Computer: You need a sound capable computer (PC or a Mac) that is connected to the Internet. Your internet provider should support TCP/IP software and the speed of your connection should be at least 14.4 Kbps. Recommended minimum hardware requirements are:
PC - 486/33DX with 8 MB of RAM, sound card, 2MB free hard disk space.
MAC - A Macintosh with at least a 68030 25MHz logic board and 8MB of RAM and 2MB of free disk space.
Web Browser: You will need a world wide web browser that supports frames and plug-ins. Examples are Netscape 2.0 or better, Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.1 or better (Mac), 3.0 or better (Win 95 and NT), or 2.1 or better (Win 3.1).
Audio Software: RealAudio Player 2.0 or better is required for the audio portion of the lectures.
Note for Macintosh users: If you are using an early model Mac and are not certain if it is capable of running RealAudio 2.0 check the Apple Archive. Select the machine you have and look for the logic board specifications. The minimum machine speed recommended by Progressive Networks to run RealAudio 2.0 is a 25MHz 68030.
Currently several labs on the ISU campus are equipped to handle Project BIO on-line courses. These labs are 1340 Molecular Biology Building, 105 Bessey Hall, 241 Science II. Unfortunately these labs are not open 24 hours a day, so be aware of their schedules.
Labs open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are Real Audio equipped include Durham 91, Durham 136, and Durham 206.
Labs in the Residence Halls with Real Audio capability include Friley 2420, Knapp-Storms C1103, Maple-Willow-Larch C3112, Maple-Willow-Larch 3114, and Welch-Roberts 2223. These labs are also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while classes are in session during the spring and fall semesters.
You are expected to provide your own headphones for listening to the Real Audio portion of the lectures. Headphones with a mini-jack plug are required for compatibility with the computer's sound card. Please use headphones to minimize any distractions to other lab users.
We recommend you get either Netscape's or Microsoft's browser. The browsers are very similar, so which is better is a matter of personal preference. Read How do I download and install programs over the Internet for download sites and instructions on how to download.
Netscape Navigator and Communicator:
Netscape 2.0 or better support frames and plug-ins. Currently, only 2.02 or better are available to download from Netscape. The newest product from Netscape is actually Communicator 4.0 which has Navigator built in. Many computer users (both Mac and PC) who only want a Web browser prefer to use Navigator 3.01. Also, Communicator 4.0 can be a bit sluggish on Macs.
Microsoft Internet Explorer:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.1 or better (Mac), 3.0 or better (Win 95 and NT), or 2.1 or better (Win 3.1) support frames and plug-ins. Currently, only 3.01 or better (Mac), 3.02 or better (Win 95 and NT), 3.03 or better (Win 3.1) are available to download from Microsoft. After that which version you should get depends on your System Requirements.
The RealAudio System allows the playback of audio in real-time over the Internet. The RealAudio Player (which your computer must have) plays files encoded in the RealAudio format. The controls are much like a CD player's with play, stop, pause, reverse, and fast forward. Project BIO has the RealAudio Server which will deliver the sound to you. The server will hold the connection open as it delivers a continuous stream of audio. This way you don't have to deal with long download times.
Read below to determine which version of the RealAudio Player you should get. Then read How do I download and install programs over the Internet for download sites and instructions on how to download.
RealAudio Player 2.0: You need at least RealAudio Player 2.0.
Note for Macintosh users: RealAudio Player 3.0 and above may not work on older Macintosh models particularly those in the LC, Quadra or Performa series because they do not have the floating point co-processor needed to run the software. In this situation you need to use the 2.0 version of the RealAudio Player.
RealAudio Player 3.0: For information on system requirements for RealAudio Player 3.0 (14.4 Algorithm is used for Project BIO audio):
Windows
Macintosh
RealPlayer 4.0: RealPlayer 4.0 and above are video capable. Currently only Zoology 155 has RealVideo content, and seeing the videos is not a requirement of the course. For information on system requirements for RealPlayer 4.0:
Windows
Macintosh
Most modern computer programs are actually a collection of files that work together to perform a task. Since it would take a long time to download each of these files seperately software authors will generally bundle all of the needed files into one "installation" file. Thus, when you download a program over the Internet what you have actually downloaded is a program that allows you to install the final program on your computer. Described below are the steps generally needed to successfully download and install software.
Note: The following assumes that you are using your Web browser to download the installation program you want.
Step 1 - Downloading the installer file.
Go to the site that has the file you wish to download.Netscape Navigator and Communicator
Microsoft Internet ExplorerReal Network's RealPlayer
Real Network's RealAudio archive for older versions (2.0 and 3.0)
Read and follow any special download instructions (if available).
When you start the downloading process your browser should give you the option as to where on your computer you wish to save the file. Select a location on your computer to save the file. It is very important that you REMEMBER where you have saved the file and the name of the file you are downloading. (See note below.)
Note: Many people like to set up a special folder or subdirectory specifically to hold files they are downloading. This practice is highly recommended. You may wish to create a folder called 'download' on your hard drive.
Step 2 - Installing the program.
Once you have successfully downloaded the installation program locate the file you saved. Double click on the file and the installation process should begin.During the installation process you may be asked a variety of questions. If it is commercial software you may be asked for registration numbers and user identification. Provide the information requested and continue the installation process. Sometimes the installation process will ask for information regarding where you want to install the program or give options as to how much of the program you want to install. Generally it is advised that you use the defaults or recommended values.
Macintosh Users: Downloading installation files many times results in a couple of files appearing on your desktop. Typically you will find a file which has a ".hqx" extension and an installer icon may also appear (sometimes a new folder will appear). If the installer icon appears double click this icon and the installation process should begin. If a new folder has appeared open the folder you should find either an installer icon or the final ready to use program itself. After installation is complete it is safe to trash the ".hqx" and installer icons.
