TC - IT

What is podcasting?

Podcasting" is a subscription method that allows users to download audio and video recordings of class lectures to their computers, iPods or other MP3 players and listen or view them whenever they want and at their convenience.

Is special software needed to allow users to view my podcasts?

No, audio/video content can be downloaded automatically using RSS feeds.

What is an RSS feed?

RSS is a feed format used to publish frequently updated digital content see wikipedia What is iTunes U? iTunes U is a free content environment provided by Apple to enables colleges and universities distribute audio and video material from lectures, interviews, audio books and other sources. Users can download the media content to their Mac or PC, transfer the information to their iPod and listen to it or view it at any time.

What are the advantages of iTunes U as opposed to posting audio files in Classweb?

iTunes U adds more convenience, it simply provides a further and more flexible option. With ITunes U students can access yoru media file using their Ipods . Itunes is already familiar to many students who use the application to download music and video into their iPods.

Do I need an iPod to use ITunesU?

No, you do not need a portable device to view and download podcasts directly onto your computer.

Do you need to have a browser open(Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari) in order to get to iTunes U?

Yes, iTunes U is only available through a browser window. It will automatically open the iTunes program after you choose the public or TRACKS-restricted area.

Who can upload my own podcasts to iTunes U?
At the present time, only faculty with registered courses and site administrators are able to upload content to iTunesU.

Do I have to have an iPod to use iTunes U?

No, you do not have to use an iPod to access the site or to download content. The iTunes program is supported on both Windows and Mac platforms. A portable media player such as an iPod allows you to take your media with you when you are away from your computer.

Is my content safe on iTunes U?

Usually, podcasting used progressive download which download the files to your computer's hard disk. Any file which has been downloaded may be easily shared and distributed. iTunes U doesn't support Digital Rights Management (DRM), like FairPlay which is used with the commercial iTunes Store that would offer some level of security against content from being shared. Recently, iTunes U supports using institution server like a streaming server. Using streaming vs progressive download, gives you more security because the content is stored in memory and NOT on the local hard disk, making it more difficult to re-distribute content.

What is TC EDUCATOR/ Second LIfe?

Second Life is a 3-D virtual world developed by Linden Lab, but entirely created by its Residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe. The Second Life Grid provides a unique and flexible platform for educators interested in distance learning, computer supported cooperative work, simulation, new media studies, and corporate training. Create a safe environment to enhance experiential learning, allowing individuals to practice skills, try new ideas, and learn from their mistakes. Prepare your students or employees for real-world experiences by using Second Life as a simulation! Students and educators can work together on the Second Life Grid from anywhere in the world as part of a globally networked virtual classroom environment. Using the Second Life Grid as a supplement to traditional classroom environments also provides new opportunities for enriching an existing curriculum.

Are other educational institutions using Second Life ?

Hundreds of Universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Cambridge, MA; Harvard University, NYU. Non-Profit Educational Organizations such as Global Kids, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), The New Media Consortium (NMC)

What are the some of the things I can do in Second Life?

Building and creating things (e.g. 3D modeling), communication (e.g meeting new people – great for second language learning), art, simulations, doing business (You can make real-world money in Second Life), teaching, training, listening live music, attending virtual meetings or conferences, shopping, playing role playing games, designing games….

What do I do if I want to teach in TC Educator?

: First visit the educational places in Second Life, and talk to instructors who have been teaching. Learn affordances of Second Life and if it fits to your vision, talk to George Schuessler, Academic Computing, or Charles Kinzer for classroom space at TC Educator.

What do I do if I want to build things, design, exhibit my art?

Go to any public sandboxes, for example, the ones at TC. Search for tutorials at Second Life (Ivory Tower is a great place to start), and talk to people. If you want to exhibit your art, talk to George Schuessler, Academic Computing, or Charles Kinzer.

DO I need to install the client to use Second lIfe?

Yes, you can download the client from www.secondlife.com .It is free

DO I need to create an accoutn in Second LIfe?

Yes the account is free, you need to create it at www.secondlife.com

Do I need to create my avatar?

No, Once you have created an account , downloaded the client and start second life you will be given a choice of avatars. You can then change its appearanch

Does Second life work on Pc and Mac?

Yes provided your computer meets the system requirements ( see below)

What system requirements do I need to run Second life?

Second Life requires a high speed Internet connection, a computer with a relatively new graphics card, and QuickTime installed for viewing video.[MORE]

How do I get to TC EDUCATOR?
Cut and paste the following address into your web browser:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/TC%20Educator/128/128/0 and go there. On the window that comes up, click "sign up now for free." Follow the instructions to get an account and then you'll be placed on the TC island. Fly or walk to the amphitheater or use one of the teleporters to get there (instructions for teleporter use are on the flipbook on the landing area where you arrived). Have a seat by right-clicking one of the amphitheater benches and choosing "sit down." Listen to the presentation by clicking on your movie button in your bottom menu bar. If you don't have the video function activated already, you will need to do that in the "Edit > preferences" window.

OR, do the following.

2. Go to www.Secondlife.com and click on "Sign Up Now." Follow the instructions; membership and software is free. Once your account is activated, click on the Second Life software and log in. You may need to go through the orientation if you are new, which will teach you basic commands. When you are ready to go to TC Educator (the TC island in Second Life), click on "Map" at the bottom of your Second Life window. You cannot find the TC island by using the normal "Search" tab; you must se the Map button. Type "TC Educator" in the "Search" field in the Map Window and click "Search." Then, click on "Teleport" and you'll arrive on the TC Educator island. Fly or walk to the amphitheater or use one of the teleporters to get there (instructions for teleporter use are on the flipbook on the landing area where you arrived). Have a seat by right-clicking one of the amphitheater benches and choosing "sit down." Listen to the presentation by clicking on your movie button in your bottom menu bar. If you don't have the video function activated already, you will need to do that in the "preferences" window.

How do I get an account with Adobe connect and start a WebConference?

You will need to contact Academic Computing and we will create an account for you

Can I use Adobe Connect to make a presentation in Powerpoint?

Yes

Do I need special equipment to use Adobe Connect?

You will need internet access, headphones, microphone and a webcam if you wish to share video

Can I share my screen during a session ?

Yes you can share your computer screen