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Updated: 04/10/2008
Frequently Asked Questions
A: In order to see the intended layout of the pages a monitor setting of 800X600 or greater should be used at 256 colors or more. Anything less than these minimums will prove less than satisfactory. A True Color setting of 1024X768 or 1280X1024 is highly recommended. Web-TV offers mixed results. In late 2001, adjustments were made to the site to accommodate the 1600X1200 screen resolution. The page code was also modified to accommodate mobile devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and BlackBerry screens. For the interactive tests, the matching quizzes, and the e-mail links you need a browser that "does" JavaScript. Firefox 1.0+, Internet Explorer 5.0+, Flock 1.0+, Netscape 4.0+, Opera 7.5+, and Mozilla 1.0+, Camino, and Safari browsers work for these tests. Information on browsers for the Windows and Mac operating systems is available here. There are more than 800 illustrations associated with the 70 modules and the associated readings. If you are using a standard dial-up modem you may occasionally find that an illustration does not load. The missing illustration(s) can be loaded by clicking on the page reload button at the top of the browser.
A: Legal agreements limit the use of the materials to a direct Internet connection from CyberCollege.com or InternetCampus.com. However, these are the most often asked questions and, from a legal and contractual standpoint, very important. Simply put, to do either will violate the contractual agreements we've made, and jeopardize the continued availability of these materials. For these reasons, I would appreciate your bringing any instance of copyright violation to my attention. I have created a separate link to explain things.
A: I understand a certain amount of suspicion about "free" Internet services, but in this case there is no commercial "hidden agenda" behind the television production or mass media materials. We're not "selling" anything except free comprehensive materials in TV production and the mass media. If the instructional materials contain any type of "spin" it is to value freedom in newsgathering and to encourage social responsibility. However, other writers at these sites are free to offer their opinions on topics. The Forum and "Fog's columns are meant to be controversial and, thus, lend themselves to classroom discussion and debate. This is explained at the beginning of the Forum and in more detail in the confidential instructor information. As a service to our users, CyberCollege and the InternetCampus carry links to external services. We have no commercial ties to any company and we derive no income from any of these external services. We have no control over the content or policies of external services and we can in no way assume any responsibility for the content.
A Since the CyberCollege and the InternetCampus sites do not depend upon advertising, they are not subject to the economic issues related to advertising revenue. The financing of these sites is largely based on trust funds that are insulated from economic fluctuations. These funds in no way dictate or influence content.
A: We don't award credit; that's up to the institution involved in using the materials. However, there is a "Certificate of Completion" that teachers can download from the instructors' section of the site by .
A: We don't. But, even if they don't, possibly by going through the modules and associated readings students will brush with the need to use the medium in a responsible way.
A: Our legal agreements on the use of some of the materials require it. To violate these agreements would mean to jeopardize the continued availability of the materials.
A: Needs are different, and striking a balance between too simple and too detailed is always a problem. We've found that users range all the way from public and private high schools and universities to government institutions, such as the U.S. military. Individuals using the materials range from employees of TV stations to people simply wanting to create high-quality personal videos. In an effort to tailor the materials to a wide range of users, a color coding system is used for links to try to serve the following needs:
Links that are not marked with a colored square are considered self-explanatory. More information on this can be found on this at the end of Module 1.
A: We feel that just having a knowledge of "how it works" leaves a major gap in some rather important areas. To be effective, television producers and directors must be sensitive to social realities—and maybe even sensitive to some social responsibilities.
A: Yes, it would, but there is a problem right now. If you have a T1 line or a high-speed connection, things load rather quickly; but many users have 56 speed modems, and waiting several minutes for a page to load tires anyone's patience. Until most users are equipped with faster download speeds, it seems best to limit this type of thing. Many schools are not able to keep up with the latest browsers, computer memory requirements, and hardware.
A: At the beginning of that project it was decided not to clutter things up with a lot of footnotes or in-line references. Most of the data is from standard sources associated with the specific topic. Where the information might be controversial a source is generally cited.
A: Many instructors use the interactive tests and even the crossword puzzles as graded assignments. By instructors can get information on the tests and extensive teaching notes and suggestions. NOTE: Because of heavy spam filtering, it's essential to use a "From CyberCollege" subject line in your e-mail. We also need some type of verification that you are actually an instructor and not a student looking for the answers to tests.
A: We use some pretty heavy spam software, so use a FROM CYBERCOLLEGE subject line. Most e-mail is answered within a few days. Occasionally, we make out-of-town trips, which may delay things. However, if you don't hear from us within a few days, things may have gone astray. Please write again. We definitely encourage your comments. Some additional information on these materials can be found here and here. Ron Whittaker, Ph.D. Legal requirement: The InternetCampus® and CyberCollege® are registered trademarks. Closing Credits
In particular, we would like to thank Marc Levine, Karen Ann McNall, Nikita Manggay, and the P.M. Smith Foundation. Because of legal agreements with individuals and companies, the materials on these sites carry copyright clearance that limits their use to direct, on-line Internet use from the CyberCollege and InternetCampus servers. This link has additional information. © 2008, All Rights Reserved
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Q: What computer and monitor specifications are needed to use the cybertext modules?
= Material included on tests representing a basic understanding of the concepts.
= These links add a slightly more advanced understanding and background.
= Links providing information for advanced students and professionals.
= External links adding an in-depth understanding and background.