Windows 95/NT Users: It is recommended that you use the "Install/Remove Programs" application which is located in the Control Panel. After installation is complete it is safe to delete the installer program that was downloaded.
If your system doesn't meet the minimum requirements for RealPlayer you can download previous versions of the RealAudio Player from the RealAudio archive.
Each student enrolled in an on-line course is expected to have an e-mail account. E-mail provides one means by which the student can ask questions and interact with other students. Typically the students Internet Provider or school will provide this account and all that the student need do is provide their e-mail address to the instructor of the course. In the event that the student does not have an e-mail account and one cannot be provided by the school, Project BIO suggests that the student take advantage of one of the free email services available over the internet. A partial list of these providers is available at: Free Email Services.
With the exception of sample lectures, course materials are password protected. Registered students will be issued a username and password which will allow them access to the materials. If you do not receive a message (letter or e-mail) containing your user name and password contact Mary Nims at 1-515-294-0321 and, after verification of registration, she will provide you with the needed information.
If, while taking the course, you find other helpful study techniques please send them to Doug Bull.
Print out or obtain (see Note 1) the lecture notes before listening to the audio lecture. You can then append additional notes to the hard copy while listening to the audio portion of the lecture. If several students are taking the course from the same location it might be possible for each student to print out one or more lectures and then make copies for the other students.
Note 1: Some courses have packets of the lecture notes available for purchase at a minimal cost. Some students may find it easier to purchase the packet because printing the lecture notes from the Web page can be a very time consuming endevor. Check the link on obtaining text books to see which courses have packets available and ordering information. Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act Students: Since obtaining the lecture packets is optional the student is responsible for the cost of the packet and shipping.Note 2: Some printers might not have enough memory to print out the lecture notes. This is particularly true if a slide contains extensive graphics. If you find that your printer or system "hangs" when attempting to print the notes you might try to load the page with "Auto Load Images" turned off. Most web browsers have an option that allows the user to choose if images are to be loaded and displayed while downloading the text portion of a page. For example Netscape has, under the Options menu item, an "Auto Load Images" selection. If there is a check mark by the option click on it to remove the check mark. Then attempt to reload the page. In some cases you may find it necessary to restart your browser for the option to take effect. Once you have reloaded the page without the images try again to print the page.
Pause the audio when advancing to a new slide. Sometimes when loading a new page of lecture notes you may hear a crackle or breaking up of the audio. This is due to the increased amount of information your terminal is receiving over your Internet connection. If you notice a degradation in audio while loading a new page simply click on the RealAudio pause button (||) and wait until the page has loaded then resume the playback.
Increase the size of the lecture window. In Netscape, under "Options", you can uncheck "Show Location" and "Show Directory Buttons." If you would like to keep showing the toolbar you can at least make the buttons text only. Go to "Options" in the top menu bar, click on "General Preferences," leave the "Appearance" tab showing, and highlight the dot next to the show toolbar as "Text."
Most assignments are completed on-line using ClassNet.
Assignments for Gen308/508 may be submitted using postal mail, e-mail, or fax.
Some of the course instructors will ask that the student "enroll" in ClassNet. ClassNet is a product of Iowa State University Computation Center which provides the course instructor with many tools to facilitate and administer on-line courses. Tests can be delivered on-line with test results available quickly. (Note: Tests which include short answer or essay questions require instructor review so results in these cases are delayed until these types of questions are graded.) In addition ClassNet provides students and instructors communications tools including real time chat, discussion forums, listserver (mailing lists), and e-mail (students must have an email account established to use the listserver and e-mail tools.)
Note: Enrolling in ClassNet is not the same as enrolling in the course itself. Students must be registered for a course prior to enrolling in ClassNet. ClassNet is a service provided to the instructors and students to enhance the on-line course experience.
Some schools have been provided with a copy of Internet Phone. Internet Phone will allow the student the opportunity to contact the instructor and talk using the Internet connection. Students should contact their school administration to see if a copy is available. Students wishing to use this method of communication will need to have the name of the "Private" conversation group used by the instructor. To obtain the name and times that the instructor will be available send an email message to ddbull@iastate.edu and be sure to indicate for which course you are enrolled.
Project BIO intends to utilize software which provides a trouble free user interface to the course materials. We recognize that there will be occasional setup and configuration problems. Most of the software used provides on-line technical support and it is recommended that the student familiarize themselves with the on-line support available at the sites listed below.
Netscape On-line Support
Internet Explorer On-line Support
RealAudio On-line Support
Note: Persons having Internet access through commercial providers such as America On-Line or Compuserve should carefully check for special installation instructions that may be needed for the software to work properly.
Note for Macintosh users: RealAudio Player 3.0 and above may not work on older Macintosh models particularly those in the LC, Quadra or Performa series because they do not have the floating point co-processor needed to run the software. In this situation you need to use the 2.0 version of the RealAudio Player. It may be obtained from the RealAudio archive.
Pete Boysen
E-mail: pboysen@iastate.edu
Phone: 1-515-294-6663
For quick assistance you might wish to try the Technical Assistance Request Form. Here you will be able to pick from a list of common problems and perhaps get the answers you need.
or you can contact:
Doug Bull
E-mail: ddbull@iastate.edu
Phone: 1-515-294-7255
Login to ClassNet. In the Student Menu, click on the button labeled "Email". Follow the instructions for sending an email message under Email Help.
You can also use your browser's mailto function to send an email message to the instructor or you can use another email program to send the message.
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