Use the following information to access contribute and Skype.
In addition to our Blackboard online learning platform, we will be using 5 free online collaboration and communication tools over the next eight weeks. These collaborative exercises serve a twofold purpose: (1) enhanced technology proficiency and (2) mastery of online learning collaborative facilitation.
It's important that we get an early start in organizing our tools, so that troubleshooting issues can be resolved by the time you need to use the programs! Some of these are web-based, so you just have to set up an account. Some will require installation and configuration.
Below are the programs and specific instructions for set-up. These are only the instructions for setting up an account using these programs. The activities we will complete using these programs are described in detail in the corresponding Weekly Modules folder(s).
Please read these instructions very carefully! BE SURE TO WRITE DOWN YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION FOR EACH OF THESE PROGRAMS!!!!!
1. Skype
Everyone should have access to their free chat feature. Be sure to post your Skype username to the Skype Discussion Forum when you are done.
Downloading Instructions:
Access http:www.skype.com
Click on Get Skype now
Downloading will automatically begin. (Check for messages from your virus protection software if downloading doesn’t start.)
At the prompt select “Save” and navigate to the C: drive on your computer from the drop down menu in the Save box.
Select Run. Select Install. Be patient, this may take a few minutes!
When the sign-in box appears, select “Don’t have a Skype account?” and follow the prompts to set-up your username and password.
Be sure to complete the tests for speakers, microphone, and webcam. If you don’t have a microphone or webcam, it’s okay! You don’t need to purchase anything! We can use the chat feature if you need to talk to me!
Be sure to post your Skype username to the Skype Discussion Forum so your classmates can add your name to their chat list. Be sure to add their names to your Skype chat list, too.
2. PBworks Free Account
Used in Module 4
Access http://pbworks.com
Select For Education -> Sign Up Now -> Basic FREE - Click on Select
Select a title for your work pages
Select Agree at the Non Commercial Use prompt
Create an account following the prompts, be sure to select "Only People I Invite". BE SURE TO USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU LISTED IN THE STUDENT INFORMATION SURVEY. Your classmates will be inviting you to join their pages through that address.
Accept Terms
Select Take me to my work space
Select Invite More People -- invite the instructor (lisa.mcbride@suddenlink.net) by adding the email address. Be sure to select Editorial access from the pull-down menu. When your classmates email addresses become available to you, be sure to invite them as well and allow them editorial access. (The instructor will email out a list of all student email addresses as soon as all students have completed the online survey. The link to that survey is found in the second folder in Module 1 assignments, your Lesley email, and on the Announcements page!)
Select Create A Page -> Name Page -> Collaborative ToolKit
3. Adobe Contribute
Used in Module 5
PLEASE DO NOT DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURE THIS SOFTWARE UNTIL THE THIRD WEEK OF THE COURSE! IF YOU DOWNLOAD IT TOO EARLY, YOUR 30 FREE DAYS WILL EXPIRE BEFORE YOUR MODULE 5 ASSIGNMENT IS DUE!!!!
Adobe Contribute Free 30 Day Trial Download Instructions
Access www.adobe.com -> Select Downloads -> Select Trial Downloads
From the drop down menu, Select Contribute CS4 -> Go
Select Create an Adobe Account -> Complete the questionnaire (be sure to write down your log-in info) -> Select Continue
Select Contribute CS4 -> Follow prompts for installation
(If prompted, go ahead and install companion programs and the download manager)
In the Download Manager Window, Select Launch to complete installation.
Instructions for configuration will be emailed to you when Module 5 groups have been assigned!
4. Google Docs
Used in Module 6
Access http://docs.google.com in a new browser page and select Get Started. Complete the web form, then check the email account you listed when you registered for Google Docs to get the new account verification link. Follow the instructions from the email to finalize your account set-up. Log-in to Google Docs and select Create New -> Document.
Create a document containing a few introductory sentences about yourself. Invite your instructor (lisa.mcbride@suddenlink.net) to “join” your document and leave peer editing comments. Do this by selecting Share -> Invite People. Invite your classmates to join when their email addresses become available to you. (See PBworks instructions for that info.)
5. Program of your choice – Used in Module 7
For our capstone project, you will create a Scenario-based e-portfolio in which you include every project and assignment completed in this course. You will need to present this portfolio to your instructor and classmates electronically and may choose your program. Please do not publish your e-portfolio to a password protected platform or website. It should be available for viewing by everyone.
Examples for your end-of-course e-portfolio:
1. Create a PowerPoint and then publish it to Slideshare.net.
2. Create a website using a free website program.
3. Create a PowerPoint and post it to the Discussion Forum.
4. Publish to a free Content Management System (CMS) – please do not use a password protected program.
