FAQ for Faculty
How frequently is WebCT down?
Very infrequently - WebCT is about 99 percent reliable. WebCT has a back up server.
If WebCT is reliable, why can't I get to it?
Sometimes it appears WebCT is down but actually there are other connection problems to consider. Some of these include: the student is not properly registered for this class; the student is trying to log in outside the a pre-defined time; the student does not have an understanding of how the account and password works which is explained at myuser.nmu.edu.
How is this Course Technology Alliance different from the individual service points that compromise it?
The course technology alliance serves to guide faculty with recommendations for appropriate technology to serve their instructional needs; especially with regard to migrating instruction from a traditional classroom setting to an online one. If guidance is not required and immediate equipment requests are desired, the Instructional Media Services website is the best starting point. If an instructor wants to get set up with WebCT, the Center for Instructional Technology in Education's website is the best starting point.
What is podcasting?
Click here: for Wikepedia, the free encyclopedia's definition
What is the difference between streaming video and Media Site Live? How do I know which is the best choice for use in my course activities?
For the NMU community, streaming is primarily thought of as an event which has been archived for on-demand access over the web. Mediasite broadens this service by further allowing live broadcast over the web with the option of presenting two synchronized windows for viewing, one for video and the other for VGA (computer feed from your laptop or desktop). Even when streaming a single-window video only event without the feed from your computer, Mediasite applications are more cost effective with a shorter turnaround time from production to publication. Mediasite, however, does not allow any type of editing. Please view examples of streaming and Mediasite.
How expensive is ITV and is it difficult to find facilities away from NMU for students to gather and participate in class activities?
The costs involved with ITV (Interactive Television) depend on how and with whom the videoconference is conducted. There may be distant site fees, line fees, facility fees, and labor fees. Other influencing factors would include whether it is an academic, internal, nonprofit, or commercial event. An academic event with no distant site fees connecting over IP (internet protocol) could cost as little as $25 per hour. In contrast, a commercial event connecting over ISDN lines would cost $126 per hour plus tax and distant site fees, which could be as high as $250 per hour. Currently, there are too many variables to provide flat, consistent rates. For a more precise quote, each request should be presented on an individual basis.
How do you locate a distant videoconferencing site?
The number of colleges and universities, primary and secondary schools, government agencies, and not-for-profits with videoconferencing facilities are ever increasing. However, you must determine if these facilities can be accessed by those outside the organization. Direct inquiry, usually facilitated through the internet, is the best approach when attempting to locate videoconferencing facilities.
Are Online Degrees More Acceptable in the Workplace today?
Eighty-five percent of employers believe that online degrees are more acceptable today than they were five years ago, according to a survey of employers' attitudes toward online degreed job candidates by Vault Inc., a publishing firm focused on career and employment issues. The findings are based on 107 responses from companies representing a cross-section of U.S. industries. Thirty-four percent of the respondents said they had encountered a job applicant with on online degree, with 20 percent reporting they have hired applicants with online degrees. However, most employers--54 percent--said they still favor job applicants with traditional degrees over those with online degrees. Forty-five percent said they would give job candidates with both types of degrees equal consideration. Even though the majority of employers (86 percent) said they would be willing to accept a job applicant with an online degree, 14 percent said online bachelor's degrees and online graduate degrees are not acceptable.
How frequently is NMU's wireless network down?
Infrequently - mainly due to maintenance and upgrades.
What are some of the reasons I can't gain access to the wireless network in and around NMU?
The biggest reason is due to low signal strength. There are some areas of campus that are still without any wireless signal. A second reason may be due to the user's laptop's wireless device being switched off inadvertently. There also may be a conflict with similar cordless devices sharing the same frequencies. One laptop may bridge to another adjacent laptop if in close proximity which slows the performance of both machines.
What should students with only a dial-in connection think about before signing up for an online course?
Students need to inform their instructor if they only have access via a dial-in connection. While a dial-in connection is adequate for most text-based web content, a faster connection is recommended if trying to access streaming video. Access to high speed or broadband is preferable (various private companies offer packages at or near T1 speeds). Try to get a cable, DSL, or satellite network access connection established. A second consideration is the time it would take to mail CD's or DVD's that contain the instruction for a given session of the class to the student's residence if dial-in is the only connection option.
What are some reasons I should consider the online environment for my course? What are the latest statistics?
Click here: for the latest statistics
