1. Click Next.
You may see a message stating that there are known problems with your audio drivers. If
you get this message, note this and click OK to continue.
2. Click Next and move to Step 3.
Step 3
1. Select either “Speakers” or “Headset”, depending upon what type of hardware is currently
attached to your computer.
Turn on the speakers, or put on your headset. If your headset has a microphone button
make sure it is not muted.
2. Click Next.
Step 4
Do you see a message stating that your computer is unable to play the file “test.wav”?
• If yes, exit the LearnLinc Audio wizard and move to Step 10.
• If no, click Next, and move to Step 5.
Step 5
Click the “Play” button. You should hear the following message: “Adjust the volume until you
can hear this message comfortably.”
• If you hear the message, move the volume slider until you are satisfied with the volume.
Click Next and move to Step 6.
• If you do not hear the message, move to Step 12.

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Step 6
1. Click on “Record” and talk into the microphone for several seconds.
2. When you are done, click on “Playback.”
• If you hear the recording play back, move to Step 7.
• If you do not hear the recording play back, move to Step 16.
Step 7
Click on Finish. You have successfully completed the audio wizard. Now join a LearnLinc class.
(See “Joining a Class” on page 329 for details.)
When you are in a class, you will see either a “Mute” checkbox or a “Talk” button underneath
the conferencing window on the LearnLinc palette. The following diagram highlights the
difference between the “Mute” checkbox and the “Talk” button.

• If you see a “Talk” button (right diagram), move to step 18.
• If you do see a “Mute” checkbox (left diagram), move to Step 8.

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Step 8
Exit the class you are in and join the LearnLinc Audio Test site on demo4.learnlinc.com.
1. Launch your web browser and navigate to http://demo4.learnlinc.com.
2. Click “I’m a LearnLinc user and I’d like to log-in.”
3. Enter the following account information and click Login.
Log-in ID: student
Group: sample
Password: leave this field blank.
4. Scroll down, locate the course “Internet Audio Test Class” and click “Join”.
Once you join the class, you should hear the LearnLinc audio message, stating that your
computer is properly configured to receive audio.
If you did not hear the audio test voice, contact your system administrator or LearnLinc
Customer Service.
Step 9
Make the appropriate adjustments to your hardware. Plug the cables into the correct ports,
make sure the power is on, turn the volume control knob up, and return to Step 5.
Step 10
• If this is the first time you have been directed to Step 10, complete the tasks below.
• If this is the second time you have been directed to Step 10, skip this step and move to Step
11.
• If this is the third time you have been directed to Step 10, contact your system administrator
or LearnLinc Customer Service assistance.
Reinstall the LearnLinc classroom software with the Custom installation option. When
prompted, select all components for installation. Doing so will force the replacement of several
key files, and should resolve the problem.
When you have completed the Custom install of LearnLinc, return to Step 1.
Step 11
• If this is the first time you have been directed to Step 11, then proceed with the directions
below.

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• If this is the second time you have been directed to Step 11, contact your system
administrator or LearnLinc Customer Service for assistance.
Your audio drivers (the software that tells your computer how to talk to your sound card) most
likely need to be updated. Updated drivers are available from either your computer
manufacturer your sound card manufacturer of your sound card. Generally, you should start by
visiting the web page for your computer manufacturer (such as Dell, IBM, or Compaq). Most
manufacturers have the correct audio drivers for the sound cards they distribute available on
their web sites. Follow the instructions with the drivers to update them.
If you need assistance updating your drivers, visit the LearnLinc Audio driver update page at
http://audioupdate.learnlinc.com When you have successfully updated your audio drivers,
restart your computer, and return to Step 1 of the Audio conferencing troubleshooting section.

Step 12
1. With the LearnLinc Audio Wizard still open, double-click on the speaker icon in the bottom
right of the Window task bar.
The Volume control panel displays. Note that your Volume control panel may look slightly
different, based on the type of sound card you have.

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2.

Check to be sure that none of the “Mute” checkboxes are selected, except for “Mic.” In
particular, be sure that “Mute All” is not checked and that the “Mute” selection underneath
“Wave” is not checked.
• If any items are muted, move to Step 13.
• If nothing is muted, move to Step 14.

Step 13
1. Clear selected Mute checkboxes, except for the “Mic.” Mute checkbox, in the Volume
control panel by clicking on the checkbox to remove the checkmark.
2. Select Options > Exit, from the Volume control panel menu bar.
3. Return to the LearnLinc Audio Wizard, and click “Play” again.
• If you hear the file play, return to Step 6.
• If you still do not hear the file play, move to Step 14.
Step 14
With the LearnLinc Audio Wizard still open, check your audio hardware. If you are using
external speakers, be sure they are plugged into the correct ports on your computer and that
the speakers' power is turned on. Also be sure the volume control knob on the speaker itself is
turned up. If you are using headsets, be sure that they are plugged in correctly, and that any
volume control knobs are turned up. Also be sure that any mute buttons on the headsets
themselves are not set to “Mute”.
• Was anything turned off, turned down, or muted? If so, return to Step 9.
• If nothing was turned off, turned down, or muted, move to Step 15.

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Step 15
1. Exit the LearnLinc Audio Wizard.
2. Select Start > Programs > Accessories > Multimedia > Sound Recorder, from the Windows
taskbar.
The Sound Recorder displays.

3.
4.
5.

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Click Record, and talk into the microphone.
When you have finished speaking, click Stop.
Click Play to try to play back the recording.
• If you can record and play back a sound using the Sound Recorder, move to Step 10.
• If you can not record and play back a sound using the Sound Recorder, move to Step
11.

A

Step 16
1. With the LearnLinc Audio Wizard still open, double-click on the speaker icon in the bottom
right of the Window task bar.
The Volume control panel displays. Note that your Volume control panel may have a
different name, and may look slightly different, based on the type of sound card you have.

2.

Select Options > Properties, from the Volume control panel menu bar.

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256 • • • • •

3.

Select “Recording” and click OK.
The Recording control panel displays. Note that your Recording control panel may have a
different name, and may look slightly different, based on the type of sound card you have
and your operating system.

4.
5.

Make sure that the “Mute” checkboxes are cleared for “Line In” or “Mic”.
If you see “Select” checkboxes on this screen, click on the “Select” checkbox for the input
port that your microphone uses. In most cases, this is either “Line In” or” Mic”.
If one input port is selected and your system is not working, clear it and try selecting the
other.
• If any options were muted or set incorrectly in the “Master Record” settings, return to
Step 6.
• If everything in the “Master Record” settings was set correctly, move to Step 17.

A

Step 17
1. Check your microphone hardware to be sure your microphone is plugged in to the proper
port on your computer and that any mute buttons on the microphone itself are not muted.
When you have checked your hardware, try using the Sound Recorder to record and play
back your voice.
2. Exit the LearnLinc Audio Wizard.
3. Select Start > Programs > Accessories > Multimedia > Sound Recorder.
The Sound Recorder displays.

4.
5.
6.

Click Record, and speak into the microphone.
When you are finished speaking, click Stop.
Click Play to play back your recording.
• If you can record and play back sound using the Sound Recorder, move to Step 10.
• If you can not record and play back sound using the Sound Recorder, contact your
system administrator, or LearnLinc Customer Service.

Step 18
Recall that when you ran the LearnLinc Audio Wizard in Step 1, you selected either “Speakers”
or “Headset”.
• If you selected “speakers”, move to Step 8 and remember that:
To be able to talk in a LearnLinc class you must click the “Talk” button. (So that it appears
pushed in.)
To be able to hear in a LearnLinc class, click the Talk button again. (So that it appears
pushed out.)
• If you selected “Headset” then move the Step 19.

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Step 19
You sound card may not support full duplex audio, or your drivers may need to be updated.
Check you sound card specifications or contact your system administrator to find out whether
your sound card is a half-duplex or a full duplex.
• If the card is a half-duplex then you can use LearnLinc, but you must click the Talk button
to speak. The alternative is to purchase and install a full duplex sound card.
• If your card is half duplex and you want to use LearnLinc with the Talk button, move to
Step 8.
• If your card is full duplex, move to Step 11.

Network Troubleshooting with Ping
Ping is a useful program for testing your connection to your LearnLinc server when you are
encountering problems during class.
You can use Ping to send a few packets of data from a client computer across the network to
the server computer to see if the connection to the server is functioning properly.
You can also track Ping results during class and save them to a text file. The text file can then
be used by your IT staff or LearnLinc Customer Service to identify your problem. Descriptions
for both processes are provided below.
How to “Ping” your server to see if the connection to the server is functioning properly:
1. Select Start > Programs > Accessories > MS DOS Prompt (or Command Prompt), from the
Windows taskbar.
Windows 95 and 98 have “MS DOS Prompt”, Windows NT has “Command Prompt”.
2. Type “Ping ###.###.###.###" in the DOS window, where ###.###.###.### is the IP address
for the server.
3. Press <Enter>.
You will see either of two responses. Each response is described in detail, below.

258 • • • • •

A

• Example 1: Pinging the server results in a “Reply” from the server.

In this case, the server with the IP address of 255.255.255.0 received the ping test packets
and sent a reply. The reply got back to the original computer very quickly (1-10 ms as
indicated by the “time=1ms” indicator). The TCP/IP connection to the server is functioning
properly.

• • • • • 259

A LearnLinc Student Guide

• Example 2: Pinging the server results in a “Request Timed Out” response.

In this case, the Ping test packets did not get to the server with the address 255.255.255.0.
When the computer that sent the packets realized this (after the TTL or “Time to Live”
expired) it displayed the message “Request Timed Out.” In this case, the TCP/IP
connection to the server is not functioning correctly. Contact your network technicians to
continue troubleshooting the problem.

260 • • • • •

A

How to track ping results during class and save them to a text file:
1. Select Start > Programs > Accessories > MS DOS Prompt (or Command Prompt), from the
Windows taskbar.
Windows 95 and 98 have “MS DOS Prompt”, Windows NT has “Command Prompt”.
2. Type “Ping ###.###.###.### -t >c:\pingtest.txt" in the DOS window, where ###.###.###.###
is the IP address for the server.
3. Press <Enter>.
The DOS screen displays a blinking cursor.

4.
5.
6.

Minimize the DOS window and continue with your class.
When class is over, close the DOS window and go to the c:/ drive and locate the
pingtest.txt file. This should contain all the ping responses received during class.
Send this file to your IT staff or to LearnLinc Customer Service.

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262 • • • • •

Index
A
a,b,c,d answer set 160
add
Q&A questions on-the-fly 176
text to whiteboard 140
administration
troubleshooting 248
administration tool
some users cannot log-in to 248
administrator authority level 203
advanced installation 69
advanced–multimedia content installation 203
agenda 203
LearnLinc palette 85
agreement answer set 160
answer
details for Q&A 178
statistics for Q&A 178
answer menu
send answer statistics 179
answer sets
change in feedback 162
feedback 160
answer statistics
sending Q&A to class 179
answers
clear feedback 163
answers menu
show answer details 178
appendix a

troubleshooting 221
application 48, 203
controlling during class 240
shared during class 148
students see only part when floor holder launches 240
application sharing 147–157, 203
appshare 149
appview 149
deciding between appshare and appview 149
what can be shared 148
what is 148
applications
troubleshooting in the virtual classroom 234
appshare 10, 149, 150–156, 204
deciding between appview and 149
sharing your applications with the class 151
shortcut launches appview instead 240
split-screen 154
using someone else’s shared application 152
using student’s shared application 156
watching the instructor use shared applications 150
what can be shared 148
what is application sharing 148
appview 10, 149, 157, 204
deciding between appshare and 149
students see entire desktop 242
students see white window, not application 242
troubleshooting 242
what can be shared 148
what is application sharing 148

263 • • • • •

LearnLinc Student Guide
ask
a question with Q&A 177
assignment status answer set 160
assistant instructor 86, 204
attendee list
students not in glimpse list 243
audio
as a conferencing type 87
full vs. half-duplex 88
audio clip 48, 204
closing 119
in multimedia file
cannot hear 245
launching 117
audio conferencing. See also conferencing
audio wizard 96
unable to play test.wav 221
author 204
authority level 22, 204
Authorware
doesn’t open on student’s computers 245
error, cannot invoke file 244
auto-register 205

B
bandwidth 205
bandwidth monitor. See network bandwidth monitor
book 48, 205
resource 48
Breakout groups 181
working in 182
breakout groups
synchronizing latecomers 186

• • • • • 264

working in 185
browsers
supported for synchronized web browser 124
browsing the web 121

C
campus. See virtual campus
capture
screen shot in whiteboard 145
capture screen
takes a long time 243
change
location description in palette 75
web proxy settings 77
chapter
organization 2
circle
draw in whiteboard 142
resize in whiteboard 142
class 79–101, 205
ask a question during 177
cannot join 226
join, overview 18
joining 90
leave 100
leave, overview 19
leaving 100
making sure they can hear you 96
on Internet vs. intranet 81
opening Q&A for 175
playing recorded 189
talking to 97
using resources in virtual campus 56

class list 85, 99, 206
incomplete or displays multiple entries for some names 234
not updated in glimpse 243
Classroom Player 190
classroom software 68, 206
download and install 71
system requirements 11
classroom tools
troubleshooting 234
classroom. See virtual classroom.
clear
feedback 163
client
download and install 71
client configuration utility
change location description 75
changing web proxy settings 77
close
audio or video clip 119
multimedia book 119
Q&A 179
synchronized web browser 127
whiteboard 137
color
changing in whiteboard 143
communicate
during class, overview 19
conferencing
audio 86
audio cannot hear or be heard during class 229
audio choppy or breaking up 230
audio has an echo 232
audio has loud hissing sound 231
full duplex sound card with talk button 232
Internet audio 87

licensing error 222
multicast audio 87
multicast video 87
mute checkbox or talk button 84
mute microphone 98
no one can hear floor holder 245
overview 19
some have video others have audio only 233
some students cannot hear 230
talking to the class 97
troubleshooting audio 249
troubleshooting video 233
video 86
volume indicators 84
conferencing window 84, 206
configure
client software 75
LearnLinc palette 94
web proxy settings 77
connection speed
affects synchronization 113
affects synchronized web browser 124
vs. modem speed 113, 124
content 206
contents list 207
control panel
change location description for palette 75
control panel configuration utiltiy 206
cookie 207
defined 223
cookies
always allow 223
cookies not enabled 223
course 45–??, 207
dropping 54

265 • • • • •

LearnLinc Student Guide
people 50
register for or drop 52
register for, overview 18
resource 48
send email to individual 61
sending email to everyone 63
threaded discussion 51, 59
unregistering 54
using resources in virtual campus 56
what is it 46
course catalog 23, 207
course contents list 207
crop
picture in whiteboard 144
current speaker indicator 208
custom installation 69, 207

D
data only 208
delete
question from Q&A list 172
details
answers for Q&A 178
Director movie 48
discussion, participating in threaded 59
discussion, threaded 51
dock
text chat 107
download
a recorded class 193
classroom software 71
process 69
resource 58

• • • • • 266

download page 23, 208
draw
shapes in whiteboard 142
drop
course 52
drop, a course 54
duplex
full vs. half audio 88

E
edit
password 39
text in whiteboard 140
user account 39
ellipse
draw in whiteboard 142
resize in whiteboard 142
email
cannot send to course with autoregister 64
send to individual in your course 61
sending to everyone in course 63
error
not licensed for conferencing option 222
not logged-in to LearnLinc 246
unable to play test.wav for audio wizard 221
your log-in cannot be validated 221
exit
class 100

F
feedback 85, 159–163, 208
answer sets 160

ask the class to use 162
change answer set 162
clear 163
open discussion 160
sharing summary with class 163
troubleshooting 163
what is 160
file
printing from whiteboard 136
saving in whiteboard 135
storing locally for Q&A 168
storing whiteboard locally 131
file menu
Q&A
merge question file 174
save question file 174, 176
saving question file 173
fill
changing color in whiteboard 143
floor
privacy 99
floor control 6, 81, 209
floor holder 19, 81, 209
folder 209
font
change size in text chat 107
frames 209
defined 124
in synchronized web browser 124
freehand shape
draw in whiteboard 142
full-duplex 88, 210

G
glimpse 210
attendee list not updated 243
can’t participate while waiting for glimpse 243
image is small 243
image takes too long 243
troubleshooting 243
grab
screen shot in whiteboard 145
graphic
resize in whiteboard 142
guide
chapter
organization 2

H
H.323 multicast video 210
half-duplex 88, 210
hand raise 84, 88
hand raise button 211
help 23, 211
home page 211
HTML
and synchronized web browser 122
frames, defined 124

I
import
picture in whiteboard 144
indeo multicast video 211
install

267 • • • • •

LearnLinc Student Guide
choosing option 69
classroom software 71
installation
advanced 69
custom 69
typical 69
instructor authority level 211
instructor led 6, 211
instructor led palette, diagram 7
instructor, assistant 86
Internet 81, 212
LearnLinc classes on 81
vs. intranet 123
Internet audio 87, 212
Internet Explorer
frames in synchronized web browser 124
intranet 212
LearnLinc classes on 81
vs. Internet 123

J
join
a class 90
cannot connect to server when joining class 227
cannot join class 226
class, overview 18
prompted to download file when clicking 226
prompted to select program to open join.lrn 226
join.lrn 226

K
kbps 212

• • • • • 268

keys
error 222

L
launch
audio or video clip 117
multimedia book 117
Q&A 175
synchronized web browser 126
LearnLinc 212
about classroom software 68
about the software 5
configuring 75–78
downloading and installing 67–74
overview 18
what is it 5
LearnLinc aware 212
LearnLinc classroom software 213
LearnLinc palette 83
adding your picture to 70
agenda 85
change location description 75
conferencing window 84
configure 94
diagram
instructor led 7
open discussion 8
instructor led and open discussion compared 9
location 84
mute 84
network bandwidth monitor 85
on air/current speaker indicator 84
talk button 84

volume indicators 84
leave
class 100
library 118
licenses
error 222
line
changing weight and color in whiteboard 143
draw in whiteboard 142
location
changing description in palette 75
on LearnLinc palette 84
log-in 213
cannot 223
error
cannot be validated 221
error, not logged-in to LearnLinc 246
overview 18
to virtual campus 32
log-in group 213
not displayed on log-in screen 224
log-in groups
not displayed on log-in page 224
log-in page
no groups 224
no groups in list 224
no password field 224
log-out 19
log-out page 23, 213

M
merge
question set 174

message
private text chat 105
restrict text chat 105
sending private text chat 108
sending text chat 106
microphone
mute 98
modem speed
vs. connection speed 113, 124
monitor
network status 95
monitor, network bandwidth 85
move
picture in whiteboard 144
text box in whiteboard 141
multicast 10, 214
audio 87
video 87
multicast audio 214
system requirements 13
multimedia book
close 119
launching 117
ToolBook 114
multimedia content 111–119, 214
cannot hear audio clip 245
doesn’t open on students’ computers 245
error, cannot invoke file 244
installation option 69
troubleshooting 244
what is 112
multiple choice questions. See Q&A
mute 84, 88, 98, 214

269 • • • • •

LearnLinc Student Guide

N

P

name service 214
navigator 114, 214
Netscape Navigator
frames in synchronized web browser 124
network
troubleshooting with ping 258
network bandwidth indicator
monitoring 95
network bandwidth monitor 215
LearnLinc palette 85
network status monitor
in text chat 105
Next 179
note 48, 215

pace answer set 160
palette 213
troubleshooting 240
palette. See LearnLinc palette
participant. See student
password
edit 39
field not displayed on log-in page 224
people
in courses 50
people list
incomplete or displays multiple entries for some names 234
picture
adding to LearnLinc palette 70
importing in whiteboard 144
moving or cropping in whiteboard 144
pie chart 163
ping
saving results in text file 261
troubleshooting the network 258
play
dowloaded recorded classes 198
pointer, shared 140
PointPlus
presentation doesn’t display in synchronized web browser 246
PowerPoint
some students cannot open converted presentation 247
powerpoint presentation 49
PowerPoint to ToolBook converter
select the instance of LearnLinc message 245
print
whiteboard file 136
privacy

O
on air/current speaker indicator 84, 215
on line help, classroom, overview 19
one-way video 87
on-line help
overview 18
open
whiteboard file for the class 138
open discussion 6, 215
in breakout groups 182
using feedback in a class 160
open discussion palette, diagram 8
overview
using LearnLinc 18

• • • • • 270

while you have the floor 99
private
sending text chat message 108
text chat message 105
text chat option not available 238
proxy
changing LearnLinc web settings 77
punctuation
in user accounts 248

removing question 172
question menu
delete question 172
question set
merging 174
saving 173
quick tour 23, 216

R
Q
Q&A 10, 49, 165–179, 215
adding questions on-the-fly 176
answer details 178
answer statistics 178
asking a question 177
closing 179
launching 175
merging question sets 174
question editor 176
removing question from list 172
saving question sets 173
sharing answer statistics 179
storing files locally 168
using during class 168
what is 166
Q&A file 216
question
adding on-the-fly 176
ask with Q&A 177
question editor 171, 176
question file 49
question list

rectangle
draw in whiteboard 142
resize in whiteboard 142
register 216
course 52
remove
question from Q&A list 172
resize
graphic in whiteboard 142
text box in whiteboard 141
resource 216
application 48
audio clip 48
book 48
course 48
Director movie 48
download link 58
note 48
powerpoint 49
Q&A 49
recorded class 49
url 49
using in virtual campus 56
video clip 49

271 • • • • •

LearnLinc Student Guide
whiteboard 49
restrict
text chat 105
restricted text chat 216
results
sharing feedback with class 163
return floor 84
run menu
library 118
run. See launch

S
save
question set 173
whiteboard file 135
screen shot
grabbing in whiteboard 145
self register 216
permissions in virtual campus 24
send
cannot email students in auto-register course 64
email to everyone in course 63
email to individual in course 61
Q&A answer statistics to class 179
server
adding pictures to 70
cannot connect to when joining class 227
error
not licensed for conferencing option 222
server, web proxy 70
share
feedback summary results 163
Q&A answer statistics with class 179

• • • • • 272

shared pointer 140
sharing. See application sharing
software
download and install 71
software,classroom 68
sound card 88, 216
split-screen
appshare 154
square
draw in whiteboard 142
resize in whiteboard 142
start page 217
statistics
answers for Q&A 178
sending answer to class 179
store
files locally for Q&A 168
streaming media file 217
streaming video 87, 217
students take a long time to see 234
student
permissions in virtual campus 24
student authority level 217
summary results
feedback 163
synchronization
connection speed affects 113
in the synchronized web browser 122
multimedia content 112
updating the whiteboard 139
whiteboard 131
synchronized content 217
synchronized web browser 121, 218
affected by connection speed 124
closing 127

frames 124
Internet vs. intranet 123
launching 126
multiple windows 234
netscape crashes on close 236
netscape users do not get new window 235
PointPlus presentation doesn’t display 246
some students cannot see page 236
student closed on own 236
students wait a long time to see page 235
supported browsers 124
what gets synchronized 122
system requirements 11–??

T
take floor 84, 218
taking a class 79–101
talk
to class 97
talk button 84, 88, 218
test.wav
unable to play error 221
text
adding to whiteboard 140
editing in whiteboard 140
text box
moving or resizing in whiteboard 141
text chat 86, 103–110, 189–??, 218
change font size 107
dock 107
private message 105, 108
private option not available 238
restrict 105

sending a message 106
troubleshooting 238
undocking 107
what is 104
threaded discussion 51, 218
participating in 59
ToolBook
default navigator 114
doesn’t open on students’ computers 245
error, cannot invoke file 244
error, not logged-in to LearnLinc 246
navigator 114
tools menu
change feedback answer set 162
clear feedback answers 163
show feedback summary results 163
undock text chat 107
troubleshooting
administration 248
appendix 221
audio conferencing 249
classroom tools 234
feedback 163
installation issues 221
multimedia content 244
network 258
virtual campus issues 223
virtual classroom 226
true/false answer set 160
typical installation 69, 218

U
undock

273 • • • • •

LearnLinc Student Guide
text chat 107
unicast audio
system requirements 12
unregister 54
URL 219
defined 122
url 49
user
locate information about 36
user account 219
created with punctuation 248
edit 39
gave additional rights but cannot use administration tool 248
user directory 23, 219
locate information about a user 36

V
video
as a conferencing type 87
streaming 87
students take a long time to see 234
video clip 49, 219
closing 119
in multimedia file
cannot hear 245
launching 117
video conferencing. See also conferencing
view
Q&A answer statistics 178
Q&A answers 178
recorded class 189
virtual campus 6, 21–43, 219
change password 39

• • • • • 274

course catalog 23
download page 23
edit user account 39
error
cannot log-in 223
finding 25
help 23
locate information about a user 36
logging-in 32
log-out 19
logout page 23
quick tour 23
register for or drop course 52
user directory 23
welcome page 22
what is 22
where is 24
virtual classroom 6, 80, 220
troubleshooting 226
volume indicators 220
LearnLinc palette 84

W
waiting for update 139
web address
in course contents list 49
web address. See URL
web browser, synchronized. See synchronized web browser
web content 121
web proxy
changing settings 77
defined 70
proxy, web 70

web proxy server 220
weight
changing line in whiteboard 143
welcome page 22
whiteboard 9, 49, 129–145, 220
adding text 140
cannot open file from agenda 239
changing fill color 143
changing line weight and color 143
close 137
doesn’t launch on other’s computers 239
drawing 142
editing text 140
file takes a long time to load 238
grabbing a screen shot 145
importing a picture 144
moving or cropping picure 144
moving or resizing text box 141

opening file for the class 138
printing a file 136
resize graphic 142
saving a file 135
shared pointer 140
storing files locally 131
synchronization 131
troubleshooting 238
updating for others 139
using on own 133
what is 130
who can use 131
whiteboard file 220

Y
yes/no answer set 160

275 • • • • •

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